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.
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.
