Android Streaming boxes - MMB, Magic Box, Carlinkit, etc

[superfordman]

Can you post a link to the MMB Max that you achieved fullscreen with?

I've tied 4 MMB models, with no luck on fullscreen, and have found other bugs as well. When I get time, I may start a summary table to provide others the benefit of my purchase/fail/return experiences.

Meanwhile, please let us know the exact one you got (they all seem to copy each other's names / amazon descriptions). Thx

Here is what I got. It's definitely a tad buggy overall, but I think they all are by the sounds of it. Yes, since they all just seem to be knock offs of each other, it's hard to tell what is what, and what each one really can and can't do.

https://www.amazon.com/MMB-Multimedia-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter/dp/B0B9G5JTZF

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[scuba]

Thanks @superfordman . Buying it now and will give it a shot. Definitely wouldn't have bet on this one based on the amazon reviews.

...and here are the results of my experimenting. If someone really wanted to make a sticky (I've never been that ambitious).

1. Working for 5 months. With bugs. Kept this one.
Bugs: after loading additional apps from google play (like prime video and poweramp), the icons to launch these non-built-in apps disappear from the launcher/homescreen of the box. To get them to reappear, you must go to settings and change icons to "small" or "smallest" (doesn't matter-- just picking a different one somehow makes them re-appear). Otherwise works fine, we use mainly for Netflix during soccer practice. Also, a big advantage of this box is the HDMI-out. I was able to fiddle-with it and troubleshoot on an external display.
I bought this directly from joyeauto, and BTW I should say joyeauto had passible customer service (they sent a replacement, just slow. )
https://www.joyeauto.com/product/mmb-plus-android-11/


2. Didn't work (never was able to get to display).
https://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/0.html?orderId=8145075544516765&productId=1005002996407751

3. Didn't work (didn't ever finish booting)
(I bought directly from Joyauto)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095R6W43N/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_dp

4. Didn't work-- only showed 1/4 of the the android screen. (this is different from the gripe of not going full-screen on the truck, I mean it literally only partially displayed the expected android screeen, ie a quarter of just the upper left of the netflix show)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BB6LG71J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

5. Didn't work, same as immediately above
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BD2FH889/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[offset]

I bought the Carlinkit Tbox Max and I'm beyond happy with it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSQQPYXQ

I had low expectations, but took the gamble because of the easy returns. The first thing I did was disable all automatic updates. Netflix and youtube were built in, and work perfectly on my 8" screen. I downloaded Prime Video, Spotify, Microsoft Teams, and F1 TV from the play store and they work as well. Google maps had a small UI bug, but I took a chance updating only Maps and now it works fine.

On top of that, I bought a $10 prepaid SIM from T-Mobile yesterday, and it was immediately recognized and provided data. The AI box was also able to act as a hotspot for my laptop. I don't really plan to keep using the SIM, as my phone's hotspot works and has unlimited data... I just wanted to see if it worked!

I may try and update a couple of other apps to see what happens. I figure if any functionality breaks, I can do a factory reset... hopefully... There are a few threads on XDA forums and carlinkit facebook groups that seem to share software/firmware updates frequently, so that's encouraging.

My ONLY gripe is that when running maps navigation, I no longer see any direction arrows on the instrument cluster. Not that big of a deal. The other bummer is that it only seems to work with the USB type A cord in the front tray. I was hoping to stash it in the storage compartment under the armrest.

All in all, it's an impressive little box. Let me know if you have any questions, I'm happy to answer whatever I can. If this sounds like an ad, I'm not affiliated at all with these sellers. Just a dude whose kids used to get restless on long car rides.

 

[superfordman]

Thanks @superfordman . Buying it now and will give it a shot. Definitely wouldn't have bet on this one based on the amazon reviews.

...and here are the results of my experimenting. If someone really wanted to make a sticky (I've never been that ambitious).

Wowza, you've been through the ringer for sure and back with all of those. Luckily I found someone else that found the MMB box and it worked for them so that's about the only reason I gave it a shot. Couldn't justify going through a bunch like you have to find one that works, but glad you tried at least as I almost wanted to try out a few just to see.

Ya the review dog on it pretty bad but there is kind of a mediocre standard with these things you just have to accept, there is always trades offs and this one is by no means perfect, but it goes full expanded screen which is the main thing I wanted.

 

[hringrose]

I bought the Carlinkit Tbox Max and I'm beyond happy with it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSQQPYXQ

I had low expectations, but took the gamble because of the easy returns. The first thing I did was disable all automatic updates. Netflix and youtube were built in, and work perfectly on my 8" screen. I downloaded Prime Video, Spotify, Microsoft Teams, and F1 TV from the play store and they work as well. Google maps had a small UI bug, but I took a chance updating only Maps and now it works fine.

On top of that, I bought a $10 prepaid SIM from T-Mobile yesterday, and it was immediately recognized and provided data. The AI box was also able to act as a hotspot for my laptop. I don't really plan to keep using the SIM, as my phone's hotspot works and has unlimited data... I just wanted to see if it worked!

I may try and update a couple of other apps to see what happens. I figure if any functionality breaks, I can do a factory reset... hopefully... There are a few threads on XDA forums and carlinkit facebook groups that seem to share software/firmware updates frequently, so that's encouraging.

My ONLY gripe is that when running maps navigation, I no longer see any direction arrows on the instrument cluster. Not that big of a deal. The other bummer is that it only seems to work with the USB type A cord in the front tray. I was hoping to stash it in the storage compartment under the armrest.

All in all, it's an impressive little box. Let me know if you have any questions, I'm happy to answer whatever I can. If this sounds like an ad, I'm not affiliated at all with these sellers. Just a dude whose kids used to get restless on long car rides.

I bought this and it doesn’t go full screen (12” Sync 4) and cuts off a third or so of the background. Do you have a smaller screen?

 

[nicholsbradley]

I bought this and it doesn’t go full screen (12” Sync 4) and cuts off a third or so of the background. Do you have a smaller screen?

He must have an 8" screen that does not work for me either and have all the latest updates.

 

[offset]

He must have an 8" screen that does not work for me either and have all the latest updates.

Bummer! I assumed any ai box would work on 12" screens with the full screen carplay/aa update. I guess I'll stop thinking about retrofitting one to my truck...

 

[scuba]

I tried @superfordman 's suggestion, and it indeed does work full-screen on my truck.
https://www.amazon.com/MMB-Multimedia-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter/dp/B0B9G5JTZF

The only downside vs my previous version is that it lacks HDMI-out and an available USB slot (for movie / music storage or for a wireless remote I had been using).

Thanks again -- very grateful overall.

 

[nicholsbradley]

I tried @superfordman 's suggestion, and it indeed does work full-screen on my truck.
https://www.amazon.com/MMB-Multimedia-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter/dp/B0B9G5JTZF

The only downside vs my previous version is that it lacks HDMI-out and an available USB slot (for movie / music storage or for a wireless remote I had been using).

Thanks again -- very grateful overall.

Can you possibly do a video of plugging in and it going full screen? What update are you at? I am on the latest 4.1 powerup

 

[superfordman]

I tried @superfordman 's suggestion, and it indeed does work full-screen on my truck.
https://www.amazon.com/MMB-Multimedia-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter/dp/B0B9G5JTZF

The only downside vs my previous version is that it lacks HDMI-out and an available USB slot (for movie / music storage or for a wireless remote I had been using).

Thanks again -- very grateful overall.

Glad to hear. Yes the lack of an additional USB is a downside and we have the same thinking on the remote as that is the next thing I wanted to try. Looking at a bluetooth one of some type to try out as like I said before, navigating everything on the screen isn't the easiest using the screen itself at times.

 

[Scof]

Yea the Naviks works perfectly and I would never even think about going back to one of those android boxes. I’m using it as I type this!

I use a HDMI cable out of mine with a hdmi female to female adapter then a Chromecast w/ Google TV connected. This also gives me the option to connect my laptop for a second screen or anything else I want.

What unit did you purchase? I searched their website and doesnt list a F150 option. Thanks in advance

 

[nicholsbradley]

What unit did you purchase? I searched their website and doesnt list a F150 option. Thanks in advance

Sure it does. At the very top, you put your truck info in.

https://naviks.com/i-24077256-2021-...right-front-trailer.html?ref=category:1137501

 

[Scof]

Sure it does. At the very top, you put your truck info in.

https://naviks.com/i-24077256-2021-...right-front-trailer.html?ref=category:1137501

Thanks! I missed that.

 

[scuba]

Glad to hear. Yes the lack of an additional USB is a downside and we have the same thinking on the remote as that is the next thing I wanted to try. Looking at a bluetooth one of some type to try out as like I said before, navigating everything on the screen isn't the easiest using the screen itself at times.

Speaking specifically on this issue with the MMB Max, so let me know if we need to start another thread:
@superfordman Let me know if you find a bluetooth mouse or keyboard that works. I did some testing, and the "connecting a bluetooth device" dialog in the MMB Max appears to only contemplate connecting a phone, and not a bluetooth peripheral. I tried and failed to connect something.

 

[FirstTimeFord]

FULLSCREEN SOLVED:
UPDATE: BROKEN AGAIN - DANG IT!
(looks like Ford update came through and fullscreen no longer working)

Looks like good news for fullscreen with the box I tried today. The trick below might even work to get the older boxes working if someone wants to try. Here's what worked for me to get the fullscreen experience shown below. Works pretty darn well too. Nice having a full Play Store for apps.

Box: Carlinkit
CPC200-Tbox Plus

Truck: 23 150 Platinum

When I first tried to set the box up, it was having the same issues as the others, no fullscreen.

This worked for me. I have a Samsung Android S22+ phone. Guessing it would work doing the same steps below with iPhone/CarPlay. Box supports both systems. The box actually connects through the truck's wired port and runs through the CarPlay app built in Sync. The box runs Android 12, it just has a CarPlay look.

Turn your truck on, let it wake up, and connect to Android Auto wirelessly with your phone. On the Sync screen, open Android Auto and make sure it's in fullscreen mode. Meaning the map uses the entire screen, that kind of thing. No Ford widget on the right side. This seems to set the stage for the Android box to open in fullscreen mode. Now, plug the box into the truck's USB port. I used the C (small) port next to the wireless charger base. Give it a little time to boot, you will see a banner across the top of the Sync screen that "CarPlay... available".

Now, go to the SETTINGS in Sync, then PHONE LIST. You should see your phone in this list as well as the AutoKit T-Box Plus. To the right of the T-Box Plus - Press the CarPaly Icon.

This will open the Android Operating system interface in Fullscreen Mode where you can download apps from the Play Store.

Hope this helps

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