[jmciver]

So was the OEM back-up camera integration fixed with the recent software update? Specifically, if the Android GUI is displayed (not the original iDrive GUI) and you put the car into reverse, will the OEM reverse camera pop up?

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by jmciver

So was the OEM back-up camera integration fixed with the recent software update? Specifically, if the Android GUI is displayed (not the original iDrive GUI) and you put the car into reverse, will the OEM reverse camera pop up?

I really don't think think this is a software issue. I installed the aftermarket camera in a different car and it will cut over properly on all screens. the advantage that has though is there is a specific camera trigger wire, which when it goes hot when you switch to reverse, cuts to that video feed.

What I don't know is how the factory cuts over, and if there is a similar trigger. If so, it might be possible to tap the new trigger to the old and have it switch as well. I don't know what that is though.. I see this more as figuring out the oem wiring harness than a software issue.

[awmenard]

Well Avin might just take my money now. Just saw a video of an Apple CarPlay adapter.

SDS better have something really good for me not to pull the trigger on this one.

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by awmenard

Well Avin might just take my money now. Just saw a video of an Apple CarPlay adapter.

SDS better have something really good for me not to pull the trigger on this one.

I should have a demo of that functionality up as well in the next couple of weeks. 8)

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by raichean

I really don't think think this is a software issue. I installed the aftermarket camera in a different car and it will cut over properly on all screens. the advantage that has though is there is a specific camera trigger wire, which when it goes hot when you switch to reverse, cuts to that video feed.

What I don't know is how the factory cuts over, and if there is a similar trigger. If so, it might be possible to tap the new trigger to the old and have it switch as well. I don't know what that is though.. I see this more as figuring out the oem wiring harness than a software issue.

Fair enough..... so I am assuming Avin is not working towards a solution for this issue, be it a software or wiring solution? That would be a disappointment considering the technology that went into this device and the integration should allow this particular function to work. This unit taps into the CAN bus and it would not surprise me if the trigger signal for the OEM rear camera is transmitted along the CAN bus as the OEM head unit needs to know when the camera is on in order to switch over the display.

I hate to say it, but this simple functionality could be a deal breaker for me. I want to add more functionality with this device, not lose anything that I already have. Especially since I use the OEM backup camera on a daily basis....

[BMW DIY Guy]

I can definitely understand your concern, and I will share if I find a work around or have a solution found ASAP.

That said, I find it effects me very very little, as I am in my iDrive screens MOST of the time, so my rear view works not only as before but better with the improved display. I have reached out to Avin again to see if they have an update on this.

[awmenard]

Originally Posted by jmciver

Fair enough..... so I am assuming Avin is not working towards a solution for this issue, be it a software or wiring solution? That would be a disappointment considering the technology that went into this device and the integration should allow this particular function to work. This unit taps into the CAN bus and it would not surprise me if the trigger signal for the OEM rear camera is transmitted along the CAN bus as the OEM head unit needs to know when the camera is on in order to switch over the display.

I hate to say it, but this simple functionality could be a deal breaker for me. I want to add more functionality with this device, not lose anything that I already have. Especially since I use the OEM backup camera on a daily basis....

Let me just start by saying I?m not saying this to be a smart ass or sound arrogant.

I think that for what you gain , having to press one button to get to the original screen before backing up into a space should not be such a big deal.

If you?re car is already equipped with the 8.8? screen getting the F15/16 is a cheaper option.

If you have the 6.5 I think it?s a small sacrifice.

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by awmenard

Let me just start by saying I?m not saying this to be a smart ass or sound arrogant.

I think that for what you gain , having to press one button to get to the original screen before backing up into a space should not be such a big deal.

If you?re car is already equipped with the 8.8? screen getting the F15/16 is a cheaper option.

If you have the 6.5 I think it?s a small sacrifice.

No worries, the screen not shifting to the OEM camera automatically is just one of those little OCD things that I think should not be there.... but I would probably get over it .

I do have the 8.8" screen in my car, but the F15/16 screen would not meet my needs. I want the screen primarily to run some specific Android apps. The larger size is just an added bonus for me.

It would be nice if a screen that is directly compatible with NBT Evo were available (which is what I have) so I don't need to use a modified video cable between my OEM head unit and the AVIN screen, and some additional coding. I am debating if I want to wait for that or just use this one with a modified cable and do the coding myself.

[x328x]

Anyone got pics of how torque pro or the jb4 app looks like on this screen through the mirroring function

[torqueflite]

Originally Posted by awmenard

Well Avin might just take my money now. Just saw a video of an Apple CarPlay adapter.

SDS better have something really good for me not to pull the trigger on this one.

Trying not to get too excited, but.... YEESSSSSS!!!!

If this thing REALLY works, meaning that I can integrate it and still maintain use of my car's:

- Backup camera
- HUD integration
- Existing GPS/SAT antenna
- iDrive controller
- USB ports
- etc.

I'll be ALL over this.

Originally Posted by raichean

I should have a demo of that functionality up as well in the next couple of weeks. 8)

Looking forward to it!

[jmciver]

For raichean, I have a functionality question...

If you have an Android app running on the screen, say Waze for example, with music from the OEM head unit playing, say a local FM radio station or SAT radio. If there is an audio alert from Waze, will it play through the car speakers, interrupting the OEM audio that is playing, and then go back to playing the OEM audio?

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by jmciver

For raichean, I have a functionality question...

If you have an Android app running on the screen, say Waze for example, with music from the OEM head unit playing, say a local FM radio station or SAT radio. If there is an audio alert from Waze, will it play through the car speakers, interrupting the OEM audio that is playing, and then go back to playing the OEM audio?

it will piggyback both.. I will hear android nav over the top of oem music feeds. I hope that helps!

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by x328x

Anyone got pics of how torque pro or the jb4 app looks like on this screen through the mirroring function

regretfully the JB4 app won't run native even though the app will install and start. It requires BT 4.5 and higher hardware and the display has BT 2.1. I really wanted to have the JB4 client running locally as it were but not meant to be.

I am still struggling to get my phone to mirror, when I know others have been successful. my failure I think is just me.. something doesn't want to play well together.

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by raichean

it will piggyback both.. I will hear android nav over the top of oem music feeds. I hope that helps!

Thanks.... Do you need to plug in the Avin unit into the Aux In in the center arm rest, or does the Avin unit provide sound via the other connector on the back of the unit?

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by jmciver

Thanks.... Do you need to plug in the Avin unit into the Aux In in the center arm rest, or does the Avin unit provide sound via the other connector on the back of the unit?

In my case it piggybacks through the wiring harness, no aux cable needed. I did an install for another customer (2013 F30) and we had to run the aux.

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by raichean

In my case it piggybacks through the wiring harness, no aux cable needed. I did an install for another customer (2013 F30) and we had to run the aux.

Interesting..... I am assuming that must be due to older hardware in that car, CIC maybe? I think you have NBT in your car since you did not need a modified video cable to get the Avin unit working in your car. I have NBT Evo in my car so based on your results I would assume my car would not need a cable run to the Aux In port in the center console either, just like your car.

[husskad]

Originally Posted by raichean

Thank you!

The updated review is here, and just posted. As always I welcome feedback, questions and any other comments.

i installed the update yesterday and looks great but the thing i wanted the most was to have control of the sound side of things ie Bass treble and mids but they have no effect to the sound, emailed Tommy at avin and he had no idea so stuck for now. might try Jet audio as it has full control for the sound.

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by husskad

i installed the update yesterday and looks great but the thing i wanted the most was to have control of the sound side of things ie Bass treble and mids but they have no effect to the sound, emailed Tommy at avin and he had no idea so stuck for now. might try Jet audio as it has full control for the sound.

so drilling into the table, mid and bass setting has no effect for you?? That is weird.. made a huge difference for me.

[husskad]

are you using the aux in the arm rest for input.

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by husskad

are you using the aux in the arm rest for input.

No, I didn't need to do that.

[husskad]

oh ok thats why, i`m using it as my system is the cic wich needs the aux in for sound.

[jmciver]

For raichean....

Since you have been working pretty close with Avin on this, did they give you any insight on what is coming on the horizon for this product? I think the comments about "waiting" for this product are spot on as there will always be new products in development. However, it is good to know what is on the horizon so an informed decision can be made about buying now or later. The items I am most interested in are..

1. Android OS
2. Compatibility w/NBT Evo

Item #1 is not a big deal for me since Android 4.4 runs all of the apps I am interested in using with this device right now. But considering the latest apps with new ideas/functionality are typically designed around the later OS's, from a future-proof standpoint it would be nice if this product used a newer operating system. The JB4 is just one app that is an example, but I am sure there are others.

Item #2 is the one I am more interested in. I did some research on this with the help of a few other forum members & the internet. NBT Evo systems require a monitor that takes 12v, CIC/NBT systems require a monitor that takes 9v. This Avin unit is a 9v unit so to use it with a NBT Evo system you need a modified video cable (which also provides power to the monitor) with a 12v to 9v converter installed in the cable. The good news is, modifying a NBT Evo cable is not that hard or expensive - you can find cables and 12v to 9v converters easily on eBay. But it is still not a true PnP solution for NBT Evo units (which showed up in 2016 and is what is currently sold by BMW).

But the capability of the NBT Evo units that I am more interested in is the APIX protocol it uses. Automotive Pixel Link or APIX is a communications video protocol used in vehicle infotainment systems - providing all of the functionality you see and more. CIC/NBT use APIX 1, NBT Evo uses APIX 2. APIX 2 can support over 2x the bandwidth of APIX 1 and higher screen resolutions. So what does all this mean? APIX 2 can support more "stuff" and functionality than APIX 1 units.

Exactly how much more "stuff" is on the horizon, I don't know. But it would not surprise me if APIX 2 would allow for full touchscreen use for both the Android functions and OEM functions, among other additional functionality....

Admittedly, if I had a CIC/NBT system in my car, this Avin unit would be almost automatic for me. But since I have a NBT Evo system, I hate to potentially leave future capability on the table, even though the current Avin unit is still very capable and appears to be able to do what I want. So, I guess back to my original question, any insight on what is on the horizon?