Smart rear view mirror for cars. Interesting facts and useful tips. Ease of installation and use
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At first, the next gadget for the car seemed too strange, too complex, too incomprehensible, too exotic to me - but when I lived with it for a day, everything fell into place. This is truly exotic, but quite in the spirit of our century, and well worthy of your attention - especially for novice car owners with a passion for gadgets.
You see, I’m reading the website on the mirror, everything is ok.
Idea
I generally hate any astrolabes in the car and it just cringes me when a person has a video recorder, a radar detector, or some other devices hanging on his windshield - I want to ask, are you just planning to drive around the city or are you going to immediately discover new lands? I believe there are many people in the world with a similar way of thinking as mine. Therefore, video recording devices hidden/tucked into rear-view mirrors or under mirrors installed in other places are gaining popularity - as long as they do not become an eyesore. And now a mega-device falls into my hands - and, as it turns out, there are a lot of similar mirrors on the market, the differences lie in the capabilities, build quality, and work in general. I liked the idea: you just hang a “mirror” in your car, hide the wiring and, voila, you get a DVR with many functions. Let's see how everything works here and how it works.
Installation
The mounting here is very simple - you place the mirror on top of yours, fasten the “legs” with rubber ties, and connect it to the on-board network. Then, you will probably experience considerable surprise, as I did. But, before that, I experienced slightly different emotions: the mirror did not fit in my car - mine is not simple, it is larger than usual, with auto-dimming and other perversions. In short, trying to somehow hook his legs, he spat and went into his wife’s car. It has an ordinary, small mirror, so the Parkcity DVR HD 900 fits there without any problems. I hooked it, it fit like a charm, and it started working right away.
Job
In the center of the mirror, a huge touch screen (6.8-inch diagonal) lights up with a quite familiar Android interface - in general, it very much resembles some kind of small tablet. There is the fifth version of Android OS here, updated specifically for such a strange device. What does finishing mean? Well, for example, in a well-made DVR menu, at the top left is a stop/start recording button; if you press it, the image from the camera unfolds. The camera stands on the back of the mirror, rotates, it is easy to set up - next to it is a speaker, a reset button, below is a miniUSB connector, a memory card slot, GPS antennas, a SIM card slot. By the way, the kit also includes a rear view camera, but for us (for my car and my wife’s car) such functionality is redundant. The rear view camera was already installed, the speakerphone was also there, but the DVR, which was not conspicuous, was cool.
I don’t have any questions regarding the assembly, the only thing is that it would be nice to move the miniUSB connector to the right side, this will make it more convenient to route the cable under the panels in the cabin. By the way, at the bottom there is a button to turn on and switch to sleep mode, if you press it, then in front of you is just a mirror, the direction, time, and record button are displayed. This is what it looks like.
For cars with minimal equipment, Parkcity DVR HD 900 is truly a godsend. The speakerphone works ok, no need to yell, you can be heard well if the windows are closed. The phone connects via Bluetooth, there are no problems with communication, and these are all basic features, as well as video recording. Considering that the mirror has a full-fledged Google store, it is difficult to list all the options. How about watching YouTube while you're standing around waiting for someone? Or what about any navigation software? Of course, this is a little strange, but the rear view mirror in some cars and in some seasons is very difficult to use - in winter and spring in Moscow my rear glass is dirty, I determine the situation by the side mirrors.
What is inside?
The Media Tek MT8382 processor is hidden in the mirror; there are no questions about the operating speed and response speed. The 6.86-inch diagonal display hidden in the mirror - the display is not simple, IPS, resolution 1280 x 720 pixels - looks quite ok and does not cause a gag reflex. There is also 16 GB of memory, 1 GB of RAM, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, the SIM card can be used to communicate with the outside world and download some software directly to the mirror. It seems to me that this is already unnecessary - okay, if you connect to the network to update software, but install programs? On the other hand, many inquisitive minds will probably want to play with such a device and put some games here, and even a player for TV series, and a player for FLAC, and who knows what else. It is important to understand that all this is quite possible.
Record
Games with Android are good, but what about the basic functions? Everything is organized like this: we set the lens so that the hood is barely visible; it is better to focus on the cars ahead if you are standing in a parking lot. In the settings you can select the recording quality, I set it to the maximum, which is 1920 x 1080 pixels. I found an example of a recording on YT - I advise you to set the lens correctly and still try to clean the windshield. Despite all the nuances, the car numbers are easily distinguishable and this is probably the main thing.
By the way, rear camera shoots with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, simultaneous recording from two cameras is possible - naturally, it can also be used for parking, although you need to remember about autumn, winter and spring in Russia. You should try to place the rear camera so that as little dirt gets on it - how to do this, big question. I personally have no questions about the operation of the camera in the mirror, I looked at the recording - this is a regular recording from a good DVR, recording cycles can be selected (two minutes is enough), it is better to buy good map memory. Recording can begin when the G-sensor is triggered, everything is as in best houses. If you insert a SIM card and install some application for informing about cameras (working with GPS), then you have a completely normal radar detector.
Verdict
The wide range of possibilities in a completely familiar environment is captivating - it is very difficult to wade through the menu of conventional devices for a car. Here, despite the exoticism, the familiar Android with the familiar menu, familiar settings, familiar functions, familiar gestures, in the end - the question does not arise, but how to expand the video to full screen, but how to do this, and how to do that. And so everything is quite clear.
In retail the device costs 10,990 rubles; let me remind you that in addition to the mirror, the kit also includes a rear view camera, the kit is ready for installation. My hands grow out of my pelvis, and I will never install it, but I know many who can easily cope with such a task. Is it worth buying? If you need a video recorder that is not conspicuous (aka in this case speakerphone, modem, etc.) - worth it. If my wife was just learning to drive, I would immediately install such a gadget for her, hide the wiring and that’s it, go for a ride, dear.
P.S. Anticipating questions about the mirror: during operation it is ordinary, in appearance and properties it is no different from installed mirror. Everything is visible, the overview is good. But as soon as you press the button below, the movement begins immediately.
Frankly, my hands have been itching to touch this device more closely for a long time. Judge for yourself: a ready-made multimedia complex, an on-board computer, a video recorder and a bunch of other things in a small device that takes up practically no additional space.
And so they offered me Vizant-950K for testing. Unfortunately, it was not possible to agree on a long period of operation, so below the cut is a short quick review. So to speak, what to expect.
01.
I don’t even know what to call this combine. "Android rearview mirror" sounds very cumbersome. Let it be just a mirror.
The neat box contains the mirror itself, a power cord for express installation from the cigarette lighter (it was through this wire that I installed it), a cord for permanent connection with the ability to use a rear view camera (included), two rubber bands for attaching to a standard mirror And paper instructions in Russian. Everything seems to be simple and clear. Let's try to install it.
02.
Additionally, you can buy a diagnostic adapter for the OBD-II socket. A very interesting contraption that significantly expands the possibilities of dialogue with the car.
03.
First of all, we connect the adapter. It simply plugs into the car's diagnostic socket, the light comes on and it's ready to work in conjunction with an Android device. There are two types of adapters depending on the transmission method - WiFi and Bluetoth. For some reason the first option is more expensive, but I would go with the second. It consumes less energy and is more convenient to use. Most often, the Bluetoth protocol is not used for me and its use does not interfere with the operation of the smartphone in any way, while communication via WiFi automatically puts an end to using the Internet.
I had the Wi-Fi version on the test. When enabled, a network called Vgate is created. The network is not secure and I did not find a way to set a password on it (another argument for using the Bluetoth version). According to the seller, the network catches at a distance of up to half a meter from the adapter and no security problems should arise. I walked with my smartphone a couple of meters from the closed car and there was a connection.
04.
Let's return to the main device. The required cable can be extended through a convenient connector. As I already said, I chose to connect via the cigarette lighter, because... There is no point in disassembling the torpedo for a couple of hours of testing. Therefore, I could not test the operation of the rear view camera, but I think there will be no problems connecting it. The plug has a separate power button, so you don’t have to pull it out of the socket every time. I would like some kind of LED indicator, otherwise it is not clear whether the power is on or not.
05.
The mirror is obviously wider than the original one, and the first question was about sun visors and ease of use. If you attach the mirror clearly in the middle, then the right visor will not fold down.
06.
If you move the mirror a little to the left, then everything will be fine with the visors. The right one works in the entire range, although the driver’s left one rests against the mirror, it performs its function and does not interfere.
07.
All connectors are concentrated on the driver's side, which is very convenient. At the top there is a slot for a micro SD memory card, below there is a slot for a SIM card, a mini-USB socket and an audio output.
There are control buttons on the front panel. On/off, “home”, “back”, turning on the navigator, turning on the DVR and silent mode. There are also holes with a microphone and a reset button. It's unlikely to be confused, they are signed.
08.
The inscription on the box promises a fantastic set of features and it's all true. Moreover, it can easily be increased at least twice, because This device is a full-fledged android. There are a lot of applications, you just need to choose those that really work and are needed.
Drive specifications there is no point, you can look at them along with the price on the website.
09.
The device started up quite quickly. The home screen displays a recorder window, above it is a Yandex navigator window, on the right is a clock, Navitel and phone, in the right column are media programs, settings and all sorts of useful things for the car.
10.
As I said, this is a full-fledged Android device. You can make calls on it, you can synchronize it, install any programs on it, and even reflash it. Naturally, the device has the ability to call a subscriber by voice and HandsFree.
11.
Everything is working. Navitel started, but required registration and updating, so I had to launch Yandex. Naturally, I did not get a special SIM card for the mirror and simply distributed the Internet from my smartphone. The satellites were detected quickly. They say that the device has both GPS and GLONASS. Half the chance of being left without navigation.
12.
The DVR window shows what is happening in front (the camera is located on the back of the mirror), and thanks to the included rear view camera, it also shows what is happening behind. In sunny weather, all this glare is very strong and you have to look closely to see the details.
13.
There is also a radio here. You can watch movies and listen to music on the device. I think you can even write posts on it if you wish. You can definitely do it on Instagram.
14.
And here is the most interesting daddy. It contains programs for communication with the diagnostic adapter and all sorts of automotive applications.
The “anti-tow truck” uses an acceleration sensor and GPS to register the impact on the car and, in the event of evacuation, sends an alarm to the owner’s phone.
A "burglar alarm" works on much the same principle, but can sound a beep and turn on a siren. The application is useful not only in the car, but also when protecting things. You can put your smartphone in your bag and if it is stolen from you, the phone will start screaming throughout Ivanovskaya.
The "TrackView" program not only acts as a GPS logger showing the vehicle's position on the map, but is also capable of transmitting an image from the camera to the owner's smartphone screen. Of course you need it good internet, but in major cities There are no problems with this. Imagine: you're on vacation somewhere on the islands, watch through the hotel Wi-Fi what is happening in the Sheremetyevo parking lot.
15.
The Strelka application works off-line with a database of camera coordinates. The database is downloaded from the server and updated daily.
16.
The "HobDrive" and "ScanMaster" applications are designed to work directly with the ELM327 diagnostic adapter.
17.
On my smartphone there is a program similar in functionality to Torque and I will provide screenshots from it. Again, nothing prevents you from putting this program in the mirror.
The default program can do a lot, plus there are several plugins that expand the capabilities. Firstly, you receive all the information about the car online. Your smartphone turns into an on-board computer. Secondly, this data can be entered into a GPS track and at the output you can see not only what speed you were driving at a particular point, but also what the fuel consumption was, what the coolant temperature was, what the speed was and a bunch of other useless information.
18.
Thirdly, and this is the most interesting thing for me, with the help of such programs you can read and remove errors. My check light has been on for a long time now, but I don’t see any obvious faults. The program says that I have error P0341, a signal from the camshaft position sensor. The shaft is aligned according to the marks, so most likely the sensor itself is bent or there is poor contact in the terminal. I'll figure it out over the weekend.
And now some brief subjective conclusions.
The device is interesting, but controversial. Although the android goes into sleep mode and turns the device into a regular mirror, it still unnecessary information distracts. At night, bright application windows are blinding. The brightness, of course, is adjustable, but still, the screen “awakened” by a call or message can take you by surprise. This is probably the only negative of this device.
On the other hand, this is a really interesting “combine”, primarily because of the ability to connect a rear view camera and the presence of Android on board. It will find its recognition among owners of budget cars on which it is impossible or very expensive to install a multimedia center.
Whether you need it or not - decide for yourself. The quality of the device should be good, since the radar detector/video recorder is from the same company, I
Xzibit would approve. A worthy addition to the built-in monitors in the mudguards.
All motorists look in the rearview mirror while driving. And what do they see? A boring reflection of what's happening behind!
In our progressive age, when multifunctional devices fit in the palm of your hand, and two cameras are built into smartphones, this important element navigation has not changed for many, many years.
But the potential of the rear view mirror is enormous. You can embed anything into it - from navigation maps to lasers to navigate your way through traffic jams. And now the TrendVision company has launched a multifunctional gadget on the market in the guise of a simple rear-view mirror, which has everything! Well, maybe it's a bummer with lasers.
TV, navigator, smartphone... everything is there!
Perhaps many will twirl their finger at their temple: a mirror is a mirror, why build anything else into it? But people also didn’t understand Apple’s refusal to give up the CD drive, USB ports, and audio jack. The new TrendVision aMirror breaks the mold with the following features:
1. You can make calls from it. There is a notebook speed dial, voice control, dialing. Built-in speakers and microphone easily replace a Hands free headset.
2. You can view Internet pages from it. While standing in a traffic jam, you can easily read the news or your favorite website, for example.
3. Camera images are displayed on it. The mirror itself has a camera for video recording of everything that happens in front. In addition, the TrendVision aMirror comes with another rearview camera. Both images are displayed on the mirror.
Built-in TV. Well, there's nothing to comment on. You just watch TV in the rearview mirror, that's all. Neighbors in a traffic jam are perplexed and jealous.
Full Android. Dada, the mirror is like a smartphone or tablet, with a “green robot” on board. Accordingly, you can download from Google Play any applications, maps, radars and in general, whatever your heart desires.
This simple-looking rear-view mirror replaces a bunch of devices that car enthusiasts usually put on Windshield. Radar detector, video recorder, parking camera, remote GPS module, navigation maps and much more are collected in one single gadget.
Characteristics and Features
The TrendVision aMirror has a standard mount, so installing it will not be difficult. The manufacturer's website guarantees compatibility with impressive list cars.
For loading maps and other data exchanges with the Internet, the mirror has a slot for a SIM card. In addition, to surprise the men “from the garage”, you can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, and literally call from the mirror.
The DVR shoots at 1920x1080p and 25fps, and the rear camera shoots at 1280x720p and 30fps. To save videos, there is a slot for a micro-SD memory card with a capacity of up to 32 GB.
Recording can be done in cyclic mode, without gaps between files. All this is configured in the menu, the range of one cycle is from one to ten minutes. The DVR always records video, no matter what application is currently open.
Specifications for you guys
- Matrix – OmniVision OV2710, CMOS 1/3′, 2.1 MP
- Monitor – 5″, high contrast
- Internal memory – 8GB
- Processor – Allwinner A33 Quad Core
- Dimensions (mm) – 320x90x35
- Temperature range – from -20°С to +50°С
- Date and time overlay – yes, configured in the menu
- Power supply – 12-24V ( Charger for car cigarette lighter included)
The mirror's equipment is rich - the manufacturer has provided for all use scenarios and put in the box all the necessary wiring, fastenings and other parts of the “adult” designer.
Bon Voyage!
TrendVision aMirror takes some getting used to. At first, looking at cards in a mirror is a little unusual, but after a few days you already understand how convenient it is. You just need to get used to it: collect your eyes “in a bunch” and see the information on the mirror screen. When you unfocus your gaze, you see the reflection in the mirror itself. You are doing a useful exercise for your eyes without noticing it.
The price of the device is 19,900 rubles, which is quite good, considering what you are getting:
- DVR
- Radar detector
- GPS navigator
- Parking camera
- FM transmitter
- Telephone
- Rearview mirror
Agree, if you buy all these devices separately, you will spend more.
Video review of TrendVision aMirror
Oh yes, I almost forgot: you can also just look into it and see a reflection of what is happening behind. Useful and nice addition to all other functions of this miracle TrendVision gadget.