Just picked up a Carlinkkit TBox running Android 12

[domanows]

For those who may be interested, I just picked up a Carlinkkit TBox. For $199, I am really impressed at the features.
You just plug it in to the USB port and it loads up as an Apple Car Play device. In fact however, it is a fully functioning Android 12 device which among other things can provide wireless Android Auto and Apple Car play to the Explorer.

I found it somewhat dumb that Ford didn't include a wireless option for the Sync 3x systems in 2023 when I can buy an aftermarket Kenwood head unit for $300 that has the feature.

It also allows audio playback by artist,genre etc and movie playback from either a hotspot (which I don't use) or an SD card (which I loaded with audio and movies) Additionally, you can load any other android apps. I loaded RetroArch connected it with 2 bluetooth controllers and now my kid can play Contra or Dr. Mario off the screen.

I just thought I would drop a comment in if anyone was contemplating picking one of these things up. For someone who always replaces their head units, I was disappointed with the Sync 3.x functionality, and even more disappointed that I can't tear it out and put something aftermarket in.

The Carlinkkit seems like a decent compromise. I have the big screen in my Explorer and unfortunately, the CarLinkkit only uses the top portion.

 

[st8]

Yeah I’ve been wanting to pick one of these up but not for what they’re charging. Once they’re around $100 or so, I’ll bite. Glad to hear you’re enjoying it though. If it could make things full screen I’d buy at whatever cost lol

 

[domanows]

It was $199, It boots up pretty quick, I like the wireless android auto as well. I don't like that when I exit it doesn't continue to play media in the background

 

[viking]

Nice to know there is a solution like this out there. Still disappointed it only uses top 3rd of screen tho

 

[st8]

It was $199, It boots up pretty quick, I like the wireless android auto as well. I don't like that when I exit it doesn't continue to play media in the background

Does it display the correct music info in the center screen? I know that is an issue with several adapters.

 

[domanows]

No. There it doesn't have the CANBus connection to do that.
It also does some funky volume things when you are playing music through it, have wireless android auto enabled and ask google to send a text. The music doesn't stop, it changes tone (best I can describe it) and the volume lowers slightly.

 

[st8]

No. There it doesn't have the CANBus connection to do that.
It also does some funky volume things when you are playing music through it, have wireless android auto enabled and ask google to send a text. The music doesn't stop, it changes tone (best I can describe it) and the volume lowers slightly.

What do you canbus connector? My play old CarPlay wireless adapter displays music info properly on the center screen and on the screen with the gauges.

 

[SFD295]

Yeah I’ve been wanting to pick one of these up but not for what they’re charging. Once they’re around $100 or so, I’ll bite. Glad to hear you’re enjoying it though. If it could make things full screen I’d buy at whatever cost lol

They're roughly $108 on AliExpress. Bummer it only uses top of screen. That's my biggest gripe with Android Auto on the ST.

 

[st8]

They're roughly $108 on AliExpress. Bummer it only uses top of screen. That's my biggest gripe with Android Auto on the ST.

Oh wow nice. May have to look into that then. My adapter has very consistent so hate to go away from it but for 108, very tempting.