emig647

volcan said:

emig647 said:
Head units in most vehicles (even brand new) tend to have really poor audio and even worse functionality. 

Perhaps, but if you already have a factory multimedia unit, replacing it removes functionality like rear camera and car sensor readings. A car with poor audio is usually due to a speaker issue not a head unit issue.

That isn't true. I retained my factory backup camera on my Tacoma. Metra makes conversion harnesses that allow this. If you look at the iDatalink Maestro RR I mentioned earlier, all of those sensors are still able to be read via the CANBUS. TPMS, back up sensors, etc. It is a huge game changer.

And as far as poor audio quality, you're partially correct. Most factory speakers are throwaway paper speakers with tiny traditional magnets on the back. My 6x9 in my Tacoma were lighter than the tweeters. They are prone to distortion and tearing. The factory head units don't have the wattage to push aftermarket speakers to their standards, and can often make them sound worse than the throw away speakers. An aftermarket head unit is needed if you're going to push aftermarket speakers either by amp or traditional wiring.

Edit: Btw my Tacoma is a 2014 and my Mitsubishi Evo is a 2015 Final Edition.

volcan said:

I really don't understand the reason for these after market head units. Are people with really old cars with no built in multimedia screens going to pay $400 for a new receiver?

Headunits in most vehicles (even brand new) tend to have really poor audio and even worse functionality. Some that you upgrade the system are acceptable, but I still run into issues often. My 2015 Nissan Frontier with the Rockford Fosgate system would often reset my iPod after a few songs. Also the bluetooth wasn't very consistent.

If you are an audiophile, upgrading the head unit is almost required. Also in my opinion the UX for these aftermarket head units has beat any factory built-in unit I've worked with so far.

Awesome! I'm so stoked Pioneer, Alpine and Kenwood are pushing CarPlay still. Some were speculating that Pioneer was going to drop out of the CarPlay segment because of renewal for licensing with the MiFi program. Looks like that they had these in the pipe all along.

I have a Pioneer 4200NEX in my Tacoma and a Kenwood 9903s in my Evo. I used the iDatalink Maestro RR in my Evo so I could get gauges. It works by tapping into the CANBUS (2 wires). In other cars, you can also tap into the HVAC controls, heated mirrors and seats and other vehicle controls. This makes it possible to replace head units that are deeply integrated into cars that control everything. Really excited that this ability has come to fruition because it keeps the aftermarket car audio industry alive.

I do wish these had wireless CarPlay though. The only option is Alpine and they have 2-volt pre-outs (not acceptable for audiophiles, though you could argue that wireless audio isn't either). 

My only ask at this point is for Apple to open CarPlay up to more developers. I have ideas for a number of apps, just wish they'd let us get involved instead of being forced to Android Auto.

"New rule... if you don't have an MVP within a few years...you lose your patent"

paxman said:

lkrupp said:

This is why Jony Ive runs design at Apple.

   I mean, where would you PUT this monstrosity. I wish Apple would spin off a tiny part of the company to make small and insignificant products like routers, monitors, and other handy peripherals. I don't mind going with a different router but I REALLY mind losing the Time Machine feature. I don't mind losing the Thunderbolt display but I'd really like something nice looking instead. 

For time machine you can buy a NAS and set it up. I have time machine on my 32TB Synology for all the users in my house set up. Ironically I have an AirPort Extreme without time machine sitting next to it.