*** Update 08/07/15 (Long Overdue) – I am now using an Android KGL double din touch screen head unit ***
Well I finally admit I am starting to lose hope in Parrot. I have no confidence that the Parrot Asteroid will ever be much more than the crippled, unstable, unsupported and future development stopped state that it currently is in. There was a post on the Parrot UK forum a while back about releasing a navigation app due out hopefully by the end of this year (posted on 19/07/2012 here ), and more recently another wishy washy response from Parrot on 19/11/2012:
The Asteroid range is expanding and not intended to replace the current Asteroid unit. The Asteroid Classic is very much a key unit in the Asteroid range and we are working very hard behind the scenes on the next software version for this unit. This version is taking time as we are working on adding additional key features like multipoint and offering a navigation option following users feedback.
Let’s be clear here – they are taking their time to adding additional features when there are many bugs which should be fixed with urgency as they have been introduced with newer firmware releases. The latest release 1.6.1 was released on 11/07/2012, nearly 5 months ago. It’s hard to believe there is a team of developers working hard behind the scenes here, even a single guy could produce more output than what we have seen so far.
Parrot haven’t even been able to release their newer Asteroid products on time either, and I presume this is where the majority of the focus has been.
Unfortunately it looks like the Custom Asteroid Firmware project has struggled to really take off (I presume a lack of time, lack of volunteers and a locked bootloader and encrypted file updates has killed that one). Shame as it did look quite promising with some interesting ideas and already a more functional Home screen.
So, I started looking for alternatives, so far I have found these Android head units but they are double din (I don’t fancy trying to fit the double din unit, but guess I might have to if I struggle to find a single din unit any time soon). Although they are more expensive than the Parrot I am happier to pay more if it ensures a higher quality product with better future support. So far the :
- Clarion Mirage IVI
- Ca-Fi
- Adayo AN6B01
One thing is for sure – there still aren’t many Android head units, but when I do buy a new one it certainly won’t be a Parrot.