CarlinKit Android 13 CarPlay Ai Box User Manual

Introduction

The CarlinKit Android 13 CarPlay Ai Box is an advanced in-car entertainment and navigation system designed to expand the capabilities of vehicles equipped with factory-wired CarPlay. This device transforms your car's multimedia screen into a full Android 13.0 system, allowing access to a wide range of applications, wireless connectivity, and enhanced features for a smarter driving experience.

This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your CarlinKit Android 13 CarPlay Ai Box.

Product Overview and Features

The CarlinKit Android 13 CarPlay Ai Box is powered by a Qualcomm SM6225 8-core processor, ensuring fast and stable performance. It supports both 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM and 8GB RAM + 128GB ROM configurations, with expandable storage up to 512GB via Micro SD card.

Figure 1: CarlinKit Android 13 CarPlay Ai Box highlighting its 8GB RAM + 128GB ROM, WiFi Hotspot, Built-in GPS, and Android 13.0 OS.

Key Features:

• Android 13.0 System: Full Android operating system for versatile app usage.
• Qualcomm SM6225 8-Core Processor: Equipped with Cortex™-A73*4 + Cortex™-A53*4 8-core CPU architecture and Adreno™ 610 GPU, manufactured with 6 nm N6 lithography, offering UFS2.1 transfer speed up to 1.5GB/s.
• Memory Options: Available in 4GB LPDDR4 RAM + 64GB UFS ROM or 8GB LPDDR4 RAM + 128GB UFS ROM.
• Expandable Storage: Supports Micro SD card up to 512GB for media files.
• 4G LTE Network Support: Built-in Nano SIM card slot for independent internet access.
• Dual Bluetooth: 4.2 BLE + 5.0 BLE for calls, music, and third-party device connectivity (remote, mouse, keyboard, OBD).
• Dual-band Wi-Fi: 2.4G + 5G for stable wireless connections and Wi-Fi hotspot sharing.
• Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto: Seamless wireless integration with iOS and Android smartphones.
• Built-in GPS: High-sensitivity GPS, Glonass, and Beidou for accurate navigation.
• FOTA Update: Firmware Over-The-Air updates for easy system upgrades.
• Online Feedback Log: Simplifies troubleshooting and technical support.
• Adaptive Dashboard UI: Customizable interface that adapts to screen size.
• LED Ambient Light: Customizable LED lighting effects.

Figure 2: The device supports Android 13.0, Wireless CarPlay, and Wireless Android Auto, offering three wireless solutions.

Compatibility

This device is compatible with OEM cars that come with factory-wired CarPlay. For non-touch screen cars, a remote control is recommended for optimal operation.

Compatible Car Brands (2016-2022 models with CarPlay):

• Audi (2017-2022 has CarPlay)
• Ford (2017-2022 has CarPlay)
• Skoda (2016-2022 has CarPlay)
• Pioneer (Most models)
• Honda (2016-2022 has CarPlay)
• VW (2016-2022 has CarPlay)
• Jeep (2017-2022 has CarPlay)
• Toyota (2019-2022 has CarPlay)
• Peugeot (2016-2022 has CarPlay)
• Volvo (2017-2022 has CarPlay)
• Mazda (2019-2022 has CarPlay)
• Porsche (2017-2022 has CarPlay)
• Benz (2016-2022 has CarPlay)
• Lexus (2019-2022 has CarPlay)
• Buick (2016-2022 has CarPlay)
• Chevrolet (2016-2022 has CarPlay)

For a comprehensive list of compatible car models, please contact the seller.

Phone Compatibility for Wireless Connection:

• Wireless CarPlay: iPhone with iOS 10 or newer.
• Wireless Android Auto: Android phone with Android 10 or newer (except for a few Android 9 phones).

Figure 3: Compatible car models and screen types, indicating touch screen and non-touch screen recommendations.

Setup and Installation

Package Contents:

• CarlinKit Android 13 CarPlay Ai Box (Model: CPC200-Tbox)
• Type-C data cable
• User Manual

Figure 4: Product interfaces and package contents, including Micro SD slot (extendable to 512GB), Type-C power supply port, and Nano SIM slot (for 4G LTE and hotspot sharing).

Connecting the Device:

1. Connect the CarlinKit Android 13 CarPlay Ai Box to your car's built-in wired CarPlay USB port using the provided Type-C data cable.
2. The device will power on and initiate the Android 13.0 system on your car's display.

Providing Internet to the Device:

The Android device requires an internet connection to function fully. There are two primary methods:

1. Using a Nano SIM Card: Insert a Nano SIM card into the designated slot on the device. This allows the device to access 4G LTE network independently.
2. Connecting via Mobile Phone Wi-Fi Hotspot:
   • On your mobile phone, enable the Wi-Fi hotspot feature.
   • On the car's display (via the CarlinKit device), navigate to the Wi-Fi settings and connect to your phone's hotspot.

Figure 5: Internet connection methods for the device, illustrating SIM card usage and Wi-Fi hotspot connection.

Connecting Wireless CarPlay or Android Auto:

1. On the CarlinKit Android page displayed on your car screen, click the "Autokit" application.
2. On your mobile phone, turn on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
3. Search for the device name (e.g., "Autokit TBox") in your phone's Bluetooth list and pair with it.
4. Wait for a few seconds, and your wireless CarPlay or Android Auto will automatically connect and appear on the car's display.

Figure 6: Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connection steps, showing the process from clicking the Autokit app to successful connection.

Operating Instructions

Once the CarlinKit Ai Box is set up, you can enjoy a wide range of functions on your car's display.

Accessing Applications:

• The Android 13.0 system allows installation of various applications from the Play Store.
• Enjoy online video streaming (e.g., Prime Video, YouTube, Netflix, TikTok), online music (e.g., Spotify), and navigation apps (e.g., Google Maps, Waze).
• You can also play games directly on the car's screen.

Figure 7: Multimedia and navigation features on Android 13.0, including online video, online music, Google Maps, and app split screen.

Control Methods:

• Touch Screen: Directly interact with the car's display.
• Steering Wheel Controls: Use your car's existing steering wheel buttons and knobs for media control and navigation.
• Voice Assistant: Utilize your car's original voice assistant (e.g., Siri) to control content on the multimedia screen.

Figure 8: Various control options for the CarlinKit device, including built-in GPS, Bluetooth phone, steering wheel knob/touch control, and original car voice assistant.

Adaptive Dashboard UI:

The dashboard interface is designed to adapt to your car's screen size. You can customize it to display your favorite map or music applications. The layout will adjust for large widescreen displays versus normal screens.

Figure 9: Adaptive dashboard UI examples, demonstrating multi-style dashboard displays for large widescreen and normal screens.

Wi-Fi Hotspot Sharing:

The CarlinKit device can also share its internet connection with other devices in the car. If the device has internet access (via SIM card or connected Wi-Fi), you can enable the Wi-Fi hotspot option in the box settings to allow passengers to connect and use the internet.

Figure 10: 4G LTE Network Support and Frequency Bands, listing various carriers and frequency bands.

Maintenance and Updates

FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air) Update:

The CarlinKit SM6225 Android Box supports FOTA updates, eliminating the need for an SD card to update firmware. This ensures your device always has the latest features and improvements.

1. Navigate to "Settings" on the device's interface.
2. Find and select "FOTA Update" or "System Update".
3. Click "Check Version" to see if a new update is available.
4. If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it. Ensure the device has stable power during the update process.

Online Feedback Log:

For technical support and troubleshooting, the device includes an online feedback feature:

1. Find "Feedback" in the device settings.
2. Fill in the required information: Car Brand/Model/Year, Product Model, and Current Firmware Version.
3. Upload the log file and take a picture of the generated Case ID.
4. Send the Case ID to customer service for assistance.

Figure 11: Online Feedback and FOTA Update process, detailing steps for finding feedback, filling in information, and performing system updates.

Specifications

Figure 12: CarlinKit Product Comparison Table (for reference, showing features across various CarlinKit models).

Warranty and Support

Warranty Information:

• 15-Day No Reason Return: You may return the product within 15 days of receipt for any reason. This warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, misuse, or modification.
• 365-Day Warranty: Within 365 days of confirming receipt, for any quality problem related to non-human damages that cannot be fixed after trying all provided solutions, free repair or replacement will be offered. Return shipping costs are borne by the buyer, while shipping for the new item is covered by the seller.

Customer Service Contact:

• Email: aesupport@carlinkit.com
• Official Firmware Website: https://www.carlinkit.com/

Please update your device only after contacting customer service if necessary.

Figure 13: CarlinKit Professional Quality Certificates, including Bluetooth, TELEC, CE, FCC, ROHS, SRRC, and KC certifications.

Figure 14: CarlinKit Quality Assurance, highlighting advanced production and service spirit.

Figure 15: CarlinKit R&D and Industry Strength, showcasing patents and awards in in-vehicle interconnection.