Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Laser
Android Auto and CarPlay have become must-have software for modern drivers, and many people wouldn't even consider buying a new vehicle without them.
Apple's statistics indicate that nearly 80 percent of the new-car buyers in the United States consider CarPlay a must-have option. Otherwise, they're ready to change models or even brands as long as they get CarPlay.
However, Android Auto and CarPlay are not exclusive to new-generation models. They can also be installed in older cars with aftermarket head units. Pioneer, Sony, Alpine, Kenwood, and others build premium units with Android Auto and CarPlay support.
Installing a new head unit in the car isn't easy and typically comes with additional costs. Additionally, such a device is expensive, with the most premium models exceeding $1,000.
Enter LASER.
The company's latest product is called Navig8r, and it is a "portable wireless touchscreen" that integrates Android Auto and CarPlay support. It can be installed directly on the windshield like a traditional GPS navigator and connects to your phone to run Android Auto and CarPlay wirelessly.
The device packs a 7-inch IPS screen and gets power from any USB port in your car.
The windscreen mount makes the installation extremely convenient, as you won't have to remove the dashboard, mess with wiring, or anything similar that requires professional installation skills. Just plug the device into the USB port, install the windscreen mount for the right angle, and pair your phone.
Android Auto and CarPlay should run with your smartphone like any other head unit, though you can also use the Navig8r without the two systems. For example, you can listen to the radio, with the audio sent to your car's speakers via the integrated Bluetooth connection.
Navig8r also supports other add-ons, including a reverse camera. You can install the parking camera in the back of the car, and when you switch to reverse, the display automatically starts showing live footage, just like a factory-installed parking camera.
The best thing about Navig8r is that it's fairly affordable, so anyone can buy and install it without additional costs. The device is available in Australia for $169 AUD, while the additional camera for parking assistance costs $29.95 AUD.
Of course, Navig8r isn't the only device that promises such capabilities, and you can get similar CarPlay and Android Auto screens for much lower than the likes of AliExpress. These generic Chinese devices typically do their job, but you shouldn't expect a premium build and top specs.
If you're only interested in navigating with Google Maps or Waze and listening to your favorite tunes on Spotify, these devices should come in handy, especially because you won't have to spend hundreds of dollars on aftermarket upgrades.
However, Android Auto and CarPlay are not exclusive to new-generation models. They can also be installed in older cars with aftermarket head units. Pioneer, Sony, Alpine, Kenwood, and others build premium units with Android Auto and CarPlay support.
Installing a new head unit in the car isn't easy and typically comes with additional costs. Additionally, such a device is expensive, with the most premium models exceeding $1,000.
Enter LASER.
The company's latest product is called Navig8r, and it is a "portable wireless touchscreen" that integrates Android Auto and CarPlay support. It can be installed directly on the windshield like a traditional GPS navigator and connects to your phone to run Android Auto and CarPlay wirelessly.
The device packs a 7-inch IPS screen and gets power from any USB port in your car.
The windscreen mount makes the installation extremely convenient, as you won't have to remove the dashboard, mess with wiring, or anything similar that requires professional installation skills. Just plug the device into the USB port, install the windscreen mount for the right angle, and pair your phone.
Android Auto and CarPlay should run with your smartphone like any other head unit, though you can also use the Navig8r without the two systems. For example, you can listen to the radio, with the audio sent to your car's speakers via the integrated Bluetooth connection.
Navig8r also supports other add-ons, including a reverse camera. You can install the parking camera in the back of the car, and when you switch to reverse, the display automatically starts showing live footage, just like a factory-installed parking camera.
The best thing about Navig8r is that it's fairly affordable, so anyone can buy and install it without additional costs. The device is available in Australia for $169 AUD, while the additional camera for parking assistance costs $29.95 AUD.
Of course, Navig8r isn't the only device that promises such capabilities, and you can get similar CarPlay and Android Auto screens for much lower than the likes of AliExpress. These generic Chinese devices typically do their job, but you shouldn't expect a premium build and top specs.
If you're only interested in navigating with Google Maps or Waze and listening to your favorite tunes on Spotify, these devices should come in handy, especially because you won't have to spend hundreds of dollars on aftermarket upgrades.
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