The Benefits of Upgrading Your Old Car with an Android Car Stereo
Car stereos are familiar to most drivers, as they accompany you for a long morning commute. But if you’re looking to replace your old stereo with a futuristic one, whether to explore the power of technology or simply to make your journey more convenient, an Android car stereo with GPS and Wi-Fi is a great option. Listening to music or your favorite FM station in your car can help you feel refreshed and provide a peaceful start to your workday or holiday. Why not try something new, like getting traffic data from your stereo navigation system or searching for apps or online videos? An Android car stereo is your key to exploring a new world of in-car infotainment.
What is an Android car stereo?
First, it’s important to understand that a car stereo is the core unit of a vehicle’s infotainment system, providing a variety of functions, including radio tuner, music streaming, CD/DVD playback, and more. After several major technological innovations, a wide variety of car stereos are now available, varying in size, shape, and features, tailored to different vehicle models. An Android car stereo is an upgraded version of a car stereo. It’s a car audio system integrated with the Android operating system and offers advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity, SWC, Z-Link, online/offline map navigation, and Wi-Fi connectivity. With excellent wireless BT and Wi-Fi connectivity and smooth app operation, it’s become the preferred choice for many car owners looking to equip their vehicles with modern car audio. What upgrades can you expect from an Android car stereo? Take a look at the key features below.
Key Features of Android Car Stereo
Are the features mentioned above enough to convince you to add an Android car stereo to your car? If not, you’ll find many more unique advantages. In this technological age, if you want to experience the convenience of technology, here are some key features you can enjoy after retrofitting your car with an Android car stereo.
Smartphone Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto Integration
The most popular feature of in-car entertainment systems is the interaction between the car stereo and your smartphone. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto turn your phone into your car stereo. Through wired or wireless connections, you can access maps and navigation, make calls, and play music. With a larger screen and prominent icons, you can quickly and easily find the apps you need. Furthermore, it effectively prevents driver distraction and improves driving safety by disabling keyboard typing. They allow you to use your phone in the car in a smarter and safer way. Voice control frees our hands from the steering wheel, allowing us to focus on the phone’s small interface or CarPlay screen.
Bluetooth Capacity & Wi-Fi Connectivity
Bluetooth performance is a crucial feature to consider. This allows you to connect your car stereo to your phone or other devices for hands-free calls or music playback. In some cases, Bluetooth also supports navigation and other apps. Powerful chips enable faster connection speeds and more stable Bluetooth signals. The core function of an Android car stereo equipped with a Wi-Fi module is to allow you to use the car stereo like a smartphone, accessing apps, news, weather forecasts, online videos, and real-time traffic data from the internet. Stay connected even while on the road.
Built-in GPS Navigation Module
With a built-in GPS navigation module and map application, you can get precise route directions to your destination. This is very convenient for drivers to stay on track, especially in unfamiliar areas or on long drives. You can also download offline maps for specific areas directly from the Maps app for seamless offline navigation. This feature allows you to use map data even without an internet connection.
Large RAM + ROM Capacity
Android-powered car stereos offer large memory capacities of 1+32GB/2+64GB of RAM + ROM, allowing users to expand their storage space. More specifically, they support downloading a large number of apps, accessing files from external devices like USBs, and searching for media files, map data, and other data online. High memory configurations and a variety of media input methods further enhance in-car convenience. While memory configurations vary by model and price, most manufacturers offer large memory capacities of 2+32GB/4+64GB to meet different purchasing needs and preferences.
Android Car Stereo vs. Generic Car Stereo
When discussing the differences between Android and generic car stereos, you should understand the following:
Operating System: Android car stereos run the Android operating system, allowing access to mobile apps, the internet, online map navigation, and large memory for searching media files. Generic car stereos often have basic operating systems, closed internet environments, limited smartphone integration, poor app compatibility, and even no internal memory.
Display: Most Android car stereos feature larger screens with higher resolutions. Vibrant colors and resized icons create a comfortable interface. While display sizes vary, typical head units typically feature 7-10-inch screens. Generic car stereos, on the other hand, have smaller screens and lower resolution. Who wouldn’t want to invest in a clear display?
Customization: Android car stereos can be customized to suit different car models and specific needs, such as firmware, compatibility with phone versions, and the ability to install additional apps like music and navigation. However, due to limited system capacity, generic car stereos may offer fewer customization options.
Price: Android car stereos are generally more expensive due to their advanced features and powerful performance. Generic car stereos are more affordable but offer fewer features.
Common Types of Android Car Stereo Systems
Before choosing your ideal stereo, you’ll find further guidance on which type of Android car stereo best suits your driving style.
Single-DIN and Double-DIN Systems: DIN is the German Industrial Standard for measuring the dimensions of head units. This is where double-DIN and single-DIN systems get their names. Simply put, a single-DIN stereo measures 2 inches high and 8 inches wide, while a double-DIN stereo measures 4 inches high and 8 inches wide. Choosing a single-DIN or double-DIN system depends on the size of the center console.
Capacitive and Resistive Touchscreens: Capacitive and resistive touchscreens are the two most common touchscreen types today. Capacitive touchscreens are generally easier to use than resistive touchscreens because they interact directly with your finger without receiving pressure signals. If you don’t want the ATM-like screen tapping experience in your car, consider an Android car stereo with a capacitive touchscreen.
External Device Compatibility: Most Android car stereos are compatible with external devices for added functionality, such as microphones, USB, dashcam input, and DAB/OBD2. Compatibility varies by vehicle. It’s recommended to confirm the specific devices available with customer service before purchasing.
How to Choose an Android Car Speaker
Before deciding on an Android car speaker, you should determine the size, most desired features, and budget to better determine which one is right for your car. Below are some popular recommendations on the market for your reference. All of the car speakers we mentioned above feature large 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreens. However, if you’re still unsure about choosing the best Android car speaker, and you want one that includes nearly all the latest features, the Dickcar DCA3048 is a perfect choice. Now, the decision is yours. Simply choose based on your budget, preferences, and needs.