The Ultimate Carplay Media Adapter: Unboxing and Review
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Unboxing the I Hail Link Android 13 Carplay Media Adapter
- Connecting the Adapter to the Car and Testing Startup Speed
- Exploring the Android 13 Operating System
- Testing Wireless Apple Carplay
- Testing Wireless Android Auto
- Testing YouTube and Netflix
- Testing Navigation with Waze
- Testing Live TV Streaming
- Exploring the Split Screen Feature
- Video in Motion Functionality
- Conclusion
Introduction
Today, we will be reviewing the I Hail Link Android 13 Carplay Media Adapter, the latest offering from the well-known I Hail Link company. This device stands out from the rest as it is the first to feature the Android 13 operating system. With impressive specifications including 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6628 Core processor, this adapter promises high performance. It also offers wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto functionality, a split screen feature, and more. In this article, we will unbox the adapter, test its various features, and provide a comprehensive review of its performance.
Unboxing the I Hail Link Android 13 Carplay Media Adapter
Upon unboxing the I Hail Link Android 13 Carplay Media Adapter, we find that it comes neatly packaged with all the essential accessories. The package includes a user manual to guide us through the setup process and a cable to connect the adapter to the car. The adapter itself has a sleek and lightweight design, featuring the I Hail Link logo on top. It is made of plastic and boasts a slim, square Shape. The back of the device has ample ventilation spacing to prevent overheating. It also includes a SIM card slot and an SD memory card slot for expandable storage. Overall, the unboxing experience is straightforward, and the adapter appears to be well-designed for easy installation.
Connecting the Adapter to the Car and Testing Startup Speed
Now that we have unboxed the I Hail Link Android 13 Carplay Media Adapter, it's time to connect it to our car and test its startup speed. After connecting the adapter to the car's system via the USB-C connection, we start the timer to measure how long it takes for the device to boot to the main home page of the Android 13 operating system. To our surprise, the startup speed is exceptionally fast, clocking in at just 18 to 20 seconds. This quick startup time surpasses that of other carplay devices we have tested in the past, making a strong first impression.
Exploring the Android 13 Operating System
With the I Hail Link Android 13 Carplay Media Adapter successfully connected and booted, we now have the opportunity to explore the Android 13 operating system. The main home page presents a clean and intuitive layout, offering various features and connectivity options. Alongside the time display, we find Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 4G connection icons for seamless connectivity. The system also displays recently opened applications for easy access. By clicking on the display of open applications, users gain a comprehensive view of all the apps installed on the device. While the device comes pre-installed with numerous apps, users can visit the Play Store to install additional apps or utilize APK files for installation. Overall, the Android 13 operating system is feature-rich and user-friendly, boasting the latest specifications in the market.
Testing Wireless Apple Carplay
To assess the performance of the I Hail Link Android 13 Carplay Media Adapter, our first test focuses on the wireless Apple Carplay functionality. By clicking on the pre-installed Apple Carplay app, the device seamlessly connects to our mobile phone via Bluetooth. Within seconds, all contacts and favorites sync to the device, initiating an effortless setup process. Once connected, the adapter automatically detects the connection every time the car is switched on, taking the user directly to the home page of Apple Carplay. This wireless feature is convenient and ensures a hassle-free integration with the car's system.
Testing Wireless Android Auto
In addition to wireless Apple Carplay, the I Hail Link Android 13 Carplay Media Adapter also supports wireless Android Auto. To establish the connection, we open the Z-Link app and follow a similar process as with Apple Carplay. By pairing the device with our Android mobile phone, syncing favorite apps and contacts is quick and easy. Within seconds, Android Auto's home page appears, providing a seamless experience. Notably, this adapter features the new Android Auto Cool Walk version, which offers a split screen display for simultaneous media and navigation use. Users can update their Android Auto app on their mobile phones to access this enhanced version.