Uniden's New Wi-Fi Radar Detectors: R4w, R8w, R9w

[@VortexRadar]

Update: Uniden has listened to you all and the original R4 & R8 will now support their add-on laser jammers too.

[@sir.636]

The title of this should be "Uniden renegs on promise to integrate R4/R8 jamming capabilities"

[@unvjustintime1]

Awful company liars

[@ShefffD]

Why even have a port for Laser Jammers if you're just going to backtrack on your word

[@de_stroyed]

Removing laser jamming functionality is just a dickhead move if I'm being honest. That is how you speedrun your way of losing business from any repeat customers.

[@sir.636]

Exactly!! Outrageous!!

[@Diagts]

I purchased the R8 about a month or so ago with the expectation that the laser jammer capability would soon be available.. not happy. Bad move Uniden!

[@lukeanderson7757]

If you bought from Uniden, you have a full 30-days to return. Since i was so frustrated with my Redline 360c after constant KA falsing, I bought the R8 2 weeks ago (before i knew an upgrade was coming). My new R8W arrives tomorrow... about the same time Uniden should receive my 'old' R8. I am out the $50 upgrade cost and $10 return shipping.

[@Diagts]

Unfortunately I'm just outside of that 30-day window. smh

[@unvjustintime1]

Who is running Uniden, politicians?

[@RSProduction18]

Escort, the 2.4 ghz wifi is required for jammer to work. lol.

[@mattmanyam]

Sounds like theres an entire 'class' of people that might have grounds to sue Uniden.

[@yslakatsuki]

so you're telling i bought a $700 device last month for no reason, couldn't even use half the device yet... and now they want me to buy their new one for the LJ What a joke.

[@beekaye1496]

Uniden needs offer an upgrade to those who have the R4 or R8, or allow us to send it to them and add wifi to current r4 and r8. Also I wish uniden would make a stealth R8 for us in the DMV area.

[@HansFelsh]

You can’t just “add WiFi” to an existing R4 or R8. It needs different chips on the main board, and a totally different ECU/CPU in the radar detector. Both of those would require totally different internals. 🤦‍♂️

[@sriavula]

isnt the r7 techncailly rdd immune? also most cops dont seem to care that much, but have it at the top of your windshield, scout for cops and u can take it down in less than 3 seconds

[@gizmosfere]

I purchased the R8 at launch with the expectation of being able to add the laser jammer in the future. They really screwed us on this one. My next detector will not be made by uniden as much as I like the detector (minus the rattling buttons that required a rubber band mod) that is just terrible customer support. Thanks for the updates

[@fireboltjd]

This is the literal definition of false advertising. They advertised the R8 as being compatible with future laser jammers. Now they have chosen to not follow that advertisement promise. They can either support it as promised or swap my R8 for an R8W at no charge. Or ill be happy to get a class action going

[@sir.636]

Ill join u on that! False adversiting

[@SimplyJustRandomness]

Yeah, we aren't talking a 5 dollar burger here...these are very expensive items to backtrack on. Not acceptable.

[@tonyc6996]

Almost bought a R8 this week.. what to do

[@fredfrederickson]

@@tonyc6996I heard someone else say you have 30 days to return it to them but they needed to still pay the return shipping and $50 to upgrade which is ridiculous imo considering how they just tried to screw you

[@tonyc6996]

@@fredfrederickson I think laser jammers for anyone who chooses a windshield mount unit is crazy. Not the correct audience. Guess I'll hold a bit to see if the R8 goes on sale after this announcement but highly doubtful, too small of a marker to upset. This isn't an iPhone or similar

[@JoshuaPlays99]

I feel totally bait and switched with my R4. I bought it as advertised being compatible with future laser jammers, and when they FINALLY make them available, they tell you you have to shell out another $400 on the same exact detector with just a tiny convenience feature added...

[@ArghIsThisHandleTaken]

This is why you never buy something based off of promises of the future.

[@noName-kn1lx]

Hold tight! Theia is coming! 😂 😂😂

[@sir.636]

I really appreciate you reaching out to uniden about this. They have a chance to save face. Otherwise how can once loyal and potential customers trust a company that scams its customers in this way?

[@RichardsWorld]

I told my wife I'm going to buy an Escort. She said OK, just use protection.

[@fredfrederickson]

Cool wife 😎

[@chriscossentino1340]

I bought my R8 in 2022 and have been waiting for the jammer feature they said was coming eventually. Now you're saying I have to buy another R8 to finally get that feature. I will be exploring my options for a radar/laser shifter unit. Uniden has just been crossed off my list for that move.

[@TheEclectic]

Not making it available for the R8 as they promised is such a slap in the face. Uniden really messed up on this. I was about to go out and by those jammers, but now --no chance. There's no way I'm 'upgrading' my entire R8 for an R8w. Not worth it at all.

[@rayryngaert3769]

And the V1G2 still reigns supreme with the Bluetooth update via your phone using the network. I run JBV1 anyway... So not like I'm missing out on much. RIP Mike.

[@john346x7]

I upgraded from the R3 to the R4 when it came out. I wanted additional range and I thought I would be able to add jammers. I’ve been patiently waiting for the jammers to be available. In the meantime, I’ve recommended Uniden to dozen of people and now I have several friends and co workers with the Uniden. That recommendation just ended. Turned me from a raging fan to a ranging customer (in a bad way). Likely be my last Uniden.

[@ThomMurphy]

Like many, I think it's a despicable move to not allow the older detectors to work with the laser jammers. If it's an actual hardware limitation, then it's slightly more understandable, but then Uniden needs to offer a trade-in program (with purchase or the laser jammers), to allow folks to acquire the compatible hardware without additional expense. Not every owner of the prior detectors is going to going to do laser jammers, and Uniden will have some margin of the laser to offset the expenses. Certainly, that would cost them less than the ill will they'll suffer with their current plan.

[@jamesfromal4825]

I sure hope ALP gets their act together since Uniden is giving it's base the big middle finger! Straight out lied to us about the R4& R8.

[@johnmcallister7833]

Not sure how I feel about this. The concept of a wifi enabled R4/8 is exciting, but it feels the implementation is half baked at best. Also unfortunate that the (very late) app looks like something from 2008. Very excited to see the a la carte jammers though, that's absolutely something I never thought would release!

[@oshystulla]

Chose the Uniden R8 over the others recently. Now they won't allow the laser jammers add-on for the R4/R8 as promised. That's very disingenuous of Uniden. You made the promise, you follow through. Thanks for slapping us in the face Uniden. I guess we, the customers, are the suckers.

Write to uniden and then file a better business bureau complaint. I chose the r8 specifically because of the laser jammer. This was my first uniden purchase, I switched from escort.

[@stevenshizzle]

That would be false advertising. Is this kind of advertising and bait-and-switch something that's actionable by a class action lawsuit? EDIT: I'M SO MAD.

[@Sunofmungo]

I purchased the R8 because of both its range and performance with the promise lazer jamming would be a future add on feature. I like things simple and all in one. Lets say both unidens and ALP were both exactly the same as far is their performances, 0% difference between them but the ALP was 1500 for everything (unit, and all the heads that it could control), and the uniden was 2100 for the same. Lets say for this they both had the exact same amount of tx & rx heads. I would of paid the 2100 for the uniden just because its one unit in control of everything, vs 2 separate units. Mine is hard wired in my car, its a newer BMW and finding lines power lines that shut off when the car's turned of, and wires that's stay alive after the car "goes to sleep" is a pain. Its nice to have one unit that does it all, while being compact and relatively out of sight unless im looking directly at it (its on the top of my window, on the passengers side of the rear view mirror). I purchased the uniden for the promise of simplicity. Now to be told, "yea we said that so youd run and buy it, but if you hurry now, but we lied. Now you can buy this one that has all the features we said we would have with the last one". Thats straight bullsh!t and sounds like false advertisement to me. Now ill wait for another manufacturer to design and sell what uniden promised. I wont spend another dime with them unless they turn around and add the feature we all were told would be comming. Or buy the jammer and dont update the radar detector if you still have a older version of the radar.

[@sundial3914]

Glad I went with ALP instead of holding out for standalone jammers for my R8, even with ALP's recent issues.

[@esallgoodman]

Anyone want in on the class action? Seriously I'll get the ball rolling!

[@cggamez503]

There are a ton of people in the comments that are calling for that. I would be in also.

[@darylhaack7752]

Thanks for posting. To bad about missing the SEMA show. I too would be ticked if l had bought for adding the jammers in the future and now l can't have that option. Hope you feel better soon. Cheers

[@a6ix]

im actually pissed about the discontinued plan for the laser jammer, i only bought the R8 over an R7 with that plan in mind.

[@TH3DUDE0075]

If Uniden doesn’t change plans and release the jammers for the original R8 - I will never buy another Uniden product again. There is literally zero acceptable reason why they would not release it - the product already exists and already works. There is zero investment required on Uniden’s part. This feature was promised to us when we invested in the R8, but now pure greed is in control - they want me to buy an entirely new radar detector to replace my less than 3 year old R8 just so I can buy the laser jammer they promised. I was a brand new excited customer. I had never owned any Uniden products besides cordless phones back in the day, but I loved my R8 so much that I have sold many friends and family on them. Additionally, i am about to purchase CB radio system for my truck - as new loyal Uniden customer there was no question that I was going to buy a Uniden, but that will not happen unless Uniden changes course on this absolute ridiculousness!

[@Matterboy81]

Unreal that my R8 won’t be able to support laser jamming. Uniden messed up by trying to make us upgrade. Won’t be buying another one in the future. I just can’t support a company who promises something and goes back on it

[@PartnerProAlliance]

It's not like they are putting out quarterly updates. Waste of money if you already the R8. Then, the no jammers for the R8 is a scam to get the full amount of the R8W!

[@sixshooter4570]

Just when I was starting to believe that Uniden was a leader in radar detectors. I also purchased my R8, thinking that I would add Lazer jamming later since this was advertised as a benefit of the Uniden R8 radar detector.

[@tuberadar]

This is what happens when the good guys go to Radenso and Uniden hires someone from Escort as a replacement.

[@tl6137]

For Windows users the only difficulty with updating your Uniden via usb is that the usb is not type-c. Although the speed is not needed for the extra small file it downloads, general compatibility is always welcome. That process does not need any comparison in simplicity when it comes to Escort's software. Those people just do not get it past the money factor. For the record, I've bought a couple of each brand. Now when it comes to Wi-fi with any brand. How likely is it for you to brick your detector due to poor wifi signal or power connection? Laziness does not warrant reliability.

[@MrRiftman]

Yeah, fuck Uniden on this Don't get me wrong, the 20% off the R8 with that last Woot/Amazon deal was nice, as I had a feeling the R8w was coming, but man, fuck them for doing away with the laser jammers for the older R8. Very much a Sena move with how the Gen 1 50s intercom does not get software updates anymore (hasn't gotten one in several years now) while they continue to support the Harmon Kardon powered Gen 2 50s

[@skohout5926]

Disappointed that Uniden is not supporting the R8 with its laser jammers. I was willing to wait until Uniden released them but now feel that they have pulled the rug under me making me buy a WiFi R8.

[@sir.636]

im going with a different brand after this

[@fredfrederickson]

Wait till the WiFi R8 2.0 comes out and the newest update for the WiFi R8 takes away features and makes it useless and see how disappointed you are then 😂

[@guardianzx9640]

Poor decision on Uniden's part, just another reason to keep using ALP, TMG, TPX. I literally had R8 firmware that supported Laser Jammers, huge bait and switch. Maybe they will give me a $550 exchange credit for my current R8.

[@Frank15032000]

What the heck …. I have always bought Uniden radars for all my vehicles. Now they are making me think I should invest in another brand.

[@omidyt8260]

ridiculous greedy act to bump up the price of $50 for a WiFi module.

[@sir.636]

What is REALLY greedy is removing laser jammer functionality for the R8!!!! How DARE they!!!

[@infinitebeast5517]

That's not how it works. You have to account for research and development costs. Even if the wifi module only costs $5. Putting it in and adding the software is a lot more.

[@omidyt8260]

@@infinitebeast5517 are you kidding? R&D for adding a WiFi Module to a radar detector. Yep, it's rocket science.

[@infinitebeast5517]

@@omidyt8260 you clearly haven't programmed a day in your life. Go ahead and do some programming and come back and say that again.

[@1bluensx]

Why do we need WiFi on a rear detector? Updates? Is that it? I’ve never updated my escort. (Well the one on the windshield at least).

[@mouselt1]

I just wish Valentine would have gotten their ducks in a row and offered a unit that picked up MRCD and other minor use radar frequencies and red light cameras. I liked the range and simplicity of the older valentine unit. I have a uniden R7 but a lot of falses and a real pain to program.

[@DaveyCrockett1]

Uniden is compromised.

[@falklan]

I'm quite certain they could have used a BT connection to a smart phone to check for and install system updates.

[@alanhernandez3238]

After seeing how the escort redline 360c isnt being recommend due to the lack of their performance and other issues they are having, i wish i was able to return it back to get a uniden radar.

[@jonpachla1]

I need to look though my materials and see what the original brochures and papers said. Maybe a NICE trade in discount could be offered

[@chillax_bra]

How are these sooooo behind in tech? It's 2024 and they just discovered 2.4ghz wifi? Also the app looks like it's from a jailbroken iPhone 4....comon.... I really like my R8 but its wild that its $600-700.

[@garyhgaryh]

I have the R8. NOT updating to the R8w. If i update, it will be to a Valentine. I have the original one... should have upgraded to the new Valentine instead of the R8 initially.

[@sriavula]

I dont even have the R8 or R4 and im dissapointed for everybody else. I just came here to comment i finally updated my r7 😭

[@jivepatrol6833]

Good update and I have a new R8 so I want to try the R/Tach app when available on Android. I really like the Highway Radar app when coupled with the R8. The heat maps and real time location data are especially helpful. Thanks for a great channel!

[@AlxndrHQ]

Ironically enough I literally just bought an R8 last week and now I see there’s one with WiFi

[@jacobtravis812]

Will the new WiFi detectors be able to hook up to Idatalink maestro RR2 modules for head units in vehicles that are Idatalink maestro capable ? Like the escort C models are ?

[@Slimothy]

*Damn, I was very excited to hear about the "w" series. Especially since we don't know what's going to happen to the V1G2 moving forward... but I am not happy with the moves Uniden is making. They're cutting corners with 2.4ghz wifi chip, and now lying to customers about laser jammers on the R8. NOT a good look. Will hold onto my V1G2 for a few more years and hope Uniden cleans up their act. And why no Bluetooth updates on the Unidens? Makes NO sense. Until then, no way!*

[@zmarko]

Well, looks like I'm on my last Uniden Radar Detector. Lying to customers is a shitty move, Uniden.

[@ajayjonesie8809]

It figures with how they are doing it with R8 & jammer. It's just a money grab to make you upgrade to the R9. This is one of the reasons I bought the R8 after watching your videos to use with a jammer down the road.

[@joshbissenden1207]

I didn’t buy my R8 hoping for jammers later, but it is disappointing I can’t add them.

[@bhrodeoaz]

do you know if uniden gave a price point for the stand alone jammer system will cost?

[@RicegumRicebum]

What a betrayal to R4/R8 customers, sad to see such dishonesty and it makes you wonder if they’ll even deliver on the LJs on the W line since they already lied about the normal ones

[@coolwillusa]

Dang, I just got my R8 a month ago. If It won't support laser jammers, I'l get ALP. Which ALP is the best set in the market.

[@BigBushFarms]

Someone should start a class action at this point. The false advertisement is blatant at this point. Basically telling their customer base that they are worthless to them

[@mattgeorge7127]

lol...just picked up the R8, luckily i didn't open it and promptly going back.

[@VortexRadar]

haha good timing

[@mattgeorge7127]

I’ll probably get the cheaper Wi-Fi option. It doesn’t seem to make sense to pay a premium price for these devices. Hope you’re feeling better!

[@xiingli]

Wow, Uniden could've really benefited from hiring an actual designer for that app lol.

[@TWSmith42]

Evil that the laser is not available for the R8. W4nkers. :)

[@Dupree403]

Wow!!! That’s literally why I bought the R8!!!😡

[@RedDog-e7v]

I just want a radar detector to detect radar, not wifi

[@wking8]

Wait until you have to update it. The wifi is much easier

[@uor]

@@wking8 it was never hard to update with a wire

[@Mikegastaldo]

I bought a R4 with the expectation of purchasing front radar jamming and now it's garbage... 😂... what scammers...They should be sued for this..

[@robertshunter]

Uniden is guilty of a bait-and-switch, and I hope someone sues them for it.

[@vortice13]

I'll stick with my V1 Gen2

[@springfever2002]

Uniden needs to do what IWI did for their Tavor TS-12 shotgun customers at the beginning. IWI promised their customers that the Tavor TS-12 would have the ability to switch ejection ports from right to left so that left handed shooters would be able to use the gun without being hit with shells and be able to be converted back. They could not deliver exactly what they promised due to technical reasons, and eventually IWI emailed their customers and made a press release stating that any user wanting the left hand ejection could send their shotguns in to IWI for free. They would just have to pack it properly, and they would convert it and test it. They basically tried to make amends with their customers and do what they could do as what they promised could not be delivered. I really think Uniden needs to do a recall on their R4 and R8 radar detectors if they choose to only support the laser jammers on the R4w and R8w, and replace them free of charge.

[@LeoDodier]

My R 8 is only five weeks old, do you think I would be able to send it in for a hardware update to make it Wi-Fi?

[@fredfrederickson]

No they will make you buy the new one

[@azppmd]

I really appreciate your mindfulness to eliminate filler sounds!!! Very minimal "ums". I love it! No longer detracts for your message nor does it take away from your credibility.

[@nibachoable]

So are there any other performance improvements to the r8w over the r8 other than the wifi and app compatibility? is it more sensitive?

[@VortexRadar]

No. Same performance and everything.

[@jjankord]

Uniden should fire their Engineering Director for a lazy decision to use the easy button and select a chip that isn’t 2.4/5ghz. What a joke.

[@markmiller4595]

This decision makes you wonder if Uniden is starting to go down the dysfunctional Escort path. Many of us lifetime Escort users moved to Uniden when Escort started pulling this type of BS.

[@VortexRadar]

💯I suppose history has a tendency of repeating itself.

[@devonp5079]

TRUE

[@alfredozertuche784]

Can't wait to see once you do your testing before I purchase a Uniden R8w pretty much done with my Escort Redline 360c I don't trust it.

[@Specialist7]

Now debating on returning my R8, kinda disappointed at a company that does this. Kinda like those gaming companies that have early access then when they get money they get lazy.

[@1rstTry]

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

[@pyrofox1029]

Will a phone hotspot work as a wifi connection for updates?

[@DouglasB65]

Hmmm...2.4ghz only? Seems like they jumped the gun on this one. Might as well just stick with the R7 or R8, who wants to sit in their garage for who knows how long waiting for it to connect and update itself? Kinda makes you think that Uniden could've went with another chip company that offered a 2.4/5 ghz chip and not rush these to market half baked.

[@jtp4625]

No place to purchase the r8w on Amazon ? Not seeing it

[@VortexRadar]

Not yet. At launch it’s only direct from Uniden.

[@jtp4625]

@ interesting since they have a store front on Amazon but don’t offer it there. Thanks for the info

[@teslatalk42069]

I hope you are feeling better from Covid

[@Banga927]

So the only difference between the R8 and the R8W is wifi for updates? Thinking about purchasing the R8. Upgrading from an Escort IX in Canada Saskatchewan. Hoping the R8 is worth the upgrade.

[@MrWilsoooon]

The fact that Uniden can support these radars but choses not to is def a way to kill your customer base, early adopters of there new radars should be upset about this.

[@vibingwithvinyl]

I should probably upgrade my R1 to something newer at some point, but RDD immunity is an absolute must for me.

[@RichardsWorld]

We don't want to consider buying one until you review it. So, they should send them to you ASAP.

[@agxnt7649]

I didn’t buy my r8 for the laser jammers integration, but the fact that it would be functional and compatible but they put it behind a new stupid “upgraded” version and force you to jump through hoops to buy the laser jammers is really greedy and disheartening to see. I hope they go back on this.

[@DangaRanga]

I wonder, if that bluetooth chips on a daughter board. because it wouldn't be a large task to self mod and retrofit the wifi chip to existing R series

[@tailsneon556]

I JUST bought an R8. I was planning on getting the jammers for it eventually. Having that option removed is BS frankly. I'm NOT buying an R8w

[@brentmalin8053]

That’s definitely a bad call on uniden. I feel cheated.

[@fredfrederickson]

How disappointing. What other features will they remove in future updates in order to twist your arm into buying their newest products? Feels very deceiving. I have been looking forward for this for a long time what a let down.

[@tomgeorge6865]

My last rd was a Bel I bought from best buy > 30 years ago. Don’t currently have one but looking. I don’t like the way Uniden apparently does business. Is Bel still around?

[@BrandonBentleyWolfeX]

I like the esscort display of speed in my area and wish uniden radar detector could do that as well, cause in my experience the r7 has been amazing at performance in my area, i hate there pulling support on lazer for r8 cause i was getting ready to buy one but now im gonna hold off cause im stuck between getting the redline 360 max and uniden r8 for hooking up a lazer dector system with it , i travel alot and the r7 international has been amazing on picking up lazer but if it wasnt for highway radar / waze app id probably got a tricket from being hit with lazer , also with the redline 360 max bugs , im probably gonna hold off on getting a new detector, the r7 has been great so far even in places where its illegal, i can drive pass a cop undected in stealth mode and still get alerts quick, so my r7 isnt getting replaced anytime soon

[@regsands]

Any word of price for the al a carte components?

[@VortexRadar]

Looks like pricing for the add-ons should be released in January

[@regsands]

Thanks

[@DigitalJazz]

So let me get this straight, unidens app is only available with the W line of detectors now?

[@VortexRadar]

Nope, works with the current BT apps too

[@james10739]

Thats crazy that car manufacturers are not supporting 2.4ghz honestly 5ghz is completely unnecessary for that application

[@ArshMellow]

Wow, I bought the R8 for this reason, what a shit move Uniden, not supporting your radars anymore going to sell mine off.

[@tonyc6996]

Looking to buy hit me up

[@ArshMellow]

@@tonyc6996all the backlash made Uniden change their decision, almost sold mine lmao I guess it’s a keeper now.

[@stelon7615]

The only reason I purchased the R8 was to eventually integrate Uniden's laser jammer into the unit. Looks like we got scammed! Disappointing!!!!😡

[@takenusername]

Even though I knew this was around the corner, I bought an R8 in October. I must be made of money.

[@noName-kn1lx]

Frankly I shouldn’t have to buy a new radar detector to merely update software in 2024. A simple app could do everything this thing does