8:10 you kind of dismissed the single most important part, the HDMI input that most other devices are lacking. An Amazon Firestick Max is 10x faster than this, super light and has its own remote, and it's faster than all Carplay boxes so please discuss and review HDMI-in in more detail. In fact I'm now looking for a unit that ONLY does HDMI input. Like an adapter. I don't need anything else especially I don't want the excruciatingly slow os they have on these boxes. Today I had a 20 minute drive and I reached destination and still couldn't get the WiFi connected to my phone (wasn't connecting ) and Firefox browser up (can't install Brave browser for some odd reason) and open RUclips (just super duper slow) and finally I got RUclips up to listen to my favorite channel and I'm already at destination. These boxes also should have ability to connect an external battery so if the car is sitting idle the unit can stay on for up to 48 hours so when you turn on your car it's instant on because it never turned off. It's crazy how the smartest engineers are making these boxes yet they have no clue what's important to users.
I gave it as much time as I could, I could have given it more if I had more HDMI products to try it with. Sadly ATV didn’t work due to hardware copyright restrictions over HDMI, so I expect Google and Amazon Stick to be much the same result but I didn’t have those to hand. It worked with PC and Mac connections fine, but who is going to do that. Consoles might also have hardware copyright blocks on them too. I couldn’t test those either as my console days had all moved on. It’s a nice idea but you will always have to go through an Android layer if you want to use it over CarPlay. That will always carry long boot times and certain restrictions, plus, to power that over some kind of 48hr internal battery will put too much stress on the car battery (even phones struggle to last that long) and it won’t charge it fast enough as most CarPlay ports output at 5V. You could supplement it with more cables running to 12v usb ports but again battery drain will be huge if you don’t use it enough on the road. It’s all a very niche case. It’s a nice dream to have, but I can’t see these tech wiz making such a device for such a narrow market 🤷🏻♂️
@@CarPlayLife I think you guys as reviewers and youtubers have a fantastic and crucial role in sending the message to the manufacturers from user perspective. We do't need their semi-slow CPUs, and their crippled android (I bought mine for $150 for just one app, Brave, and I couldn't even install Brave and many other apps I tried were not downloading, not compatible with the version of Android it runs). We don't need any brains in these devices, just give us an HDMI connector/adaptor to Apple Carplay and everyone can use their own device. An Amazon firestick costs only $20 here in the US on sale and the 4K is around $30, its cheap and super fast and smooth. I wasn't suggesting to use the vehicle battery when the car is off. I was saying the unit could have a battery that trickle charges when the car is on using the 5v USB or 12v car power supply, and maintains minimum power when the car is off to keep the unit on overnight. Users can provide even their own power bank for this. By ATV I assume you mean Apple TV, I owned one for a few days and its sitting unused in the closet for4+ years now. Its useless to me. Amazon firestick is my go to device and Google Chromecast with Android TV is also OK. Regardless, all of these $30 devices are at least 5-10x faster than the $180 Chinese CarPlay devices.
@@teamcyrmining3673 I have this device. The HDMI IN port is trash. Unstable. Crashed the OS. When I got it working... no audio. However, the USB-A port works great coupled with a USB2 HDMI Capture card. I had a Fire TV working for a few months this way. USB Camera Pro app.
Excellent video, very detailed. One question, were you able to see if hdmi input would stretch to a wide screen car panel full screen or if it will keep 16:9 ratios? Will it adopt the Ottocast Pro resolution?
It should takeover whatever wired CarPlay does. It can’t do anything new or different to that. There full screen options on media playback depends on the app running. I think hdmi input is its own app I don’t know if you can download any other that has more options for full screen. I can’t remember if you can expand on it. It’s something I didn’t think of trying.
Thank you for taking the time to answer. I will test this as i receive my unit on Thursday. Excellent channel and videos. I alrready suscribe and will enjoy your content furthermore. Good day@@CarPlayLife
@@CarPlayLife could you please do me a favor, I already have a Picasou 2 Pro. I tried HDMI in with a Apple TV. It worked with a EDID adapter. But resolution only extended to 16:9 screens. My CarPlay screen is Ultrawide, so it looks very good with that format. Question is, can you please check if a Mac can extend HDMI in to fill whole the whole screen? Given that you have a wide monitor. Sorry for my big post, but I want to buy a Mac mini to use it in car. Thank you.
The video will adapt to the Default or Native setting of your Infotainment Head Unit Screen. Having a Touch Screen may allow for some adjustment, no guarantee to what video ratio you will get. Chances are there could be some Audio delay between what you see Video and hear Audio on the car screen, but it should be less than 3 second delay. Not sure if Audio and Video can be synchronized. An alternative is to mount a 8 to 10 inch Tablet that possibly can Mirror from your Phone Apps. Always can bring a Laptop as no Driver should be watching videos while driving.
AppleTV any many other devices won’t work with any HDMI input that doesn’t support or strip the EDID security features. You would have to connect an EDID stripper in between. This isn’t a shortcoming of the AI box.
Hi Anthony, Thanks for the good review. Quick question : Once connected with my iPhone, can I perform videos searching on RUclips, on Netflix, etc. by typing directly on the iPhone (using the iPhone keyboard), or do I have to search by typing on the car screen keyboard ? Thanks Kim
Hi Kim, you have to search on the car screen mainly. Or you could search on your phone and save it to a playlist or watch later and then access that video from the ai box. Hope this helps.
This is an enhanced version of the Picasou 2. It does technically have Dual Bluetooth, but the software is a bit lacking at the moment. The last update allowed you to pair controllers (I've paired by 8-bit Do), but you can only pair 1 device at a time. They are still working on enhancing this implementation to support multiple devices (so they tell me).
Found this video useful. I purchased the picasou 2 pro. The device works well. I updated some apps works nicely. Can you connect any other controller besides the xbox controller?
So I’ve had this AI box for quite a while and have had very good luck with it. I finally decided to get a HDMI monitor and mount in the rear of my vehicle so my kids can watch something while we are on a road trip. However, the audio from what they are watching in the back place with the car speakers and the HDMI screen, and whatever we are watching upfront on the car screen also plays through the car speakers and the HDMI monitor. Do you know how to correct this? Keep up the awesome videos!
Despite being impressive, the increased price shown in the page to 376 USD makes it very hard to obtain, especially since the device still runs on an outdated version of Android (10). As I rely heavily on the Carlinkit Mini for all my needs, it is important for me to have a more up-to-date version of Android to ensure seamless use without having to connect my phone.
@@CarPlayLife recently they had a sale for US$179. The first time I tried check out it didn’t work and they reversed the charges on my credit card. An hour or so later they sent me a 10% off code. So my purchase price was $179 less 10%.
Hey Anthony. Do you know if it's possible to use the hdmi input and output at the same time? For example, plugging in an Xbox to the input and outputting to a separate screen?
There are a few ways to support me: 1. Sending a SuperThanks on RUclips. It's located under each of my videos. 2. Donate via Buy Me A Coffee www.buymeacoffee.com/CarPlayLife 3. Donate via PayPal - paypal.me/carplaylife Many thanks for your support 🫶🏻
I have a Toyota 12.3 inch screen and I’m going to convert to be able to accept HDMI. If I connect this, will it work for the full screen if going through HDMI?
Thank you for doing this review. Can this one controlled from a touchpad or a mouse (either from USB or Bluetooth)? I am trying to use this with my original head unit which doesn't got Carplay support, but having HDMI input. Can you please suggest me an alternative if this this doesn't support that?
Thx for all the reviews. Do you know any boxes that support Ford sync 4 that has wireless carplay? I’m mainly interested in streaming content from or mirroring my iPhone to the screen
Most do seem to work with wheel or dial knobs in the car. However it isn’t as intuitive has touch screen. Look for ones with dual BT for support with BT remotes, it makes text entry much easier for logging into and searching within apps.
I'm interested in that usb bypass power cable. Is there something similar that would work with the carlink ai boxes? I've tried a few splitter cables but nothing seems to work. I think I'm out of lucky since those carlink AI boxes only have one USB-C slot.
What I did was to buid my own cable, the problem with those splitter cables is that the Data Pins are connected to the main cable and thus it interferes with the signal it sends to the radio
@@CarPlayLife trying to provide more power to the car link box than what's provided through the USB port. Sometimes I think it shuts down and restarts when it doesn't get enough power. I thought that boxes might have a battery that keeps it going for a little while.
i have issues with sound quality on videos and music apps. it starts off very good and then after some time it changes to really bad and no bass... idk if it was because i was still testing other apps while music was playing in the background.
It’s likely that is the case. It might have been some apps use voice over or navigation volume over BT, and when that happens, the quality sounds very lacking in bass and very low quality.
Yes you can. Make sure both are running then open one. Then tap and hold the bottom home icon on the side dock to enter split screen mode. Select the other app and you should be seeing both apps in split screen mode.
Haha :) they look like rebranded version of this one that I reviewed ruclips.net/video/gxbs7tRqxmg/видео.html but I don’t know if it’s reused casing but has newer tech inside.
I have 2021 Yukon Denali and I tried to use the HDMI output functionality to the rear seat monitors with no luck only black screen appeared on the rear monitors. Tried several high quality HDMI cables even another monitor with no luck. There is no output HDMI signal!!! Any advice, suggestion?
Are you playing any copyrighted content. Does it play the main menu at least? If it doesn’t there must be an issue with how the rear screens accept its signal. I don’t know what else to suggest really. Sounds very odd. Try hdmi to a pc monitor or tv to check there instead.
That's a good question. Seeing as BT from these adapters is very hit and miss when it comes to other devices, I would doubt it will work. I'll have to try this out myself sometime.
Hello, what do you think is better? Carlinkit Tbox Plus with 8gb ram 128gb rom Android 13 and dual bluetooth $130 or Ottocast's newest product, P3 with 8gb ram 128gb rom Android 13 hdmi output (no hdmi in like picasou 2 pro) and dual bluetooth $160.
The P3 will come with 6GB RAM not 8GB. Ottocast shared a deck and on it, it said 6GB + 128GB ROM. The Ottocast had a much nicer interface. Depends if you need the HDMI. The CarlinKit is likely cheaper but had a poorer interface. I hope to review the P3 when it arrives but CarlinKit won’t supply me the 8Gb model so I can’t test speeds with that to compare if 8Gb would give that much of a benefit. On paper it should.
Is this the only AI box with HDMI input? I tried looking for the North American version of this box but they are out of stock. Can I use the European version if I'm in North America? Will it limit some features? Thanks.
I think internet to and from the adapter is only Wi-Fi it can’t be done over BT. You couldn’t do it first as CarPlay would steal the BT connection to initiate the pairing for CarPlay over Wi-Fi
The only way I could get seamless movement between the android system, and Apple CarPlay was to purchase a nano Sim and connect data with an additional plan to my current mobile plan. Now I can move seamlessly between CarPlay and the Android OS.
This is the only link I can find that’s BT. amzn.to/3KJIjkd sorry it’s in Germany. Otherwise most similar ones like look the same operate over 2.4Ghz wireless and not Bluetooth.
Are you able to have the box connected to the internet AND the phone for CarPlay at the same time? I’d like to use my phone as a hot spot AND have my phone connected for CarPlay but it’s only allowing me one or the other
Sorry I don’t know. If there’s any pc emulation software for Android there might be a way. But these boxes aren’t that powerful to run intensive pc software/games.
Great video! Are you able to confirm what blutooth keyboards this would be able to connect to? For example I have the Rii i4 which works without a usb dongle. Would this be compatible?
I have a Logitech MXKeys BT keyboard and I was surprised to see it show up as a device on the adapter. But sadly I couldn’t connect to it. So I don’t know what’s possible here.
@CarPlay Life ah that's a shame. I really looking to upgrade my now slugish MMB 3rd Gen however MMB max doesn't seem like the one and this one lacks connectivity to a keyboard. Difficult when you don't have a touchscreen!
Can we display different contents on the car display and 2nd display simultaneously? For example, google map+youtube on the car display ( split screen function ) and RUclips for 2nd display? I plan to use this box for my toyota alphard. The front display is for google map + youtube and the headrest screen for back seats watching movies. Just want to make sure it is possible.
. Would you please test using "hdmi cast" function?. I searched and found a possible way. In vdo play back app, twice swiping down from the top,then hit 'cast to hdmi' . This is to cast the playing vdo to hdmi out but not mirror the entire screen. Please kindlt test.
Damn. I was so excited to see an HDMI input on a box like this. Given that it is the first of its kind with that feature, if there are firmware updates to it that fix this issue, can you post a RUclips short, or pin a comment on this video? Thank you!
It sounds like stream boxes like AppleTV,Roku, and Chrome Cast, carry copy protection over HDMI and that’s why we are seeing black screen issues with hdmi in on certain devices.
How do you get to the Weather Server from the Weather App? I am unable to change location as the Picasou 2 Pro always shows Shenzhen, China. Ottocast support continues to give me the runaround with no solution as I have contacted them 7 times. All Ottocast has done twice is send me a link for Firmware Update, which has changed nothing for me. Even though Ottocast Support replies in English, it appears they have a lack of understanding (guessing the English language is difficult to translate) of my problem as they believe a Firmware Update will resolve the GPS/ Location for the Weather App. I reside in New York State, which is Eastern Standard Time in the United States. The weather will show Shenzhen, China but will give my local Time Zone. A nice sunny day in Shenzhen and about 60 degrees is displayed on the screen while it is a very cold 34 degrees and rainy day in New York. Appreciate any help because Ottocast Support is not helping. Happy New Year 2024.
HNY!! Try going into settings and then in there should be a localisation or region section. Change that to your region and save it. Then connect it to the internet and it should download the correct region. Check after restart that it saves the region as it might go back to china again.
The pro seemed to boot faster into the main menu and into CP/AA, but native apps booted faster on the non-pro model. Non-pro looks better too. So if it’s cheaper then there’s very little in it performance wise.
Most new AI Boxes support both CP and AA but none will do this simultaneously. Screen mirroring is in some MMBs and some Plus and Ultra adapters that come with Zlink5
I've watched almost all of your CarPlay AI reviews. I've noticed some boxes run Android 9, 10, 11, and 12. However, it doesn't appear Android can be updated to a new version on any of these devices. Isn't this a serious security threat since older versions won't receive Android security patches and updates?
Yes it is. Some newer aI boxes are being advertised as upgradable but I’ve yet to see it become a reality. It’s amazing some Android 9 boxes are still selling today. Thanks for watching.
@@CarPlayLife I just purchased the box and tried to update it. When I click on the button, it flashes but no action is taken. Does anyone know how to update the current operating system?
You would have to set it up first outside the car and then any controls would have to be done though a remote as touch input won’t work. If it works with an HDMI TV or display it should work there too. It’s just the input that might be a pain to use it with.
I am getting an audio delay of 1 - 2 seconds in RUclips and Netflix in my 2023 Honda Pilot Elite stock headunit using the built in apps. I have updated the apps in the Google Play Store but there is still sound lag. Any advice?
Some thoughts or possible issues. 1) How data is transferred or communicated from the AI box to your Honda Pilot head unit as not all head units are the same, 2) Sorry, It is not the Apps, and updating from Google or Apple Store will not fix it. 3) many AI boxes including those from other companies appear to have a delay in Audio ranging from 0.2 seconds up to 2 or 3 seconds. 4) The TV show, Program, and Movie that is uploaded as Video and Audio were never in Sync when uploaded. 5) A faulty AI box, 6) slim chance that Firmware update will resolve it, 7) Perform a Factory Reset on the AI Box. When I used the Ottocast U2-X Pro from January 2023 to December 2023, I had a good 2-second nearly 3-second audio delay especially while playing RUclips Music Videos. Recently bought and now using Picasou 2 Pro as of mid-December 2023, the audio delay is minor like 0.1 to 0.4 maximum, less than half a second, The Picasou 2 Pro is great and works well with Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max installed to the HDMI Input, I have a Samsung S21 5G phone, and a 2023 Toyota Camry XSE V6, I do not play video games of any kind may be on the computer do Solitaire or Hearts card game. I watch a lot of Live Sports so with Picasou 2 Pro, I do not miss much. I listen to the game and now and then quickly glance at the screen when stopped or on a long straightaway on the highway. But I do not watch while driving. I will watch when waiting at the doctor's office while my older kids are being seen or they are grocery shopping. I have Deja Vue Plus .apk APP installed on my Samsung S21 5G phone and on the Fire TV Stick. Deja Vue Plus cost $30 month and you get practically everything under the sun, moon, and stars. You no longer need Cable TV, Satellite, Netflix, RUclips TV, Hulu Plus, NFL Network, CBS Sports, ESPN, Disney Plus, Paramount Plus etc. all gone, just need Internet and Deja Vue Plus and you got them all for $30. Since Deja Vue Plus is on my phone, no matter where I go, just about able to watch anything and everything Sports wherever they are played I get all the games, East coast, west coast, 3 games on at 1pm and I can watch all 3 games, Deja Vue Plus is fantastic. On the internet just Google or BING type in the URL: AttackerTV.so or MovieKids.TV and watch TV shows with all seasons and episodes commercial-free, movies, newly released in theater movies at home for Free. Replay and Pause anytime, watch any time of the day, or next week, watch the same movie 40 times.
Oh snap. Okay. Yeah. They instal like that. Tho, Hulu says hdcp error. I’m hoping that because I was in the house using a tv and the P2P’s hdmi out, and that it will work when connected to the hu over usb.
AI Boxes take some time to boot up as it had to run the baseline Android OS. Unlike wireless adapters that run off the SOC that will boot much faster. If you want just fast wireless CP/AA don’t get an AI Box. :)
8:10 you kind of dismissed the single most important part, the HDMI input that most other devices are lacking. An Amazon Firestick Max is 10x faster than this, super light and has its own remote, and it's faster than all Carplay boxes so please discuss and review HDMI-in in more detail.
In fact I'm now looking for a unit that ONLY does HDMI input. Like an adapter. I don't need anything else especially I don't want the excruciatingly slow os they have on these boxes. Today I had a 20 minute drive and I reached destination and still couldn't get the WiFi connected to my phone (wasn't connecting ) and Firefox browser up (can't install Brave browser for some odd reason) and open RUclips (just super duper slow) and finally I got RUclips up to listen to my favorite channel and I'm already at destination.
These boxes also should have ability to connect an external battery so if the car is sitting idle the unit can stay on for up to 48 hours so when you turn on your car it's instant on because it never turned off.
It's crazy how the smartest engineers are making these boxes yet they have no clue what's important to users.
I gave it as much time as I could, I could have given it more if I had more HDMI products to try it with. Sadly ATV didn’t work due to hardware copyright restrictions over HDMI, so I expect Google and Amazon Stick to be much the same result but I didn’t have those to hand. It worked with PC and Mac connections fine, but who is going to do that. Consoles might also have hardware copyright blocks on them too. I couldn’t test those either as my console days had all moved on.
It’s a nice idea but you will always have to go through an Android layer if you want to use it over CarPlay. That will always carry long boot times and certain restrictions, plus, to power that over some kind of 48hr internal battery will put too much stress on the car battery (even phones struggle to last that long) and it won’t charge it fast enough as most CarPlay ports output at 5V. You could supplement it with more cables running to 12v usb ports but again battery drain will be huge if you don’t use it enough on the road. It’s all a very niche case.
It’s a nice dream to have, but I can’t see these tech wiz making such a device for such a narrow market 🤷🏻♂️
@@CarPlayLife I think you guys as reviewers and youtubers have a fantastic and crucial role in sending the message to the manufacturers from user perspective. We do't need their semi-slow CPUs, and their crippled android (I bought mine for $150 for just one app, Brave, and I couldn't even install Brave and many other apps I tried were not downloading, not compatible with the version of Android it runs).
We don't need any brains in these devices, just give us an HDMI connector/adaptor to Apple Carplay and everyone can use their own device. An Amazon firestick costs only $20 here in the US on sale and the 4K is around $30, its cheap and super fast and smooth.
I wasn't suggesting to use the vehicle battery when the car is off. I was saying the unit could have a battery that trickle charges when the car is on using the 5v USB or 12v car power supply, and maintains minimum power when the car is off to keep the unit on overnight. Users can provide even their own power bank for this.
By ATV I assume you mean Apple TV, I owned one for a few days and its sitting unused in the closet for4+ years now. Its useless to me. Amazon firestick is my go to device and Google Chromecast with Android TV is also OK. Regardless, all of these $30 devices are at least 5-10x faster than the $180 Chinese CarPlay devices.
@@teamcyrmining3673 I have this device. The HDMI IN port is trash. Unstable. Crashed the OS. When I got it working... no audio.
However, the USB-A port works great coupled with a USB2 HDMI Capture card. I had a Fire TV working for a few months this way. USB Camera Pro app.
Excellent video, very detailed. One question, were you able to see if hdmi input would stretch to a wide screen car panel full screen or if it will keep 16:9 ratios? Will it adopt the Ottocast Pro resolution?
It should takeover whatever wired CarPlay does. It can’t do anything new or different to that. There full screen options on media playback depends on the app running. I think hdmi input is its own app I don’t know if you can download any other that has more options for full screen. I can’t remember if you can expand on it. It’s something I didn’t think of trying.
Thank you for taking the time to answer. I will test this as i receive my unit on Thursday. Excellent channel and videos. I alrready suscribe and will enjoy your content furthermore. Good day@@CarPlayLife
@@CarPlayLife could you please do me a favor, I already have a Picasou 2 Pro. I tried HDMI in with a Apple TV. It worked with a EDID adapter. But resolution only extended to 16:9 screens. My CarPlay screen is Ultrawide, so it looks very good with that format. Question is, can you please check if a Mac can extend HDMI in to fill whole the whole screen? Given that you have a wide monitor. Sorry for my big post, but I want to buy a Mac mini to use it in car. Thank you.
The video will adapt to the Default or Native setting of your Infotainment Head Unit Screen. Having a Touch Screen may allow for some adjustment, no guarantee to what video ratio you will get. Chances are there could be some Audio delay between what you see Video and hear Audio on the car screen, but it should be less than 3 second delay. Not sure if Audio and Video can be synchronized. An alternative is to mount a 8 to 10 inch Tablet that possibly can Mirror from your Phone Apps. Always can bring a Laptop as no Driver should be watching videos while driving.
AppleTV any many other devices won’t work with any HDMI input that doesn’t support or strip the EDID security features. You would have to connect an EDID stripper in between. This isn’t a shortcoming of the AI box.
Thanks for this insight I’ll see if I can hunt one down
That's right
Hi Anthony,
Thanks for the good review. Quick question :
Once connected with my iPhone, can I perform videos searching on RUclips, on Netflix, etc. by typing directly on the iPhone (using the iPhone keyboard), or do I have to search by typing on the car screen keyboard ?
Thanks
Kim
Hi Kim, you have to search on the car screen mainly. Or you could search on your phone and save it to a playlist or watch later and then access that video from the ai box.
Hope this helps.
This is an enhanced version of the Picasou 2. It does technically have Dual Bluetooth, but the software is a bit lacking at the moment. The last update allowed you to pair controllers (I've paired by 8-bit Do), but you can only pair 1 device at a time. They are still working on enhancing this implementation to support multiple devices (so they tell me).
I’m not sure if multiple controller connections is doable with the hardware that’s inside them. Maybe in newer/ future models
How have you gotten in contact with them? I am trying to find updated firmware but I can't find it anywhere.
Found this video useful. I purchased the picasou 2 pro. The device works well. I updated some apps works nicely. Can you connect any other controller besides the xbox controller?
Any BT controller should work.
So I’ve had this AI box for quite a while and have had very good luck with it. I finally decided to get a HDMI monitor and mount in the rear of my vehicle so my kids can watch something while we are on a road trip. However, the audio from what they are watching in the back place with the car speakers and the HDMI screen, and whatever we are watching upfront on the car screen also plays through the car speakers and the HDMI monitor. Do you know how to correct this? Keep up the awesome videos!
It will always mirror what’s on the CarPlay display. You can’t give it a separate feed or even audio track I believe. Hope this helps.
wow this is what i been looking for fella your great reviews for car videos what ur opoinion on the digi dash 3.0 at £269
I think it will be the same as this ruclips.net/video/gxbs7tRqxmg/видео.html which compared to todays latest boxes. You could do better.
Despite being impressive, the increased price shown in the page to 376 USD makes it very hard to obtain, especially since the device still runs on an outdated version of Android (10). As I rely heavily on the Carlinkit Mini for all my needs, it is important for me to have a more up-to-date version of Android to ensure seamless use without having to connect my phone.
Keep an eye out for their sales to get that price down. They usually do 30% off deals very regularly.
@@CarPlayLife recently they had a sale for US$179. The first time I tried check out it didn’t work and they reversed the charges on my credit card. An hour or so later they sent me a 10% off code. So my purchase price was $179 less 10%.
Hey Anthony. Do you know if it's possible to use the hdmi input and output at the same time? For example, plugging in an Xbox to the input and outputting to a separate screen?
Good question. I can only guess that it should be possible.
@@CarPlayLifeThank you. Do you have Venmo or Paypal so i can make a donation?
There are a few ways to support me:
1. Sending a SuperThanks on RUclips. It's located under each of my videos.
2. Donate via Buy Me A Coffee www.buymeacoffee.com/CarPlayLife
3. Donate via PayPal - paypal.me/carplaylife
Many thanks for your support 🫶🏻
I have a Toyota 12.3 inch screen and I’m going to convert to be able to accept HDMI. If I connect this, will it work for the full screen if going through HDMI?
I’m not 100% sure. You will need to at least run it on a CarPlay touch screen first to configure it enough to work over HDMI
Thank you for doing this review. Can this one controlled from a touchpad or a mouse (either from USB or Bluetooth)? I am trying to use this with my original head unit which doesn't got Carplay support, but having HDMI input. Can you please suggest me an alternative if this this doesn't support that?
Did you find anything? I need same thing.
Thx for all the reviews. Do you know any boxes that support Ford sync 4 that has wireless carplay? I’m mainly interested in streaming content from or mirroring my iPhone to the screen
Sorry I don’t. I’ve only used Sync 3
@@CarPlayLife Ok. Thx for the reply
Are there updates for the p2 pro couldnt find any?
Not that I know of. You could reach out to support and ask.
Will this work with at Mercedes W213 that has "mouse/wheel knob"?
Most do seem to work with wheel or dial knobs in the car. However it isn’t as intuitive has touch screen. Look for ones with dual BT for support with BT remotes, it makes text entry much easier for logging into and searching within apps.
Does the Picasou 2 Pro offer full phone mirroring for an android phone? I can't get that on the CarlinKit TBox Plus.
There’s no mirroring on the picasou 2 / 2 pro
I'm interested in that usb bypass power cable. Is there something similar that would work with the carlink ai boxes? I've tried a few splitter cables but nothing seems to work. I think I'm out of lucky since those carlink AI boxes only have one USB-C slot.
What are you trying to do exactly?
What I did was to buid my own cable, the problem with those splitter cables is that the Data Pins are connected to the main cable and thus it interferes with the signal it sends to the radio
@@CarPlayLife trying to provide more power to the car link box than what's provided through the USB port. Sometimes I think it shuts down and restarts when it doesn't get enough power. I thought that boxes might have a battery that keeps it going for a little while.
i have issues with sound quality on videos and music apps. it starts off very good and then after some time it changes to really bad and no bass... idk if it was because i was still testing other apps while music was playing in the background.
It’s likely that is the case. It might have been some apps use voice over or navigation volume over BT, and when that happens, the quality sounds very lacking in bass and very low quality.
havent had an issue with sound since updating those apps. love this thing so far
do you know how or if you can split screen waze and spotify?
Yes you can. Make sure both are running then open one. Then tap and hold the bottom home icon on the side dock to enter split screen mode. Select the other app and you should be seeing both apps in split screen mode.
Hi Anthony, have you had your hands on the Digidash yet? It just popped up on my Insta and figured there’s only one guy’s opinion I need… cheers!
Haha :) they look like rebranded version of this one that I reviewed ruclips.net/video/gxbs7tRqxmg/видео.html but I don’t know if it’s reused casing but has newer tech inside.
can I connect an android phone to HDMI input to mirror it? thanks
That’s one thing I didn’t think of trying. I’ll see if I can do that soon and report back or make a short video on it
thanks, waiting for your update before I pull the trigger
I have 2021 Yukon Denali and I tried to use the HDMI output functionality to the rear seat monitors with no luck only black screen appeared on the rear monitors. Tried several high quality HDMI cables even another monitor with no luck. There is no output HDMI signal!!!
Any advice, suggestion?
Are you playing any copyrighted content. Does it play the main menu at least? If it doesn’t there must be an issue with how the rear screens accept its signal. I don’t know what else to suggest really. Sounds very odd. Try hdmi to a pc monitor or tv to check there instead.
if used in car, can you use a wireless bluetooth earphones to output audio instead of in car speakers?
That's a good question. Seeing as BT from these adapters is very hit and miss when it comes to other devices, I would doubt it will work. I'll have to try this out myself sometime.
@@CarPlayLife thanks! If you can test for me that will be appreciated!
@@R2X2Z no problem, I’ll try when I can.
Hello, what do you think is better? Carlinkit Tbox Plus with 8gb ram 128gb rom Android 13 and dual bluetooth $130 or Ottocast's newest product, P3 with 8gb ram 128gb rom Android 13 hdmi output (no hdmi in like picasou 2 pro) and dual bluetooth $160.
The P3 will come with 6GB RAM not 8GB. Ottocast shared a deck and on it, it said 6GB + 128GB ROM. The Ottocast had a much nicer interface. Depends if you need the HDMI. The CarlinKit is likely cheaper but had a poorer interface. I hope to review the P3 when it arrives but CarlinKit won’t supply me the 8Gb model so I can’t test speeds with that to compare if 8Gb would give that much of a benefit. On paper it should.
Is this the only AI box with HDMI input? I tried looking for the North American version of this box but they are out of stock. Can I use the European version if I'm in North America? Will it limit some features? Thanks.
The region spec type is only needed when using the SIM card. So if you’re using hotspot from phone it should be ok
@@CarPlayLifeThanks. Can this device function as a wife hotspot?
Most of them has WiFi hotspot function as that’s how they operate for wireless CarPlay and Android auto.
Can you connect this to your iPhone via Bluetooth to get cellular data, then use the iPhones wifi for wireless CarPlay?
I think internet to and from the adapter is only Wi-Fi it can’t be done over BT. You couldn’t do it first as CarPlay would steal the BT connection to initiate the pairing for CarPlay over Wi-Fi
The only way I could get seamless movement between the android system, and Apple CarPlay was to purchase a nano Sim and connect data with an additional plan to my current mobile plan. Now I can move seamlessly between CarPlay and the Android OS.
Awesome review as always! Where can I find the Bluetooth remote you’re using?
This is the only link I can find that’s BT. amzn.to/3KJIjkd sorry it’s in Germany. Otherwise most similar ones like look the same operate over 2.4Ghz wireless and not Bluetooth.
@@CarPlayLife Thank you!!
Are you able to have the box connected to the internet AND the phone for CarPlay at the same time? I’d like to use my phone as a hot spot AND have my phone connected for CarPlay but it’s only allowing me one or the other
Only way is to put a SIM card in it
Is the a way of connecting my PC to a AI box so it will display a PC Program onto the Vehicle Display?
Sorry I don’t know. If there’s any pc emulation software for Android there might be a way. But these boxes aren’t that powerful to run intensive pc software/games.
Great video! Are you able to confirm what blutooth keyboards this would be able to connect to? For example I have the Rii i4 which works without a usb dongle. Would this be compatible?
I have a Logitech MXKeys BT keyboard and I was surprised to see it show up as a device on the adapter. But sadly I couldn’t connect to it. So I don’t know what’s possible here.
@CarPlay Life ah that's a shame. I really looking to upgrade my now slugish MMB 3rd Gen however MMB max doesn't seem like the one and this one lacks connectivity to a keyboard. Difficult when you don't have a touchscreen!
There’s always the remotes but text entry can be frustrating with it.
@@CarPlayLife if you do learn of anyone having success with a mini qwerty keyboard please let me know!
@CarPlay Life also aside from inputs and slightly faster AA/CP speed is performance same with both pro and normal version of this
Can we display different contents on the car display and 2nd display simultaneously?
For example, google map+youtube on the car display ( split screen function )
and
RUclips for 2nd display?
I plan to use this box for my toyota alphard. The front display is for google map + youtube and the headrest screen for back seats watching movies.
Just want to make sure it is possible.
Sadly it just mirrors the display it’s not a second screen as such
. Would you please test using "hdmi cast" function?. I searched and found a possible way.
In vdo play back app, twice swiping down from the top,then hit 'cast to hdmi' . This is to cast the playing vdo to hdmi out but not mirror the entire screen.
Please kindlt test.
What is better performance in general picasou 2 or pro ?
There is very little in it between them but the pro takes the edge in most places.
do yo u have to unplug it or can you just leave it plugged in?
You can leave it plugged in.
can i use airplay to cast my iphone to it?
Not on this AI Box.
Damn. I was so excited to see an HDMI input on a box like this. Given that it is the first of its kind with that feature, if there are firmware updates to it that fix this issue, can you post a RUclips short, or pin a comment on this video? Thank you!
It sounds like stream boxes like AppleTV,Roku, and Chrome Cast, carry copy protection over HDMI and that’s why we are seeing black screen issues with hdmi in on certain devices.
Hi do u know how to reset picasou 2 pro?
Hard reset? If it’s not in the main settings area or if there is a factory settings area I don’t really know. Sorry.
@CarPlayLife thanks
My problem is everything connected ut not showing up on screen. I had it working and now it doesn't. Any help
I’m not sure of a way to hard reset it. Asking support is your best step forward here
How do you get to the Weather Server from the Weather App? I am unable to change location as the Picasou 2 Pro always shows Shenzhen, China. Ottocast support continues to give me the runaround with no solution as I have contacted them 7 times. All Ottocast has done twice is send me a link for Firmware Update, which has changed nothing for me.
Even though Ottocast Support replies in English, it appears they have a lack of understanding (guessing the English language is difficult to translate) of my problem as they believe a Firmware Update will resolve the GPS/ Location for the Weather App. I reside in New York State, which is Eastern Standard Time in the United States. The weather will show Shenzhen, China but will give my local Time Zone. A nice sunny day in Shenzhen and about 60 degrees is displayed on the screen while it is a very cold 34 degrees and rainy day in New York.
Appreciate any help because Ottocast Support is not helping.
Happy New Year 2024.
HNY!!
Try going into settings and then in there should be a localisation or region section. Change that to your region and save it. Then connect it to the internet and it should download the correct region. Check after restart that it saves the region as it might go back to china again.
quick question, does it let you screen mirror from iPhone to the cars display ?
No casting on this one unless their is an android app that does it on the google play store.
Hi Anthony I love all your videos you're doing a great job! When you get a chance you think you can do a video on thisArlinkit TBOX-AR. Thanks man.
I’ll reach out to them and see if I can.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻☺️
Hi. If I wasn't interested in the HDMI input port is it better to get the non pro version?
The pro seemed to boot faster into the main menu and into CP/AA, but native apps booted faster on the non-pro model. Non-pro looks better too. So if it’s cheaper then there’s very little in it performance wise.
@@CarPlayLife thank you for this. Do you have any discount codes to purchase one?
is there any device that can support both wireless apple car play and android auto, can screen mirror android phone?
Most new AI Boxes support both CP and AA but none will do this simultaneously. Screen mirroring is in some MMBs and some Plus and Ultra adapters that come with Zlink5
@CarPlayLife what does that mean lol ? How can I screen share?
Does anyone know the maximum size of a memory stick that can be connected?
I’d say up to 128gb at least, anything beyond that is a bit unknown
I bought the Picasou2pro. The problem is when I switch from the car radio to the box, I have no blue tooth audio..
Someone please advise.
Thanks
If you’re using wireless CP/AA going to the dongle might enable the BT connection and cancel out any existing BT connection you had with a device
do you know if you can plug in your phone directly (not wireless) to cut down on latency and also charge your device?
It doesn’t support wired CP or AA. The usb port is just for media playback
I've watched almost all of your CarPlay AI reviews. I've noticed some boxes run Android 9, 10, 11, and 12. However, it doesn't appear Android can be updated to a new version on any of these devices. Isn't this a serious security threat since older versions won't receive Android security patches and updates?
Yes it is. Some newer aI boxes are being advertised as upgradable but I’ve yet to see it become a reality. It’s amazing some Android 9 boxes are still selling today.
Thanks for watching.
@@CarPlayLife I just purchased the box and tried to update it. When I click on the button, it flashes but no action is taken. Does anyone know how to update the current operating system?
Will it get updated to a later version of Android like 12 or 13?
Who knows 🤷🏻♂️ They same some can but I guess they don’t have to.
My car got hdmi in, but no carplay. Can i use this product for carplay?
You would have to set it up first outside the car and then any controls would have to be done though a remote as touch input won’t work. If it works with an HDMI TV or display it should work there too. It’s just the input that might be a pain to use it with.
@@CarPlayLife have you ever connect any other controls like keyboard gamepad etc
@@CarPlayLife just saw on video you connected a bt remote :) so i assume it would work on my car.
Only game pad and BT remotes. I’ve not used mice or keyboard with them as that’s quite an niche use case
@@CarPlayLife small gamepad would be nice
Where can we download and install the updated North American firmware? I can't find it anywhere. Please and thank you!
How are you getting this for $266? It shows for me as $379.99, which with your $30 off coupon makes it about $350, not $266.
There was a 30% off sale at the time of recording. They do this often so keep an eye out for these sales.
Is this the only one with HDMI in?
Yes pretty much
Does it also have screen mirroring?
No I don’t believe it does
I am getting an audio delay of 1 - 2 seconds in RUclips and Netflix in my 2023 Honda Pilot Elite stock headunit using the built in apps. I have updated the apps in the Google Play Store but there is still sound lag. Any advice?
Some thoughts or possible issues.
1) How data is transferred or communicated from the AI box to your Honda Pilot head unit as not all head units are the same, 2) Sorry, It is not the Apps, and updating from Google or Apple Store will not fix it. 3) many AI boxes including those from other companies appear to have a delay in Audio ranging from 0.2 seconds up to 2 or 3 seconds. 4) The TV show, Program, and Movie that is uploaded as Video and Audio were never in Sync when uploaded. 5) A faulty AI box, 6) slim chance that Firmware update will resolve it, 7) Perform a Factory Reset on the AI Box.
When I used the Ottocast U2-X Pro from January 2023 to December 2023, I had a good 2-second nearly 3-second audio delay especially while playing RUclips Music Videos.
Recently bought and now using Picasou 2 Pro as of mid-December 2023, the audio delay is minor like 0.1 to 0.4 maximum, less than half a second,
The Picasou 2 Pro is great and works well with Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max installed to the HDMI Input, I have a Samsung S21 5G phone, and a 2023 Toyota Camry XSE V6, I do not play video games of any kind may be on the computer do Solitaire or Hearts card game.
I watch a lot of Live Sports so with Picasou 2 Pro, I do not miss much. I listen to the game and now and then quickly glance at the screen when stopped or on a long straightaway on the highway. But I do not watch while driving. I will watch when waiting at the doctor's office while my older kids are being seen or they are grocery shopping.
I have Deja Vue Plus .apk APP installed on my Samsung S21 5G phone and on the Fire TV Stick. Deja Vue Plus cost $30 month and you get practically everything under the sun, moon, and stars. You no longer need Cable TV, Satellite, Netflix, RUclips TV, Hulu Plus, NFL Network, CBS Sports, ESPN, Disney Plus, Paramount Plus etc. all gone, just need Internet and Deja Vue Plus and you got them all for $30. Since Deja Vue Plus is on my phone, no matter where I go, just about able to watch anything and everything Sports wherever they are played I get all the games, East coast, west coast, 3 games on at 1pm and I can watch all 3 games, Deja Vue Plus is fantastic.
On the internet just Google or BING type in the URL: AttackerTV.so or MovieKids.TV and watch TV shows with all seasons and episodes commercial-free, movies, newly released in theater movies at home for Free. Replay and Pause anytime, watch any time of the day, or next week, watch the same movie 40 times.
I can not download Disney or Hulu to this device. Says incompatible.
Even through APKmirror sites?
@@CarPlayLife I’ll have look into that, idk what that is.
Oh snap. Okay. Yeah. They instal like that. Tho, Hulu says hdcp error. I’m hoping that because I was in the house using a tv and the P2P’s hdmi out, and that it will work when connected to the hu over usb.
That’s likely yes.
@@CarPlayLife I was not able to get Disney downloaded in Canada. Has anyone been able to get Disney to work?
does it work with IOS as well sir?
It will only work with CarPlay systems and your iPhone can connect to it for wireless CarPlay
@@CarPlayLife , so if I understand corectly It only work with CarPlay and IOS not with Android Auto and Android smartphones?
so ... can i use the hdmi out for carplay ?
Kinda but you won’t be able to interact with it though touch. And you need touch to initially set it up for any BT remotes etc.
@@CarPlayLife it would just to double up to the rear tv 32” drop down Range Rover
Ah in that case yes it just mirrors what you see on the main CarPlay display.
Who knows is it operating with Subaru Outback 2020-2022 car with 11.6” screen?
Funziona xiaomi stick sulla porta hdmi?
Sorry I don’t have one to test
28 seconds to connect? and is considered one of the fastest? wth!
AI Boxes take some time to boot up as it had to run the baseline Android OS. Unlike wireless adapters that run off the SOC that will boot much faster. If you want just fast wireless CP/AA don’t get an AI Box. :)
Android 10? Pass.
Some advise these boxes as being upgradable but I’ve yet to see it happen
Its trash, worst ai box, stuck on endless boot loop after 1 year.
Is there no reset pin hole on this one to factory reset it?
It needs controller support.
Yup that would be nice.