Wooohoooo wireless apple car play for NBT users.

[KCTiger]

Amsterdave - I have read that entire thread and MrTookies' feedback is one reason why I am leaning towards the wired solution. Have you found any more info on that other wired option you found? Also, is audio routed through the AUX port?

skoold2003 - My personal opinion is that the Avin units are a whole other beast. I believe Maverik259 is happy with his Avin unit but I would prefer not to run two operating systems, i.e. Android and iDrive. I do remember reading some place that Joyeauto does not require audio being routed through AUX so that would be a plus.

[mrfochon]

Originally Posted by KCTiger

Amsterdave - I have read that entire thread and MrTookies' feedback is one reason why I am leaning towards the wired solution. Have you found any more info on that other wired option you found? Also, is audio routed through the AUX port?

skoold2003 - My personal opinion is that the Avin units are a whole other beast. I believe Maverik259 is happy with his Avin unit but I would prefer not to run two operating systems, i.e. Android and iDrive. I do remember reading some place that Joyeauto does not require audio being routed through AUX so that would be a plus.

Hm FC has audio through Bt while in CarPlay.. is that what you are referring to ?

[bucawke]

my mind is exploding from trying to read through all the provided threads lol

[KCTiger]

bucawke - tell me about it! there are so many threads just in the f15 site alone. Forget about all the threads for other chassis.

mrfochon - routing audio through B/T is less than ideal. if you want turn-by-turn directions from google or waze, you will need to change audio sources. if you want waze to be heard, then would you need to run your music app through the AUX port? the ideal setup imo is not using AUX port (for sound quality reasons).

[mrfochon]

Originally Posted by bucawke

my mind is exploding from trying to read through all the provided threads lol

That's why I wanted to have one post with updates of features by vendor. So we can decide who do we go with

I see FC being super price aggressive, UniChip being on the higher end, all others depending on which sales you hit.
Having a hard time deciding even for myself. All are giving deals for groups without any documentation. In any case we re all testers

[bucawke]

Originally Posted by mrfochon

That's why I wanted to have one post with updates of features by vendor. So we can decide who do we go with

I see FC being super price aggressive, UniChip being on the higher end, all others depending on which sales you hit.
Having a hard time deciding even for myself. All are giving deals for groups without any documentation. In any case we re all testers

Could someone start another post with the vendors listed with pros/cons? I think that would make it easier for the GB to decide.

EDIT: or even a Google Doc? That way it can be updated easily.

[KCTiger]

DeeO pointed me to this one...https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1577804

Most comprehensive I have found, albeit a bit dated now. Best part is that it's not 1,000 pages long.

[skoold2003]

Originally Posted by KCTiger

Amsterdave - I have read that entire thread and MrTookies' feedback is one reason why I am leaning towards the wired solution. Have you found any more info on that other wired option you found? Also, is audio routed through the AUX port?

skoold2003 - My personal opinion is that the Avin units are a whole other beast. I believe Maverik259 is happy with his Avin unit but I would prefer not to run two operating systems, i.e. Android and iDrive. I do remember reading some place that Joyeauto does not require audio being routed through AUX so that would be a plus.

Yea, Joyeauto told me that it's not routed through AUX for NBT.. That was the first question I asked!

[mrfochon]

Originally Posted by skoold2003

This may be a good starting point for comparison. I'll add some changes that I know of. Also, I'm excluding Avin and Full retrofit:

[SIZE="3"]Option 1: BimmerTech CarPlay MMI[/SIZE]
https://www.bimmer-tech.net/shop/bmw-3-series-f30-f31-f34-f80/connecteddrive-retrofits/carplay-mmi

Price: $525 USD

Pros:

• Good customer support
• Firmware updates (though the 'October 2018' update is still pending)
• Integrates with the built-in microphone

Cons:

• Expensive compared to Unichip
• Doens't support steering wheel controls (?)
• Doesn't support wireless CarPlay
• Doesn't support full-screen mode (but apparently will in the 'October 2018' update) [COLOR="Red"]Is supported now[/COLOR]
• May be a re-branded generic kit - see here
• No touch support

[SIZE="3"]Option 2: Unichip CarPlay Smartbox[/SIZE]
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Unichip-Carplay-navigation-box-for-B_60737501642.html

Price: $409 USD (price quoted for one unit)

Pros:

• Cheapest option
• Supports full-screen mode
• Supports steering wheel controls
  [COLOR="Red"]
• Front censor/cam confirmed working[/COLOR]

Cons:

• Bad customer support
• Requires a standalone microphone
• Doesn't support wireless CarPlay (but a wireless option is 'coming soon')
• No touch support

[SIZE="3"]Option 3: Unique Audio Developments CarPlay Mirroring Interface[/SIZE]
https://unique-ad.co.uk/product/carplay-navigation-reverse-camera-interface-bmw-f30-3-series-2013-2016/
[COLOR="Red"]Same as Joyeauto and Bimmerretrofit[/COLOR]

Price: £375.99 GBP (about $475 USD)

Pros:

• Cheaper than BimmerTech option, but more expensive than Unichip
  [COLOR="Red"]Joyeauto cheaper[/COLOR]
• Supports steering wheel controls
• Supports AirPlay and screen mirroring (though I don't think I'd ever use these features)
• Integrates with the built-in microphone [COLOR="Red"]External mic needed[/COLOR]

Cons:

• [COLOR="Red"]
• Front censor/cam may or may not work[/COLOR]
• Mixed reviews about customer support [COLOR="Red"]Seems good. Joyeauto might not be[/COLOR]
• Doesn't support full-screen mode [COLOR="Red"]Is supported[/COLOR]
• Ugly oudated UI
• Doesn't support wireless CarPlay (their wireless option only supports NBT. CIC support is 'coming soon') [COLOR="Red"]For us (NBT) not a problem[/COLOR]
• No touch support

Also, I've emailed both IDCORE and Joyeauto asking if the front cam/sensor in fact works..

UniChip is not the cheapest. On the list you can add:
- FCtech $250 ($275 home shipped)
- AutoPlus $220 (240 home shipped - found through local friend in China. Box is the same as all those grey ones)
Feature are similar, wireless, audio through Bluetooth, camera 360, PDC while CarPlay.

[leftbank]

Originally Posted by BimmerTy

Hmm.. really would like to keep 360 and PDC fully functional.

Agreed
Rather not lose that functionality

[mrfochon]

Originally Posted by leftbank

Agreed
Rather not lose that functionality

Confirmed FCtech has pdc and 360 while in CarPlay.
I do not have 360;unfortunately. So if anyone in NYC want to partner to test let me know.

[skoold2003]

Originally Posted by mrfochon

Confirmed FCtech has pdc and 360 while in CarPlay.
I do not have 360;unfortunately. So if anyone in NYC want to partner to test let me know.

I heard back from Joyeauto. They said that it still works w/ original system but won't work from CarPlay

[KCTiger]

I realize no system is perfect but I at least want to know what limitations each unit has so thanks a ton skoold2003 for getting that info.

[-c-]

I'm starting to think that I may just wait a few months or a year for a new system to come out that just works. No special workaround just works.


These just came on the scene so I imagine they will hear back from customers and tweak the system so theirs no issues.

Good things come to those who wait . Or patience ....


We will see....

[beholder]

So is it just me or does it look like FCTech has everything we want? Wireless and full 360 can support.
Am I missing anything? Or should we move the GB to that option?

[KCTiger]

So the FCTech is confirmed by someone on here to have 360 work like OEM? For awhile it was thought that Joyeauto did so want to be sure.

[skoold2003]

Originally Posted by KCTiger

So the FCTech is confirmed by someone on here to have 360 work like OEM? For awhile it was thought that Joyeauto did so want to be sure.

It sounds like we're at the mercy of sbinshihon again waiting for his feedback.
Hopefully your friend that you were getting the Kremersino unit for has 360 and Harman Kardon so you guys can have a full test. FCTech is one of the Kremersino grey boxes right?

[Amsterdave]

Originally Posted by skoold2003

It sounds like we're at the mercy of sbinshihon again waiting for his feedback.
Hopefully your friend that you were getting the Kremersino unit for has 360 and Harman Kardon so you guys can have a full test. FCTech is one of the Kremersino grey boxes right?

Kremersino's sales rep has confirmed to me that 360 cam works through the PDC button while in CarPlay, but does not automatically pop up when an obstacle is detected while in CarPlay mode.... which I think is better than what Joyeauto does and may consider to be satisfactory.

I have asked if audible PDC beeping still occurs when obstacles are detected, at which point you can just press the button to see.

Should I ask for a price for 10 and 20 (with direct ship to US/CAN)?

[KCTiger]

Sorry for asking another question but is audio routed through AUX on these boxes?

[beholder]

Originally Posted by Amsterdave

Kremersino's sales rep has confirmed to me that 360 cam works through the PDC button while in CarPlay, but does not automatically pop up when an obstacle is detected while in CarPlay mode.... which I think is better than what Joyeauto does and may consider to be satisfactory.

I have asked if audible PDC beeping still occurs when obstacles are detected, at which point you can just press the button to see.

Should I ask for a price for 10 and 20 (with direct ship to US/CAN)?

Originally Posted by Amsterdave

Kremersino's sales rep has confirmed to me that 360 cam works through the PDC button while in CarPlay, but does not automatically pop up when an obstacle is detected while in CarPlay mode.... which I think is better than what Joyeauto does and may consider to be satisfactory.

I have asked if audible PDC beeping still occurs when obstacles are detected, at which point you can just press the button to see.

Should I ask for a price for 10 and 20 (with direct ship to US/CAN)?

I think I could live with just the lack of auto PDC while in carplay. If you could get 10/20 prices that may help drive this forward. Can you also ask if they'll do mix & match CIC/NBT/EVO?

[skoold2003]

Originally Posted by mrfochon

Confirmed FCtech has pdc and 360 while in CarPlay.
I do not have 360;unfortunately. So if anyone in NYC want to partner to test let me know.

Originally Posted by KCTiger

So the FCTech is confirmed by someone on here to have 360 work like OEM? For awhile it was thought that Joyeauto did so want to be sure.

Does FCtech have a website? I can't find them..

[Kakalika]

When you guys say 360. are you referring to the surround view feature?