1. Introduction
The CarlinKit UHD Android 13 CarPlay AI TV Box expands your car's multimedia capabilities by integrating an open Android system platform via the car's USB interface. This device allows for the installation of various applications, providing enhanced audio-visual entertainment and navigation functions directly on your car's display.
It supports 4G/GPS/Bluetooth/Phone/Mobile connectivity, enabling both wireless CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. With its HDMI output, you can connect to other high-definition displays, allowing for split-screen functionality without interfering with driving, thus enhancing the shared entertainment experience.
Video: CarlinKit UHD AI TV Box product demonstration, showing features like plug-and-play, split screen, app store access, steering wheel control, FOTA updates, and wireless CarPlay/Android Auto.
2. Product Overview
Key Features
- Operating System: Android 13.0
- Processor: Qualcomm SDM660 or SM6225 (8-core)
- Memory: 8GB RAM + 128GB ROM (expandable up to 512GB via Micro SD card)
- Connectivity: 4G LTE, 2.4G+5G Wi-Fi, Dual Bluetooth (4.2 BLE + 5.0 BLE)
- Navigation: Built-in GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou
- Display: HDMI output for connecting other HD displays, Split Screen functionality
- Smartphone Integration: Wireless CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto
- Updates: FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air) online update support
- Control: Compatible with original car control methods (steering wheel, knob, touch control, voice assistant)
Device Interfaces
The CarlinKit AI Box is equipped with several ports for versatile usage:
- Type-C Port: For power supply, connecting the device to your car via a USB cable.
- Nano SIM Card Slot: Supports 4G full network for real-time internet access without a phone.
- TF/Micro SD Card Slot: Expandable memory up to 512GB for media files.
- HDMI Interface: For connecting to other HD displays to share content.
- USB-A Port: (Only available on SDM660 models) For inserting devices such as mice and USB drives.
Image: SM6225 device interfaces, showing Type-C, SIM, TF, and HDMI ports. Note: SM6225 models do not have an extra USB-A port.
Image: SDM660 device interfaces, showing Type-C, SIM, TF, HDMI, and an additional USB-A port.
3. Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | CPC200-Tbox UHD |
| System | Android 13.0 |
| CPU | Qualcomm SDM660 or SM6225, 8 cores |
| RAM+ROM | 8GB+128GB (expandable to 512GB via Micro SD) |
| Wifi | 2.4G+5G |
| Bluetooth | 4.2BLE+5.0BLE dual bluetooth |
| Compatible Car | For factory car with wired CarPlay or Android Auto |
| Compatible Phone | For iOS 10+ and Android 11.0+ (supporting wireless Android Auto) |
| Language | Supports global languages |
| Update Method | FOTA update |
| Dimensions | 90 x 84.9 x 17.1 mm |
| Power Input | 5V-2A |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to 65°C |
| Network (EAU version) | 4G LTE-FDD/TDD (B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41), 3G WCDMA (B1/2/5/8), 2G GSM/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900MHz) |
Image: Product specification table and dimensions.
4. Setup and Installation
The CarlinKit UHD AI TV Box is designed for plug-and-play installation.
Initial Connection
- Connect the CarlinKit device to your car's USB interface using the provided USB cable.
- On your car's original system interface, click on the "CarPlay" or "Android Auto" icon on the screen. This will transition you to the product's Android system interface.
Switching Operating Modes (CarPlay/Android Auto)
To switch between CarPlay (default) or Android Auto mode:
- Insert the Ejection Pin (usually provided with the device) into the small hole on the device.
- Press and hold for approximately 2-3 seconds to switch the operating mode.
Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto Connection
- On the CarlinKit Android page, click the "AutoKit" application icon.
- Ensure both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on your iPhone (iOS 10+) or Android phone (Android 11.0+).
- On your phone's Bluetooth list, search for the Bluetooth name displayed on your car's screen (e.g., "AutoKit-Tbox") and pair with it.
- Wait a few seconds for the connection to establish, and wireless CarPlay or Android Auto will become active.
Image: Visual guide for connecting wireless CarPlay or Android Auto, showing phone pairing with the device.
SIM and TF Card Insertion
Important: Do not insert or remove the SIM/TF card when the product is powered on. Always power off the device before inserting or removing cards to prevent damage to the card slot.
- SIM Card: Insert the Nano SIM card with the metal side facing down and the notched end facing inward.
- TF/Micro SD Card: Insert the TF/Micro SD card into its designated slot.
5. Operating Instructions
Navigating the Android System
- Once connected, you will see the Android 13 interface on your car's screen.
- Use the car's original touch screen, steering wheel controls, or external USB devices (like a mouse, if using an SDM660 model) to navigate.
- Click the "Home" icon to return to your car's original system interface.
- Click the "Settings" icon to change languages, customize wallpapers, and adjust other system preferences.
Entertainment and Navigation
Image: Car screen displaying various entertainment and navigation apps available on Android 13.
- Download Apps: Access the "Play Store" to download a wide range of applications, including third-party map navigation, online music streaming (Spotify), video apps (Netflix, YouTube), and online games.
- Bluetooth Functions: Use the "Phone" icon to add existing contacts or the "BT Phone" icon to pair with your mobile phone's Bluetooth for hands-free calls and music streaming.
- Built-in GPS: The high-sensitivity GPS system provides fast and accurate navigation.
Split Screen Functionality
The device supports split-screen mode, allowing you to run two applications simultaneously. For example, you can use GPS navigation on one side while passengers enjoy video content on the other, without interference.
Image: Car screen demonstrating split-screen mode with Google Maps navigation and a music player running concurrently.
Original Car Control Methods
The CarlinKit AI TV Box integrates seamlessly with your car's existing controls, ensuring a familiar and safe user experience:
- Steering Wheel Controls: Use your car's steering wheel buttons to control media playback and other functions.
- Knob/Touch Control: Navigate the Android interface using your car's central console knob or touch screen.
- Voice Assistant: Utilize your car's original voice assistant (e.g., Siri) for hands-free commands.
Image: Illustrations of using built-in GPS, Bluetooth phone, steering wheel controls, and original car voice assistant with the device.
6. Compatible Vehicles and Mobile Phones
Compatible Cars
This device is compatible with approximately 98% of OEM cars that already have factory-wired CarPlay or Android Auto installed. If you are unsure about your car's compatibility, please consult your car dealer or the CarlinKit customer service.
Image: A list of compatible car brands and models (e.g., Audi, Ford, Skoda, Honda, VW, Jeep, Toyota, Peugeot, Volvo, Mazda, Porsche, Benz, Lexus, Buick, Chevrolet) with their respective model years for CarPlay compatibility.
Compatible Mobile Phones
- iPhone: Supports iPhone 6 and above, running iOS 10 or newer.
- Android Phone: Supports Android 11.0 and above, which supports wireless Android Auto. (Some Android 9 phones may also be compatible).
7. FOTA Online Update
The CarlinKit UHD AI TV Box supports FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air) online updates. This feature eliminates the need for an SD card to update the device's firmware, making the update process convenient and hassle-free.
Additionally, the device includes an online feedback feature. This allows technical support to quickly diagnose and resolve any issues you might encounter by analyzing simple log files.
Image: Illustration of the FOTA update process, showing version update, feedback log, and custom icon features.
8. Troubleshooting (FAQ)
Q: What should I do if the SIM card is not recognized when inserted?
A:
- Confirm whether the card insertion method is correct (SIM Card inserted with metal side down, and the notch end is facing inward).
- Do not insert or remove the SIM card when the product is turned on. The product must be turned off to remove and insert the SIM card.
Q: The Netflix display needs to be updated.
A: When it appears that it needs to be updated, please click the "Cancel" button. Do not update or delete the software preloaded on the product.
Q: The SIM card insertion is recognized, but the internet connection does not work.
A:
- Go to Settings > Network and Internet > APN, and manually adjust it.
- Insert the SIM card into an Android phone and check the information parameters of the APN in the phone. Then, in the product settings, go to Network and Internet > APN > click the "+" sign in the right upper corner, and add APN parameters (add according to the parameters in the mobile phone).
- If you need a video tutorial of the operation, please contact the store customer service directly.
9. User Tips
- For optimal performance, ensure your mobile phone's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are always enabled when attempting to connect to wireless CarPlay or Android Auto.
- Regularly check for FOTA updates to ensure your device has the latest features and bug fixes.
- When using split-screen mode, prioritize navigation on one side to maintain focus on driving, while passengers can enjoy entertainment on the other.
10. Warranty and Support
Warranty Information
CarlinKit provides a one-year warranty service from the date of purchase for failures caused by quality issues of the product itself. Please retain your purchase receipt and the warranty card as necessary proof for warranty service. The company reserves the right to interpret the after-sales service terms.
For further details, you may refer to the User Manual (PDF).
Customer Support
For any questions, technical assistance, or to report issues, please contact CarlinKit customer service. You can also visit the official CarlinKit firmware website for updates and support: https://www.carlinkit.com/. Please update your device only after contacting customer service if necessary.
