Streaming Box - Unlock YouTube and many other video apps.

Hi there. I'm using this gadget in my car and could not find anyone talking about it here in the forums, so let me introduce it to you guys.

First of all, let me start by some disclaimers:

1. Yes, I'm aware of safety concerns. I guess we are all adults here and perfectly able to make our own choices.
2. I'm not recommending it to anyone, just making a user review on it.
3. My car has the 10" Sync4.
4. To me it makes sense because:
a) I hate the delay on wireless CarPlay.
b) I do not want my music to stop when my phone rings.
c) CarPlay have many issues when playing audios on WhatsApp.
d) I like listening to podcasts while I take a long drive, and some watching here and there.

Now, let's start. The gadget is the Streaming Box by the brazilian company called Faaftech. It's a plug & play (usb) CarPlay that runs a Android system where you can download almost everything, including all sort of video apps. You can either route your phone internet or insert a SIM card.

In my ranger I used a 3M tape to leave it in a very discreet place, next to the wireless charger.



When you first connect it to the USB (either USB-A or USB-C) it will automatically calibrate the screen size and resolution (it's not a Ranger exclusive product. In fact, the manufacturer claims it fits 99% of vehicles that support wired CarPlay) and open the "home screen".

After that I just had to set up the apps. Login to my YouTube, Spotify, Netflix and other apps accounts. Also had to update some of them. After that, I went to Play Store and downloaded a screenshot app, so I could know exactly the size of the screen I had and design a custom wallpaper for it, matching my car style. And now it looks like the 2nd image.



And here are some pictures of its use:



Have you ever seen this kind of gadget before? What are your thoughts about it?

I've heard about those! Am considering it someday since this is perhaps the largest screen second to a TV that I own, and sometimes I do sit in the truck for a bit during breaks....

So that makes the center screen able to watch movies and stuff? Wow

Fix4Dirt said:

I've heard about those! Am considering it someday since this is perhaps the largest screen second to a TV that I own, and sometimes I do sit in the truck for a bit during breaks....

Click to expand...

So it will work good for you.

superj said:

So that makes the center screen able to watch movies and stuff? Wow

Click to expand...

Yes. You can run netflix, prime video, apple tv, hbo max, hulu or any other. Sometimes I just put some random music live performance on youtube or whatever I like. Very useful.

fordgt said:

How much is it? One of the sponsors has one for $199.​

Click to expand...

The model I got is the top one, the "+" version. It has 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, octa-core CPU, has a SIM card slot and runs Android 13. It costs around BRL 1550 (something around USD 260).

There is a similar version, with a little reduce on hardware specs, that costs around BRL 999 (around USD 167).

I know there are some on aliexpress that costs around BRL 600, ~ USD 100, but I decided to pay more and have a one year warranty.

Fix4Dirt said:

I've heard about those! Am considering it someday since this is perhaps the largest screen second to a TV that I own, and sometimes I do sit in the truck for a bit during breaks....

Click to expand...

You dont have a computer?

SubaruRaptor said:

You dont have a computer?

Click to expand...

I do, but ts a desktop. At least my personal computer. Work laptop certanly more powerful but I doubt they want me watchng YouTube on t haha

I ordered the Signature Lux RP24 PRO from one the sponsors page yesterday, $201 shipped.
8 gigs of ram, 128 storage. They have 10% off if you buy from the page on a 1st purchase.

fordgt said:

I ordered the Signature Lux RP24 PRO from one the sponsors page yesterday, $201 shipped.
8 gigs of ram, 128 storage. They have 10% off if you buy from the page on a 1st purchase.

Click to expand...

Consider buying a internet sim card for it.

At first I planned to use it just over WiFi using my phone's personal hotspot, but iPhone always turns it off when no device is connected for a while. Every time I entered the car I had to go to iphone settings and enable it again. It kinds of make the whole experience sucks.

I have the Magic Box 2.0 in my 2020 F250 with Sync 3 that didn't have wireless Carplay. The Magic Box is very similar in function but a little pricey. They have a new 3.0 version out that is more expensive and the older 2.0 can be bought for less money. I've been happy with it but do have concerns that any updates and development will now stop since the 3.0 version is out.

For what it's worth you can use native android auto to get youtube, a web browser, a video file player and a few more "forbidden options" without needing to buy anything. The phone app is called "Fermata Auto" and once you install it on your phone you will see it pop up in the AA app screen

I looked for fermata auto in the play store and nothing

superj said:

I looked for fermata auto in the play store and nothing

Click to expand...

You have to install it on your phone from a different repository or source. Google doesn't allow it onto their app store. There are guides on youtube showing how to get it working.