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Smart auto kit installed today

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Hey guys, today I installed the smart auto kit , it went pretty smoothly. Now I am still trying to figure out the software and a few bugs I am facing. If anybody has experienced these issues and can chime in it would be greatly appreciated. I’m wondering about

1. The audio when doing wireless Apple CarPlay is lacking any bass now , and can’t seem to get a thump no matter how I adjust sound settings.(if I play audio off original Bt it still sounds good, but I can’t get wireless CarPlay to work at the same time. When I use BT audio, it switches the top screen over to that also, as you know it only displays the tablet when AUX is selected.

2.Has anybody figured out mirroring on the IPhone and getting JB4 gauges ? I saw one post about it but that was for androids.
3. When trying to select the Netflix App, it tells me that this app isn’t downloaded yet 🤔. Do I need to make a google play store account to download apps? Thanks guys
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Hey guys, today I installed the smart auto kit , it went pretty smoothly. Now I am still trying to figure out the software and a few bugs I am facing. If anybody has experienced these issues and can chime in it would be greatly appreciated. I’m wondering about

1. The audio when doing wireless Apple CarPlay is lacking any bass now , and can’t seem to get a thump no matter how I adjust sound settings.(if I play audio off original Bt it still sounds good, but I can’t get wireless CarPlay to work at the same time. When I use BT audio, it switches the top screen over to that also, as you know it only displays the tablet when AUX is selected.

2.Has anybody figured out mirroring on the IPhone and getting JB4 gauges ? I saw one post about it but that was for androids.
3. When trying to select the Netflix App, it tells me that this app isn’t downloaded yet 🤔. Do I need to make a google play store account to download apps? Thanks guys
This solution is really not a good idea. You're essentially trying to run Apple CarPlay on Android software, and that's why you're experiencing so many issues. It's not just a matter of installing the product you purchased; you actually have to take the screen apart and add an additional board. On top of that, instead of having a genuine CarPlay system, you're stuck with a CarPlay app that runs on Android software. This means there are a lot of conversions happening behind the scenes, including audio integration, which can cause even more complications. The thing is, CarPlay was never meant to be used on Android software, so it's no wonder you're encountering all these problems. This is why it's crucial to thoroughly research and understand what you're buying before making a decision. And let's not forget about the potential consequences of modifying the screen with an added board. The factory screen was never designed for that, so you could end up having to open it up multiple times for fixes. But even if you're lucky and don't run into those issues, you're still left with the less-than-ideal situation of using Apple CarPlay on top of Android software. It's pretty mind-boggling to think about the kind of products people come up with when they lack proper knowledge of car infotainment systems.

It's incredibly frustrating and strange that when you buy something and face issues, there's no one you can turn to for help. Instead, you have to rely on searching for assistance from other people this forum. It's disappointing because you expect there to be proper support available after making a purchase. It's important to consider this aspect before buying a product.
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My SmartAutoKit is fantastic. Single install no reopening the screen and its worked great for years at this point and has been fully integrated with the OEM stuff. Support has also been fantastic from the distributor on FB. I use BT audio as well as hardwired AUX depending on what I feel like. In most instances its BT audio. The hardwired AUX connection does provide higher quality audio in my experience. As far as JB4 mirroring, it makes way more sense to use the SmartAutoKit's USB port and plug it directly into the JB4. You natively install the JB4 app on the SAK and you have everything you want. Lastly, yes you need to make a Google Playstore account to download apps unless you're side loading them with a thumb drive.
My SmartAutoKit is fantastic. Single install no reopening the screen and its worked great for years at this point and has been fully integrated with the OEM stuff. Support has also been fantastic from the distributor on FB. I use BT audio as well as hardwired AUX depending on what I feel like. In most instances its BT audio. The hardwired AUX connection does provide higher quality audio in my experience. As far as JB4 mirroring, it makes way more sense to use the SmartAutoKit's USB port and plug it directly into the JB4. You natively install the JB4 app on the SAK and you have everything you want. Lastly, yes you need to make a Google Playstore account to download apps unless you're side loading them with a thumb drive.
You were lucky, but remember when you had to put the circuit board inside the screen and connect the thin cable? It's really easy to accidentally break the holder for the cable, and once it's broken, there's no way to fix it. Only a few people in the world have the skills to replace a soldered component like that, so you're stuck with a delicate and risky screen setup. And it doesn't make sense to have Apple CarPlay on Android Auto. The product is available, but it's a makeshift solution that was quickly put together. Most people don't have the right tools or knowledge to handle such small cables properly. You need to be really good with your hands and have mechanical skills to work with them.


see here as proof - Recommened DCU Replacement

or see screen shot below

Have you ever wondered how many other individuals out there have experienced broken screens but never shared their unfortunate encounters? It's crucial for consumers to be fully informed about the products they intend to purchase

Also, just so you know, if you happen to break your screen, it could end up costing you a pretty penny—like a couple thousand dollars—to get it fixed. So, my advice would be to stick with products that are 100% plug-and-play, no need to mess around with taking apart the screen. And let's not even get started on the risks of causing a short circuit. Seriously, it's not worth the hassle of trying to modify the insides of your screen when it's not meant to be messed with in the first place. Trust me, I've seen people make that mistake before, and it's not pretty.

This person was fortunate to stumble upon a scratched screen that was available for purchase and was able to fix it without damaging the second ribbon cable. However, if you accidentally break the ribbon cable or even worse, if the entire screen malfunctions due to improper handling, you'll be left with a hefty repair bill.

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The passive aggressive nature of bashing another company openly like this to try and sway opinion is pretty bad. The statement about "only a few people in the world would have the skills to replace a part like that" is completely false. I could give this to half a dozen people in my org at work that could easily replace that connector. It's a standard surface mount connector that can be swapped with standard equipment. The SmartAutoKit has been proven for years as being reliable and highly integrated with the OEM system. You have a different product offering, which is GREAT! This thread is about helping someone with a SAK kit.
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The passive aggressive nature of bashing another company openly like this to try and sway opinion is pretty bad. The statement about "only a few people in the world would have the skills to replace a part like that" is completely false. I could give this to half a dozen people in my org at work that could easily replace that connector. It's a standard surface mount connector that can be swapped with standard equipment. The SmartAutoKit has been proven for years as being reliable and highly integrated with the OEM system. You have a different product offering, which is GREAT! This thread is about helping someone with a SAK kit.
I want to assure you that my intention here is not to be passive-aggressive or bash any specific company. The purpose of this discussion is to raise awareness and shed light on the mysteries surrounding carplay. There are certain products out there that should never have been created in the first place due to their poor engineering and low quality. One such example is the Smart Auto Kit, which is essentially a rebranded overseas product of inferior quality.

Replacing an SMT connector inside an infotainment screen is not as simple as it may seem, especially if you don't have the proper tools or an identical connector. In fact, many SMT connectors cannot be easily repaired or replaced. This is just a fact. Opening up the screen, adding a circuit board inside, and ensuring that nothing gets shorted out during the installation can be incredibly complicated. Without proper training, it's easy for inexperienced individuals to make mistakes.

Just because there may not be a lot of posts on this forum doesn't mean that such issues haven't happened to many people. In reality, if you search for car audio repair companies and ask them how frequently people approach them to replace broken connectors, you'll be surprised by the number of cases. Unfortunately, products like the one mentioned are not reliable. They require you to open up an LCD screen that was never meant to be opened, insert additional parts, and connect cables externally. This is not how a legitimate product should function, and people need to be aware of this. It's likely that many people who purchased such a product and ended up damaging their screens never reported it here, leaving them with a hefty repair bill. Keep in mind that there are far more individuals who visit this forum than those who actively or ever participate in discussions.

Have you ever come across a car that caught fire while on the side of the road? It's often a result of modifications like the ones we've been discussing. You see, car screens have high-voltage converters built into them to ensure proper functioning. However, if you happen to shut down the converter by opening the screen without proper knowledge or precautions, do you know what can potentially occur?

its simply not safe by any standards to put extra boards inside the screen - we're here to inform the public not to bash anyone.
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I want to assure you that my intention here is not to be passive-aggressive or bash any specific company. The purpose of this discussion is to raise awareness and shed light on the mysteries surrounding carplay. There are certain products out there that should never have been created in the first place due to their poor engineering and low quality. One such example is the Smart Auto Kit, which is essentially a rebranded overseas product of inferior quality.

Replacing an SMT connector inside an infotainment screen is not as simple as it may seem, especially if you don't have the proper tools or an identical connector. In fact, many SMT connectors cannot be easily repaired or replaced. This is just a fact. Opening up the screen, adding a circuit board inside, and ensuring that nothing gets shorted out during the installation can be incredibly complicated. Without proper training, it's easy for inexperienced individuals to make mistakes.

Just because there may not be a lot of posts on this forum doesn't mean that such issues haven't happened to many people. In reality, if you search for car audio repair companies and ask them how frequently people approach them to replace broken connectors, you'll be surprised by the number of cases. Unfortunately, products like the one mentioned are not reliable. They require you to open up an LCD screen that was never meant to be opened, insert additional parts, and connect cables externally. This is not how a legitimate product should function, and people need to be aware of this. It's likely that many people who purchased such a product and ended up damaging their screens never reported it here, leaving them with a hefty repair bill. Keep in mind that there are far more individuals who visit this forum than those who actively or ever participate in discussions.

Have you ever come across a car that caught fire while on the side of the road? It's often a result of modifications like the ones we've been discussing. You see, car screens have high-voltage converters built into them to ensure proper functioning. However, if you happen to shut down the converter by opening the screen without proper knowledge or precautions, do you know what can potentially occur?

its simply not safe by any standards to put extra boards inside the screen - we're here to inform the public not to bash anyone.
You've made this point several times in other posts already.
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You've made this point several times in other posts already.
Remember when Samsung phones had that issue of catching fire? An investigation revealed that the phone's casing was too small for the batteries, causing them to short-circuit and overheat. It was a dangerous situation.

Now, let's talk about screen modifications. They can be just as risky, and it's important to raise awareness about it. I apologize if it seems like we're singling out anyone or being critical; our goal is simply to inform and keep people safe.

The practice of cramming another circuit board inside the screen, wedging it between the screen housing and the original board, and routing cables and ribbon cables through the metal case of the screen is just not safe. It's something that should never have been overlooked. We want people to understand that this isn't a personal attack, but rather a concern for safety.
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I can post pictures from my workplace right now of hand soldering parts much smaller than those connectors. And all this talk is ASSuming a failure. Now you're comparing batteries catching fire with a connector failure. Just move on already. THE THREAD IS ABOUT THE SMARTAUTOKIT.
I can post pictures from my workplace right now of hand soldering parts much smaller than those connectors. And all this talk is ASSuming a failure. Now you're comparing batteries catching fire with a connector failure. Just move on already. THE THREAD IS ABOUT THE SMARTAUTOKIT.
Absolutely, when it comes to installing a smart auto kit, it's crucial to understand that accessing the inside of the screen poses certain risks. It's not wise to assure people that they won't encounter any issues damaging their screen because that's simply not true. The ribbon cable holders are incredibly delicate, and I can tell you from firsthand experience that people frequently end up breaking their screens when handling them.

Furthermore, let's not overlook the fact that you're tampering with a circuit board inside the screen that houses a high voltage regulator responsible for powering it on. It's unrealistic to assume that nothing will go wrong if you mess with it.

No matter what your skill level is, reworking an SMT connector comes with numerous potential problems. And let's be realistic, no company or individual is going to provide the service for free if you happen to break the screen. The cost for repair can easily amount to $300-$400 hundred dollars.

I came across a recent post on this forum where one person shared their experience of breaking their screen. It makes me wonder how many other people, who may not even be registered members of this forum, have encountered similar issues. It's disheartening to think that they might have followed recommendations that claimed it was a fantastic product, only to end up with a shattered screen. They probably had to bear the expenses of replacing or repairing it without ever speaking up about it.

While it may be true that you work in the industry and have experience dealing with these connectors as part of your daily routine, it's essential to recognize that for the average person, attempting to perform such a task can be quite challenging. If you were to randomly select ten individuals from this forum and ask them to disassemble the device, it's highly likely that at least half of them would end up breaking the delicate ribbon cables within the screen. It requires a delicate touch and precision that may not come naturally to everyone.

I'm here on this forum with a specific purpose: to provide complete transparency regarding CarPlay products available in the market. You see, I have a deep understanding of how these products are manufactured overseas and the reasons behind their design choices. Unfortunately, safety and potential damage are not the primary concerns during their production. Instead, the main focus is to cater to customer demands at any cost, even if it means risking the screen catching fire or being easily broken. It's important for people to be aware of these aspects before making a purchase decision.

Why do you think the other companies or vendors here, who are also selling CarPlay products, aren't contesting my statement? Well, let me tell you. It's simply because there's nothing more to add. No matter what they say, there are individuals on this forum who are dealing with broken screens firsthand.
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OK. I most likely would have never bought a Dashlynx kit due to it's, IMO, completely ridiculous price point. And had I bought one or better yet, a Tesla screen, I would have just taken my car to Best Buy as I get free installation from them. But seeing all these posts from the vendor trying to scare anyone away from trying to install ANYONE else's kit besides theirs, just makes me even more certain that I will never do business with this company.

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OK. I most likely would have never bought a Dashlynx kit due to it's, IMO, completely ridiculous price point. And had I bought one or better yet, a Tesla screen, I would have just taken my car to Best Buy as I get free installation from them. But seeing all these posts from the vendor trying to scare anyone away from trying to install ANYONE else's kit besides theirs, just makes me even more certain that I will never do business with this company.

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Totally agree. As someone heavily involved in both the transportation industry AND the electronics industry, it's total crap. At that point just say that everyone should avoid any type of modification to their vehicle at all because you may damage something if you're stupid or an accident happens. Simply ridiculous.

@avedis can we ban a sponsor???? Kidding of course.
OK. I most likely would have never bought a Dashlynx kit due to it's, IMO, completely ridiculous price point. And had I bought one or better yet, a Tesla screen, I would have just taken my car to Best Buy as I get free installation from them. But seeing all these posts from the vendor trying to scare anyone away from trying to install ANYONE else's kit besides theirs, just makes me even more certain that I will never do business with this company.


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I don't want to scare anyone, but it's worth noting how delicate ribbon cable connectors can be. It's not a question of whether you might damage something, but rather a matter of when you're likely to damage it. Have you ever seen just how fragile these connectors are?

Totally agree. As someone heavily involved in both the transportation industry AND the electronics industry, it's total crap. At that point just say that everyone should avoid any type of modification to their vehicle at all because you may damage something if you're stupid or an accident happens. Simply ridiculous.

@avedis can we ban a sponsor???? Kidding of course.
Actually, I'm only discussing the dangers of installing certain kits mentioned in this thread. These kits are produced by a specific manufacturer overseas, and many companies rebrand and sell them. However, there are some good kits available that don't require you to open up the screen or work with delicate ribbon cables, or insert a PCB board between the factory PCB and the screen inside an existing display. For example, there are plug-and-play products that work with the bottom screen of the car, although this is not the ideal solution. These products at least don't require you to perform certain risky actions.

I understand your concern, but there are valid points that are not mentioned in their marketing, and people may not be aware of them. If someone on the forum were discussing another accessory that caused problems after installation, someone else would also voice their concerns. It is extremely risky to forcefully insert a circuit board inside a screen and run cables through sharp edges, especially considering the vibrations and other factors that occur in a car, as it could potentially expose the cables to the ground chassis of the screen cover.

P.S.

In the past, companies used to sell these really intense car turbo boost chips. Meanwhile, professionals would express their concerns, warning people that it could lead to engine failures, which would require the replacement of both the turbo and the engine in the car. Despite these warnings, car enthusiasts continued to install these chips for many years. The manufacturers of these chips would dismiss the connection between the failures and the use of their products, claiming that they weren't the cause of the turbo and engine malfunctions.

The existence of both internal car screen modifications and extreme turbo boost chips should never have happened. These modifications ultimately led to costly repairs and significant financial burdens for consumers who were unaware of the potential risks from the start.
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I don't want to scare anyone, but it's worth noting how delicate ribbon cable connectors can be. It's not a question of whether you might damage something, but rather a matter of when you're likely to damage it. Have you ever seen just how fragile these connectors are?



Actually, I'm only discussing the dangers of installing certain kits mentioned in this thread. These kits are produced by a specific manufacturer overseas, and many companies rebrand and sell them. However, there are some good kits available that don't require you to open up the screen or work with delicate ribbon cables, or insert a PCB board between the factory PCB and the screen inside an existing display. For example, there are plug-and-play products that work with the bottom screen of the car, although this is not the ideal solution. These products at least don't require you to perform certain risky actions.

I understand your concern, but there are valid points that are not mentioned in their marketing, and people may not be aware of them. If someone on the forum were discussing another accessory that caused problems after installation, someone else would also voice their concerns. It is extremely risky to forcefully insert a circuit board inside a screen and run cables through sharp edges, especially considering the vibrations and other factors that occur in a car, as it could potentially expose the cables to the ground chassis of the screen cover.

P.S.

In the past, companies used to sell these really intense car turbo boost chips. Meanwhile, professionals would express their concerns, warning people that it could lead to engine failures, which would require the replacement of both the turbo and the engine in the car. Despite these warnings, car enthusiasts continued to install these chips for many years. The manufacturers of these chips would dismiss the connection between the failures and the use of their products, claiming that they weren't the cause of the turbo and engine malfunctions.

The existence of both internal car screen modifications and extreme turbo boost chips should never have happened. These modifications ultimately led to costly repairs and significant financial burdens for consumers who were unaware of the potential risks from the start.
If you want to be technical then let's have at it. Disassembling your center console and removing connectors from the factory harness opens the risk of damage both cosmetically as well as damage to the connectors and harness itself. Short circuits can occur. Now let's talk about removing the center dash and cluster to plug into/splice into the harness. How about ESD concerns? ESD can inject anywhere from 6-8 KILOvolts onto a contact or metallic point depending on whether the ESD is through an air gap or touch using the human body model. There's plenty of ways to screw up an install with a DashLynx.
If you want to be technical then let's have at it. Disassembling your center console and removing connectors from the factory harness opens the risk of damage both cosmetically as well as damage to the connectors and harness itself. Short circuits can occur. Now let's talk about removing the center dash and cluster to plug into/splice into the harness. How about ESD concerns? ESD can inject anywhere from 6-8 KILOvolts onto a contact or metallic point depending on whether the ESD is through an air gap or touch using the human body model. There's plenty of ways to screw up an install with a DashLynx.
That's an excellent point that I overlooked. When opening the screen for internal modifications to install CarPlay devices that require you to open up the screen, there is indeed a risk of damaging the screen board with ESD if it is touched with bare fingers.

Imagine someone is sitting there, deep in thought, figuring out how to install it on the screen that they just taken apart. Without realizing it, they rub their finger against their hair, which can build up static charge. And then, in a moment of unfortunate accident, they touch the delicate printed circuit board (PCB) of the screen. Well, in that case, it's almost a guarantee that ESD damage will occur.

plug-and-play option:

Performing an installation using a plug-and-play harness with automotive connectors, ensures a straightforward and efficient process. One of the key advantages is that the radio remains properly grounded throughout the installation. This is because the harness establishes direct connections to components like the antenna and USB ports, which are known to have a ground connection. As a result, the installation process eliminates any potential Electrostatic Discharge concerns.

By utilizing a plug-and-play harness with automotive connectors, we ensure that the radio's grounding connection is maintained. This contributes to both electrical safety and stability during the installation of the product. The connectors are designed to establish reliable ground connections, effectively safeguarding against any possible ESD damage.

So, you can be confident that ESD won't be a problem when you use the plug-and-play automotive harnesses. The grounding of the radio is taken care of by the connected cables, including the antenna and USB ports. This guarantees a smooth and worry-free installation process for the interface, keeping everything safe and working properly.

P.S.

We're actually educating people.
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Sooo I totally agree Tamir (owner of company) is awesome and is helping a lot. Thanks for your input DND , but this hasn’t quite helped me tbh.

the car audio is still terrible and in fact after installing even my OeM Bluetooth sound quality has gone down. The only thing that sounds okay is the radio
Sooo I totally agree Tamir (owner of company) is awesome and is helping a lot. Thanks for your input DND , but this hasn’t quite helped me tbh.

the car audio is still terrible and in fact after installing even my OeM Bluetooth sound quality has gone down. The only thing that sounds okay is the radio
I want to highlight an interesting setup you mentioned. It seems that in your case, CarPlay is being used on an Android device. Here's how it works: First, they modify the Android software to make it compatible with a specific chip or device. Then, they take the CarPlay software and adapt it to run as an application on this modified Android system.

However, it's important to consider a few factors. Since CarPlay wasn't originally intended to run on Android, there may be compatibility issues or limitations. The modified setup might not offer the same level of performance or seamless integration. It's also worth noting that these modifications are not officially supported by Apple.
I want to assure you that my intention here is not to be passive-aggressive or bash any specific company. The purpose of this discussion is to raise awareness and shed light on the mysteries surrounding carplay. There are certain products out there that should never have been created in the first place due to their poor engineering and low quality. One such example is the Smart Auto Kit, which is essentially a rebranded overseas product of inferior quality.

Replacing an SMT connector inside an infotainment screen is not as simple as it may seem, especially if you don't have the proper tools or an identical connector. In fact, many SMT connectors cannot be easily repaired or replaced. This is just a fact. Opening up the screen, adding a circuit board inside, and ensuring that nothing gets shorted out during the installation can be incredibly complicated. Without proper training, it's easy for inexperienced individuals to make mistakes.

Just because there may not be a lot of posts on this forum doesn't mean that such issues haven't happened to many people. In reality, if you search for car audio repair companies and ask them how frequently people approach them to replace broken connectors, you'll be surprised by the number of cases. Unfortunately, products like the one mentioned are not reliable. They require you to open up an LCD screen that was never meant to be opened, insert additional parts, and connect cables externally. This is not how a legitimate product should function, and people need to be aware of this. It's likely that many people who purchased such a product and ended up damaging their screens never reported it here, leaving them with a hefty repair bill. Keep in mind that there are far more individuals who visit this forum than those who actively or ever participate in discussions.

Have you ever come across a car that caught fire while on the side of the road? It's often a result of modifications like the ones we've been discussing. You see, car screens have high-voltage converters built into them to ensure proper functioning. However, if you happen to shut down the converter by opening the screen without proper knowledge or precautions, do you know what can potentially occur?

its simply not safe by any standards to put extra boards inside the screen - we're here to inform the public not to bash anyone.
i hear your point but I did do research and everybody speaks highly on this unit. Please don’t hijack the thread anymore lol I really need help.
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i hear your point but I did do research and everybody speaks highly on this unit. Please don’t hijack the thread anymore lol I really need help.
Giant troll alert in here. My fault for feeding them.

As far as help, I'm not sure why you think the options I gave you didnt help. Did you try any of them?
i hear your point but I did do research and everybody speaks highly on this unit. Please don’t hijack the thread anymore lol I really need help.
I wrote a response earlier, but may I ask you a question? Why is it that the company you purchased from and gave your money to cannot resolve your problem? Why do you have to seek assistance from other individuals when you've already paid for a product? Don't you find it illogical and confusing that he's seeking help from people who didn't create the product and have no knowledge of its design?

I know that forums can be very helpful when it comes to figuring out car issues that dealerships may not want to assist with or find too expensive to help with. However, if you have recently bought an interface that is supposed to work without any problems, it should come with a warranty and the manufacturer should provide immediate technical support for troubleshooting.

I'm writing all of this because it's important for people to understand why certain companies in the United States directly communicate with customers, while others simply import products from overseas and sell them under their own brand name. The problem with the latter approach is that the manufacturer of the product may not provide support or guarantee its quality. So, when you buy such a product, it's a bit of a gamble whether it will work or not.

You mentioned that Tamir, the company owner you purchased from, is a great guy. However, if that's the case, why do you have a problem?

The reason I'm addressing this issue is because the entire aftermarket CarPlay industry is filled with uncertainties. People are unaware of what's really happening, and someone needs to step up and explain it to them.

In simple terms, after you've spent your money, you're left to figure out how to make it work by yourself, with the assistance of other people in an online forum.
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