Update. T
his is a preliminary review as I installed it today.
Removing the panel was easy. I used a plastic pryer to remove the fascia.
The good news is that it is NOT operated by a windows system (close one boys/gals) and is operated by Andriod OS. I verified the specs and it is exactly what I ordered. The touch screen feels like you are playing/scrolling with a big android phone in your car. Connecting the wires was not hard at all-everything is plug and play (I'll expand on this later). Responsiveness to touch and transitioning between screens is fast and accurate. Blue tooth works like my normal Uconnect Bluetooth (Ill expand on this later). The volume on the stereo did not change in quality (same old Jeep quality radio). I was disappointed as they advertised the system to be car play compatible and this is a lie. However android auto is available through the USB connection-which I am still working out the kinks.
Watching videos on youtube is fast however it does require Wifi and thus required me to use my hotspot. I am still not done with the complete installation as they included a backup camera with the radio (this will probably be done when I have more free time).
A couple of gripes.
- I can not use my steering wheel controls (I need to figure this out because wheel controls are life!)
- The volume buttons are small which requires a bit more of your attention to make sure you are touching the correct button. (I probably would of went with the volume knob instead of the full touch screen)
- Does not come with car play. (yea.....a dongle can be purchased to bypass this but I really didn't want extra wires in my car)
- There is ONE wire from the OEM radio that has no port attachment on the new radio. I am not sure if this wire is Sirius XM wire or the Uconnect wire? I am speculating that it is probably the Uconnect wire because The radio comes with its own Bluetooth that you have to pair with.
- It does get a bit hot to touch (maybe radio with a fan would have been beneficial)
I am still working out the kinks with Waze, Spotify, google maps, youtube, and fixing my steering wheel controls. Also, I am a bit annoyed that they advertised carplay with the system but honestly, that is so small compared to all the other positive attributes about this radio.
It is hard to say that I DONT LIKE this because it looks amazing in the car,
but appearance does not equal functionality and ease of use. I will test it for sure on the road and everywhere else I go and update the forum as I go.
UPDATE: 11/13/2020
Regarding the screen getting hot.... not really. I have been using this radio without any issues or overheating issues.
Still having trouble with the steering wheel control (will try to reconnect all the wires)
Carplay or android auto does not come with the radio. However, the blue tooth is great works with music, phone calls, and whatever else you need to do.
Still fast and responsive. Does not lag.
Radiofrequency is just fine and volume is like factory radio. The 10inch screen works just fine and gets the job done. You need to use mobile hotspot to access Google maps or waze unless you get wifi hooked up to the car.
If i get the steering wheel controls fixed then I would be much happier.
UPDATE 11/18/2020
Super happy right now. They were able to fix my carplay and my steering wheel control (I pulled a rookie move).
Not going to lie....I took a gamble ordering a product out of the states especially an item like this. But to my surprise, the customer service was fantastic they kept in contact with me until the carplay and the steering wheel were resolved. For the carplay they had to send the application to reinstiall the program onto the radio again. Right after, the carplay worked great and I have been using it for google maps and music!
For the steering wheel control? well I did an oopise. This whole time I never plugged in the steering wheel connection (shaking my head). Nevertheless, the company kept in touch with my everyday until each issue was resolved.
I am happy camper right now. The radio is still smooth and responsive to touch. No lags. But I just have to say it is a purchase out of states so do your due diligence. Check the stores credibility and responsiveness and how many units they have sold. And always go with a bit of skepcistism.
