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Android Tablet or CarPlay?

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved [App] Suggestions and Discussion
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  • Ron Zundefined Ron Z

    So I’m trying to decide what might be the better for my motorcycle. I’m not sure if this makes a difference, but I’m in the Apple ecosystem. CarPlay will give me access to the inRoute route creation and navigation app that I also use. However a rugged Android tablet will offer the full functionality of the MRA Next app, along with other Android apps. Also the Android tablet will give me a slightly bigger screen that I wouldn’t mind.
    Has anyone else gone through this decision, and if so, what did you decide on and why?

    Triqsterundefined Offline
    Triqsterundefined Offline
    Triqster
    wrote on last edited by
    #5

    @Ron-Z

    I'm using a Samsung tab active 3 works great, robust and weatherproof with physical buttons.
    Especially those physical buttons are nice (home, back and switch apps) it also has an extra button that you can assign to anything, in my case open MRA or when held down to open DMD v2.

    In case you don't want to take the gloves off when needing to press small buttons there's also a stylus pen included and mounted on the protective case.

    Ron Zundefined 1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • paul69undefined Offline
      paul69undefined Offline
      paul69
      wrote on last edited by paul69
      #6

      hi @Ron-Z

      I too use an Oukitel RT3 rugged tablet, no case, no anti vibration mount, it all works perfectly well for me, the tablet performs very well in bad weather, never had a problem in the rain.

      obviously it's android, but again MRA works seamlessly and most of the time i use offline mode, with downloaded maps.
      FYI i do not have any other apps running on the tablet, nor do i have a SIM card, so can only get online if i tether to my iPhone, it is purely for navigation, i do get almost all day battery, and if not i attach a USB c lead to the bike socket.
      i have no issues using touch screen, but obviously your gloves would have to made for this function.

      to achieve, we must first attempt ✌️

      1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • HighPeakRiderundefined Offline
        HighPeakRiderundefined Offline
        HighPeakRider
        wrote on last edited by HighPeakRider
        #7

        I’ve just swapped out my Garmin Zumo for a Carpuride, using CarPlay, i wanted easier access to my iphone functions that was in my pocket or exposed on a quad lock mount.
        Seems to work well can control it with gloves on and for the odd time I might want full MRA access i can always put my phone on the Quadlock, I keep a case and charging lead under the bike seat if it’s required.

        I guess it might depend what type for riding and control you want MRA wasn’t my prime concern for moving to CarPlay it was more of integration of phone and bike thing.

        https://carpuride.com/

        Ron Zundefined 1 Reply Last reply
        1
        • Jörgenundefined Jörgen

          Hi, I use an outdoor tablet about a year (a Oukitel RT3) it works perfect for me and I love the extras you do not have with an CarPlay display or Auto Andriod.

          Ron Zundefined Offline
          Ron Zundefined Offline
          Ron Z
          wrote on last edited by Ron Z
          #8

          @Jörgen How is the RT3's display in direct sunlight? And not being glove friendly is a minus for me.

          2023 BMW R18 Transcontinental
          iPhone 14 Pro Max w/QuadLock mount
          Apple CarPlay in Carpuride W603D w/front-rear cameras
          Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 5 w/RAM mount

          paul69undefined 1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • Triqsterundefined Triqster

            @Ron-Z

            I'm using a Samsung tab active 3 works great, robust and weatherproof with physical buttons.
            Especially those physical buttons are nice (home, back and switch apps) it also has an extra button that you can assign to anything, in my case open MRA or when held down to open DMD v2.

            In case you don't want to take the gloves off when needing to press small buttons there's also a stylus pen included and mounted on the protective case.

            Ron Zundefined Offline
            Ron Zundefined Offline
            Ron Z
            wrote on last edited by
            #9

            @Triqster How is your Galaxy Tab Active 3 in direct sunlight? And what Android version do you have on it, and can it be updated to a newer OS? This was the tablet I was considering.

            2023 BMW R18 Transcontinental
            iPhone 14 Pro Max w/QuadLock mount
            Apple CarPlay in Carpuride W603D w/front-rear cameras
            Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 5 w/RAM mount

            Lynchy67undefined 1 Reply Last reply
            0
            • HighPeakRiderundefined HighPeakRider

              I’ve just swapped out my Garmin Zumo for a Carpuride, using CarPlay, i wanted easier access to my iphone functions that was in my pocket or exposed on a quad lock mount.
              Seems to work well can control it with gloves on and for the odd time I might want full MRA access i can always put my phone on the Quadlock, I keep a case and charging lead under the bike seat if it’s required.

              I guess it might depend what type for riding and control you want MRA wasn’t my prime concern for moving to CarPlay it was more of integration of phone and bike thing.

              https://carpuride.com/

              Ron Zundefined Offline
              Ron Zundefined Offline
              Ron Z
              wrote on last edited by
              #10

              @HighPeakRider I tried CarPlay with a Carpuride W702. It was nice, but I didn't like how all the nav apps use the same template and basically look all the same. Also I couldn't use my bike's nav (2022 BMW K1600 GTL) at the same time as CarPlay. Using an Android tablet I can get all the features of MRA, as well as any app that's not designed for CarPlay.

              2023 BMW R18 Transcontinental
              iPhone 14 Pro Max w/QuadLock mount
              Apple CarPlay in Carpuride W603D w/front-rear cameras
              Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 5 w/RAM mount

              1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • Makroundefined Offline
                Makroundefined Offline
                Makro
                wrote on last edited by
                #11

                I haven't tried the Android Auto version of MRA yet, but usually you get a limited feature version of apps in AA. This is intentional, so you don't mess around with all kinds of settings while driving.
                Personally, I want the whole app experience, and thus prefer a tablet.

                Best regards, Makro

                1 Reply Last reply
                1
                • Ron Zundefined Ron Z

                  @Triqster How is your Galaxy Tab Active 3 in direct sunlight? And what Android version do you have on it, and can it be updated to a newer OS? This was the tablet I was considering.

                  Lynchy67undefined Offline
                  Lynchy67undefined Offline
                  Lynchy67
                  wrote on last edited by Lynchy67
                  #12

                  @Ron-Z

                  I have the Samsung Active Tab 3
                  I have just ran an update this morning.
                  There was no change!

                  One UI Version is still
                  5.1.1

                  Android Version is still
                  13

                  I also have a Samsung A9 Tablet.
                  One UI Version
                  6.0

                  Android Version
                  14

                  I am no expert on these updates and will defer to others to pick the bones of what it all means regarding the Samsung Active Tab 3.

                  You don’t stop riding when you get old, you get old when you stop riding.

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • Michel van Hagen MRA-Founderundefined Offline
                    Michel van Hagen MRA-Founderundefined Offline
                    Michel van Hagen MRA-Founder
                    administrator
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #13

                    It remains a personal choice. A CarPlay or Android tablet is relatively cheaper than a premium rugged tablet. But Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are less stable because you are dependent on multiple systems.

                    “People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck

                    HighPeakRiderundefined Jan 50undefined 2 Replies Last reply
                    2
                    • Michel van Hagen MRA-Founderundefined Michel van Hagen MRA-Founder

                      It remains a personal choice. A CarPlay or Android tablet is relatively cheaper than a premium rugged tablet. But Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are less stable because you are dependent on multiple systems.

                      HighPeakRiderundefined Offline
                      HighPeakRiderundefined Offline
                      HighPeakRider
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #14

                      @Michel-van-Hagen-MRA-Founder Do you have any evidence to support that claimed instability?
                      If I use MRA i’m dependent on multiple systems, your database, your web server, your infrastructure, the internet, your app. Still multiple systems in place so i don’t see adding carplay which is stable from all my years using it in cars is going to make any difference.

                      Michel van Hagen MRA-Founderundefined Con Hennekensundefined 2 Replies Last reply
                      0
                      • HighPeakRiderundefined HighPeakRider

                        @Michel-van-Hagen-MRA-Founder Do you have any evidence to support that claimed instability?
                        If I use MRA i’m dependent on multiple systems, your database, your web server, your infrastructure, the internet, your app. Still multiple systems in place so i don’t see adding carplay which is stable from all my years using it in cars is going to make any difference.

                        Michel van Hagen MRA-Founderundefined Offline
                        Michel van Hagen MRA-Founderundefined Offline
                        Michel van Hagen MRA-Founder
                        administrator
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #15

                        @HighPeakRider You are dependent on a cable, or Bluetooth, the CarPlay or Android Auto System of your vehicle. App makers have no influence on this. The app itself directly on a device, which is testable.

                        “People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        1
                        • HighPeakRiderundefined HighPeakRider

                          @Michel-van-Hagen-MRA-Founder Do you have any evidence to support that claimed instability?
                          If I use MRA i’m dependent on multiple systems, your database, your web server, your infrastructure, the internet, your app. Still multiple systems in place so i don’t see adding carplay which is stable from all my years using it in cars is going to make any difference.

                          Con Hennekensundefined Online
                          Con Hennekensundefined Online
                          Con Hennekens
                          wrote on last edited by Con Hennekens
                          #16

                          @HighPeakRider said in Android Tablet or CarPlay?:

                          If I use MRA i’m dependent on multiple systems, your database, your web server, your infrastructure, the internet, your app. Still multiple systems in place so i don’t see adding carplay which is stable from all my years using it in cars is going to make any difference.

                          CP/AA introduce an extra layer of complexity, in hardware as well as in software. And in usage too, since you are operating two devices instead of one. Given the many reported problems and questions about AA/CP in this and many other forums, I'd say that's enough evidence. AA/CP simply introduce extra points of failure.

                          I am just an enthusiastic MRA user, and hope you will be one too!

                          Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebar to the saddle.

                          Streetpilot 2610 / Zumo 660 / Zumo 395 / CAT S52 + MRA app

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          1
                          • Ron Zundefined Ron Z

                            @Jörgen How is the RT3's display in direct sunlight? And not being glove friendly is a minus for me.

                            paul69undefined Offline
                            paul69undefined Offline
                            paul69
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #17

                            @Ron-Z

                            i know you asked someone else,

                            the screen is bright enough on full, for my use and in my experience, sorry i do not have any figures to back this up, and the screen is glove friendly, you need gloves that are touch screen compatible, my summer gloves are but winter gloves are not.

                            i bought this tablet new for £100 GBP

                            to achieve, we must first attempt ✌️

                            HighPeakRiderundefined 1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • paul69undefined paul69

                              @Ron-Z

                              i know you asked someone else,

                              the screen is bright enough on full, for my use and in my experience, sorry i do not have any figures to back this up, and the screen is glove friendly, you need gloves that are touch screen compatible, my summer gloves are but winter gloves are not.

                              i bought this tablet new for £100 GBP

                              HighPeakRiderundefined Offline
                              HighPeakRiderundefined Offline
                              HighPeakRider
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #18

                              @paul69 How have you mounted this to the bike, I assume you need to make some kind of custom mount?

                              Lynchy67undefined paul69undefined 2 Replies Last reply
                              0
                              • HighPeakRiderundefined HighPeakRider

                                @paul69 How have you mounted this to the bike, I assume you need to make some kind of custom mount?

                                Lynchy67undefined Offline
                                Lynchy67undefined Offline
                                Lynchy67
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #19

                                @HighPeakRider

                                Check out the Brodit Mount specifically for the Samsung Active Tab 3.
                                You can find it on Amazon.

                                You don’t stop riding when you get old, you get old when you stop riding.

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • No6671undefined Offline
                                  No6671undefined Offline
                                  No6671
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #20

                                  Just to throw this one in:

                                  Carpe Iter Pad. - As they write on their website, the actual Android is on the way.

                                  There is a BT solution for your handlebars. Often sold with the mentioned Carpe Iter. I bet, you can use them with the Galaxy, too.
                                  Just google "Carpe Iter controller".

                                  I want to ride some ACTs and TETs. Therefore I decided to buy this one. - Lets see, how it does on the route. 🙂

                                  --
                                  Goran
                                  Get up. Travel. Make friends. Sleep. Repeat.

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • Ron Zundefined Offline
                                    Ron Zundefined Offline
                                    Ron Z
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #21

                                    Thank you all, I appreciate all the feedback! I just ordered a Galaxy Tab Active5 off eBay in open box condition. It was a bit more expensive than the Active3 but has a slightly brighter screen, faster processor and Android 14. Planning to get the RAM mount for it as well. Looking forward to getting out on the road with this.

                                    2023 BMW R18 Transcontinental
                                    iPhone 14 Pro Max w/QuadLock mount
                                    Apple CarPlay in Carpuride W603D w/front-rear cameras
                                    Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 5 w/RAM mount

                                    Marinus van Deudekomundefined 1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • Ron Zundefined Ron Z

                                      Thank you all, I appreciate all the feedback! I just ordered a Galaxy Tab Active5 off eBay in open box condition. It was a bit more expensive than the Active3 but has a slightly brighter screen, faster processor and Android 14. Planning to get the RAM mount for it as well. Looking forward to getting out on the road with this.

                                      Marinus van Deudekomundefined Offline
                                      Marinus van Deudekomundefined Offline
                                      Marinus van Deudekom
                                      RouteXperts
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #22

                                      @Ron-Z hope that You Will share your findings with it. Especialy in therms of visibility in heavy sunlight

                                      Honda Goldwing GL1500,
                                      Honda Silverwing GL 650
                                      DMD2 T865X 8 inch Android tablet using MRA next for navigation
                                      Garmin XT (almost in the cupboard)
                                      Samsung S20FE mounted on a Quadlock and using Android Auto in my car

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • HighPeakRiderundefined HighPeakRider

                                        @paul69 How have you mounted this to the bike, I assume you need to make some kind of custom mount?

                                        paul69undefined Offline
                                        paul69undefined Offline
                                        paul69
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #23

                                        hi @HighPeakRider

                                        yes i fashioned a holder not pretty but it did the job, you can pics in the thread
                                        https://forum.myrouteapp.com/topic/6209/some-advice-please/21?_=1717264451505

                                        i have since changed my bike to a K16, it will not fit now, so i have bought a ram X grip with a flexi arm. i do have the TFT screen and connected app, but at the moment i am not confident in relying solely on that. it is ok when it works, but has let me down occasionally, and it's a pain the a#€e to have to keep stopping, getting phone out of my pocket, or the little cubby hole at the front and resetting everything.
                                        MRA is far more reliable on my tablet.

                                        to achieve, we must first attempt ✌️

                                        Ron Zundefined 1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • Ron Zundefined Offline
                                          Ron Zundefined Offline
                                          Ron Z
                                          wrote on last edited by Ron Z
                                          #24

                                          @Marinus-van-Deudekom I'll reply here with pics once I have it setup on the bike. I'm still waiting for the RAM mount to arrive. I just received the Active5 tablet, and can say it does get very bright. But I'll post a pic in direct sunlight after it's mounted on the bike..

                                          2023 BMW R18 Transcontinental
                                          iPhone 14 Pro Max w/QuadLock mount
                                          Apple CarPlay in Carpuride W603D w/front-rear cameras
                                          Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 5 w/RAM mount

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