Categories
GPS

iOS CarPlay Navigation

As for the January 2020, there are 10 CarPlay enabled navigators available in Ukrainian AppStore. See twenty iOS Navigators 2020 comparison. That is about 50% of all. Some new applications were found since iOS Navigation 2016 comparison in November 2016. So trends are as following. Much more OpenStreetMap based application. Even apps with own maps (like Apple map) use or get some data from OSM. Free applications are in general better. So there is clear wikinomics at work. Maps and Traffic data quality are better with the mass collaboration approach. In 2020 there is almost no reason to use paid navigation and that is probably why most old-school “best in class” navigators like iGo are not in active development anymore. Also, there are fewer local apps on the market.

How to choose a navigation app for your region:

  • Map is actual (new streets, new buildings, etc)
  • Traffic information is available and good
  • The Map can be edited by users
  • Users are able to report traffic events
  • CarPlay and iPad support (if needed)
  • User Interface is good
  • Free or price is reasonable
  • Offline maps available

Waze

Best iOS navigation application for Kyiv right now.

  • The map is good and users able to edit it
  • Traffic is good and users are able to report road events
  • Both iPad and CarPlay are supported
  • Offline navigation available, but without offline search
  • UI is average

Google Maps

Alternative application. For those who do not like Waze.

  • The map is good, but only errors reporting for users
  • Traffic is good, but no events reporting
  • Ipad and CarPlay supported, but in 2D mode for CarPlay
  • Offline for some part of the map, not regions
  • UI is average

HudWay Go

Just to be mentioned for interesting design

  • Map is average
  • No traffic (and not free if available)
  • No iPad support
  • No Offline
  • But it is nice )
Categories
DVR

Prology iReg-7570SHD

Compact DVR with Ambarella A7LA70 and Omnivision OV4689. Have small LCD with plastic cover and tiny accumulator. Also have external GPS in the middle of the power cable. GPS and DVR holder compatible to Koonlung C-series DVR. Some special “soft touch” plastic that looks like leather on device’s front. Loud speaker. SDXC support. Work with exfat 128 GB cards. It is hard to release DVR from holder even using 2 hands. Device is not compatible with iPad and Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader because of long filenames (maybe fixed by firmware customization, see end of the post).

ireg7570shd_from_outside

Video quality is OK as for the 200$ price.

Categories
DVR

Koonlung C75

Koonlung C75 is relatively cheap and small DVR with Super HD video, GPS and SDXC support.

Koonlung_C75

Manufacturer says that device support up to 32 GB MicroSD. But SDXC 128 GB card is actually work fine. SDXC support is feature of Ambarella A7LA chipsets. GPS module is external. Module build in USB power cable. LCD is small, glance and cheap.

Key features:

Ambarella A7LA50 with OmniVision OV4689 sensor
Super HD video (2304×1296@30p, 2560×1080@30p, 1920×1080@45p, 1280×720@60p)
External GPS
SDXC support

Categories
app apple Devices ipad

Parkcity ELM-327WF + DashCommand (iPad)

I have discovered Onboard Diagnostic (ODBII) scanners as a new device class. It is tool for those who interested in some insight on usually hidden car parameters. Modern car have standard controller area network (CAN) and standard diagnostic interface (OBD), that allow to collect and analyze some car internal data with universal devices.

ParkCity_ELM327WF_box_side

My set up was devices: Apple iPad Air + Parkcity ELM-327WF (~80$) and application DashCommand (10$). ELM-327WF using Wi-Fi to connect tablet or smartphone. There is also cheaper Bluetooth version OF ELM-327 exist, but it not work with Apple devices (due to Bluetooth limitation in iOS).

ParkCity_ELM327WF_device_front

See application screenshots below: