CarlinKit Tbox Max (Ambient) Android13 Qualcomm 6225 8-Core Wireless CarPlay Android Auto Netflix YouTube

If you have Android Auto but want everything your Android device can do, then look no further. This device can not only convert a wired Android Auto system to wireless, but it adds full video capability (hardware dependent for framerate quality) allowing YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, VLC and even Bell Fibe TV in Canada. You can get internet access from your phone via Bluetooth (kind slow and laggy video), WiFi Hotspot or by USB. You can also install a SIM card which is what I did and get 4G data speeds for flawless video. I have it connected to my 2018 Silverado and quality is excellent. Full web browsing capability with Chrome or Edge. You can even connect Bluetooth ODB2 device and get vehicle diagnostics, engine codes and glass cockpit gauges with the ODB2 app of your choice installed. Apps can be sideloaded easily as well with APK installation made easy as well as OTA updates for the hardware.

Two major modes are available... conventional Android Auto (or Apple Carplay) where your phone is the "brain" and the screen is just mirrored and another mode of a complete Android experience where the "Magic Box" is the processing brain providing Netflix and other apps to the screen.

My video shows the quality on my 2018 Chevy Silverado and the Bell Fibe App on CP24. Pricey toy but cool when waiting on someone and just sitting in your vehicle.

The carplay adapter is plug and play and both my car and my phone recognized it right away once I initialized it from my phone. This adapter is better than the previous one I own as it has more features to it. There is no lag between my phone and my car with this adapter.

I've always been constrained by my Carplay capabilities and miss having Youtube and Netflix as my Tesla. When I first learned about the CarlinKit Magic box, I was skeptical due to its high pricing compared to the basic Wireless Carplay adaptor. But I must say that this gadget takes the entertainment system in my Chevrolet to the next level. It's a multifunctional and user-friendly gadget that improves my in-car entertainment experience. The Box also has plenty of storage and memory, adjustable settings, and a simple installation. The device loads considerably faster while utilizing Wireless Carplay than when using the full Android operating system. The system's user interface is well-designed, with several options for modification.

I can watch YouTube, Netflix, and other content right on my car's display. The Box is very beneficial for lengthy car trips and keeping children amused. It converts a wired Carplay system to wireless and provides a plethora of functionality. Device can connect to the internet using My phone’s Bluetooth or USB, but for videos, I found that Wi-Fi or a SIM card worked best.

I absolutely love my Apple CarPlay in my car. To the point where I will not buy a car unless it has it. Unfortunately, Apple CarPlay has its limits based on what is approved by Apple's ecosystem. When I saw the Carlinkit Magic Box which not only allowed wireless CarPlay but also a full android experience I had to see it for myself.

First off, I want to reiterate that this will only work if your car already has an apple CarPlay or android auto. The box feeds off of the cable that connects directly to that car system. The device itself is very small. It is about 3" x 3" and less than an inch thick. On the back, there are three ports. One is a USB-C port that you use to connect the box to your car, another is at memory card slot, and the last is a Sim card slot. The SIM card is most impressive to me. It allows you to purchase an external Sim card and run this device completely independent from a phone. The memory card slot is also nice because you could store music or videos and play it on the screen.

Set up was very easy. I simply turned on my car and plugged the box in to my Apple CarPlay cord and it started up right away. You enter it by going to the Apple CarPlay or I imagine android auto feature on your car. When it first opened, it took me right to a screen that looked like android auto, although I do not have experience with Android Auto so I do not know for sure. The splash screen looked like Apple CarPlay with Google maps as it's default map, and now playing in the top right hand corner, and then on the bottom right corner, buttons that takes you to All apps, settings and BT phone.

Overall, the magic box is a very nice device however, This device would also be excellent as a companion for rental cars especially if you are in countries that have access to additional Sim cards. In my personal experience

This little box has transformed my in-car entertainment. There's so much going on, and I don't really have any big negative points.

I did have a wireless Carplay adapter in my car before switching to the AI Box. Boot up time does take longer than my previous setup as it has to load a full Android OS system. Typically this takes about 30 secs before you get to the homescreen. If you have Carplay also setup to the AI Box you can expect another 10 secs or so while your phone connects.

The AI Box UI customizations work well. There's a few nice touches that make navigating a little easier, and there's a lot of settings you can tweak to get it to your preference.

Where the excitement really starts is having full access to the Google Play store. I can now play YouTube / Netflix / Disney / Prime Video directly on my cars screen. There's almost no lag in using the apps and the audio is perfectly in sync with the video playback. Often this is an issue with some boxes, but the CPU and BT5.0 help with this.

Gaming is also possible on the AI Box. You can use either the touchscreen (which is a little awkward as you have to reach for the screen) or you can connect a bluetooth controller. I've tried a few games such as Jetpack Joyride and Asphalt and they play without any problems.

4G data SIM works well if you don't want to tether to your phone. Personally I am tethering to my phone and the performance is great.

Overall the AI Box is a great piece of kit, especially for long car journeys and if you have kids.