S150 Android REVIEW
Here are my first impressions of the s150 Android unit following its successful installation in my veteran Horse.
Summary:
Value for the price: good
Reliability: Unknown
Installation: easy
Customer service: Really good
GOOD: I will say that it gives a refresh to my Horse when it comes to communication and entertainment technology, which can even be envy by recently out of the factory premium cars.
CONS: outdated os version will limit the Apps downloads from play store
Review:
Communication with seller was prompt, transaction was straight forward, shipping was really fast considering is overseas. Packaging was over the average since accessories cables where customize hand labeled for the installation for my Treg.
Installation was also straight forward since it has a plug and play harness.
I did take the necessary precautions given that I really care about my horse in view of the fact that is a rare breed here in Canada.
I read the treads available; discuss the mod with my local car audio system specialist and my local vw mechanic shop to obtain their opinion for the installation. Double check the non necessity to unplug the batteries and vagcom the modules before and after the installation. Nothing to report except the predictable fault code 01304 – Radio 004 no signal/communication with modules 17: Instruments, 19:CAN Gateway and 75:Telematics
After installation:
ESTHETIC: The polymer color, texture and quality matches our factory dash polymer. Shape and dimensions are perfect. In other words, it fits like a glove. The led lights also matches.
All the steering wheel button works, including the + and – volume. The only change is that radio stations is not visible nor controllable in our Multi-function indicator.
TOUCHSCREEN is sensitive and it’s higher than the average, well it will not match quality sensitivity of the touchscreen of apple products but surpass by far Garmin or tom tom gps and similar products. I took me some time to get to use it, since I am use to apple products. After few hours exploring around, I get use to the sensitivity and my finger position became automated by using lightly my nail for precision.
GPS signal is strong and stable. IGO software is complete and intuitive and comparable or better with todays gps standards software.
RADIO signal needs improvement, even with all the media capabilities; it’s a fact that your local radio stations can’t be replaced with a la carte media. Well this is a personal opinion.
SOUND QUALITY
First let’s be clear that I have an analogue amp, so I still have the usage of all my speakers and the subwoofer.
It took me some time with the digital equalizer to get the fine tune I am use to get from the speakers and subwoofer. So my impression was that sound quality is comparable to similar. But hold on, I did insert StarsWars III dvd and I play the movie. I realize that I hade a active ambient sound. It did blow my mind. It’s like a home theater... well a Touareg theater. So aftermath, Sound quality has a similar frequency spectrum but with high end effects.
HANDSFREE/Bluetooth was easy to set up and does what we are use to it. In fact, it pull all my contacts in to the units effortless.
INTERNET, straight forward connection with Android platform with my home wifi network, speed is respectable, you can stream videos on youtube and download app from play store. Mobile hotspot not tested yet. The Android OS is a little outdated but it will only restrain the download of few applications available at the Play store.
IMAGE quality is good and is similar with comparable products. There is a reflection nuisance on the screen during day time, but this is not reputable to the unit nor the brightness of the screen. In fact it’s in my opinion that the 90 degrees angle of our dash in relation with the driver position accentuates the physical phenomena.
CONTROLS and naviation: This is an Android unit, so if you have an android phone, it will be easy to navigate around. If not the Android OS and direct buttons are intuitive. It may be a little difficult for some, but in other hand, if you drive a Touareg you are use to complexity and flexibility right. I will say it’s like our owners literature of our Touareg, take the time to read it at least once to better understanding and to take advantage of its full capacity.
Well, I believe I did cover the major points, but the unit has much more to offer and to explore. Well I do have more to learn about the unit. No, I did not read all the user manual yet. Lol.
Conclusion: I am happy with the upgrade
Finally, I have not yet installed the wireless back up camera and the DVR. I am also considering headrest monitors for my kids in the back. So there will be more tests to share.
Anyway, thanks for reading and drive safe.
Wolfs
