Maybe your vehicle’s stereo has gone kaput, or perhaps it’s time for an upgrade. Maybe you’re just tired of humming along to a washed-out, tinny sound. Whatever the reason, an aftermarket head unit is usually the solution. Many people have Android smartphones and would also like to take advantage of Android Auto, which allows popular phone features to be projected into the vehicle’s dash. No matter the need, there are several options available, but before you run out and buy a new stereo, consider these things first:
Now that you know what you need to get started, let’s take a look at our picks for the best Android Auto head units:
The AVH-W4500NEX is our pick for the best overall Android Auto-capable head unit. It also runs Apple CarPlay, but the big story here is the screen, which is one of the sharpest available in 2020. It also offers wireless connections for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a feature usually reserved for the most expensive vehicles.
Behind the scenes, the Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX features a variety of input and output connections, as well as a CD/DVD drive. Current pricing ranges from $450 to $550, though discounts can be found across the internet.
If your vehicle only has a single installation slot, also known as a single-DIN unit, your choices for big-screen aftermarket head units are quite limited. That makes the AVH-3300NEX even more special because it features a fold-out design that allows a full, 7.0-inch screen to tuck away into a very compact space. For drivers who want a big screen, you can’t do better than this Pioneer unit. The 3300’s interface is flexible and straightforward, and the software supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There’s a CD/DVD player, too, though most users will be happy with their connected smartphone.
One big downside to the fold-out design is that it can feel flimsy or unstable while the vehicle is moving. It would be best if you weren’t viewing the screen while on the road anyway — so this might not be an issue. Current pricing of Pioneer AVH-3300NEX is between $280 and $430, depending on where you shop, and discounts are widely available.
If you’re looking for an Android Auto or an Apple CarPlay enabled tuner, the Sony XAV-AX500 is the most affordable option we found on the market. The 6.95-inch display isn’t the largest on our list, but it still provides a bright, crisp, crystal clear image. As a bonus, it pairs easily with several popular backup cameras.
Of course, if you opt for the Sony unit’s attractive price point, you have to forgo a few advanced features. Since this unit doesn’t include an optical drive, you won’t be able to listen to CDs or watch DVDs with the Sony XAV-AX500. With the unit’s BlueTooth capabilities, this shouldn’t pose much of a problem.
Another feature you’ll miss out on with this budget buy is the iDatalink adapter, which is necessary to link the controls on your steering wheel to the tuner unit itself. The Sony XAV-AX500 features volume controls on its face, but all steering wheel-based audio controls will be inoperable. Some users won’t even consider an Android Auto head like the XAV-AX500 that doesn’t connect to the steering controls. But this is a hard unit to beat if you’re on a tight budget. Even if your car is a dinosaur, it can benefit from modern technology add-ons like Android Auto head units. You can tune out some of those old car noises by adding one of these tuners that allow you to stream music to your favorite vehicle.
BYD has launched the third-generation Qin Plus DM-i in China, and the first thing that caught my eye is its price. According to CarNewsChina, the plug-in hybrid sedan starts at 79,900 yuan, which is about $11,980. That’s an incredibly low price for a brand-new car, especially by US standards.
What’s even more impressive is the range. The Qin Plus DM-i can drive up to 137 miles on electricity alone, which should cover most people’s daily commutes without using a drop of gas. Once the battery runs out, the 1.5-liter engine takes over. Thanks to its 17-gallon tank and roughly 91 mpg with a drained battery, the combined range reaches up to 1,423 miles.
Apple won the PC market’s worst quarter, but that’s not the entire story. It won the race by stumbling less than everyone else.
PC makers shipped just 57 million computers worldwide in Q3, which might look good, but it’s a 21% year-over-year plunge (via Counterpoint Research). And despite Apple’s Mac shipments falling by 11%, to 5.6 million, its market share rose from 8.7% to 9.8%. How did that happen?
Update (October 22 23:54 PT): In response to our query, GM clarified that offline recording support is already available on eligible vehicles. Like Tesla's Sentry Mode, it requires owners to connect a USB drive to save incident recordings, which can be viewed on the vehicle's infotainment screen. The upcoming Connected Cameras feature will build on this by giving owners remote access to these recordings via the revamped OnStar app, allowing them to check footage without walking out to their car.
General Motors has announced plans to add a new Connected Cameras feature to its OnStar service starting next year, giving drivers a way to monitor parked vehicles remotely and capture footage of certain incidents.