Parrot asteroid smart
 

Anyone got a parrot asteroid smart in their Z? I've been searching for a new head unit ever since I bought my car last year and been thinking to pull the trigger on this android head unit. Currently priced for $512 on amazon. Amazon.com: Parrot Asteroid SMART - Digital Media Receiver with Navigation, Apps, Multimedia and Bluetooth hands-free: Car Electronics

There's even a steering wheel control adapter for it. What do you guys think?

There's not been many installs of the Parrot from what I've seen.

I've messed around with Dynavin with their Android unit, and I wouldn't recommend it.

I've been waiting for an Android-based unit for quite a while. I'd suggest checking out youtube videos of this parrot unit to see if you can gauge the responsiveness of the system and the sensitivity of the touchscreen.

Very cool..

Hey I have a lot of experience with the single DIN Parrot Radio. It's very nice, I like the sound of it, the detachable screen has a magnet holding it once it is unlatched, details like that interest me. It's very "Cloud" based so be prepared to tether like mad for some apps to work. That's what ultimately turned me off to it, was the fact everything I wanted to do required data except iPod and AM/FM, and also no Satellite, really? Not even an option to add it with on screen control....

Google Maps? Data connection *tethering $$$ on my carrier, ATT! Cheaper to just use your phone for Navi. The voice commands will go to the radio over BT. OR you can use a 3G/4G dongle to get the data for the unit. BT works really well, the Parrot module does good voice commands, iPod/iPhone USB control works well, EQ is kind of limited but I could get it to a place I liked. Pre and Sub outs seemed reasonably strong, no problems with my amps, the screen isn't touch *I only have used the single DIN version of the radio - might be a 2 DIN out now, haven't seen it yet. FM/AM tuner worked well. As I said no Sirius or XM compatiblity.
I mostly used my iPhone streaming A2DP during my short commute.

I really like the Industrial Design, aesthetics, large knob, etc.
I could get used to it long term but it's hard to fit a single DIN into any dash these days. I would look at the 2 DIN version, if it is available.

Thanks for chiming in fellas. I'm going to wait for more reviews from the boards and youtube to come out on this unit. As for data I have a grandfathered unlimited data plan from verizon..

The Parrot is also using (what is considered ancient) android ver. 2.** whereas Android is currently at ver. 4.12+. this would be nice buy if they updated their operating systems to something that is more current.

It seems that most people who are experimenting with Android as a HU OS are stuck on Gingerbread. Not sure what problems exist moving to 3.x or 4.x but I assume they must be significant.

Compared to the kenwood dna990hd, the parrot smart is a steal. They both run on 2.3 claiming it's the most stable.

Probably because they are using a very basic "car" modeled GUI and didn't put in a processor that can handle a 3.-4.** OS. but low tech gets the job done... look at the space shuttles PC's have less computing power than a wrist watch.

A buddy of mine went with the Dynavin that's supposed to work well with our 1 series BMW's. It is a terrible unit, period.

We did some research into the Parrot Smart and so far the reviews are stellar, especially for an Android based unit. The touchscreen is excellent and the OS is very fast.

Developers have managed to get root on the device and also get Google Play Store working. These two hurdles were the biggest when it comes to fully enjoying the headunit and they've been solved.

IMO, Android is the future for double din media units.

I posted a review of the android unit I installed. It is a no name unit, but runs android 2.3.4. I have it rooted also. The unit came with google play store and works fine. It has a 1ghz processor with 512 of ram. I don't have it bogged down with too many programs so it is quite fast. Most of these units have a reduced version of android that can't do everything your phone can do, but most things you need for car apploications. You can also buy these units with Android 4.0 where some also include winCE. Some people have got their units to run torque off their blue tooth OBD2. My bluetooth would see the obd2 but would not connect. If you are interested in reading a lot about these units do a google search for xda ouku 6.2 dvd. You will find about 40 pages of people buy, using and discussing these units. Yes, Android or other operating systems incorporated into music systems are the future for now. Pioneer, kenwood, Alpine etc need to get their act together and quick nickel and diming us for each tiny upgrade they do with their units and start putting operating systems into their head units. Pioneer mirrors your phone, but you are still having to juggle two devices.

Another thing is that Android is constantly being upgraded whereas apple is every 6 months to a year for their upgrades. That being said, its easier to make a platform around Iphone and IOS since they don't change often and they are rigid with their platform and not allowing anyone to do anything to it. I would say that is the only down side to Android are the updates. Good for me and you but bad for developers like Kenwood, Pioneer, etc. since you spend a year on R&D (50-100k later) and Android has updated several times over. Android is the new wave and I think that all the major manufactures should start looking at head units with detachable faces (similar to a tablet) that can be updated via wifi whenever android has an update to keep up with the Jones's.

On a side note I dislike Apple. Their products are beautiful but their business practices are dirty and they are just plain bullys. Anyone that tries to make something similar to what they have (such as pinch zoom) they try to sue them to oblivion. The irony about that is if you watch the lost interview with Steve Jobs in early 1990's he talks about sharing ideas from other developers and even talks about "taking" other developers ideas and making them better.

Anywho ill get off my soap box :werd:

I have the asteroid smart with unika steering wheel adapter installed. I did the installation earlier this month. I think it's a very nice unit. The controls are fluent - much like a tablet, it has igo primo navigation preloaded, browser, email and a few apps that can be downloaded from asteroid market. Parrot still has a way to go with its apps, but overall I'm definitely happy with it. I was thinking about putting up a DIY for the install but I just have t gotten around to it. If anyone has any questions just hit me up.

Cool Z34 put some pics up when you get a chance. :tup:

Z34, how are the steering wheel controls? Are there any delays when using them? Please post some pics. It will be greatly appreciated.
..

I feel like the steering wheel controls are pretty responsive, maybe a small delay on start-up but I haven't noticed anything long enough to shy myself or anyone away, at least IMO. I don't really know what kind of delays other people running Kenwood, JVC or Alpine HU's are, but I'm really satisfied with it. I will keep a closer eye on it & give you some better feedback, as I only drive it during the weekends.

HU installed:
http://i.imgur.com/wZZjoYn.jpg

Home Menu:
http://i.imgur.com/RP3FxKd.jpg

igo Primo screen:
http://i.imgur.com/8Y1pacD.jpg

App Page:
http://i.imgur.com/ZkVbqG8.jpg

Looks nice, Z34! Thanks for the pics. I still on the fence about getting this head unit. Do you have a reavview camera hooked up with your HU as well? I've been reading reviews that on some units the rear view camera app does not close correctly and they would have to close it themselves while driving.

Not really sure about the cam app, as I have the oem cam in the rear view mirror, but the HU is firmware upgradable. The 2.0.1 update included "fix of audio glitches w/some low quality USB keys" which may have address that problem?

Soooo cute! Lol

Sent with TapAhoe

Peeved
 

I'm so peeved the Unika unit doesn't work with the '09 Z yet. I emailed them about it, and they pretty said to keep waiting... I wonder what the big difference is between the '09-'10 and '11 - Present models as far steering wheel control/headunit integration is concerned...

We have installed the Parrott Smart Double Din in a Nissan Versa recently and I have to say, not bad, I was impressed, very simple to use and easy on the eye...

LOL why you going to buy the parrot smart for 500 when pioneer has a new one coming out with mirror link for 500 as well... pioneer Appradio 3 ( SPH-DA210 ) im getting one of these by wednesday!! XD

Because...simply put... mirror link sucks...

Hey Z34, I see you have a 2012. Do you know if there were any changes to the stock stereo system in the Z? What did you originally have? Bose with Bluetooth? I'm trying to figure out if the Unika unit has just never been tested on earlier year models. Thanks!

Fitxpert, I do not know of any changes to the stereo wiring from earlier models. My nismo came with base stereo setup, no bluetooth. I don't see why it wouldn't work with earlier Z's? I would try contacting Paser tech support, as parrot doesn't actually make the unika:

Support - Paser Srl

Because having a direct android interface as apposed to needing an android phone plugged in to use is completely different and yes mirror link kind of sucks.

Check out the clarion ax1. Looks pretty nice and even has a volume knob

Thanks for getting back to me Z34 - I've just had the hardest time finding an answer! I'll try to contact Paser, I'm half itching to just pull the trigger and try it out.

Parrot Asteroid Smart and Unika in 2009 Nissan 370z
 

Alright everyone - I got the Parrot Asteroid Smart installed, and Unika working in my 2009 370Z. It was a labor of love, and a big gamble for me. It's listed as non-compatible, but the guys at Paser said they simply haven't tested it yet... I cross-referenced service manuals for the 09-12 Z and realized not much has changed in the harness over the years...so I went ahead with it and...welp...now, it's been tested, and verified to work!

It takes a few tries, and a little patience to get the Unika programmed. I also noticed that on startup there is a 6-10 second lag on first push of the "seek" button either way. After it responds the first time, each subsequent response is immediate. All other buttons work immediately.

On a positive note, I have wireless charging enabled in the center console for my phone.

I'll do a larger write-up, and post photos with that. I just haven't had the time to sit down and get it done.

Big thanks to Z34_Nismo for the help with the Unika.

:tup: on wireless charging.

Just when I was about to post that I found a possible solution to your unika issue. It seems axxess have updated their support to include parrot. Metra Online

I successfully installed the parrot smart with the aswc 1. It's really responsive. I gotta say money well spent! I will post a video on youtube if anyone is interested.

Check it out yo!

Great vid!

I continued having issues until the last update, and then, felt the need to re-program (I prefer my seek buttons flipped). Anyway, after i reprogrammed, the delay came back. It's 5-10 seconds. Seriously annoying at this point. I've emailed Paser again and double checked all of my connections.

All of that said - I'm going to order the ASWC-1 and the harness for the Parrot. Saw a great deal with SonicElectronix (plus, they pricematch.) I also found the instruction manual, and it looks like the installation is very similar. I hope it works. :-)

The ASWC-1 is on the money, good luck!!!

Latest Parrot update actually randomly disables the Steering Wheel control upon booting (not always but sometimes). Hope they fix this soon. Gets annoying having to go into Settings and enable it every other day :(

*Hard reset didn't fix anything.

What are you using? Unika or ASWC-1?

Aswc-1

Oh that sucks! My suggestionis this.

1. Leave a comment on the Parrot Support Forum regarding this.
2. You can roll back your parrot unit to a previous version by downloadi g the *. plf file from the Parrot site. You will have to manually change the URL to the previous version to get the download. Put this file on the root directory of a thumb drive. Plug it in and power up. The unit will roll back to that version.