Infotainment App Development?

[khockey02]

Please forgive my rambling here, but I wanted to explore this idea and see if anyone on here thinks its as interesting as I do...

I started looking at aftermarket head units an there seems to be 3 distinct paths: OEM Uconnect upgrade, Alpine (or similar) running some proprietary OS, or these newer Android head units. The android units seem to tend towards lower quality, but are infinitely expandable in theory. Most offer some form of vehicle CAN communication and USB, so I'd have to imagine there's a lot of potential here. Obviously, opening up the CAN to any yahoo with a computer could lead to issues, but I feel we could define boundaries and build a safe sandbox for developers and eventually have as much freedom to customize our vehicle's software as we do with the rest of it. I'm envisioning something like an Spod app on the dash screen with live feedback and cool, accessory specific animations. Or a backup/ 360 video system that integrates well with the headunit. Jeep could potentially release an API in the future and work with vendors to build their own curated app store (which would be game changing IMO), but in the meantime I'm debating just getting one of these android units and making some small, purpose built apps with some kind of USB controller (arduino and relays, etc) to see if we can build any community interest here. It'd also be cool if any companies, namely Insane Audio with their JL3001, wanted to put some effort into vehicle specific software.

I guess my question is: Has anybody else thought about diving down this rabbit hole? In a way we could sort of equate this idea to the exciting era of jailbreaking iPhones...

Sponsored

 

[khockey02]

The search for a solid android unit that fits reasonably well has lead me to the Teyes SPRO / CC2:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/329...8.1254693958.1594855608-1214182721.1594691806



I think these are the only English vids on youtube:





Anybody with thoughts or experience here?

 

[Foozed]

I'm going to bite the bullet and get the Teyes SPRO CCT vs spending $1300 for the Insane Audio and try to get it to work. Will let you know how it goes!

 

[Foozed]

I'm going to bite the bullet and get the Teyes SPRO CCT vs spending $1300 for the Insane Audio and try to get it to work. Will let you know how it goes!

Ok try again...
I just spent $1300. I didn't want to wait 2-3 months for the Teyes to arrive from China so I went with the Insane Audio which was in stock.

 

[khockey02]

Ok try again...
I just spend $1300. I didn't want to wait 2-3 months for the Teyes to arrive from China so I went with the Insane Audio.

Haha what’s the wait time for insane audio?
I may go with Teyes just to compare and contrast with you. If you don’t mind making a longer term project out of this of course?..
I figure this info could be valuable for others in this community.

 

[Foozed]

1 day from 4wp. So I’ll get to it next week

 

[Foozed]

Got it installed - very simple (30 min). I'm not sure about the placement of the GPS antenna, I put it under the dash behind the radio and off to the right (close to the window) with the sticky side up.
I don't know if sticky side up is correct and if that's the cause of the slow nav/GPS updates or not.
I was hoping it would work being concealed but I've seen another DIY'er put it on the a pillar.

The unit is fast.

I'm still trying to figure out carplay - it seems a little sporadic.

Overall happy with the unit but still getting used to it having spent very little time trying to configure and customize it.

 

[khockey02]

Got it installed - very simple (30 min). I'm not sure about the placement of the GPS antenna, I put it under the dash behind the radio and off to the right (close to the window) with the sticky side up.
I don't know if sticky side up is correct and if that's the cause of the slow nav/GPS updates or not.
I was hoping it would work being concealed but I've seen another DIY'er put it on the a pillar.

The unit is fast.

I'm still trying to figure out carplay - it seems a little sporadic.

Overall happy with the unit but still getting used to it having spent very little time trying to configure and customize it.

Awesome! Can we get pics of Spotify and other apps running on it? Also I’m curious if it has gyros for a clinometer app?

 

[DocMike]

I'd just be happy to get onX Offroad to work on my dash display.

 

[Foozed]

Got it installed - very simple (30 min). I'm not sure about the placement of the GPS antenna, I put it under the dash behind the radio and off to the right (close to the window) with the sticky side up.
I don't know if sticky side up is correct and if that's the cause of the slow nav/GPS updates or not.
I was hoping it would work being concealed but I've seen another DIY'er put it on the a pillar.

The unit is fast.

I'm still trying to figure out carplay - it seems a little sporadic.

Overall happy with the unit but still getting used to it having spent very little time trying to configure and customize it.

Easy come, easy go. I've decided the Insane Audio isn't for me.
It has had a number of issues since I've installed it which Insane Audio's support hasnt been able to explain.
I do suspect I received a second hand unit from 4wheelparts as it did not have the protective screen covering on it as IA had said it should.

The unit reverted back to factory settings 3x (both before and after flashing) where the Nav engine would was removed, and any configuration and apps I installed were all removed.
Car Play worked one time and then never again (after all the flashes).
It was really inconsistent with hot spot from my iphone.

IA offered to send me a replacement, as did 4WP (but they dont have them in stock).

However, I've decided to just sent it back to 4wp for a refund because I confirmed that I am just not a big fan of Android and these issues pushed me to go with the simplicity route and order the 8.4 OEM.

 

[bastage]

I have never seen anyone give a solid long term review of any android head unit. I wouldnt put one in a new rig. If I was just looking for something flashy on a beater car then sure.. In the brand new truck however I would go with OEM or better.. Not cheap out unless it was a product with a solid track history which no android head unit in any vehicle has.

 

[khockey02]

I have never seen anyone give a solid long term review of any android head unit. I wouldnt put one in a new rig. If I was just looking for something flashy on a beater car then sure.. In the brand new truck however I would go with OEM or better.. Not cheap out unless it was a product with a solid track history which no android head unit in any vehicle has.

I feel like this is the painful truth. But I want it to work so bad...

 

[johndeer]

I think this question for software developers mlsdev.com . The third stage includes the creation of a technology stack and finalization of the application. The technologies that the developer uses should be in line with the business needs. There are three technology stacks that developers can choose from including client-side technologies, hybrid apps and domain expertise software development companies have to customize their application to fit into the technology stack of the digital market.

 

[davewhite]

I think this question for software developers mlsdev.com . The third stage includes the creation of a technology stack and finalization of the application. The technologies that the developer uses should be in line with the business needs. There are three technology stacks that developers can choose from including client-side technologies, hybrid apps and domain expertise software development companies have to customize their application to fit into the technology stack of the digital market.

I agree with this user, but first you should choose tech stack yourself, or at least get acquainted with the options, i.e. angular or react ( https://jaydevs.com/angular-vs-react/ )

Sponsored