Just wanted to update on the latest developments in my ever continuing quest for a better Infotainment experience with my XC90.
If you read the Isudar V2 thread you’ll know that the Android Auto experience isn’t as good as we hoped it would be…the resolution isn’t perfect and whilst a good system, I started getting annoyed by the resolution and lack of configurability of the system. It’s simply either a CARPLAY or an Android Auto box, so limited by what configuration is provided by both Google and Isudar. In the case of Android Auto, the minimum resolution is less than ideal and this started grinding my gears over time…
So I bought this:
Made by Hualingan, this is an Android 13 device, with a customised launcher that seems to try to replicate some of the Android Automotive visuals of the newer Volvo systems.
Installation is pretty straightforward, although rather than running CAN wires to the seat base like in the Isudar model, there is a dedicated branch of the wiring loom that connects to the steering column connector. It’s pretty straightforward to install, just requiring 3 screws to remove the lower cowling of the steering column. Plug and play.
For the screen, there is again a Y-connector for the Data cable to the screen….orignal plug into loom, new plug into screen. For the LVDS video signal, there are two separate connectors to the box, as opposed to the Y-Connector that Isudar supply.
There is also a connector that needs to be conncted to the volume control panel. Some of us with the Isudar box had these connectors but they were unused. In this case they are required.
As this device is essentially a full android device, there is a need for GPS & LTE antennas, plus a microphone. I didn’t install the LTE antenna but both the GPS and Mic are installed up to the overhead console, via the A pillar.
Easy enough to install…
Once all installed, the system boots into Android with the main screen giving you access to Navigation, Music etc. These apps can be modified. I have navigation as Google Maps and Spotify as Music.
See video link below for 5 minutes of Android/Android Auto fun!
So, initial impressions are VERY good.
- Screen resolution is absolutely perfect within the Android system. You have full configurability of Screen Size/Font size as per any android phone/tablet. This allows you control over how Google Maps and Spotify appear generally, but of course this is a system-wide setting.
- Switching between the Sensus and Android system is fast. Rather than press & hold, the switch is a double-click on the Sensus screen button….OR, you can press and hold the ‘menu’ button on the steering wheel to achieve the same. This is defintiely an improvement over the sensus system as you don’t need to take your hand of the wheel.
- Reverse/360 Camera switching is very fast. In addition, there are some additional settings that can be accessed to delay the switch off of the camera for 5/10/15 seconds, which is really useful as it kinda replicates the Sensus method meaning that you don’t lose the camera when changing gear navigating for a parking space, which is an annoyance on the Isudar unit.
- Spotify: You get a full Spotify app experience, including visualisations and video should you want it. I’ve actually turned this off now as I found it distracting. Browsing and searching is easy and the screen is fully swipeable for previous/next tracks.
- Google Maps: Depending on how you configure the font/screen sizes above, you get slightly differing layouts. But it’s good. The system is VERY smooth and despite the GPS receiver being installed behind the Camera unit in the windshield, I get great location accuracy.
- Audio quality. This is, to my ears anyway, a better audio solution than the Isudar unit. Even though both use Bluetooth, the sound is ‘fuller’ than when using the Isudar box. Not sure if this is simply placebo, but when using anroid auto on the Hualingan unit, the sound quality also seems a little worse. Possible some additional encapsulation happening that degrades the sound.
- LTE: The box DOES have an LTE Modem built in, however I am not using that. I have simply connected the Box to the Volvo’s Sensus wifi hotspot. Works well and reduces the number of subscriptions i’m paying for!
Now for a note on Android Auto…
The system uses an App called ZLINK5 to interface to your phone. Pair with bluetooth to the appropriate device (there are a few different Bluetooth devices in play here….the system has one for the Android device itself, one for the Audio output to the car and one for the ZLINK5!) an then the Android Auto screen loads up.
Screen resolution is, as far as my 46 year old eyes are concerned, pretty much perfect. Physically the interface is fast and there is only one slight niggle i’ve discovered which is that in AA, when skipping back/forward, you seem to skip forward/backward twice, rather than once. Seems the system gets the instruction from both Android Auto and the CAN interface.
So what’s the verdict? I’m keeping this system. It’s really flexible, allows me access to full Android and AA if I need it.
Cost came in at around £400/$500 with taxes, but I personally think it’s worth the premium.
I’ve also noticed that Hualingan also do their own Android Auto/Carplay device that seems to use similar hardware, but without the Android build. This may be worth a shot for those that are happy with just AA.