[frankmehta]

Hi! I have a Nexon EV XM since almost 3 years, which comes with a monochrome basic bluetooth head unit, albeit, with AC readout (my car has automatic climate control, but no other screen to display AC controls, other than the monochrome head unit)


In the first few weeks of owning the car, I came to the conclusion that a reverse camera, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay are a must, so I fell for the android head unit trap.
I say trap, because, to put it lightly, it sounds like garbage. The software is antiquated, and so is the processor, and basic daily functions like reliably connecting a phone to it, is either a long chore, or is fraught with frequent disconnections due to the garbage 'ZLink' workaround that feels like a jugaad to get AA/Carplay working. The microphone and telephony are also below average, and bluetooth streaming too are appalling and underwhelming. I have come to hate Android units, and going by their slow hardware growth and woefully unsecured (mostly Chinese) OS'es, would prefer having a better way to do things in the car.
I have a Drivn 4GB/64GB Android head unit, but the software is an absolute pain, and I would like to shift out of the Android Head Unit EcoSystem as I think it is not for me.

I have 2 issues with that:
1. As I mentioned, my AC readout is on the Android Head unit (as it is the ONLY medium that supports CanBus readouts)
2. I can't really make too many electrical changes, as warranty and electric car stigma.

Can someone suggest a way by which :
1. I can have my AC display somewhere else
2. And I can replace this android unit with a GOOD, SOLID Sony/Pioneer Wireless AA/Carplay unit with a decent reverse camera, and call it a happy ending.

Looking forward to a constructive suggestion/s, as I, for the love of God, can't really figure out a way to display the AC temperature in a Sony/Pioneer unit as it is not CANBUS enabled

[IshaanIan]

Sounds like a real pickle you’re in and I’m sorry I don’t have any solutions rather a few questions; is a reverse camera really that important aren’t all four corners of a tall hatchback like the Nexon easy to judge? Also what advantages do you gain by using Apple car play/ Android auto? Are there any particular functions I am missing out on?

Excuse me for asking what may seem basic questions but I am just curious about these things because it has been years since I bought a new car and resent the way the market has evolved over the past decade perhaps there are a few developments that I am missing out on due to not realising their importance or usefulness

[Venkatesh.C]

Sir, I feel that reverse sensor + camera is one of the more useful inventions. It is a good safety device and is a good complement to the good old habit of keeping one hand behind the passenger seat as you look back and reverse steering with the other hand. Have listed a few typical situations where this device helps.

- Bikes/cycles or any protrusion that is below the line of sight and can come in contact with your car when reversing our of tight spots.Say, you come back from shopping and miss to notice that someone has squeezed their bike behind your vehicle and the bike is on a side stand that you cant see out of your rear view mirror. If you are someone who diligently practices a vehicle walk around before pulling out, you may not have this challenge.

- Pedestrians who do not wait while you are trying to reverse. In busy streets pedestrians walking with children dont care about their safety when crossing a reversing vehicle and expect you to stop. A camera + buzzer can help detect kids passing by your car as you reverse.

- It can help make the best out of tight parking spots when you do not have a spotter telling you if you are too close to a vehicle behind.

[Arshad YR]

I would suggest you to put the stock head unit back. There are rearview mirrors in which you can integrate reverse cameras so you can consider one of those or you can put a small display for the camera itself. For Android auto and Apple carplay you can use a cheap tablet. I think there's a thread in Teambhp on how to use a tablet for android auto/carplay.
If you can source a stock head unit from a top end model that would be a good option too. You can ask in the service centre if they can procure a new one and install it for you or try finding one from a crashed car or scrap market.

[Rocketscience]

Originally Posted by frankmehta

Hi! I have a Nexon EV XM since almost 3 years, which comes with a monochrome basic bluetooth head unit, albeit, with AC readout (my car has automatic climate control, but no other screen to display AC controls, other than the monochrome head unit)


Looking forward to a constructive suggestion/s, as I, for the love of God, can't really figure out a way to display the AC temperature in a Sony/Pioneer unit as it is not CANBUS enabled

How about getting the exact same HU as the higher variants and calling it a day, you can get part number from Boodmo/oriparts.
It could be expensive but is the best and most elegant solution for this, alternatively you can try with Karol Bagh distributors, OLX or car accessories dealers to either get it at discounted price or a slightly used one.
Finding a used one can be a long shot but worth perusing for the money you will save over buying it directly from Tata.

All the best!

[frankmehta]

Originally Posted by IshaanIan

Sounds like a real pickle you’re in and I’m sorry I don’t have any solutions rather a few questions; is a reverse camera really that important aren’t all four corners of a tall hatchback like the Nexon easy to judge? Also what advantages do you gain by using Apple car play/ Android auto? Are there any particular functions I am missing out on?

Excuse me for asking what may seem basic questions but I am just curious about these things because it has been years since I bought a new car and resent the way the market has evolved over the past decade perhaps there are a few developments that I am missing out on due to not realising their importance or usefulness

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay make it easier to play music and navigate. There is no other subsititute for them as of now, and they are very easy to use, esp while driving.
A reverse camera is a must when you have multiple people driving the car, as all may not be comfortable without it. I prefer it to check if any animals/children are present behind the car etc before reversing.

[vshankarhere]

I guess, with Nexon's dashboard design, it might not support double-din chassis. Would suggest 2 options. For an android HU, try MOCO brand with higher specs, have seen them to have a fluid interface. Else, Alpine Halo 509e or 511e in the higher end. With wireless AA ,ACP and other features it will be worth the spend.

[frankmehta]

Originally Posted by Arshad YR

I would suggest you to put the stock head unit back. There are rearview mirrors in which you can integrate reverse cameras so you can consider one of those or you can put a small display for the camera itself. For Android auto and Apple carplay you can use a cheap tablet. I think there's a thread in Teambhp on how to use a tablet for android auto/carplay.
If you can source a stock head unit from a top end model that would be a good option too. You can ask in the service centre if they can procure a new one and install it for you or try finding one from a crashed car or scrap market.

Originally Posted by Rocketscience

How about getting the exact same HU as the higher variants and calling it a day, you can get part number from Boodmo/oriparts.
It could be expensive but is the best and most elegant solution for this, alternatively you can try with Karol Bagh distributors, OLX or car accessories dealers to either get it at discounted price or a slightly used one.
Finding a used one can be a long shot but worth perusing for the money you will save over buying it directly from Tata.

All the best!

thanks guys! I explored the option of the higher end unit, but have got coloured costing from 30k to 85k. Can someone source it for me for the correct price? Apparently, it requires the screen itself, and a control box. I also have to establish if the Control Box is compatible with the EV XM or not!

Originally Posted by vshankarhere

I guess, with Nexon's dashboard design, it might not support double-din chassis. Would suggest 2 options. For an android HU, try MOCO brand with higher specs, have seen them to have a fluid interface. Else, Alpine Halo 509e or 511e in the higher end. With wireless AA ,ACP and other features it will be worth the spend.

dual din can be installed. if i can find the AC control to work in any other way, I will be very happy to install a higher end Pioneer/Sony/Alpine

[troublenikhil]

There are portable car stereo displays available from many chinese brands which are cheaper than the head units and can be mounted on dashboard which can retain your stock display and gives you secondary display for AA/Carplay.

[frankmehta]

Originally Posted by troublenikhil

There are portable car stereo displays available from many chinese brands which are cheaper than the head units and can be mounted on dashboard which can retain your stock display and gives you secondary display for AA/Carplay.

This is what I was exploring. But do they have a reverse camera attachment? And bigger question, how do they sound?

[audioholic]

Originally Posted by frankmehta

thanks guys! I explored the option of the higher end unit, but have got coloured costing from 30k to 85k. Can someone source it for me for the correct price? Apparently, it requires the screen itself, and a control box. I also have to establish if the Control Box is compatible with the EV XM or not!

dual din can be installed. if i can find the AC control to work in any other way, I will be very happy to install a higher end Pioneer/Sony/Alpine

Try getting it over OLX or from someone scrapping the vehicle. Wiring should not be a fuss when you have already been into the ICE scene from a long time. The head unit itself is the control box and the display is just a display so you will need both. When I was able to find a Toyota HU that costed more than a lakh at 16k you should not be paying more than 10-15k for a used Nexon unit The demand is just not there and people will end up dropping prices.

End of the day, for the average non audiophile customer, a 15k android unit will be more convincing than a second hand OE head unit. So no way these units will sell for 30-85k at least in the used market.

I dont have personal experience but have heard a good deal about the android units coming from Blaupunkt which are also chinese units but with good middleware to handle better ACP/AA integration. That can also be an option to consider.

[frankmehta]

i think the tata units are bound to a VIN. It's a big risk to take. Esp after I have safely burnt 30k into this garbage android system.

If anyone on the forum has done it, I will be more than happy to take the plunge.

[d3mon]

Actually you don't need to replace the head unit at all. Keep it stock, and just install an additional screen like the one I've listed below.

I'm using a similar device for more than 6 months now in my amaze and it's fantastic. Super reliable wireless AA / carplay auto connection, zero lag and no installation needed. Just connect USB-C power, stick it on your dash and off you go.
You can get different variants - either just the screen (For AA / carplay), ones with reverse camera and front/rear dashcam built in as well. All this for USD 80-120, which is fantastic VFM.

https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-CarP...%2C299&sr=8-10

(Image from the net)

[TorqueIndia]

Originally Posted by frankmehta

Hi! I have a Nexon EV XM since almost 3 years, which comes with a monochrome basic bluetooth head unit, albeit, with AC readout (my car has automatic climate control, but no other screen to display AC controls, other than the monochrome head unit)

Hi,
I will suggest you to go either with a good quality plug n play portable screen retaining the current XM head unit.
Aoocci


or go ahead with SONY XAV 8100 free standing single din headunit.

Pros:
Good quality output
9" screen
HDMI
Reliability and performance
Less than 30K
Available with or without dash trim kit.

Cons :
Wired AA/CP
Resistive screen but easy to use.

[Comrade]

Originally Posted by frankmehta

Can someone suggest a way by which :
1. I can have my AC display somewhere else
2. And I can replace this android unit with a GOOD, SOLID Sony/Pioneer Wireless AA/Carplay unit with a decent reverse camera, and call it a happy ending.

You can consider Blaupunkt B910U (aka San Andreas 970). It’s not android OS but has same 9-inch tapered form-factor.

It has stable linux-based OS with OEM like simple UI, which cannot be modified at all.

Has canbus support, especially for Nexon’s harman system.

Audio quality is good (as good as Isuzu OEM player) but not sure if it’s harman-good (heard greatthings about Nexon’s audio system)

Has certified wireless AA and ACP (not software work around). Connection is very stable.

Has Front USB-C and rear USB-A inputs. Has good media player for usb storage unlike android headunits. There are some minor bugs with usb media player but not show-stoppers.

Has good bluetooth connectivity with good inbuilt mic.

Has decent radio (FM) interface but a bit lacking here. Reception is ok.

https://youtu.be/RgPD4P0XuDo?si=DZM1LheHvWHZiGwR