Can a car that does not come with Carlife have it installed?
3 Answers
It is possible to install Carlife in a car that does not come with it, but connecting Baidu Carlife can be quite troublesome. Although it may offer more features, it is difficult to achieve blind operation. Definition of Baidu Carlife: Baidu Carlife is one of the solutions launched by Baidu's Internet of Vehicles, and it is also the first cross-platform Internet of Vehicles solution in China. On the vehicle side, whether it is Linux, QNX, or Android, Baidu Carlife can be well adapted. Benefits of Baidu Carlife: On the user side, Baidu Carlife supports both Android and iOS operating systems, covering more than 95% of smartphone users. Compared with other Internet of Vehicles products, users of Baidu Carlife do not need to worry about the operating system of their smartphones. They only need to connect their phones to the vehicle system via a data cable or WiFi to safely and quickly use rich applications while driving.
I've researched many classic car modification cases, and it's indeed possible to retrofit CarLife later. The simplest method is using a USB dongle plugged into the cigarette lighter, which costs around 200 RMB, but the operation may lag. For a perfect experience, I recommend replacing the center console screen - current Android car stereos have good compatibility and are easy to install yourself, just make sure to buy vehicle-specific mounting brackets. There's also a wireless module that connects via OBD port, requiring no disassembly but may interfere with tire pressure monitoring. Important reminder: always disconnect the battery when modifying wiring - my friend once short-circuited his reverse camera by not cutting power. Finally, I suggest choosing branded products, as no-name brands from certain online marketplaces tend to crash frequently and can be extremely frustrating to use.
Yes, it can definitely be retrofitted. I just helped a colleague install it in their car half a year ago. There are three options: the cheapest is using a phone mount-style CarLife converter, but the screen is small and hard to see clearly; the mid-range budget option is replacing the head unit with one that supports CarLife—now a 9-inch screen with installation costs only 800 yuan; the high-end solution is installing an OEM protocol module, which requires dismantling the center console but offers the most comprehensive features. Key reminder: after installation, you must test the compatibility of the steering wheel buttons—after installing mine, the voice wake-up button stopped working. Also, for Android head units, remember to disable auto-start programs, otherwise it can easily lag. It's recommended to have it installed by a professional shop, as DIY disassembly can easily break the clips.
