[Android Head-Units] Rottgrub:
You'd think I'd learn my lesson after the last ten head units I've purchased, but I saw the new Allwinner T8 headunits, and decided I wanted to give it a try. The new radio is currently on it's way from China, and I'll be updating this thread as I find out more information.

Update: Unit passed testing and has just shipped out. Should have it early next week if it doesn't get hung up in customs.

Update 2: Head unit arrived yesterday (11/28/2017), and I installed it today. Initial updates below.

[SIZE="+1"]PHOTOS[/SIZE]

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[SIZE="+2"]Umecity (Youmecity) Allwinner T8[/SIZE]

OS: Android 7.1.2 (Nougat)

CPU: Allwinner T8, 8-core Cortex-A7 @ 1.6GHz, up to 1.8GHz

Memory: 2GB DDR3 RAM, 32GB EMMC, 2xUSB2, 1 MicroSD

Graphics: PowerVR SGX544MP1 GPU (OpenGL ES1.1/2.0 OpenCL1.1)

Display: 9", 1024x600 capacitive

Radio Tuner: 7786

Amplifier: TDA7851

Output Power: 4x50w

Dimensions: 220mm x 130mm x 27mm

Weight: 5kg

MCU Version: 5.3.19-145-13-A46101-171118

System Vers: V9.2.2_20171117.102842_JP1-FD

Linux Kernel: 3.10.65

Security Patch Level: 2017-07-05, 7.1.2 (Nougat)

MCU Version: T5.3.19-145-10-C06101-170318

System Vers: V9.2.2_20170915.144527_JP1

[SIZE="+1"]Passwords[/SIZE]

Extra Settings: 123456

Developer and Reset: 7890

[SIZE="+2"]Identifying Firmwares[/SIZE]

[SIZE="+1"]General Information[/SIZE]

Example: 9.2.2_20171117.102842_JP1-FD

9.2.2 - The hardware version, and android version. For instance, 9 is T8, and 9.2.2 is Nougat.

20171117 - Release date of the firmware in YYYYMMDD format.

102842 - Possibly the build time for the firmware. Uncertain.

JP1: The manufacturer ID.

FD: ???

[SIZE="+1"]....by Version[/SIZE]

Per [MENTION=8420616]bazanovv[/MENTION], "There are 3 different non-compatible versions of T3 hardware and software, Default one (sleep mode added later and not so good), New one (firmware is a development of R16 branch), and K2001 (usually very compact and cheaper). Allwinner T8 head units continue and develop the same firmware branch - V9.x.x on T8, V8.x.x on T3 New (V8.3.x with Android 7.1) and V7.x.x on R16. Most tips and tricks from T3 (new one) will work on T8."

R16 - 7.x.x

T3 - 8.x.x

T3 - 8.3.x - Android 7.1, Nougat

T8 - 9.1.1 - Android 6.0.1, Marshmallow

T8 - 9.2.2 - Android 7.1.2, Nougat

[SIZE="+1"]...by Manufacturer[/SIZE]

From information gleaned mostly from various threads over on 4PDA, it is advised to not install firmwares from another manufacturer, unless it has already been patched to be universal. Issues such as red messages at the bottom of the screen, or unsupported hardware can result.

JP1 or JP1-FD: Umecity

TW2-FD: TopWay

KED3-5: Kaier

[SIZE="+1"]Allwinner T8 Documentation[/SIZE]

www.allwinnertech.com/uploads/pdf/20160515151908f5.pdf

[SIZE="+1"]4PDA Discussion Thread (Russian)[/SIZE]

https://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=875407

[SIZE="+1"]My Initial Feelings:[/SIZE]

This appears to be basically the same chassis as the Allwinner T3 units, but with a newer CPU and OS. Unfortunately, they cheaped out a little with the bezel on this one, which didn't include a MicroSD card slot like was on the previous model. This model has the same issue of accidentally clicking the capacitive bezel buttons that the T3 had.

The wiring is a bit of a mess. Some things were obviously just cheaped out on, like boost power for the antenna to the harness should come with connectors already installed. There is a brown/yellow wire pair coming from the CANBUS box that plugs into the back of the unit, rather than connecting via the main harness plug. Just as with the T3 model, the Volkswagen ISO1 harness has an ISO2 harness spliced into it. Having the extra connector leaves the system open to RF interference, and makes the wiring a mess.

After working with the unit for about an hour, and running the benchmarks, I started to notice some interference from the speakers. It wasn't affected by unit volume, and was present when muted. The noise sounded like either RF interference, or he noise you get when a capacitor is squealing. I did not notice the noise before the benchmarks, and need to see if this recurs on the next boot up. After extensive listening, the noise only seems to occur (for me) after the unit has been powered on for a while, and run hard. Benchmarking, initial setup and app download, etc. Once I reboot, I don't hear the noise anymore.

For scoring so blandly in the benchmarks, this unit is very responsive. I had no issues or slowdowns running multiple apps at the same time: Maps, Play Music, and Play Store downloading in the background, etc.

[SIZE="+1"]Some Items Worth Pointing Out[/SIZE]:

Bluetooth is for phone use only: I've always been critical of Bluetooth audio quality, especially for music. It's interesting that they point out that Bluetooth only works with one sound channel, so music will not sound good. They suggest music over USB. I'm guessing with android auto, or their EasyConnect mirroring.

[SIZE="+1"]Tests and Results[/SIZE]

Ease of install: Super easy to install, due to the extremely shallow depth of the device. Plenty of room for the wires behind the radio. Only annoyance was the combined ISO 1/2 adapter, which is just a mess.

Screen visibility: So far, so good. Less brightness, but better clarity than the Dasaita PX5 unit I have.

Deep Sleep: Well, no deep sleep support. Has a few shutdown times, maxing out at 30 minutes IIRC.

Boot time: So, the numbers quoted up top are pure fiction. Took ~40s from cold boot to launcher.

Backup cam start time: Excellent. Was able to use the backup camera immediately from power on.

Antutu Score: ~22500

3DMark Score: Benchmark crashed.

Volume scaling: Again, default audio is too freaking loud with my OEM Fender amp. Anything past 4-5 (out of thirty) is way too loud. On the good side, seems the Amp Volume can be adjusted. When set at it's lowest level, the scaling seems to be spot on for my Fender system. Nice!

Rootable?: CPU-Z seems to indicate that it is already rooted, however SuperSU states that the su binary is occupied. Need to explore further.

Play Store apps: So far, so good. Only missing items in the store were things like Google Dialer, which would have been nice to have.

Android Auto: Not available in Play Store. Likely need to fake 720p screen.

Google Maps: Works great. No problems in my short test drive.

Waze: Works great. No problems that I saw.

Voice Search: Not installed by default. Install "Google" from Play Store. Unfortunately, internal Mic couldn't hear my voice in testing.

Bluetooth Call w/int mic: No tested yet.

Radio Signal: Strong signal, and easily locked to even faint stations.

Radio Audio Quality: Meh, it's analog OTA, so it sounds about as good as I would expect it to.

CPU Temp: According to Aida64, the CPU temperature idled around 50-60 Celsius, spiking to 74 during the benchmarks.

GPS Lock: GPS locked almost immediately.

What else should I test?

[SIZE="+1"]Pros[/SIZE]:

Solid build, with shallow design.

Easy to install.

Google Maps works great, as does Waze.

[SIZE="+1"]Cons[/SIZE]:

Very easy to accidentally click the capacitive bezel buttons. Can sometimes even detect a hover as a touch.

Internal Microphone only works with Bluetooth calling.