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New Duster (2018) and Android Auto/Apple Carplay

111K views 126 replies 35 participants last post by  Bigapplepie  
#1 ·
Anyone know if the 2018 Duster update includes availability of Android Auto/Apple Carplay in the UK?

I've read a couple of previews in the motoring press last year which said this would be happening, but I downloaded a French brochure yesterday and couldn't find any mention of either.

I know most current Renaults have this. Does anyone know if the new Duster infotainment screen is shared with a current Renault?
 
#5 ·
The one in that brochure is UK option for a Kenwood radio as dealer fit option, that's not the one factory fitted...The Standard Sat Nav and media unit is a LG Made unit. Known as Media Nav Evolution. On my Duster 2 with Media Nav Evolution here in France I can play music over bluetooth from my Android phone, although I usually just use a 16Gb USB stick. Haven't tried an iPhone. The same unit is fitted to Renault Cars.
 
#7 ·
Apparently from July, Duster factory orders MediaNav comes with CarPlay and Android Auto built in.

At this point it is unknown if they have rebuilt the medianav system completely or if it is a module added to the back of it.
July this year? All orders are factory orders now. There are only a few diesel models in stock apart from that it's from the factory.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk
 
#10 ·
The current Media Nav unit runs Windows CE but from later this year (date unknown) it will switch to running Android. I know this only because if I go to the French software/map update site it asks me which 2018 version I have. Mine in my Duster 2 delivered late June is the definitely the Windows version. No idea when the changeover will happen the French web site for the unit just says LATE 2018. As far as I can see its the same or similar hardware or at least they look identical as the picture on the French web site of the two units is the same.

I just tested and with the current unit you can play music over Bluetooth from your Android phone (and just tried with my wife's iPhone too) BUT it doesn't look like you have much control over the phone just seems to work like a bluetooth speaker, but i'm nipping out soon so I'll have a better play. Not really tried it as I prefer USB stick method.
 
#11 ·
The current Media Nav unit runs Windows CE but from later this year (date unknown) it will switch to running Android. I know this only because if I go to the French software/map update site it asks me which 2018 version I have. Mine in my Duster 2 delivered late June is the definitely the Windows version. No idea when the changeover will happen the French web site for the unit just says LATE 2018. As far as I can see its the same or similar hardware or at least they look identical as the picture on the French web site of the two units is the same.

I just tested and with the current unit you can play music over Bluetooth from your Android phone (and just tried with my wife's iPhone too) BUT it doesn't look like you have much control over the phone just seems to work like a bluetooth speaker, but i'm nipping out soon so I'll have a better play. Not really tried it as I prefer USB stick method.
In other cars I have used that have Bluetooth you can use the microphone to control android auto.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk
 
#16 ·
I have a 2018 Dacia Duster (Prestige) here in Switzerland (April delivery). I think it is basically exactly the same as those in the UK i.e. Media Nav Evolution.

Using my Samsung S6, plugged into the USB and wireless BT, it has the following properties;

  • No voice activated assistant (only works with iOS Siri etc).
  • No Android Auto
  • Doesn't see the music on the phone as a USB device
  • Doesn't even recognise the caller ID over BT (it did the first days I connected it, but has stopped working since)

Needless to say, I'm slightly disappointed, but I guess you get what you pay for.

I would love to know if there is an official or even unofficial firmware upgrade for this ANDROID OS version mentioned above.

Thanks in advance.
 
#17 ·
It's unlikely that the Android OS will work or work well, on the earlier models due to hardware spec changes.

My unit does see the music on my Android mobile if I set the phone to (a) so both internal and SD storage are combined and not separate; and (b) so the phone automatically and immediately shows up as usb storage when connected to a computer and not asks you to authorise usb access or which usb protocol.
 
#20 ·
I received my duster 2 last thursday.

The infotainment system is neither android auto nor iPhone carplay compatible. The manual does mention both, however connecting my iPhone8 via usb instigates an iPod interface, no CarPlay screen mirroring.
The system does stream audio over Bluetooth (so the Bluetooth mode enabled is more than just a basic hands free profile). There is also a Siri hands free button on the steering wheel.

Splash screen on boot shows the LG logo. Software version 1.0.12.8
From the number of open source licensing notifications, this is def a Linux (Android) based system.

Sadly, quite a few bugs already seen, including the annoying fact that the system never seems to remember when you mute it ( mute, make phone call, hang up, system unmutes).
Lots of thumps and bangs when using Siri and going back to audio sources (when Siri disconnects)
Annoyingly the hands free facility is not available unless the system is "on". Even though the clock and temp show when the system is "off". ....... hands free also please when off! Like most other car infotainment systems.
 
#21 · (Edited by Moderator)
just updated my infotainment system to version 1.0.13 maps update also.

The update processes is a real "rig-ma-rol". Lots of usb pen drive swapping, with fussy file systems.

In the end I just sat in the car with my laptop.

I can still see that the muting "feature" hasn't changed since the OS update.

There is definitely a loud "thump" as well when the siri integration button action disengages and the original audio source starts to play again. I hope over time this doesn't potentially blow the speakers or output amp of the headunit.
 
#23 ·
after a tweet to Dacia, was given a phone number....

called, and they confirmed that my Oct '18 Duster Media nav unit CANNOT be upgraded to apple carplay as this requires a hardware upgrade.

There is obviously a late '18 early '19 changeover from the non-carplay to the carplay enabled units.

My non-carplay unit is FULL of bugs, I hate to think how bad the carplay unit may be..... software QA is not these guys strength :)
 
#25 ·
I'm going to post this separately - but note to new purchasers - the 90 day latest map guarantee is, I've discovered, limited to one download only. I updated my maps (V7.1) upon purchase in November 18 and have had long correspondence with them about inability to update in Feb 19 before 90 days runs out. They've finally said that only one update allowed - so I cannot now get V7.2 unless I pay exorbitant charge. So unless you're lucky enough to get the newer android version when it comes out, update at about 80 days (leaving you ten days to figure out how to do it!)
 
#26 ·
I'm going to post this separately - but note to new purchasers - the 90 day latest map guarantee is, I've discovered, limited to one download only. I updated my maps (V7.1) upon purchase in November 18 and have had long correspondence with them about inability to update in Feb 19 before 90 days runs out. They've finally said that only one update allowed - so I cannot now get V7.2 unless I pay exorbitant charge. So unless you're lucky enough to get the newer android version when it comes out, update at about 80 days (leaving you ten days to figure out how to do it!)
I fell for this one as well ! Bought my Stepway in November 2013, updated the MediaNav straight away for free, as the dealer said the maps would be out of date. Low and behold new maps were issued in December ! Just the way the cookie crumbles I suppose ! :eek: