Parrot asteroid smart

bswoll

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?

cheshirecat

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.

cdoxp800

Very cool..

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Fountainhead

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.

bswoll

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..

Cbtech

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.

cheshirecat

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.

bswoll

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

Cbtech

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.

cheshirecat

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.

lineyho

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.

Cbtech

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

Z34_Nismo

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.

Rhino111

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

bswoll

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