Previously, some fans commented in the message area that Android-based car systems tend to lag after a period of use, recommending the use of car systems based on Linux. Today, I am writing about a smart car box that uses the Linux system, named Tmall Genie Gaode Version Smart Car Box.
The Tmall Genie Gaode Version Smart Car Box is a smart in-car device jointly launched by Alibaba and Gaode Map on April 18, 2019. It combines Tmall Genie’s voice interaction technology with Gaode Map’s navigation services, and with the support of the Linux system, it provides a smooth and seamless experience, marking a new era for older joint venture vehicles, with a pre-sale price of 1499 yuan.
It features a cylindrical design with dimensions of 77×77×108mm, making it easy to place in a cup holder.
The hardware is equipped with a MediaTek octa-core processor (four cores at 2.0GHz + four cores at 1.5GHz), with a Mali G71 MP2 700MHz GPU, and a memory configuration of 2GB RAM + 32GB storage space. The system is developed based on Linux, with no permissions to install third-party software, ensuring smooth performance over long periods of use. It has a built-in 4G module, supporting 4G networks and Wi-Fi hotspots, and the only accessory is a Type-C data cable.
On one side of the bottom of the car box is a memory card slot, which supports a maximum of 128GB expandable storage; on the other side is a Type-C interface, with one end of the USB cable being an L-shaped Type-C plug that directly connects to the bottom of the car box, and the other end being a USB interface that can be plugged directly into compatible vehicles for use.
The car box achieves USB plug-and-play through the MirrorLink protocol and A+Link (Alibaba’s own protocol), requiring a vehicle that supports MirrorLink to use it. Currently, known compatible brands include Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Peugeot, Citroën, Smart, and some models from joint venture brands.
The Tmall Genie Gaode Version Car Box can be used in conjunction with the DDPai mini3Pro dash cam, enabling enhanced AR navigation. The dash cam’s images are wirelessly transmitted to the car box in real-time, allowing for real-time calculations to draw navigation guide lines, supporting features such as start reminders, lane departure warnings, and following distance reminders, creating a stunning effect. In complex roundabout conditions where GPS signals are weak, there may occasionally be issues with accurately displaying exit guidance and drifting guide lines.
The car box supports global voice control, with the system set up with 49 wake word-free commands covering high-frequency applications, maximizing the simplification of voice control procedures while avoiding false triggers. With the support of Tmall Genie, the recognition success rate is very high, and the voice control system is very powerful. It supports features such as Xiami Music, Qingting FM, Taopiaopiao, and Cainiao, allowing control of smart devices at home and voice purchasing of movie tickets, with good support for Alibaba ecosystem products.
The service fee is 40 yuan per year, with a certain risk of service discontinuation. The new price on Pinduoduo is less than 800 yuan, while second-hand prices on Xiaohongshu are around a hundred yuan, giving old cars a new look.