Neat electronics toys relevant for Mz5 owner?

[Silentnoise713]

I recently came across a gadget which I think most here may be interested. It’s been on market for over a year but I don’t’ follow-up with this stuff any more. I got it set it up yesterday and am so stoked. Looked into something like this a while back and have been waiting/wanting tech like this for a long time.

Feel free to share anyting else you may be aware of.


Samsung SE-208BW

Summary:
-Sized like an external slime DVD drive.
-Power consumption: 5V DC, 4A (based on power brick output but probably consumes less). You would need to use an AC/DC converter. I am waiting for delivery of a voltage step-down converter and will build a hardwire.
http://www.current-logic.com/shop/i..._id=15&zenid=0fae340c688ea20430d81b5b3f82e966

What can it do? A LOT of things but the coolest features relevant to Mz5 owners are playback DVDs on your iPhone/Smartphone (via app, connected via Wifi) and any audio/video/file via USB on your iPhone/Smartphone! No more overhead DVD players! On long trips, I find I don’t always have the best 4G connection (or worry about data overage), which motived me to look for something like this again. For those PC challenged, it can be difficult to setup as you need some PC and network knowledge. The major sucking point is it does not support Blu-ray, arg !. I can’t wait for the Blu-ray version. Cloud is great and all but it’s not 100% reliable yet. Long live ODD!

 

[Silentnoise713]

Nitro Bmw-x43 300 Watt 4 Channel Car Amplifier

Naming confused me at first, but it is in a nutshell a tiny (about 4x3x2!) 4 channel amp rated at 300 watt (45 x 4 @ 2 ohms RMS). One reviewer measured the output and while tad lower, awesome value. The Stock radio needs a boost badly and I don’t think you can find smaller and cheaper than this – quality not withstanding! I have not yet installed it but it is unbelievable small and cheap at $35!

https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)

The alternative costs ~$180
https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)

The great thing about these low power inline amps is that you don’t run a dedicated power and ground line and can simply tap into existing wires.

 

[Secondtyme]

That is really cool! I wouldn't have use of the first one, but the little bitty amp sounds like a stone winner to me. What are the chances that it would end up blowing out the OE speakers though? Don't get me wrong, I'll take any excuse to upgrade....LOL

 

[Silentnoise713]

GTA Car Kit for Mazda5 OEM Radio to Control iPhone

Forgot about this one. Been around awhile but some new members may not be aware. Not sure if anyone here has one that can give some feedback.


GTA iPhone interface for Mazda OEM radio.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VGwBQPywHO8

 

[rodslinger]

I just installed a Pioneer AppRadio2 a few weeks back. In normal fashion this thing is mediocre at best. But pair it up with an Android phone and an app called ARLiberator and it turns into a touchscreen Android device for the car. It mirrors your phone and you have full control over it. Great for Google Maps/NAV, Pandora, etc... Maybe you want to grab a Redbox rental before leaving the restaurant. Done!!!! Best feature of all, Google voice search. Can be driving and just ask the phone to send me to the nearest whatever I'm looking for. Pops right up on the screen.

 

[Silentnoise713]

I just installed a Pioneer AppRadio2 a few weeks back. In normal fashion this thing is mediocre at best. But pair it up with an Android phone and an app called ARLiberator and it turns into a touchscreen Android device for the car. It mirrors your phone and you have full control over it. Great for Google Maps/NAV, Pandora, etc... Maybe you want to grab a Redbox rental before leaving the restaurant. Done!!!! Best feature of all, Google voice search. Can be driving and just ask the phone to send me to the nearest whatever I'm looking for. Pops right up on the screen.

I looked into one of these at Best Buy. Downloaded the app and was going to try it out with my iPhone but never got to it. It looks nice but seems kind of expensive for essentially replicating the phone's interface (say you forgot or broke your phone). If it was a cheaper, I would be very interested.

Another option are the new wave of headuits that run Android OS, which essentially becomes a light weight carputer (only b/c it dos not support drivers). However, it is all unknown brands that produce them so there’s a reliability/durability risk. The mainstream brands have not (and prob will not) picked up on this as they have their own interface.

 

[rodslinger]

.. It looks nice but seems kind of expensive for essentially replicating the phone's interface ....

It is about a 1/3rd of the cost of a decent touchscreen NAV unit and Google Maps works better than any factory NAV system I've tried. It does have a built in tuner also and you can listen to FM while mirroring your phone. The Pioneer app designed for the unit is junk. The ARLiberator app is what wakes it up. Basically I leave the phone in the cupholder now. If I get a text I just glance at the notification on the headunit to see if I want to stop and respond or keep driving. Same for emails. Really helps keep your head up and eyes on the road. I also use Car Home Ultra app from the appstore. It is a specialized launcher when the phone is in car mode so you don't try to use the standard Android interface. Basically keeps essential functions such as direct dial contacts, NAV, Pandora, Fuelly, weather, traffic alerts, gas station search, etc... in large and easy to access icons. It really does stomp the living s*** out of anything else I've tried.

 

[Charcoal]

I just installed the mini Alpine amp. I already have a kenwood gps headunit and replacement speakers installed. The sound was improved but the new speakers seemed underpowered. I was putting the volume up half way just to hear them. With the speaker installed I got even better sound and Im able raise the bass up a bit in the eq. I use my trunk too much day to day to keep my bazooka tube in all time, and this is a good compromise to me. Not like having a true sound system with components and a sub but much better than stock.

I mounted the alpine in the deep pocket behind the glovebox. There is a harness on either side of the amp and I could just use the openings on either side on top to run the wires.

 

[Silentnoise713]

It is about a 1/3rd of the cost of a decent touchscreen NAV unit and Google Maps works better than any factory NAV system I've tried. It does have a built in tuner also and you can listen to FM while mirroring your phone. The Pioneer app designed for the unit is junk. The ARLiberator app is what wakes it up. Basically I leave the phone in the cupholder now. If I get a text I just glance at the notification on the headunit to see if I want to stop and respond or keep driving. Same for emails. Really helps keep your head up and eyes on the road. I also use Car Home Ultra app from the appstore. It is a specialized launcher when the phone is in car mode so you don't try to use the standard Android interface. Basically keeps essential functions such as direct dial contacts, NAV, Pandora, Fuelly, weather, traffic alerts, gas station search, etc... in large and easy to access icons. It really does stomp the living s*** out of anything else I've tried.

I was killing time at Best Buy yesterday and saw the new AppRadion3. It now supports DVD/CD playback! I have to say, it is VERY temping and at ~$350 seems like a no brainer. The most important aspect is the clean design, wide screen, and quality of the touch screen. I hate how you can feel the flappy touch screen overlay on ALL other HUs on display, even the expensive ones. The AppRadio3’s touch screen feels like smooth glass surface, like an Apple product (I’m not an Apple fanboi but I do appreciate their fit/finish). My two grips are no Blue-ray support or HD radio... What gives!?... AppRadio4???

 

[Silentnoise713]

In case anyone else is looking for head rest mount that can swivel to fit between the front seats so kids won't fight over who gets “front row” privilege, here are some to consider. You would need to read reviews as some have issues with weight wearing down the pivots. Do share if you find others!

$90 http://www.thejoyfactory.com/product/MMA107
$60 http://gripdaddymounts.com/v2arm.html
$60 http://toucoul.com/products/coulvue-new-ipad
$35 http://dx.com/p/car-seat-headrest-holder-mount-for-ipad-2-3-ipod-touch-264099

 

[phunky.buddha]

I'm thinking of getting a pair of something like these:

https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)
https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)

My kids have Android "tablets" that I made them out of nook Colors- $40 a pop for a kid friendly tablet. Can't complain. That way they can each have their own games/edutainment/movies in front of them without fighting each other.

 

[Silentnoise713]

I've come across the Akrons. Price is right but they don't suite my needs to swivel the screen to the center. Also, I’m suspect of the plastic construction. In my case, iPads are not heavy but not light either. With the jolts the car consistently endure, I don’t feel the plastic (esp. joints) will withstand durability test.

I'm sure everyone have difference preferences. We debated letting each child have their own screens too but I do not believe that is necessary. If you have two video sources, how does each child hear audio without contention -headphones? I want to avoid headphones and rather everyone (3rd row passengers can also enjoy the same show) hear the same audio via car speakers. I thought about fixing some speakers (old Miata headrest speaker) into their boosters seats but they are prob too young to willingly set the “right” volume -I can envision them trying to one-up each.

JMHO, something to keep in mind regarding fixed mounts. I don't know how you intend on using the tablets in the car (leave it there?) but for me, it is only on occasional road trip use. That said, for all the mounting systems out there it is very important to me that it has an easy setup/removal and that it is not obtrusive when the tablet is not in use. I’d want to take the screen off when stopping for a break after a long drive. The JOY appeals to me b/c the tablet is secured to a hard cover that “magnetically” attaches to the arms. The arms can be fold away so there’s really noting to remove or get in the way when not used. With the other systems, I'd have to take the whole thing on/off after use. I’m not sure if leaving it in there is an options b/c they seem to stick out a tad much (some reviews comment on this) and our cars do not afford much space between 1st and 2nd row.

I’ve been using this simple but very useful Griffin case. It works GREAT for behind the headrest and serves multi purpose as an everyday protection case, esp @ $8 shipped. I jerry rig case to fit between the headrest when needed but want to make it more seamless. I found another device that I want to try with the Griffin case and will report back if it works out well. Hopefully it will work much like the Joy setup (arms stay but the tablet w/ case can easily come on/off).
https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)

 

[phunky.buddha]

I see your point of view / situation...

Personally, I don't like hearing whatever they're watching, so headphones are ideal for me. When I had the roof mounted DVD player and screen in the center (son broke it), it ran off infrared headphones and I never heard a thing. I hated losing the rear-view from the main mirror though since the huge screen blocked everything.

For me the tablets would just be snap in/out from the headrest mounts. No permanent mounting. I don't want that kind of hardware visible when I'm not in the car.

 

[chad99]

The app radio is awesome, I would have gone with the Pioneer AVH-X5600BHS but im always worried someone will just break in and steal a aftermarket looking deck, too bad there isn't a simple way to make a generic double din radio look more factory.

 

[Silentnoise713]

Joy Factory mount is AWESOME!

In case anyone else is looking for a solid/durable tablet mount, I HIGHLY recommend checking out JOY Factory’s line of products. The only plastics that exist in this kit (MMA107 for iPad) are the two knobs and tablet case (think of it as getting a free case) which is secondary but are also reinforced (thick)! All of the primary critical joints and wear/tear parts are made of carbon fiber (arm extension for weight savings, it is heavy due to "other" metal componetns) or metal (ball joint, bracket/clamp, nuts/bolt)! I honestly did not believe things are made like this anymore. I was reluctant to buy due to high cost for such a simple device (simple is good) but this is definitely a case of you get what you pay for ($68 on Amazon). Also, the iPad does not get in the way of the rear view mirror, unlike a fix overhead DVD system.

My road trip setup consists of the Joy mount with an iPad. I use the Samsung SE-208BW DVD player via wifi play back on the iPad, which the iPad Bluetooth transmits audio to the Kivino BTC460 receiver (you can connect headphones to this via a 3.5mm female to female coupler and splitter for N number of headphones if you want to isolate yourself), which is connected to the stock HU via Aux-in (+GLI). It’s great that you can pick up and drop off movies at any Redbox locations for road trips. I also carry a T-Mobile hotspot for Netflix and Slingbox but I find 4G is not always reliable when you are out in the woods… The Joy mount has been my missing link for a long time. Super happy daddy and highly recommend! Now to hide some of the gadgets and installed that mini amp for some maxi pow'a!

 

[phunky.buddha]

Great news! It better be good at $68 each though.