Jensen CAR910W with Backup Camera

Works Well With Android Auto, Horrible with Wired or Wireless Apple Car Play!

I recently bought a very low mileage 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 with a service body, in practically new condition for my business. It had the base model stereo for that year. I quickly tired of using my phones for navigation and decided to buy a single din unit with a 9 or 10 inch screen. I had installed 4 new Kenwood Excelon 6x9's with tweeters that separated and installed a Memphis powered subwoofer under the drivers seat so the sound was great. But after spending that I was loathe to get either the Kenwood or Alpine 9" units for $1000- $1700 I was looking for something a little less pricey. I will admit that overall for the price point the Jensen is a pretty good deal but there is a caveat to that....it only applies to Android users.
Upon purchase and installation I only had an Iphone 12 mini with AT&T. I was using the wireless CarPlay and it was horrible. I could have gotten better driving directions using the Force! The arrow was all over the place and it was useless. I then tried using CarPlay which was a little better but useless 60% of the time. It was then that I decided to do an experiment. I had an unlocked recent Nokia phone but no service provider, so I purchased a sim card from Patriot Mobile to test out Android Auto. Patriot Mobile basically just resells T-Mobile service but donates alot to conservative causes. I have been very happy with the service by the way.
After getting the phone up and running I tried to use Android Auto but it would not work with the CAR910W! After doing a bit of research I realized there was an update for the unit. I downloaded the update and installed it and WALA! This update solved everything with the Android Auto! It works flawlessly and gives great directions with Google Maps and Waze and I have access to my Podcast Addict app as well!

However, the update has done nothing to help Apple Carplay, wired or wirelss! Ok, it does work wired 60% of the time, but that being said, I bought this head unit so that I could have a huge display cause I use this for my service truck to help me get to customers homes reliably....60% is not good enough.

That leads my to the real reason for my disappointment. I hate the Android Auto google maps! It has a huge widget in it to enter the address that stays on the screen, reducing the screen territory of the map! The Apple interface is so much better! I just wish Carplay worked better cause it is a much more useful screen for driving.
As for the other features, the Equalizer is nothing great but does work, and the radio screen is ok, but seems a bit plain and outdated. There is really not much color customization or anything else. It is kind of just blah..... but given that this unit is $600 cheaper than the big names i guess I am being a bit hard on it.

So, I am literally keeping a separate phone plan and phone just to use as my GPS device with Android Auto and I use bluetooth to hook my Apple Iphone up so that I have handsfree calling while I drive so that if a customer calls I can keep my eyes on the road. It all works pretty well. Unless you already use Android or are willing to give up your Iphone I would not recommend this phone to anybody. If you are an audiophile I would suggest saving up for the Kenwood or Alpine.

I hope that this helps.

By PWG on December 29, 2021 Verified purchase

good looking camera

camera looks really good has a real good picture and distance lines are accurate for the price can't beat it.

Great Product - 5 stars

This product is very affordable and delivers great results. With the night vision on it there are no issues with using it at night in no light situations. I have would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a licence plate mounted camera.

Works nice

Does what I need it to do without any problems so no complaints here. Would buy again.

Nice product

Good product for the price, but I did have to buy a longer video cord, the one that Comes in the package is just to short for a truck. If you have a car it's no problem but I have a four door short bed f150 and the cord was about 4 ft to short.

Belva Barcam221 Back up camera

Very nice camera. Mounts to rear license plate and works great. Great safety feature for a relatively small price.

camera

Camera works well with the Planet Audio DVD player. But again asking for assistance from Sonic is terrible.

By James on June 13, 2017 Verified purchase

great camera

it is clear and shows up well at night while backing up

By Ron on April 6, 2017 Verified purchase

Amazing value

Not to sure on this yet when I first installed this with a Jensen vx 7023 it looked amazing now it's a little hazy and dark but it works trouble shooting it to make sure it's not a connection issue

A Great Value

The back up camera is easy to install AL the wires were long enough I install it on my 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 Qued cab with 8 foot bed the camera works as advertised great picture I would Definitely remcemed by this item.

By Mark on February 6, 2017 Verified purchase