Enhance Your CarPlay Experience: CarLinKit T-Box Plus Review

Enhance Your CarPlay Experience: CarLinKit T-Box Plus Review

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the Carling Kit T-Box Plus
3. Startup Time
4. Features and User Interface
5. Pros of the Carling Kit T-Box Plus
6. Cons of the Carling Kit T-Box Plus
7. Communication between the Device and Car
8. Audio Quality and Compatibility
9. Conclusion

Carling Kit T-Box Plus: A Comprehensive Review

The Carling Kit T-Box Plus is an Android box designed specifically for cars with existing wired CarPlay functionality. It offers the convenience of wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, while also providing the benefits of running Android apps. In this article, we will Delve into the details of the Carling Kit T-Box Plus, discussing its features, pros, and cons, as well as exploring the communication between the device and the car, and the audio quality and compatibility.

Introduction

The Carling Kit T-Box Plus is a compact and slim Android box that easily plugs into your car's existing wired CarPlay system. It allows you to enjoy the convenience of wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to providing access to various Android apps. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the startup time, features, pros, and cons of the Carling Kit T-Box Plus, as well as its communication with the car and audio quality.

Overview of the Carling Kit T-Box Plus

The Carling Kit T-Box Plus is smaller than expected, fitting easily in the Palm of your HAND. Despite its small size, it offers powerful performance and a range of features. The device comes with two cards - a Micro SD card for storage and a nano SIM card for connectivity. The startup time is approximately 40 seconds, and the device is up and running, ready to use CarPlay and Android Auto.

Startup Time

The startup time of the Carling Kit T-Box Plus is an essential factor to consider. As Mentioned earlier, it takes about 40 seconds for the device to initialize, and the T-Box Plus is ready to use. This startup time is relatively quick, allowing for a smooth transition in the car's infotainment system.

Features and User Interface

The Carling Kit T-Box Plus offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface. You have the option to choose between two different user interfaces, each catering to personal preferences. The main user interface features a sleek design with a large music widget in the top left corner and a plethora of apps following it. While driving, this interface may not be the most ideal, as it can make it challenging to view both music and the map simultaneously.

Alternatively, you can opt for the other user interface, which showcases a giant map in the top half, displaying your chosen mapping application. This layout allows for the seamless integration of music and navigation, offering a more convenient driving experience.

Another notable feature of the Carling Kit T-Box Plus is its ability to access the Google Play Store. Running on the Android platform, the device enables users to install their favorite Android apps directly onto their car's infotainment system. While there may be some limitations with certain apps that are not recognized by the device, most popular streaming services and essential apps are readily available, including YouTube, Spotify, and Google Chrome.

Pros of the Carling Kit T-Box Plus

1. High Resolution and Pixel Density: The Carling Kit T-Box Plus boasts a high-resolution display with excellent pixel density. This feature allows for enhanced Clarity and the ability to view more on the screen. Whether it's browsing through maps, searching for restaurants, or perusing music albums, the higher pixel density offers a superior viewing experience.

2. Full Google Experience: With access to the Google Play Store, the Carling Kit T-Box Plus provides users with the complete Google experience. Whether it's searching for information, accessing emails, or installing various apps, having the full Google ecosystem in your car's infotainment system proves to be highly advantageous.

3. Wireless Android Auto and CarPlay: The Carling Kit T-Box Plus enables wireless connectivity for both Android Auto and CarPlay. This wireless capability eliminates the need for cables, offering more freedom and convenience while using these applications.

4. Full-Screen Android Auto: In certain car models that only support limited-screen Android Auto, the Carling Kit T-Box Plus provides a solution by enabling full-screen Android Auto compatibility. This enhancement enhances the user experience by maximizing the screen real estate for optimal visibility.

Cons of the Carling Kit T-Box Plus

1. Inconsistent App Compatibility: While the Carling Kit T-Box Plus allows access to the Google Play Store, there may be some limitations with certain apps. Some apps may not be recognized or compatible with the device, which can be disappointing for users who rely on specific apps, such as Disney Plus. It's crucial to verify app compatibility before purchasing the device.

2. Suboptimal Text Clarity: Due to the higher pixel density of the Carling Kit T-Box Plus, some users may Notice that text appears slightly less crisp compared to native Apple CarPlay. While the text remains readable, the perceived sharpness may not be on par with the original CarPlay interface.

3. Limited Home Screen Customization: The home screen of the Carling Kit T-Box Plus offers limited customization options. Users are primarily limited to two predefined layouts and have minimal flexibility to rearrange apps or add widgets. This lack of customization may be restrictive for users who prefer a more personalized experience.

4. Extended Boot-Up Time: The Carling Kit T-Box Plus requires approximately 40 seconds to start up fully. Although this delay may not be a significant issue for most users, it does elongate the time it takes to access the device's features compared to a traditional wired CarPlay setup.

Communication between the Device and Car

The Carling Kit T-Box Plus relies on seamless communication between the device and the car's infotainment system to provide a smooth experience. However, some car-specific issues may arise, impacting this communication.

One such issue is the interaction between the device and the car's headlights. When the car's headlights are turned on, the device's screen will dim, but the map application may still appear in daylight mode. This inconsistency in theme settings can be a minor annoyance for users.

Additionally, in certain car models like the Subaru Outback, the device fails to communicate properly with the car's notification system. When receiving a text message, the device does not provide any notification or display the message, regardless of whether you are using CarPlay or the native Android interface. This limitation may hinder users who rely on text messaging while driving.

Audio Quality and Compatibility

One of the key considerations when using the Carling Kit T-Box Plus is the audio quality and compatibility with the car's audio system. While the device generally offers good sound quality and compatibility, certain car-specific issues may affect the audio experience.

For example, in the Subaru Outback, when using navigation applications like Google Maps or Waze, the car's audio system defaults to the voice activation Channel. As a result, the audio quality becomes noticeably poorer, as the voice activation channel in the car only supports mono audio and has a lower bit rate. This issue can impact users who prioritize high-quality audio and can lead to a frustrating experience.

Conclusion

The Carling Kit T-Box Plus presents itself as a versatile option for users seeking the convenience of wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. With access to a wide range of Android apps through the Google Play Store, users can enhance their in-car experience. However, certain limitations and compatibility issues, such as inconsistent app compatibility and audio quality in specific car models, may affect the overall user experience. It's essential to consider these factors before deciding to invest in the Carling Kit T-Box Plus, especially if audio quality and precise app compatibility are top priorities.