CarlinKit Tbox UHD 660 CarPlay AI Box Adapter With HDMI Review

[@CarPlayLife]

Update: Coupon code added for $ 15 off your order. Also, I have been speaking with the CarlinKit team, and I have discovered that the box can be switched to using the wired Android Auto channel instead of wired CarPlay. This is done by inserting the SIM removal pin into a hole at the front for 3 seconds, no firmware update is required. Doing this will allow the video sync delay to be less than on CarPlay. I will test this and bring out an updated short video on how this performs. Stay tuned...

[@denissyk2004]

can you multi touch in Android auto mode?

[@swiss_box]

Same question...

[@sixtyseven3337]

Excellent review yet again from one of my favourite tech reviewers. Glad to see over 18k subscribed 👏 P.S Have you ever reviewed the Carpuride H01 ??? I use it and works great (other than a bit laggy keyboard input) and only cost £62 from Amazon UK. How does my H01 compare to other ones in your view? Btw, I use it on my Skoda Enyaq 13" screen and love it ❤

[@CarPlayLife]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻☺️ Yes just rolled over the 18K mark the other week. Slowly growing with a few video ideas coming that I hope will grow it more rapidly. I’ve not aware of the H01. Carpuride usually focuses on displays with me. On the surface it looks like your regular rebranded ai box with similar OS to some others I’ve tried. It looks like a closed AI box, so limited apps can be used on it. But for cost it’s likely a good entry into the AI box world and opens up the entertainment in your Enyaq. This is the EV right? So it’s handy when charging I expect?

[@mh23hm]

can't believe most of these boxes still use the dot to navigate

[@CarPlayLife]

Yes it’s such an afterthought. Or a solution to a OS that’s not really made for its intended use here. The ones with side docks are to operate much more intuitively but even them can operate poorly as an afterthought

[@phichong]

Carlink do a dual usb cable to provide additional power. With or without this cable, is it possible to somehow permanently keep this on. I will be using a ac powerbank generator to supply it power 24/7. The purpose is to use it as a permanent hotspot too.

[@CarPlayLife]

With this cable I’d say it could be possible because you would be supplying a permanent usb power via this cable. Otherwise it will turn off with the traditional cable.

[@GuntherMuhrK]

Hi Anthony! Thank you for the video! A question and a suggestion: what would you say is the best ai box adapter in the market right now? Focusing on performance and video streaming. Maybe you could post a tier list on your page. Also I noticed this model also comes with a SM6225 cpu, that seems a better choice.

[@CarPlayLife]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻☺️ Yes, the 6225 would be a better choice. The best performers in terms of power is one with a 6490 inside. Only know two brands that make it. One is the ApplePie rocket I reviewed here kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2i7XqSAp5WJq8Usi=YXw9h7VzIDyVEe0C The box doesn’t have to be that powerful to be good at video streaming. I need to do a roundup of best streamers at some point. Just have a reviews getting in the way and time it takes to put that together would take a while.

[@technology_pro]

You plugged it in at 3:50 and it was fully open @ 4:00, was like 10 seconds. Where are you getting 39-40 seconds? Thanks

[@CarPlayLife]

I accelerated/cut the loading time. It doesn’t make for good entertainment.

[@ian9963]

Hi Anthony, I would like you to test and review the new Kyebriq BRIQ4-AGERA. You do the best reviews keep them coming.

[@CarPlayLife]

Thanks for the kind words. 🙏🏻☺️ They did reach out a few months ago for the AGERA but nothing came about it sadly. I’ve asked them again to see if we can reignite our discussions. Looking at the spec it’s similar to the Binize Magic box, ApplePie 996 E and MMB 5.0, so expect a similar experience to these. Reviews for all three on my channel

[@sonofliberty8278]

You mention possibly a better option. What else should I look at that has a HDMI out so I can power a set of rear monitors?

[@CarPlayLife]

This one but with the 6225 chip option. Ottocast Picasou 2 will be slightly slower but also has HDMI out.

[@GuntherMuhrK]

Hi Anthony! I have a Carlinkit ai box but it's cable is not working properly anymore, what kind of cable should I use to replace it? I tried many but didn't work.

[@CarPlayLife]

It needs to be both data and power capable. I’ve not had to actually source a cable, what I would try is an OTG cable which is meant to be both and they are also made up differently to other cables.

[@iseng_ajagitu]

How to change navigation bar to right side?

[@CarPlayLife]

I believe it’s in settings or on your car system if it has the option to set to RHD

[@fierymonkey]

So what is the best 3 ai box up to date of your choice?

[@CarPlayLife]

Hope to answer that in a future video. For me the best is one that’s the fastest and most stable and that’s the Rocket kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2i7XqSAp5WJq8Usi=gNqAUh7aFKM6yN0H But if it’s only going to playback KZbin there maybe something out there that offers more bang for your buck. That I hope to dive into in a future video.

[@Emilio.Valentino]

What would be the best box if you are not on a budget currently?

[@CarPlayLife]

This one for shear power kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2i7XqSAp5WJq8U

[@Emilio.Valentino]

@@CarPlayLife I have this one, but my friend also wants one but they don't seem to sell this anymore or ship it to the Netherlands for "normal" prices

[@CarPlayLife]

You could 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

[@marcopato4]

Donde compro el control remoto?

[@CarPlayLife]

Here it is on Amazon US amzn.to/3KR4Uw5 G10S Pro

[@marcopato4]

@@CarPlayLife mil gracias

[@HaykGrigoryan-b4w]

My Car has wired and wireless Carplay. Which product is for me if I need it to ONLY add android auto?

[@CarPlayLife]

Try the CarlinKit 4.0

[@HaykGrigoryan-b4w]

My VW ID4 has only wired and wireless Carplay. I need cheap device to add android auto and nothing more. Which products are for me?

[@CarPlayLife]

I’m pretty sure an ID4 has Android auto also surely ? 🤔

[@sarayc.7344]

What is the difference between this and CarlinKit Ai Box CarPlay Wireless Adapter 4G+64G Multimedia Box Comes with Open Android 13.0 System, Support Wireless CarPlay Android Auto, Netflix KZbin Car Video, Built-in 4G Network GPS+Glonass ?

[@CarPlayLife]

It depends on which AI Box from CarlinKit you're referring to. If it is the Ambient model, then this comes with a 6125 chip. The UHD comes in two flavours a 660 (slower) and 6225 (faster) than the ambient. The rest is pretty much the same apart from the UHD, which has 8G+128G so more RAM and storage capacity. The Ambient doesn't have HDMI either.

[@sarayc.7344]

@@CarPlayLife I talk about this kzbin.info/www/bejne/goewY6dsiL98gJYsi=mYL6kB-QcKbr8DeK … can you help me with de difference?

[@denissyk2004]

are you sure it could connect to a tv through HDMI at home? I would like to use it like a tv box.

[@CarPlayLife]

You can see me use it on a home TV, but the issue is out of the box connection to a TV, by default it doesn’t have HDMI output turned on (which is mad) so without connecting it to CarPlay first to turn it on it won’t show up on the TV until you do. Personally an Amazon fire stick or Google chromecast will be better at this than these boxes. And do it with far less hassle

[@denissyk2004]

@@CarPlayLife Thank you!

[@lulwhat]

Work with BMW OS8.5 ?

[@CarPlayLife]

I can't say without testing it myself. It might be best to ask the makers or search their website for more info on this.

[@DJDANYOFFICIAL]

Speed test sim 4g ? Lose conection bt, sim, lag in menu and apps? I see sd 660, ota updates, price, for me it is best buy, no ?

[@CarPlayLife]

It’s not a bad little box but I would go with the SD6225 version.

[@DJDANYOFFICIAL]

@@CarPlayLife thanks for reply, when you make review for new model, with HDMI and USB, SD 660

[@CarPlayLife]

This video IS of that version

[@DJDANYOFFICIAL]

I buy with 660, this chip it faster vs 6225 ?

[@TheIrfanIdzhan]

After I watched your video i bought it bcs i thought i could use this as an android tv box as well, turns out you were connecting to a car media unit for that monitor shot. Sigh.... 😂

[@CarPlayLife]

You can connect it to a tv. The issue is in the menu it has hdmi out switched off by default 🤦🏻‍♂️ so you need to connect it to a CarPlay system first to turn that on and also connect a BT remote, mouse or KB to interact with the box once connected to the TV

[@EnmanuelR-cc6hb]

Hey Anthony, i have the carlinkit plus verdion i have an issue when i turn off the car and come back the music don’t play automatic on apple car play as original radio carplay but with the magic 2.0 work good music resume when i come back to the car, is that normal or any issue with my carlinkit? TIA

[@CarPlayLife]

I think it can also be how the adapter and car system have been coded that could also affect this. So I don't think the adapter is at fault here, it's just how it coded to function, which is why the other brand works differently.

[@EnmanuelR-cc6hb]

@@CarPlayLife thanks for your reply, yes i see the issue box with android 10 play music automatic, others version not so i set an shortcut and done work as normal :)

[@Eric0991]

Ok, so in your opinion, what is the best ai box that launches as android auto in your vehicle’s radio, but offers the best video streaming and Apple CarPlay experience? This one seems to come close minus the mentioned audio sync and color washout issues

[@CarPlayLife]

There isn’t many that do launch under AA platform. Only this one and the one from Binize (maybe CarlinKit ambient can too seeing as it’s identical to the Binize) can do it so the choices are slim. I’d say the UHD with 6225 chipset and hope it improves on the issues I found on the 660 version.

[@Eric0991]

@@CarPlayLife thanks for the reply. I would totally get the 6225 chipset, but it omits the us & Canada option when selecting that. So it looks like for now this is the only option. What do you think the chances are of an upgrade to this coming out in the near future?

[@CarPlayLife]

Ah that’s a shame. Upgrades are very likely. It feels 6 months doesn’t go by until something new is released or on the horizon. Right now I am not aware of anything new coming from them and it feels the 6125,6225,660 chips are the current normal. Other than the much faster 6490 chips I don’t know where else it’s going to go whilst still keeping the cost low. If I had a crystal ball I’d tell you :)

[@ahmadaldosari9671]

Carlinkit uhd or ottocast p3?

[@CarPlayLife]

UHD but the 6225 version

[@Chandra378]

​​ @CarPlayLife 6225 vs 660 which one is better or faster?

[@sarayc.7344]

This product works for USA?

[@CarPlayLife]

I would hope so once it is selling in the US

[@FlubFlubber]

So if you want to watch Netflix, the speech and text is not good? Hm, I don't like that. I was planning to buy this, now I doubt.

[@CarPlayLife]

Most boxes behave different to the system they are plugged into. I can plug it into a CarPlay display and have 0 lag and then plug the same box into my Golf and get similar 400+ ms lag in audio on KZbin. Some behave more consistent between the two, but it’s more important to show how it sounds in the car for a more perfect comparison. What I’m saying is it could behave differently on your own system but that’s a risk where some can do it so well. I’ll see if the 6225 version is any different.

[@aspybinley4656]

This version is for Europe; the UA version is not listed.

[@CarPlayLife]

Stock issues, so it’s taking time to roll this adapter out in other regions. At least on Amazon.