All finalised supported wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. So I tested the time it took to pair and display each platform, testing their input and audio lag. Only a few finalists had USB-A ports, but neither offered wired CarPlay or Android Auto support. Each finalist used a variety of CarPlay and Android auto connectivity apps, from the more feature-rich Zlink5 app with support for split-screen mode in Android Auto and HD streaming options to more basic apps from MultiPlay, SpeedLink, and AutoKit, some of these offered the ability to choose your own custom home app icon in CarPlay.

First and foremost, the three-channel feature is fantastic. Having not one, but three cameras recording simultaneously provides a comprehensive view of everything happening around your vehicle. The front-facing camera captures the road ahead in crystal-clear detail, while the rear and interior cameras offer protection from all angles. This is especially valuable in case of accidents, road rage incidents, or vandalism, as it provides irrefutable evidence of what actually occurred. The video quality is exceptional, even in low-light conditions. The high-resolution footage ensures that license plates, street signs, and faces are easily identifiable, which can be crucial in case of an accident or incident. The night vision capability of the dash cam is impressive, making it equally reliable during nighttime driving. This new Apple CarPlay AI Box is an Android 12 AI Box for factory Apple CarPlay and aftermarket systems. It features 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM, a fast Qualcomm 665 CPU and an Adreno 610 GPU. There is an SD card slot for expandable storage, and a SIM card slot to provide internal internet to the dongle without the need to connect to a mobile hotspot or local Wi-Fi.The remaining home screen consists of one large app panel, which can be altered to display apps like maps, or media apps like YouTube. There is a Now Playing media control panel to the side of it, and below this is a panel consisting of four app shortcuts, which can be customised to launch any app that has been installed on the adapter. Well, this device has found a solution to the problem as it provides you with a feature that allows you to send and receive messages, including a voice-to-text feature that will make your texting hassle-free. It was 1 of 2 finalists to offer dual Bluetooth support, and although it was the slowest to boot into its main menu launcher, it was the fastest to boot to wireless Android Auto. However, due to some poor Wi-Fi specs, it’s wireless experience can be a bit laggy and less as responsive than the other 4 finalists. According to the Department of Transportation research (2022); 57%of all accidents are caused by smart phone distractions. Drive safer with CarPlayBox™! What is Included?

Google Maps and Spotify Android apps seem to fire up and work just fine, and you can also access active apps and toggle split-screen mode from the floating button menu. The power of the 665 chip and 4GB of RAM provides smoother app switching and multitasking experiences over much lower powered AI Boxes. With less waiting time for app loading, and less jerky transitions. Its YouTube app runs in full-screen tablet mode, which isn’t as nice as the same app on some other AI Boxes. The T-Box Plus also has the same issue where it can’t update to the latest version of Netflix, so you’ll have to look at sideloading any updates to access any new app features instead. Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Looking over the AI Box. It has the same shame as the Max and Ultra AI Box dongles I reviewed previously, however, we have a new Matt silver case design with PlayAIBox branding on top along with two led status lights. Underneath there is a similar round metal heatsink and ventilation holes for passive cooling. Though it really didn’t become commonplace until a few years later—you either had to own a fancy luxury car (a Ferrari FF to be a first adopter of CarPlay) or an owner of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata for Android Auto. Even then, it wasn’t until a few years ago that automakers started offering compatibility for both devices. Either way, you need a newer vehicle with a modern infotainment system to reap the benefits of this in-car connectivity.Yes. Mostly anyway. CarPlay is essentially a different way for you to interact with your phone — nothing more. So if a feature requires an active data connection on your phone, CarPlay isn't going to change that. For your safety, please refrain from using the car infotainment system while the vehicle is in motion. Many states and provinces consider displaying video content within the driver's view while the vehicle is moving to be illegal. The interiors of a car are already pretty compact and you don’t want to add anything that is going to make a cluster. Thankfully, MMB Multimedia Android OS Box 2.0 is also compact in size as you don’t have to struggle with a massive device in your car. The sleek and compact design ensures that you have enough room for keeping extra things in your vehicle. Product Specifications

I tried a number of Bluetooth devices and peripherals, but I couldn’t connect to an ODBII device, and I was only able to get my alternative Bluetooth remote to work with it successfully, which the MMB Max could not. NiftyCity also sells a similar Bluetooth remote with an integrated keyboard, which makes it easier for browsing and text input. My ImpressionsThe installation video says you plug it into your car's smart port, be it USB-C or USB-A, with the other USB-C end going into The Magic Box. It includes an 8-inch premium braided cloth USB-A to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-C cable. The Magic Box takes about 20 seconds to load and displays a fun animation screen. It warns you not to use the dongle while in motion, and then deposits you in a configuration screen. The Magic Box runs Android itself, and thus has its own settings you must use—like setting it up to use Wi-Fi from your home, or when parked by the coffee shop, or off of your phone’s mobile hotspot while you’re on the road. Another feature I love is the loop recording. I don't have to worry about running out of storage space because the oldest footage is automatically overwritten, ensuring that the dash cam is always ready to capture new events. It's incredibly convenient and hassle-free.

It’s the second fastest to boot into its launcher menu, and the second fastest to boot into CarPlay. It only supports a Bluetooth remote and it has an average speed in launching the four key apps. A large number of apps are compatible with CarPlay, and unsurprisingly include many of Apple's own. Maps, Phone, Messages, Music and so on are all available, but there are a lot more third-party CarPlay apps as well.But if you aren't interested in watching Netflix in your BMW (the app uses DRM technology to prevent screen mirroring, which means Apple TV is the only way), it's absolutely possible to use CarPlay instead, and mirror other content — including YouTube — to your iDrive screen. In the box you get a paper instruction manual, there is the AI Box itself, a USB-A to USB-C cable to power the AI Box and USB-A to C adapter for more modern CarPlay ports in the car. Design & Features