About Android Navigation system
Introduction to Android Radio
Android Radio is an in-car navigation and entertainment system deeply customized based on Google Android, which began to emerge around 2016. It mainly enhances the original car’s entertainment and navigation experience. Thanks to the significant performance improvement of ARM-based mobile CPUs in recent years, Android Radio now offers even more obvious advantages over traditional OEM systems. Below, I will introduce the features of Android Radio from aspects such as software, hardware, functionality, and display.
A Brief History of Automotive Navigation Systems
Before the 1980s, most cars were only equipped with radios and had no navigation functionality. In 1976, Honda started exploring the possibility of visualized automotive navigation by inventing the "gas-rate gyroscope," which was applied to mass-production vehicles in 1981, enabling basic gyroscope-based navigation.
The real turning point for the widespread adoption of car navigation devices came in 1995 when the U.S. government opened the GPS market to civilian use, prompting automakers to heavily invest in navigation and entertainment system development.
Entering the 21st century, in-car navigation and entertainment systems rapidly became standard along with the booming automotive industry. Major car manufacturers either developed their own systems or partnered with third-party suppliers—for example, DENSO supplying Toyota, Honda, and Subaru; BOSCH supplying Volkswagen, Audi, and BMW; and HARMAN supplying Land Rover, Jeep, and Ford.
However, traditional OEM systems had many drawbacks, such as the inability to freely install apps, outdated maps often requiring paid updates, small low-resolution screens, poor system fluidity, and generally lacking internet connectivity.
The Rise of Android Radio
Thanks to the open-source nature of Android, some Chinese companies started developing Android-based in-car GPS navigation and entertainment systems around 2016. Our company entered the industry in 2017.
With Android integration, in-car devices can now install apps freely just like smartphones. Simply log into a Google account, and you can download numerous apps such as Google Maps, Waze, HERE WeGo, YouTube Music, Spotify, and more from Google Play.
Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto
If you prefer not to download apps directly onto the Android Radio, you can also use Wireless CarPlay or Wireless Android Auto.
Most Android Radios we sell support wireless connections. After the initial pairing, the system can automatically connect within 5–20 seconds of starting the vehicle, making it very convenient to use navigation, music streaming, and other functions.
4G Network Support
All Android Radios sold on our website support 4G networks in most countries and regions worldwide. The device is equipped with a 4G SIM card tray on the back, making it easy to install the SIM tray inside the glovebox.
Of course, you can also connect the device to a smartphone hotspot for internet access, enabling real-time traffic updates. The 4G antenna can be attached to the front windshield to enhance signal reception.
Sound Quality and Audio Stereo System Compatibility
Many users worry that replacing the original system with an Android Radio might affect sound quality, but there is no need for concern.
For vehicles equipped with an external amplifier (usually located behind the glovebox), Android Radio connects directly to the amplifier via a dedicated audio interface, preserving the original audio experience.
We select “Audio Chips” from internationally renowned manufacturers such as Germany’s ROHM and Silicon Labs from the U.S., ensuring excellent sound quality, often even better than some OEM systems.
For vehicles without an external amplifier, we use high-quality “Amplifier chips” from companies like STMicroelectronics (Switzerland) and Texas Instruments (USA) to ensure sufficient power for multi-speaker systems.
Reverse Camera and 360° Surround View System
Most models of our Android Radio support the original reverse camera system, often without needing to replace the existing camera. However, compatibility needs to be confirmed based on the specific model.
Additionally, even if your car does not come with a 360° surround view system, we offer Android Radios that support 360° viewing. You just need to install four AHD cameras at the front, side mirrors, and rear, and calibrate the system using a special 360° calibration cloth (installation is a bit complex and recommended to be done by a professional technician).
OEM System Compatibility
Many newer vehicle models integrate various control features into the central screen, such as differential locks, driving mode switching, regenerative braking strength, seat memory, tire pressure monitoring initialization, air suspension height adjustment, and climate control.
To support this, our Android Radio features a Dual-System Mode: there is a button in the Android interface to switch back to the original vehicle interface. After clicking, you can operate the original system via touchscreen, steering wheel buttons, or control knobs (e.g., Audi, BMW gear knobs). Switching back to Android is also simple—just click “Exit.”
Display
We have significantly upgraded the screens compared to the small, low-resolution OEM displays. We offer multiple sizes including 9", 10", 12.5", 13", and 14.5", greatly enhancing the navigation and entertainment experience.
Our screens are sourced from leading international manufacturers such as BOE (Beijing Oriental Electronics). Some models even feature 2K resolution, rich colors, wide color gamut, and high contrast, delivering display quality comparable to flagship smartphones.
The real device images shown on our website are actual photos, not just UI screenshots.
CPU and Hardware Configuration
Our Android Radios are equipped with CPUs based on the ARM architecture, primarily from reputable brands such as Qualcomm Snapdragon, MediaTek (MTK), and UNISOC. These processors are widely recognized for their stable and reliable performance.
Except for a few high-end EVs, the processor performance of Android Radio generally surpasses that of OEM navigation systems, offering smooth operation, fast responses, and virtually no lag.
Plug and Play Installation
Our devices support Plug & Play installation. Simply remove the original system and connect the corresponding wiring harness.
For different vehicle configurations (e.g., high, medium, and low trim levels), we clearly label each connector to facilitate self-installation. However, patience and carefulness are still recommended during DIY installation.
Multi-System Satellite Positioning Support and A-GPS Fast Positioning
Our Android Radio supports signals from multiple major Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), including the U.S. GPS, Europe's Galileo, and China's BeiDou system.
Utilizing multiple satellite systems allows the device to receive more satellite signals, significantly improving positioning speed, accuracy, and reliability even in challenging environments such as urban canyons and tunnel entrances.
Please note that if the GPS navigation function has not been used for a long period (e.g., the device has been fully powered off for several days), the stored satellite ephemeris data (precise satellite orbit and clock data) may expire. In this "cold start" state, it may take longer (potentially tens of seconds or even several minutes) for the device to search and download fresh data directly from satellite signals before completing the first positioning.
However, our Android Radio supports A-GPS (Assisted Global Positioning System). When the device is connected to the internet (either via a built-in 4G SIM card or a mobile phone Wi-Fi hotspot), it can quickly acquire the latest assistance data via the network.
This greatly reduces satellite signal acquisition time, enabling almost instant positioning. When connected to the internet, positioning time is usually shortened to 1–5 seconds, providing a navigation experience as smooth and responsive as using a smartphone.