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CarPlay aftermarket - anyone tried this?

186K views 404 replies 66 participants last post by  Simon J 
#1 ·
I have come across a Company claiming to offer an aftermarket solution to add wireless Apple CarPlay to the 8" InControl Touch displays:

https://unique-ad.co.uk/product/wireless-carplay-interface-for-land-rover-discovery-sport-range-rover-evoque-discovery-5/

Has anyone tried this? I can't tell if this is a serious solution, but may be the only option as Land Rover seemingly have no plans to offer CarPlay support :cry:
 
#2 ·
Funnily enough, I found this product today - I'd also like to know if anyone has any experience of it. I've emailed them to ask for a few more details and to request the installation instructions. I had a response to ask for the VIN number of my car, but nothing else so far.

It would appear, at first glance, that this system is likely to be better than the only other one that I've found in the UK (Xcarlink), since it supports Wireless CarPlay. It's also cheaper than the Xcarlink option.

I'll update this thread if I get any more information from them.

Dave.
 
#3 ·
I had a long online chat session this morning about the Wireless CarPlay Device. The first thing to note is that this is a very new product, first customer shipments start towards the end of next week.

According to the responder:

  • Installation just requires a bit of trim removal - Dash Side Panel, Inner Panel behind Centre Console, side trim below console, dash panels either side of the radio
  • No modifications, such as drilling/cutting panels are required
  • It uses a second microphone for Siri, but the existing one for phone calls
  • Once the panels are removed, installation is just plug & play
  • Factory reverse camera will continue to work as designed
  • To use climate control and other standard Manu items, you need to switch out of CarPlay by a long press on the Home button
  • An experienced installer would expect to take about 3 hours to install, so someone that hasn't done it before would probably take a bit longer
  • The parent company IDCORE designed and engineered the device, but it is manufactured in their own factory in China.
  • The UK office is in Exeter
  • The device is fully CE approved.

They're planning on updating their website with more details and pictures of the system this afternoon.

There is also an, almost, identical system available from JoyAuto https://www.joyeauto.com/land-rover-discovery-5-jaguar-f-pace-wifi-wireless-apple-carplay-airplay-solution/ which is quite a bit cheaper, but JoyAuto are based in China and do not appear to have any UK representation.

I shall probably go with the Unique AD device, even though it's more expensive, purely for the UK support.

I'll post further information if/when I get hold of the device.

Regards,
Dave.
 
#4 ·
Im interested in following this. Post some pictures / videos of the actual installation and then the finished product if you can :)

Would they be interested in a group buy? Im sure there are quite a few others that would love to get CarPlay or Android Auto in their Discos.
 
#5 ·
One thing that comes to mind is how does this output the sound to the speakers? Is it using the main original head unit still or is it like the Joyeauto one which uses the Aux connection?

Im not even sure how thats done... if its a cable to the AUX socket then thats a bit of a pain.
 
#7 ·
I've bitten the bullet and placed an order, they start shipping on 14th November, so it shouldn't be too long 'till I receive the package. Once I receive it, I'll have to make a judgement call on whether or not I'm up to installing it myself or if I should get someone else to do it for me (trust me, if I am able to do it, anyone will be).

Regarding the audio, I think it connects to the AUX input of the standard head unit - if it's like a video I saw of a similar installation in a Disco 3, I expect there is an AUX input on the head unit that gets used, rather than the one in the centre console (of course, that may mean that the centre console one is disabled). All will be revealed when the kit arrives (I hope).

Dave.
 
G
#8 ·
Do not assume that a CE logo on their website, packaging or products is a referent to safety - its often used by low cost Chinese sellers whcih when challenged claim it's China Export !

Hope it all works out well though - it's a pricey solution to my eyes but others will think its value for money
 
#9 ·
I'll be very interested to hear how your installation goes, and how clear the installation instructions are. It is of course a shame that Land Rover haven't come up with an official solution, but given their laziness products such as these are going to be the only option. Fingers crossed it's a viable option!
 
#11 ·
Hi,

Tomorrow my '16 with 8" screen goes in for the installation of the Xcarlink option. This is being done by Audiofile-Incar of Bishops Stortford. They previously installed an audio setup to replace the woeful LR system so I can highly recommend them.

I will post once installed.
 
#12 ·
This looks like a very promising "project" thread.

I'd be very interested which units support wireless carplay/Android Auto? (looking at the Joyeaut and Unique audio sites, it looks like they do)

My ideal setup would be to replace the trinket tray under the terrain response buttons with a QI charging mat (forum post: https://www.discosportforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=10346 and a suitable wireless carplay module from this thread . The phone can then wirelessly charge and connect to the module all with no wires.

Other caveats, the original reversing camera/parking sensors must be supported along with the steering wheel controls.

Excited to see what install photos appear...

BB
 
#17 ·
davep1628 said:
@D3GGY

OK - didn't want anyone to think that that was a quick and cheap solution for their Discovery Sport (although it might work with the Factory CarPlay for the In Connect Touch Pro owners).

Dave.
That's the reason I posted for those who already have CarPlay. Looking forward to no wires for CarPlay as I really like how CarPlay handles calls.
 
#18 ·
lionshead said:
Hi,

Tomorrow my '16 with 8" screen goes in for the installation of the Xcarlink option. This is being done by Audiofile-Incar of Bishops Stortford. They previously installed an audio setup to replace the woeful LR system so I can highly recommend them.

I will post once installed.
How did your installation go? Are you pleased with the result? How much did you get charged for the work?

Regards,
Dave.
 
#19 ·
davep1628 said:
I've bitten the bullet and placed an order, they start shipping on 14th November, so it shouldn't be too long 'till I receive the package. Once I receive it, I'll have to make a judgement call on whether or not I'm up to installing it myself or if I should get someone else to do it for me (trust me, if I am able to do it, anyone will be).

Regarding the audio, I think it connects to the AUX input of the standard head unit - if it's like a video I saw of a similar installation in a Disco 3, I expect there is an AUX input on the head unit that gets used, rather than the one in the centre console (of course, that may mean that the centre console one is disabled). All will be revealed when the kit arrives (I hope).

Dave.
Just received notification that my CarPlay kit shipped today, so it will arrive at work the early part of next week - too late for me to install it this weekend, but, hopefully, the weather might be better next weekend anyway.

When it arrives, I'll post photos of the contents of the kit.

Dave.
 
#20 ·
I got mine this week. Am hoping to be be able to fit it this weekend but am a little nervous about removing the trim and being able to connect it up. Have been looking at the TOPIx documents for the console trim and im hoping i dont have to do everything they suggest and that only certain parts need to be removed to get it installed.
 
#21 ·
mwknox@mail.com said:
I got mine this week. Am hoping to be be able to fit it this weekend but am a little nervous about removing the trim and being able to connect it up. Have been looking at the TOPIx documents for the console trim and im hoping i dont have to do everything they suggest and that only certain parts need to be removed to get it installed.
Wow, that's quick considering it had to be shipped from China!

Did they not include fitting instructions in the kit?

Dave.
 
#22 ·
It was really fast shipping, like three days...

No instructions but i did know that before becuase i was asking the seller before I bought it. They give you one one bit of paper which is in chinese on one side and from my google translate its more about the operation once installed and on the other its a wiring diagram.

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#25 ·
mwknox@mail.com said:
Well, after 3 hours and dismantling most of the front dash I got the thing installed and it didn't bloody work.... I'll reach out to the supplier and see if its a faulty unit or a cable or if its something else.
That's not good - did you discover that before or after you put the dashboard back together again?

Was the dashboard removal difficult, or just time consuming?

Dave.
 
#26 ·
I found out before I put the dash back together but i still had to reassemble half of it to plug the climate control back in so it didnt throw any errors.

I got a response from JoyeAuto actually telling me that I had plugged it in wrong. Thats why it didnt work. So I'll try again next weekend. I will also suggest that they clearly update their documentation.

It was more time consuming than anything else lots and lots of screws and one in particular holding the LCD in place in the top right hand corner near the steering wheel mines a RHD) was a real PIA!! It was hidden beind some plastic that I couldnt figure out clearly how to remove but was able to bend it just enough to get at the screw.

Anyway all hope is not lost so I'll give it another go and post the results on here.
 
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