We've seen Android put in a lot of devices that aren't phones or tablets -- appliances, robots, light bulbs -- and car infotainment systems seem to be a good fit for the OS. Ca-Fi is set to release a new line of "Dashlinq" car head units running Android, with all of the features you'd want or need jammed in. It's running Android 2.3 -- as you can see by the navigation buttons on the right side -- with an 800x480 6.95-inch multi-touch screen, SDcard slot, optional Wifi and 3G, a USB port, bluetooth and GPS.
This unit doesn't skimp on the car integration either. It has full steering wheel control support, dual zone support, a 9 band EQ setting, Digital Sound Processor (DSP) and full radio support. It handles both calls and audio streaming over bluetooth as well.
Ca-Fi is setting the Dashlinq pricing at $649, and it will be available in January. There's a few more images of the unit and interface at the source link below.
Source: Ca-Fi
Reader comments
Android-powered Ca-Fi Dashlinq infotainment system coming in January
Haha i can already see this thing running Cyanogenmod after few days of release date. =D
Android 2.3 really? Come on we already have 4.2. That's like buying a 3 year old GPS and wondering why you got lost using it. Also the screen sucks I have a HD display on my phone why cheap out with a cheap screen.
Android 2.3 really? Come on we already have 4.2. That's like buying a 3 year old GPS and wondering why you got lost using it. Also the screen sucks I have a HD display on my phone why cheap out with a cheap screen.
Uhh, you can update the mapping software of a 3 year old GPS so that it's up to date.
And this isnt at all like a 3 year old GPS with old data, because it doesn't negatively affect the usefulness...I mean what did you want, expandable notifications on your head unit?
Also maybe they cheaped out on the screen to save money, and because you aren't supposed to be staring at your head unit while driving anyway.
Why in late 2012 this company decides to built this with Android 2.3. What are they thinking...I know that many people don't keep up with the Android updates but this is ridiculous. They should had at least thrown in there the latest version of ICS...that's an eye soar...
Buy a Pioneer Appradio 2 and install the ARLiberator app and your life will be so much better.
Every one one of these android 2.3 radios are dead on arrival. The only people that will by these are the I'll informed.
A nexus 7 plus a little bit of ingenuity will have you a very nice car stereo for < 100 plus the cost f the nexus 7
*Sigh*
Between the low screen resolution and horribly outdated version of Android, it looks like you still get a much better experience if you DIY install any regular 7"er in a dash. Kinda sad nobody is willing to make a respectable in-dash Android powered smartradio.
Android 2.3 is annoying and ugly.
I fear more for a shitty plastic resistive touchscreen though.
Glass capacitive, an unlockable bootloader and CM10.
Do they say whether or not this unit supports bluetooth OBDII? I know the other Ca-Fi unit that costs $999 does, and I would love to have it so I can use Torque while I'm le driving.
@Reeper: I have the 621000 you are talking about. The OBD2 is connected via USB on the back side of the unit. Actually I have not tried to connect it via BT yet.
I think this is a pretty cool unit for a reasonable price. When I compare it to similar radios on the market which are much more expensive and run 2.2 the I must say this is a great deal. Ok, you can not compare it to phones or tablets but for in car use it is cool.