How to Update A CarPlay Auto Connector?
This is the second Binize CarPlay Auto Connector I've bought and I really like both of them. The older one is Android 9 but I wanted to try the updated version with Android 10. I was really disappointed with the Android 10 version at first because it was super laggy and slow. But, I reached out to the Binize customer support team and they got right back to me with a download for an updated version of the firmware (they have very responsive customer service). I installed the new firmware and the device has been working great ever since.
I can install just about anything I want from Netflix to Amazon Prime Video to Apple Music to weather apps. I use Apple Music a lot and like having the full version of the app versus the limited CarPlay version. Speaking of CarPlay (or Android Auto), you can run the Android tablet version of the software on the Binize device and the CarPlay version at the same time and switch between them - Binize CarPlay Auto Connector works well. I've noticed that calls through CarPlay get an occasional "crackle" but it's pretty minimal.
There are some limitations to what you can install. We watch Disney+ from time to time as we're waiting to pick someone up but the Google Play store wouldn't let me install it on the device. I found where I could download the Disney+ apk file though, did a virus scan on it, and then used an app Binize supplies to get it installed. It works great and even gets regular updates now.
Overall, I recommend the device if you'd like to add more functionality in your car. It goes without saying that you shouldn't use the video apps while driving of course. They're great when you're stopped and waiting to pick someone up though.
How to update the CarPlay auto connector?
First of all, you will need to check your box system info like this way:
How to check your wireless CarPlay box?
Please refer to this: click setting icon(which look like a round shape gear)--- Swipe up the page--- click the orange icon named AutoKit-TBox setting ---Swipe up the page--- AutoKit-TBox version is at the bottom.
It is worth noting that our CarPlay auto connector are divided into different versions, and currently only 3 are available, namely Android 9, Android 11, and Android 12. They cannot upgrade each other, because the configurations of the hardware chips used are different, so if you force a higher version of the system to be written in time, the box will also crash because it cannot carry the system.
The second step is downloading the firmware file on binize website: https://www.binize.com/pages/binize-firmware-update
Please note after download the file , keep the file zipped,take the file which name is update out separately, then move it to the TF card, then plug it into the tbox TF card slot.
Reference video:
In fact, there is an easier way to upgrade Binie CarPlay Auto Connector, that is to find a mobile phone charger to directly supply power to the box, insert a micro SD card with the upgrade file, and observe the light flashing of the box. The whole process will last about 5 minutes.The advantage of this method is that it is relatively easy to operate without having to insert the box on the car all the time. The disadvantage is that it takes a relatively long time and requires continuous observation for a period of time.
Reference video: