CarlinKit Tbox Max (Ambient) CarPlay AI Box Review | A Case of Déjà vu

In this video, I check out the CarlinKit Tbox Max (Ambient) CarPlay AI Box. You can buy this AI Box for $209 from Amazon US 👉🏻 amzn.to/46CY06O, and from Amazon EU soon 👉🏻 amzn.to/3SaW80N and I'll update for Amazon UK soon.
Underneath its RGB exterior, is basically the same hardware as the CarlinKit Tbox Plus - even the BT profile states the same name! Sadly even with all the colourful bells and whistles of RGB lighting, its configuration doesn't quite cut it compared to its rivals. It's a token gesture at best.
With this aside, you are getting their top-of-the-line spec in a new casing, and a slightly higher price to boot. If that's worth it for you, then go for it, this is one of the better AI Boxes out there that's solid and stable, even if it does have a rather dated luncher interface.
Without a back button in its menu system, you have to lean on the feature we all love to hate - the floating button. Why CarlinKit didn't include a back button in their side dock is such a rookie decision that I just hope they are reading this and adding it in a future OTA update - which this box can also do now - YAY!
Sure the Plus model can be had for cheaper, but spec it up to its 8GB + 128GB model and you're on similar territory. The Plus can be updated to Android 13 OS to even the playing field, so with that, its hard to recommend the Tbox Max - unless you like fancy lights (that you can't customise well) and you don't want to go through the task (as risk) or upgrading the OS yourself.
Either way, you choose, be it the Max or Plus, it's still a great AI Box, that is solid and stable, does video fairly well (looking at your KZbin audio delay), and even though on paper its Wi-Fi specs are not the best, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto perform well enough, albeit initial connection can be a little hit and miss at times.
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Brief overview
0:20 - Unboxing
0:34 - Features & design
1:00 - Bootup & main menu
1:43 - Settings
1:54 - Ambient RGB Lighting Config
2:18 - OTA Updates
2:28 - Android Apps, KZbin & Netflix
2:55 - Gaming & BT Controller Input
3:18 - SD Media Playback
3:40 - Wireless Apple CarPlay
3:58 - Wireless Android Auto
4:17 - Wi-Fi Specs
4:40 - 5 Things I Don't Like About Tbox Max
6:00 - 5 Things I Like About Tbox Max
6:36 - My Impressions
7:01 - Benchmarks & App Launch Test
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EQUIPMENT IN THIS VIDEO:
If you are curious about how this video was filmed, what equipment was used, or the products you see around or behind me. Checkout My Setup page here → www.carplaylife.com/mysetup
#CarlinKit #AIBox #CarPlay

[@chris]

Great review as always. Nice to see Carlinkit getting a little bit faster but as you say, let's get a faster proc in these things and improve the software. I'll wait for that review and buy when that happens. For me, I had too many issues with its predecessor Tbox Plus and stuck with their "5" version box which has never failed me.

[@CarPlayLife]

Hoping their next lineup is a new generation. There is only so many times you can dress the same model in a new skirt. ☺️

[@chris]

@@CarPlayLife well said 😂

[@gcdm4]

The processor is actually why I follow your channel, I’m waiting for them to drop a better CPU before I upgrade.

[@CarPlayLife]

The QCM6490 is the next one to test in the ApplePie Rocket. It may not be a significant upgrade but we shall see next week.

[@moikehunt8928]

Mate, your reviews are first rate, well done! Could I please ask a brief question? Do you know if the bluetooth on this device can support or read my bluetooth OBD2 dongle as I would like to downlod and run the OBD2 App, Torque? TIA.

[@CarPlayLife]

Thanks for watching. Some AI Boxes have dual BT and these (I think) support ODB2 modules for use with Android Apps installed onto them. So making sure they have this is crucial as some don’t. If you see me use a BT controller then it’s possible on them. But without an ODB2 I can’t say which ones do.

[@ZoltanUszta]

Can you see under the "Settings/Display Options" the Split app menu item to create an icon to launch a pair of apps in split screen mode with one click (with the option of other than 1:1 split)? I've seen some videos showing that, but my t-box plus does not seem to have it.

[@CarPlayLife]

Yes, sadly this didn't make the edit, but it's a nice feature. It could be given to any AI Box as it is just software so maybe look for it on the app store or similar.

[@moode2612]

My friend, can you make a comparison between this version and the Carlinkit Ai Box Plus (13) version? Is there a solution to the problem of slight delay when I play a KZbin clip on CarPlay wireless ?

[@CarPlayLife]

I wish I could. They would not give me a Plus 13 model after asking them 😔 Playing video over wireless will always bring some audio delay. Ways around this is to cast from phone instead if the ai box supports that.

[@marcosenergy]

great video, explanation. I would like to buy this version, my car has Applecarplay via cable, will it work normally? and will the chip work in Brazil? because TPlus version has some template variations. thanks

[@CarPlayLife]

This will only work with a wired CarPlay system. I can’t say if it works in Brazil. If you’re using a SIM card then it’s best to check it works in your region first.

[@Britbloke-007]

Great review! Question about the external touchscreen you use at 4 min mark - can you give me the details of this touchscreen? I'd like to use it with my Tbox Max. Cheers!

[@CarPlayLife]

This is the Carpuride W901 Pro kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3KlfGOdrt6VldUsi=5NBNdJWQAOTozOiC

[@DJROM137]

Hi can this device work with carpuride w901 pro or any external screen because I have w901 pro and my car do not have touchscreen?

[@cesarcastillo9682]

First off thank you so much for these videos! I’ve been watching many for the past two days. My questions is when will the review for the exploter rocket be uploaded? I’m willing to pay more for a decent product. I just want to be able to play KZbin videos smoothly. And if possible connect a controller for games. I overpayed (was ripped off) for a playaibox and it won’t play KZbin videos with my phones hotspot or trucks wifi either …. Thank you again.

[@CarPlayLife]

In really wish I could tell you. There are only two sellers/brands of this adapter when I last looked. One is ignoring my request to review it (like it’s not available), the second said they will not supply me a review sample (they classed as too costly to send, where I’ve had similarly priced once sent without any hesitation 🤷🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️). So until the tech is more widely used by other brands, I am still waiting in hope that the first will eventually get the adapter and ship one my way. When that will be is anyone’s guess. I’ll be asking them again soon.

[@DJROM137]

Do you know if carlinkit T box max Ambient is compatible with Carpuride w901 pro screen? If T box plus works with W901 pro, surely newer model should work. I have recently upgrade Carpuride w901 pro software through Carpuride support.

[@user-ch1tg3ih1f]

What about the wifi conection, on your table of comparation, work on channel widths 20mhz, its slow when i sharing wifi from my phone?

[@CarPlayLife]

Channel Width is more to do with speed and transfer rates, so a higher width channel will offer faster speed and transfer. This can improve hotspot and mirroring. 20 MHz is one channel. Some older devices can struggle with channel widths higher than 20. Or basically means they cheaped out on the WiFi module to save cost on the product.

[@tonyzayas2085]

Great vid. Do you know of any other AI BOX that has HDMI IN other than the Picasou 2 Pro? I currently use my Nvidia Shield through my Picasou 2 Pro but would like to see other options. Better UI and more ram would be nice.

[@CarPlayLife]

No I don’t sorry. It’s quite a rare feature on these boxes.

[@tonyzayas2085]

@@CarPlayLife OK thanks

[@samh9616]

NAVLYNX® ApplePie Rocket Ottocast carplay

[@fahmiezani3430]

Hi does the video played on youtube have delay with the audio? Mine has considerable video audio delay

[@CarPlayLife]

Do you have Netflix. See if it’s the same with that also. I found KZbin can get quite a sync delay with its audio. Some boxes handle this better that I wonder if a different app version might perform better.

[@tonys-photo-shop]

Will this work on 2014 VW Golf original screen? Thanks in advance for advice! 👍🏽🙏🏽😊

[@CarPlayLife]

Only if it has wired CarPlay, which I doubt it has with the original 2014

[@nvrqit9361]

Is that runt from the plugin wire on the radio ? Or just can be plug to a power source and run wireless? I got the carlink plus and won’t run my Sony 9500ES because the radio auxiliary wire on provide power I was told that the box you are reviewing wok wirelessly Please any help will be appreciated ..thank you!,

[@CarPlayLife]

I’m not sure what you mean. This box requires a wired CarPlay connection. I hear Sonys are picky on what adapters work with them.

[@nvrqit9361]

@@CarPlayLife well thank you for replying This is what happens… my sone 9500 ES model as a wire that comes out from the back of the radio, and the tip of the wire is a C connector. Plug the car play, but the radio only supply power to the box I mean is not a direct connection to the radio So the radio didn’t recognize the box in other words didn’t get apple car play I was told I need a tbox that sent a wireless signal to the radio after it gets power on Is such a tbox that does that ??

[@CarPlayLife]

Sounds like the Sony only had wireless apple carplay and not wired at all? If so there isn’t many that work with wireless CarPlay only systems. Only ones that come to mind are ones for BMW and Audi but I’ve never tried them as I’ve never had a wireless only system to try it out on.

[@thesquire263]

Is there any ai boxes that support wired CarPlay or pass through ?

[@CarPlayLife]

Good question. I don’t think many do and the usb ports are usually saved for media playback only.

[@jemdost6724]

When using apple car play my audio quality and volume drops significantly. Is there a way to adjust gain for this?

[@CarPlayLife]

Only place I would check is in settings, maybe factory settings

[@KM-oh6om]

Hi friend. I have a Mercedes c220 2018. Dont have carplay installed but i see that i have the connection for carplay(USB) contact. Will it work?

[@CarPlayLife]

Your system needs wired CarPlay. Sounds like you need to unlock this functionality first

[@Raybo1uk]

Do you have to manually go Into wi-fi settings and keep turning it on at first boot? I have the “connect automatically “ button enabled but every time I still have to go into settings and enable wi-fi again. Is there a setting I’m missing perhaps?

[@CarPlayLife]

There’s a setting under WiFi connections advanced to make sure WiFi is always re-enabled. Try that.

[@Raybo1uk]

@@CarPlayLife I think it’s already on but will check tomorrow. Thank you for getting back to me 👍🏻

[@Raybo1uk]

Yes it was on. Sometimes it’s very temperamental where I have to open all the settings to get it to work then other times it’s just the Wi-Fi or BT that needs to connect (and sometimes fails) which although I can get it to connect eventually it sometimes takes an age which can be a pain in the botty 🤣 especially when I’m sitting there like a spare part waiting to drive the blinkin’ car 😂

[@andrejensen9002]

I have the Mercedes EQE with the big hyperscreen and want to stream KZbin and Netflix. Which is the best device for this? Quality and speed is most important for me. Thanks 🙂

[@CarPlayLife]

This one will do a good job. Do check compatibility before buying.

[@zukacs]

Do you need carplay/andorid auto to run this in car? Which of their products can be used on non carplay/Aauto car?

[@CarPlayLife]

All of them need wired CarPlay. None will work without it

[@Dave-bo9uz]

Hello. I like the idea of turning my reasonable quality head unit into a full android tablet. I dont care for 'android auto' phone connection as my built in nav is fine and I would bluetooth phone calls to my head unit directly as I do now, just using this tbox as a tablet, taking data from my phones hotspot. In that regard, using spotify app on the tbox at maximum audio quality, whats the sound quality like from this box? Thankyou

[@CarPlayLife]

I think it’s ok. If your stereo is decent and can do all the heavy lifting, audio quality wise, then I found this to be ok when playing back Spotify via the app on the box.

[@jasonlee2277]

Great video Anthony. I will not be using sim card inserted into Tbox Max, but want to connect 'wirelessly' to Hotspot on my iPhone for data. Can I connect this at the same time Tbox Max is connected to Wireless Carplay via 'Autokit' (bluetooth) My fear is that it's not possible.

[@CarPlayLife]

You're right, wifi is needed for wireless carplay AND also for sharing internet for android apps. The only way around this is to have a data SIM inserted into the adapter for the android apps to use, freeing up the wifi for wireless carplay connections. Thanks for watching

[@jasonlee2277]

thanks @@CarPlayLife - so I could hotspot to iPhone to get data access for Maps, Spotify, KZbin, Netlfix working etc. But not WhatsApp which is available only on CarPlay?

[@CarPlayLife]

You could always install WhatsApp on to the Android side of the adapter

[@bhavz9]

Has any experienced IP configuration failure when trying to connect the iPhone as a hotspot to the t box ambient?

[@CarPlayLife]

I can’t say I have when testing this adapter

[@SkiNucci]

I wordered on and there was no SIM card or SIM card tool. It will not work on my new 2024 truck that has wireless CarPlay. Did I get a used unit. Thank you.

[@moa4950]

These boxes don’t void a car’s warranty do they? Does everything go back to how it was when disconnected? Thanks

[@CarPlayLife]

Yes it does. All it’s doing is highjacking the display feed to CarPlay. You’re not messing with any hardware or altering software with these dongles.

[@giogram4579]

Hi. Everytime i start the car and the tbox starts i always have to press the Android button on my car screen to get into. Any way to make it run automatic while booting up?

[@CarPlayLife]

Usually it fires up for me. But this uses CarPlay not Android auto. Unless your button is universal CP and AA. If the system doesn’t want to auto fire it up that could be a compatibility thing that only an update could fix or you could try playing with its other display modes in factory settings area.

[@gustavovieira188]

Can I install this carlinkit tbox max on my peugeout 208 and lauch in full screen and remove the side bars?

[@CarPlayLife]

Whatever it does when in wired CarPlay it will do on the box.

[@Hkshine]

Questions about the sound chip being supported, whether or not it sounds like the original sound on the car

[@CarPlayLife]

They all don’t sound as good compared to using a wired connection. Some can sound better than others due to the connection quality of its WiFi chip and compression it’s set to stream. If you’re not much of an audiophile then you may not be able to tell the difference

[@brounitobrounzi4481]

Hi, good reviews, can you please confirm if mirror android phone with this device and how ? Thanks

[@CarPlayLife]

There is no mirroring or casting from iPhone or Android on this one.

[@Gailith001]

I bought one and love it. The only problem is the TF nano sim. I put the one from my phone into it and it works fine however you can't buy a nano sim unless you have an IMI for it and the Tbox doesn't have that. No phone company will let you buy a Nano sim unless you buy a phone to activate it.

[@CarPlayLife]

Even with a data only SIM or SIM only plan? They are widely available here in the UK. Maybe try an international roaming SIM that has a good data allowance.

[@SuperBoricua2000]

What is the difference between the plus device vs. the max device?

[@CarPlayLife]

The plus came with Android 11 and can also come with less ram and storage, where as the max only comes with Android 13 and 8Gb + 128GB. The max has fancy ambient light in its new looking casing. Other than this it’s pretty much the same as the plus version that later versions can be upgraded to Android 13 and 8+128GB option.

[@LeaZuko]

Hello I’m wondering if you have come across any CarPlay ai box you would recommend that’s better than all the others?

[@CarPlayLife]

This one kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2i7XqSAp5WJq8U

[@LeaZuko]

@@CarPlayLife I tried finding it but it says no USA/ca do you know where I can get in the USA

[@CarPlayLife]

I thought that supported the USA unless that model is out of stock. Otherwise look for another Qc6490 chipset adapter like this one. Sadly right now there isn’t that many alternatives. I know iHeylinkit does one here s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EHZS8Sf

[@Xbuschwacker]

Can I use my Android phone's Android Auto app with this device if my car only supports wired CarPlay?

[@CarPlayLife]

Yes

[@faultyyogurt9]

Will these support the usb dash cams that are often sold with android head units?

[@CarPlayLife]

I am not sure really, the USB port is rather limited to media and maybe peripherals, so its possible but I'm not 100% on that.

[@faultyyogurt9]

​​@@CarPlayLifeok thanks. So you're saying these ai boxes can't accept a usb hub or dock?

[@doriafrancisco]

Can you use google assistant with the Voice match activated in this Tbox? I cant use it in mine! When i say " hey google", nothing happens. Thank you for this vídeo by the way.

[@CarPlayLife]

No voice match activated. I’ve had a bit of a discovery recently about this exact problem. The mic could hear me, animation waves occurring in the assistant icon, but not text would appear and Google just wouldn’t listen. I fixed that by removing apps. I don’t know which one it was but people in forums say it’s Waze but removing that app still didn’t work for me so I kept removing other apps and then it started working again. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jesselopez8944]

Is there a button to just go back to the original oem screen?

[@CarPlayLife]

Yes usually it is a car icon to return to the main car system

[@user-uc4ge1pt4h]

Does it have split-screen function?

[@CarPlayLife]

I believe it does if you press on the action from the floating menu button navigation

[@user-jh3dc6rw2n]

For Car link it TBOX MAX/ USB(660) product. My car supports only Wired Android Auto but no wired CarPlay. Can I use AI box as android player and Wireless Android Auto??

[@CarPlayLife]

No they need wired CarPlay to function

[@eduardvdw]

How did you mount this in your car? The bottom gets extremely hot

[@CarPlayLife]

Just have it loose in the compartment. Maybe have it upside down so the heat sink faces upwards to help reduce the heat build up in the case

[@TheAndrewVo]

How do you get back to your car factory screen? Do you turn it off?

[@CarPlayLife]

There’s a Car/Exit option that will get you back to the car’s own system screen

[@TheAndrewVo]

Great! Thank you!

[@jesselopez8944]

Where can I get this device amazon says its unavailable

[@CarPlayLife]

It’s likely out of stock and hopefully it will be back in stock for you soon 🤞🏻

[@ER-kx8ye]

What’s your opinion on one of these if your screen isn’t touch screen?

[@CarPlayLife]

I can’t say. I’ve always had touch screen with these devices. They do work with dials and knobs.

[@nelsonhubahib4859]

Is this compatible to Changan cs55plus?

[@CarPlayLife]

Not sure what that is. It needs a wired CarPlay system.

[@acesmith2192]

I wish you would show the music being played through the SD card. I want to see the interface. I want to be able to play my music without using my phone.

[@CarPlayLife]

Sorry. Their player is always very basic and not very exciting.

[@acesmith2192]

@@CarPlayLife thanks. I was hoping these players would act more like an IPod, I could put my music on a SD card and have the ability to make my own playlist and show the album art. I don’t like having to carry my phone around, and a lot of times when I travel through areas with bad signal, I lose connection and music stop playing.

[@erhandagloglu6612]

I bought the latest model, SM6225. Unfortunately, my new Mercedes vehicle has the mbux system and it does not work well at all.

[@CarPlayLife]

I hear Mercs can be quite picky when it comes to these adapters

[@danilopineda8428]

What year and model is your Merc? I am thinking of getting this ai box but trying to find out reviews from other owners

[@hejgaijin4072]

Hi how can I find the IMEI number of the device?

[@CarPlayLife]

In the Android settings area under About system?

[@wvx]

I own a 2023 Ford Territory, is it recommended to own this device? What is his rating out of 10?

[@CarPlayLife]

8/10 you’ll have to check their site for compatibility with your Ford

[@mohmedakamal]

I have it with 660 cpu but it is heat up so much . is this normal ?

[@CarPlayLife]

Yes that’s normal, these CPUs do struggle (causing heat) with the tasks they are meant to be doing. They should be using more powerful/efficient CPUs

[@mpl221]

Will this work on an old car

[@CarPlayLife]

It needs wired CarPlay to work

[@future9615]

Can you connect it to the monitor first and install some apps aside from google play?

[@CarPlayLife]

I’m not 100% sure as you’ll need a touch screen to even enable Bluetooth to a controller or keyboard to interact with it initially.

[@future9615]

@@CarPlayLife I had the option to try it now, and in my E class you can actually use car rotary controller and even touchpad as mouse. But clicking on touchpad is somehow buggy.

[@CarPlayLife]

Almost! ☺️ That’s a shame. Maybe send a support ticket to them and they may update it with a fix in future.

[@gnixer]

Not worth to upgrade from the previous model?

[@CarPlayLife]

Not really, it’s pretty much the same if you already have Android 13 and 8+128GB spec inside it.

[@12jarvo]

Just got this pretty decent.. though cant seem to fix the audio sync delay

[@CarPlayLife]

Sync delay with video audio or audio in general from it? Either way it can’t really be overcome if you got it that bad. If you’re within a return window maybe return it and try another.

[@12jarvo]

@@CarPlayLife thanks its the audio sync when playing You Tube Netflix etc.

[@CarPlayLife]

Some ai boxes does this better than others. I hope to do a best of video at some point in the future. Needs to fire out more product reviews first before doubling down on all that. Hopefully in April.

[@patchaya1]

First video: When I drive for a while, Apple Carplay restarts frequently. Second video, when I open the radio app or any other app and then open the map app, I notice that the screen will rotate and pressing other buttons doesn't work when entering the map app. The same is true in the Mercedes Benz GLE 300D.

[@CarPlayLife]

Sounds like a compatibility issue with your vehicle.

[@accentiercorner596]

so the conclusion is it worth it? or wait for the new gen? any issue?

[@CarPlayLife]

It’s good if you want to plunge now but next gen should be where these need to be. Who knows how long away this is though.

[@accentiercorner596]

which one is better the led one or the version before? @@CarPlayLife

[@CarPlayLife]

The older one with Android 13 8+128GB spec is pretty much the same thing as the max. So if you can get it cheaper grab that one. Otherwise the max might get more support later down the road as it’s newer. Software wise in the same minus the LED light settings app on the max. Hardware inside is pretty much the same as far as I know.

[@accentiercorner596]

@@CarPlayLife how about setting volume when im playing youtube from my stir? Is it the old version able?

[@CarPlayLife]

I’m not sure what you mean. Volume is adjusted as it is on any stereo. Volume doesn’t get adjusted on the phone or on the adapter.

[@dariuszmazierski1193]

Does anyone know where to download the new software? My version is: QCM 6125 S10A_123 test keys

[@CarPlayLife]

Reach out to their support team for it or check some third party CarlinKit support pages for files

[@dariuszmazierski1193]

I don't know the address or website of the company that produced my BOX - that's why I'm providing the name of the file I have@@CarPlayLife

[@CarPlayLife]

Try here www.carlinkit.com/download.html

[@JorgeAGColaco]

Does this supports IPTV apps running in a Volvo 2018 XC40? And how about the navigation lagging: does it have lag? Thanks.

[@CarPlayLife]

Nav lag is ok on this one. IPTV apps should be able to be installed onto it. Can’t say about compatibility with Volvo.

[@andreacestaro6118]

Does it support 60 fps?

[@CarPlayLife]

Nope 30fps

[@SoyMuySincero]

What is the best ai box for you today? I need buy one.

[@CarPlayLife]

Right now. This one

[@Lifeng77x]

@@CarPlayLife Hello. Is it better than a "Picasso 2" nowadays? ty

[@CarPlayLife]

There is very little between in them, but I feel video sync performance looks better on this one. The P2 has a better interface. So it depends what you prefer

[@Lifeng77x]

@@CarPlayLife I did not find the various benchmarks on your site. Are they present somewhere? ty

[@CarPlayLife]

Not up to date ones. I drop them in videos when I remember to add them 😂

[@markjamesabordo192]

What is the peak real life 4g speed and wifi speeds?can it reach at least 100mbps on 4G and 300mbps on wifi?

[@CarPlayLife]

I wouldn’t know. Sorry. Tricky one to test. WiFi will be limited on its spec. Some have poor max bandwidth of 78mbps (like this one) where others can go to 866.7mbps (ApplePie rocket)

[@markjamesabordo192]

I bought it,but unfortunately when i put sim card,I cant make and receive calls . Do u have the same issue?

[@jjazz321]

Does this work with iPhone

[@CarPlayLife]

Yes but you need a wired CarPlay car system to plug it into

[@JulianSauco]

They should’ve upgraded the audio chip instead of adding useless lights. Audio output is awfully compressed when compared to normal wired carplay.

[@CarPlayLife]

But isn’t that the case with audio over wireless WiFi in general on these adapters? Personally I don’t think it’s that bad but it could be stereo dependant and it’s making a better job out of what it’s got to play with.

[@mohammedalzahid9311]

I totally agree with you in the awfully compressed audio. I have T box 3 and also carlinkit 5.0 and both much better sound quality. The best of them is the 5.0 box but it lack apps . But how come and old sw if the t3 box with older chip does better job in audio and also colors output

[@mohammedalzahid9311]

Adding one more issue is temperature is very high, I can’t hold the device after some time

[@thenerdshow]

No audio sync options? These devices are basically useless in some of the newer cars coming out unless they start including this.

[@CarPlayLife]

Oddly I’ve only seen audio sync options on an AI box adapter that was geared for only working with Android auto systems. It never was released and I only got hands on with the concept. That had the ability to tweak audio sync, which really helped. Shame it’s not a feature on CarPlay models.

[@r1s9c8]

Get very hot after few minutes, especially aluminum in back side. I am leaving it upsidedown in my console.

[@CarPlayLife]

Yes they do run hot and it is best to have its heatsink plate facing upwards.

[@mohammedalzahid9311]

i have the Ambient model with sm6225 cpu and i am very disappointed here is my comments: -colors is not so good in carplay display, not really as good and rich colors as the 5.0 box. I tried to use the option of color boost in display but not really good. - sound quality not really good and not near Other carlinkit products such as Carlinket 5.0, although i used the force 44hze option did improve, but again, when switching to the 5.0 box the difference is much noticeable where it is much better and richer audio in carlinkit 5.0 box. - delay of about 30 ms in videos , i wish there is a way to edit the sound to 0 ms or less to improve the audio sync.

[@CarPlayLife]

Yes the way these AI boxes render the CarPlay stream, it can look washed out. Wireless adapters do this over software on chip which seems to handle it better. Sound also, as it’s going through software Android app emulation this light affect how it’s different to more basic wireless adapters that’s doing it on chip. Shame there isn’t an audio delay option on ai boxes. I’ve only seen it once done on a concept adapter that never released to consumers.

[@peter.baerentzen]

From a security point of view I really don't trust the Carlinkit boxes... You can't change Bluetooth or WiFi name and password for WiFi is fixed as I understand. When not even the basics are in place who knows what kind of problems you can create for yourselves. What about the Ford E-Mach where data from the car is shared with CarPlay for Apple Maps...

[@CarPlayLife]

I don’t think there is that much of a security breach of info when CarPlay is run off the device and just steamed to the head unit wirelessly. The Android OS app is just emulating this visual/audio and input connection. WiFi connection for CarPlay is fixed as it needs to share the connection credentials on the fly for security. BT profiles I think can be changed in the main Android settings area IIRC.

[@massdaqhussain8847]

Price in us$

[@CarPlayLife]

Please watch the video or click the links in the description for your region.

[@pavelshtolc8099]

ux design - so so

[@CarPlayLife]

Yup.

[@SkiNucci]

I ordered on and there was no SIM card or SIM card tool. It will not work on my new 2024 truck that has wireless CarPlay. Did I get a used unit. Thank you.

[@CarPlayLife]

I’m not sure. Maybe they sell different versions of the same casing. Maybe it wasn’t a CarlinKit and from another brand using the same casing type. It is meant to have a SIM card and TF card slot. Maybe not used but more the wrong model or brand.