Who else had an immediate thought “Wonder if someone will program the Bluetooth to sync and display through CarPlay…..?” That would be EPIC, obviously only for iOS users 🙏🏾🙏🏾. Great video as always Vortex thank you!!
Oh I see that very difficult to happen. There are a lot of rules to limit anything that is casted to a car's screen. Someone would say "My car has a huge screen would be nice to play some videos so my kid is entertained during a trip" well California made sure that cant be done, because of safely. In fact teslas are in conflict with the max screen size on a car dashboard :D
@@nickguzmang their loophole is that it’s a “map app” with the alerts overlay. For the same to be granted for the R8, the app would have to be redesigned. R8 Companion app does have a map, but it just opens the Apple Maps from within the app. I wonder if they have to develop their own map program instead.
I have used this app, and V1 Driver on an R8. While having these apps is a blessing to radar detectors, in the end the R8 Companion was the clear winner. The ultimate judge was my wife who hates radar detectors because of the noise. She gives R8 Companion 2 thumbs up. I am totally impressed and didn’t even know these apps existed until a couple months ago.
I have been using this for a short while now. I hope someday we can change all of the R8 settings too. The app is actually faster than the actual R8. So far, so good.
If you want a different action camera like a GoPro I would recommend checking out the DJI Osmo Action 3 or 4. I've had GoPro's for a while but the software on them isn't great and they either overheat to much or they get too cold and shut down.
Thanks for the heads up! Yeah I'm a couple generations behind on GoPros so perhaps next time it's time to upgrade, I'll take a look at the DJI options more closely. :)
Great review! Downloaded the app and paired it successfully. Any idea how to make it so it doesn’t play through CarPlay and just through the phone? Find it pretty disruptive. Thanks.
Can you get the beeping alert on the phone? When I’m riding my bike I use V1 driver on my phone through my speakers on the helmet but it only tells me the k band and signal doesn’t really beep. There’s any way to change it to the beeping alert on r8 companion?
So if you have the R4, do you get R4 Companion or Highway Radar. I have both android and apple. I want to have custom GPS lockouts and improved BSM filtering. Thanks.
Wondering if you have a preference between this and V1Driver? I’m in the beta of V1Driver. They appear to have pretty similar functionality, but this one may have some additional features? With these apps fully functional does that put the R8 back to your daily driver or still sticking with the redline?
Still gotta test things like the different BSM filtering approaches, compare background reconnection, etc. Overall I have been switching back to the R8 given its faster responsiveness and iOS support to quiet down BSM’s.
@@VortexRadar thanks! Looking forward to some follow up. I’ve also been trying to monitor HwRadar coming to iOS. It’s awesome to have some app choices for the R8 now and I appreciate your coverage!
@@VortexRadarHey vortex what are your final thoughts about the apps a month later? I’m trying to figure out which one I should buy but would like to know if you still find yourself using the R8 Companion more.
@@bslcars2352 I’ve had the R8 for quite some time without knowing the IOS app was out and I love it. Gonna get the app today and start using that too. The R8 stand alone is so responsive which I why I got it so I have time to slowdown. It hits radars before cresting a hill or around a long curve.
R8 has a port on it. Maybe in the future, no time is set, it will be able to have laser defuser added to it. It will more than likely be a situation where it must be pro installed.
Not sure yet. I'm curious how some of the BSM filtering features compare like V1Driver's boxes vs. R8 Companion's Advanced False Assist. V1Driver has been working a lot on automatic connection stuff and it's been varying during development. So far R8 Companion has been pretty good, but I still need a lot more seat time with it, especially doing things like reconnecting the next day without fiddling with the app.
@@VortexRadar Sweet, keep us updated maybe even a future video on it would be possible? I already have v1 driver debating on whether I should try out R8 companion unfortunately I did not get into the beta testing so I am going to have to wait for public access. Really appreciate you keeping us in the loop with all of this. Thanks!
I have had the V1 version for some time and it has evolved quite nicely. I use it over the V1driver. I am looking forward to the DS1 addition and strongly considering getting an R8.
First impressions. Changed the bandwidth settings in my R8 from Narrow to Wide, and turned on the Signal Strength filter in the Companion app (K band), and immediately saw a HUGE decrease in false alarms, mostly from other car's BSM. Highly recommended. (although I suppose that Uniden could just make that a feature of the R8)
I’m wondering if the app will work without cellular? Reason is I have a spare phone with no service but would run this app via BT to the R8 and my main phone I would run Waze.
@@ecoboostedfuze omg it did it twice to me I returned it and thought there’s no way that will happen again so I didn’t get the warranty but low and behold it happened again but after the 30 days or whatever
Hey, A question, when do you think Highway radar will get an update for the cross muting? For example how in this video you muted the signal on the app and it also muted it on the detector. For me on highway radar I still have to individually mute the app and the radar detector if lets say theres a KA band signal. If you need clarification as to what I meant let me know. Thanks in advance.
@@eliparker5828 Me as well..Bought the R8 about 5 months ago , but do not see any Bluetooth option when I go through the setting as the app says to do??
@@robhannonmusic so I actually had to plug in the radar to my MacBook (pc or laptop will work also) and had to update the radar with the current software. You need to install the updater from uniden first though which can be found by looking it up on Google and there should be a download link. After that Bluetooth was available.
Question- getting consistent “Bluetooth disconnected” notifications anytime I press the physical mute button on the R8 cord. Does anyone have a fix for this? Running iOS (iPhone 14 pro) and R8 companion both with latest software. It’s difficult for me to hit the mute button on the phone itself due to its location while charging on a wireless pad.
Hi I’m trying to get in contact with you to ask a very important question regarding downloading or figuring out how fast we’re going at the time of a KA band detection. I recently had an issue where I was actually pulled over for going too slow and the companion seems to show the speed if there’s a warning yet if there’s a band then it just says GPS turned off or something of that sort. I’m trying to currently message you on Instagram but it says that your account is not accepting any new messages. This could really really help me out if you know the answer to please let me know how I could potentially email or otherwise message you Thank you so much you I’ve been a huge help!
Sorry but I turn off messages because I get bombarded by them to the point where I could no longer test stuff and make videos if I tried answering all the questions. If you need help with things, your best bet is to head to the forums. You can even find the author of the companion apps there. 👍 www.rdforum.org/
@@VortexRadarcan CarPlay show Waze while this app is running on the phone screen? And what will the car announce if there’s a radar hit and Waze needs to tell you to turn?
Bonjour, I'm wondering if the R4 getting anything 🇨🇵 I hope you and your family are well please 🥰 Thank you so much for🙏 anything you take your time and effort, it's worth anything you do,, And I want to say Thank you for sharing with us ❤️
@@brianknapp1402 Nope, it requires the proper HW for bluetooth. The only reason the R4 and the R8 got this capability with a firmware upgrade is because the HW was already present, but disabled while UNIDEN developed the proper SW to handle it. The SW alone is no good without the HW
I mentioned this at the very beginning, but we already have one available and it was available long before we started getting iOS apps. Please check out my video on Highway Radar.
I just can’t use the R8’s anymore. The rattling is unbearable. I have four of them and all are the same. In fact I even epoxied one to the supplied suction mount, but it didn’t make any difference. In contrast, the Redline 360c (which isn’t as good IMO), doesn’t make any noise. It’s crazy how cheaply made the R8 is. Such a shame.
I imagine these sweats driving their car while peering into their connected phones looking for the fuzz so they can reach this destination 3 minutes early. Then proceed to sit at their destination fingering their phone for 5 minutes before they get out of the car.
@@VortexRadar the radar lost range in the front for some reason. It was only picking up ka band from the back. I sent it in to get repaired and same thing even with having latest updates.
Who else had an immediate thought “Wonder if someone will program the Bluetooth to sync and display through CarPlay…..?” That would be EPIC, obviously only for iOS users 🙏🏾🙏🏾. Great video as always Vortex thank you!!
Great question, also wondering why escort apps don’t work on CarPlay.
That's up to Apple as I understand it. They keep Car Play display locked down.
Love this guy! Thanks for all your updates, great news here 😊
It would be awesome if there was eventually a app for CarPlay with the R8
Oh I see that very difficult to happen. There are a lot of rules to limit anything that is casted to a car's screen. Someone would say "My car has a huge screen would be nice to play some videos so my kid is entertained during a trip" well California made sure that cant be done, because of safely. In fact teslas are in conflict with the max screen size on a car dashboard :D
@@koryyyyescort pulled it off. The R8 Companion developer can as well.
@koryyyy escort redline has it on carplay and android auto
@@nickguzmang their loophole is that it’s a “map app” with the alerts overlay. For the same to be granted for the R8, the app would have to be redesigned.
R8 Companion app does have a map, but it just opens the Apple Maps from within the app.
I wonder if they have to develop their own map program instead.
I have used this app, and V1 Driver on an R8. While having these apps is a blessing to radar detectors, in the end the R8 Companion was the clear winner. The ultimate judge was my wife who hates radar detectors because of the noise. She gives R8 Companion 2 thumbs up. I am totally impressed and didn’t even know these apps existed until a couple months ago.
I have been using this for a short while now. I hope someday we can change all of the R8 settings too. The app is actually faster than the actual R8. So far, so good.
I'm pretty happy with my R7 on a Mithheru 150 build but this does make it tempting to step up to an R8.
As always, THANK YOU for radar news coverage
If you want a different action camera like a GoPro I would recommend checking out the DJI Osmo Action 3 or 4. I've had GoPro's for a while but the software on them isn't great and they either overheat to much or they get too cold and shut down.
Thanks for the heads up! Yeah I'm a couple generations behind on GoPros so perhaps next time it's time to upgrade, I'll take a look at the DJI options more closely. :)
Hmmm no R7 support not even with a Bluetooth dongle ie Valentine V1?
Great review! Downloaded the app and paired it successfully. Any idea how to make it so it doesn’t play through CarPlay and just through the phone? Find it pretty disruptive. Thanks.
Can you get the beeping alert on the phone? When I’m riding my bike I use V1 driver on my phone through my speakers on the helmet but it only tells me the k band and signal doesn’t really beep. There’s any way to change it to the beeping alert on r8 companion?
So if you have the R4, do you get R4 Companion or Highway Radar. I have both android and apple. I want to have custom GPS lockouts and improved BSM filtering. Thanks.
Wondering if you have a preference between this and V1Driver? I’m in the beta of V1Driver. They appear to have pretty similar functionality, but this one may have some additional features? With these apps fully functional does that put the R8 back to your daily driver or still sticking with the redline?
Still gotta test things like the different BSM filtering approaches, compare background reconnection, etc. Overall I have been switching back to the R8 given its faster responsiveness and iOS support to quiet down BSM’s.
@@VortexRadar thanks! Looking forward to some follow up. I’ve also been trying to monitor HwRadar coming to iOS. It’s awesome to have some app choices for the R8 now and I appreciate your coverage!
@@VortexRadarHey vortex what are your final thoughts about the apps a month later? I’m trying to figure out which one I should buy but would like to know if you still find yourself using the R8 Companion more.
@@VortexRadar Any updates here? I'm trying to decide whether to purchase the R8 with this app or just get the Redline 360c.
@@bslcars2352 I’ve had the R8 for quite some time without knowing the IOS app was out and I love it. Gonna get the app today and start using that too. The R8 stand alone is so responsive which I why I got it so I have time to slowdown. It hits radars before cresting a hill or around a long curve.
Will the app in the background still alert when radar goes off?
Are you able to play music through the phone while in app? So if playing music will you still hear the alerts when they go off?
So if I buy the R8 it will detect laser but it will be to late? So you need a laser jammer? Where do I get the jammer if that’s the case?
Laser jammers, i’ll use the uniden r9 is like $4k without pro installation. My guess, a few thousands more at least.
R8 has a port on it. Maybe in the future, no time is set, it will be able to have laser defuser added to it. It will more than likely be a situation where it must be pro installed.
Can the update the detector?
What are the best settings on the new app update?
Having messed with both v1 driver and r8 companion, which one would you recommend for the R8 so far
Not sure yet. I'm curious how some of the BSM filtering features compare like V1Driver's boxes vs. R8 Companion's Advanced False Assist. V1Driver has been working a lot on automatic connection stuff and it's been varying during development. So far R8 Companion has been pretty good, but I still need a lot more seat time with it, especially doing things like reconnecting the next day without fiddling with the app.
@@VortexRadar Sweet, keep us updated maybe even a future video on it would be possible? I already have v1 driver debating on whether I should try out R8 companion unfortunately I did not get into the beta testing so I am going to have to wait for public access. Really appreciate you keeping us in the loop with all of this.
Thanks!
I have had the V1 version for some time and it has evolved quite nicely. I use it over the V1driver. I am looking forward to the DS1 addition and strongly considering getting an R8.
What sucks about this app vs V1driver is the alert tones do not broadcast over car radio. Only the voice does.
Question is. Does the app still run and work while you’re on a different app or you have to stay on the uniform app?
First impressions. Changed the bandwidth settings in my R8 from Narrow to Wide, and turned on the Signal Strength filter in the Companion app (K band), and immediately saw a HUGE decrease in false alarms, mostly from other car's BSM. Highly recommended. (although I suppose that Uniden could just make that a feature of the R8)
Is it still working well?
Yes any update on this. Are you still using these settings?
Yes, still using. Haven't touched the settings since and still happy. @@itschops
So when the R8C auto locks out a signal, is that then stored on the RD? what changes if I don't have my phone that drive?
Yep, it’s all on the RD
Nice .....where to get it and how much??
I’m wondering if the app will work without cellular? Reason is I have a spare phone with no service but would run this app via BT to the R8 and my main phone I would run Waze.
Just run hotspot to spare.
Thoughts on leaving r8 or other radar detector attached to the windshield on 100° day? Will heat damage it?
It should be fine. People do that all the time. I mean Uniden USA is based in Texas.
Just don’t do it with the R3, it destroyed the speakers
@@ecoboostedfuze omg it did it twice to me I returned it and thought there’s no way that will happen again so I didn’t get the warranty but low and behold it happened again but after the 30 days or whatever
Hey, A question, when do you think Highway radar will get an update for the cross muting? For example how in this video you muted the signal on the app and it also muted it on the detector. For me on highway radar I still have to individually mute the app and the radar detector if lets say theres a KA band signal.
If you need clarification as to what I meant let me know. Thanks in advance.
No idea. You can ask the developer himself on the forum.
@@VortexRadar Okay sounds good, appreciate the response nonetheless 👍
Please explain how to pair, mine does not show a Bluetooth option on any menu. I have the R8.. Thanks.
Same here
@@eliparker5828 Me as well..Bought the R8 about 5 months ago , but do not see any Bluetooth option when I go through the setting as the app says to do??
@@robhannonmusic so I actually had to plug in the radar to my MacBook (pc or laptop will work also) and had to update the radar with the current software. You need to install the updater from uniden first though which can be found by looking it up on Google and there should be a download link. After that Bluetooth was available.
@@eliparker5828 thank you ! I am updating it as I write this:)
Will this app have a CarPlay companion app? In the spirit of that question, any idea why the Escort apps don’t have companion CarPlay apps?
So many people have asked that it may be worth doing a dedicated video on it lol
Here, I’m starting a discussion on the topic to prepare for a video: www.rdforum.org/threads/131198/
@@VortexRadardoes this predate Escort integrating with CarPlay or Android Auto?
Will this work with the R7? If not what app do you recommend for use with the R7?
Sorry the R7 doesn’t have Bluetooth
This is awesome finally a app for iso users
Does the r8/r4 support multiple Bluetooth connections? Could you use this and Highway radar at the same time?
I don’t believe so, no
I can’t get the Bluetooth in my detector to automatically connect a single time! So frustrating
Same here. Any solutions?
i wish the would make these apps part of android auto, so that i would not need to keep my phone on but have the app on the android auto split screen
great job boss.
so does the app already work with the r4? i'm looking to pick one up and would like the bluetooth to work
Yep! You can get the R4 version now.
Can I use Waze on my Carplay and R8 companion in parallel?
Yep
Question- getting consistent “Bluetooth disconnected” notifications anytime I press the physical mute button on the R8 cord.
Does anyone have a fix for this?
Running iOS (iPhone 14 pro) and R8 companion both with latest software.
It’s difficult for me to hit the mute button on the phone itself due to its location while charging on a wireless pad.
I believe that’s a known bug that Uniden needs to fix
Hi I’m trying to get in contact with you to ask a very important question regarding downloading or figuring out how fast we’re going at the time of a KA band detection. I recently had an issue where I was actually pulled over for going too slow and the companion seems to show the speed if there’s a warning yet if there’s a band then it just says GPS turned off or something of that sort. I’m trying to currently message you on Instagram but it says that your account is not accepting any new messages. This could really really help me out if you know the answer to please let me know how I could potentially email or otherwise message you
Thank you so much you I’ve been a huge help!
Sorry but I turn off messages because I get bombarded by them to the point where I could no longer test stuff and make videos if I tried answering all the questions. If you need help with things, your best bet is to head to the forums. You can even find the author of the companion apps there. 👍 www.rdforum.org/
its needs to work with waze .. when in carplay mode with waze how will this app work and act?
They work fine independently. What do you mean that it needs to work with Waze?
@@VortexRadarcan CarPlay show Waze while this app is running on the phone screen? And what will the car announce if there’s a radar hit and Waze needs to tell you to turn?
@@Chi9221 yes iphone can run apps simultaneously so you could have separate viewscreens. I just have waze with alerts on in the background.
Bonjour,
I'm wondering if the R4 getting anything 🇨🇵
I hope you and your family are well please 🥰
Thank you so much for🙏 anything you take your time and effort, it's worth anything you do,, And I want to say Thank you for sharing with us ❤️
Be cool if it worked in apple carplay
Highway radar wins due to aircraft and heat map, both have saved my ass.
Highway Radar is compatible with the R8?
Just purchased 😊
Will there be a companion iOS app for the R7?
The R7 doesn’t have Bluetooth
What is the monthly cost?
10usd lifetime cost
Wait for the r4 does it give me arrows? on the app?
Nope, only R8
@@VortexRadar It would be nice if the app could use 2 x R4s, each one facing one direction, and interpolate the results producing arrows on the phone.
@@ecolive3900 🤦🏻♂️
It would be awesome if something for Android phones comes up.
You mean Highway Radar? ruclips.net/video/4jWuY3vs0Co/видео.htmlsi=_AgJimGHETKhv2Zp
Would be nice if it had active radar on the map not just mutes and lockouts
You mean cloud sourced alerts? V1Driver is adding that in beta.
Whats better R8 Companion or V1Driver for R8?
Lol I just realised what I read 🤣
It's on the heading 📖😁
can't find the bluetooth function???
In the detector? Are you running the latest firmware? If not, update. Head to the forums for any tech support.
They need an app for the R7!!! They went to r4 to the r8 why did they skip the R7?
Because the R7 doesn’t have Bluetooth
@@VortexRadar is it possible to get Bluetooth with an software update?
@@brianknapp1402no, that’s a hardware issue
@@brianknapp1402 Nope, it requires the proper HW for bluetooth. The only reason the R4 and the R8 got this capability with a firmware upgrade is because the HW was already present, but disabled while UNIDEN developed the proper SW to handle it. The SW alone is no good without the HW
$9.99 is asking too much for an unfinished app
You don’t need to buy it then🤷🏻♂️
請問有安卓app嗎！
Highway Radar, as mentioned at the beginning of the video
too bad its 12 bucks. not worth it to me.
Android app coming soon?
I mentioned this at the very beginning, but we already have one available and it was available long before we started getting iOS apps. Please check out my video on Highway Radar.
Their BDSM seems pretty advanced!
I paid for V1 driver last month and despite multiple requests, he never sent me the Beta. #Robbed
I don’t think paying guarantees you access to the beta. The features are now out in the public version too either way.
I just can’t use the R8’s anymore. The rattling is unbearable. I have four of them and all are the same. In fact I even epoxied one to the supplied suction mount, but it didn’t make any difference. In contrast, the Redline 360c (which isn’t as good IMO), doesn’t make any noise. It’s crazy how cheaply made the R8 is. Such a shame.
I imagine these sweats driving their car while peering into their connected phones looking for the fuzz so they can reach this destination 3 minutes early. Then proceed to sit at their destination fingering their phone for 5 minutes before they get out of the car.
Just an enthusiast app if no car play. I have never understood what the big mystery is of not allowing all approved apps to run on car play
www.rdforum.org/threads/131198/
I cant pair mine to app
Please head to the forum thread linked in the description for any tech support related stuff.
Tried searching for the app. Resulted in a bunch of virtual girl apps
Does the link in the description work for you?
It redirects you to 18 companion, right below the search in blue you need to confirm that you meant R8 Companion
@@VortexRadar didn’t realize there was a link and it works. Thanks!
So will there be an opportunity down the line for this to be available to the Android user?
No app for R7 lol wtf
It doesn’t have Bluetooth so…
This radar is trash 🚮 got 2 tickets with it and it never picked up the radar twice
Sounds like you got hit with laser and found out the hard way that you need a laser jammer to go with your radar detector.
@@VortexRadar the radar lost range in the front for some reason. It was only picking up ka band from the back. I sent it in to get repaired and same thing even with having latest updates.