An Android head unit is an aftermarket device that replaces the original stereo system in a car. It enables users to access various features including music, navigation, and phone calls through a touchscreen display. However, the default interface of most head units is often not user-friendly and lacks customization options. This is where third-party launchers come in, as they offer a more personalized and intuitive interface. In this article, we will explore the best Android head unit launcher options available in the market.
Customizing the interface of an Android head unit requires a third-party launcher that can enhance its functionality and appearance. There are several launchers available in the market designed to optimize the user experience of Android head units. These launchers allow users to customize the home screen layout, add widgets, and access apps more easily. Moreover, a good head unit launcher should be optimized for use with a touchscreen and offer large, easy-to-touch icons.
We have compiled a list of 7 Best Android Head Unit Launcher for your consideration, which have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation by our team of experts.
Table of Contents
7 Best Android Head Unit Launcher
1. Google Maps
Google Maps is a comprehensive navigation tool that covers over 220 countries and territories, as well as millions of businesses and locations. It offers real-time GPS navigation, traffic, and transit information, allowing users to explore local neighborhoods and find places to eat, drink, and go, no matter where they are in the world.
One of the key benefits of using Google Maps is the ability to get real-time updates on traffic conditions, estimated time of arrival, and public transit schedules. This feature helps users beat traffic, catch their train or bus, and save time with automatic rerouting based on live traffic incidents and road closures.
Google Maps also allows users to explore local neighborhoods and discover restaurants, events, and activities that matter to them. Users can see what’s trending and new in the areas they care about, and get a personalized Your Match score to help them decide if a place is worth visiting. Group planning is made easy with the ability to share a shortlist of options and vote in real-time, and users can create lists of their favorite places to share with friends.
In addition to navigation and local discovery, Google Maps also offers offline maps for use without an internet connection, Street View and indoor imagery for restaurants, shops, museums, and more, and indoor maps to quickly find your way inside big places like airports, malls, and stadiums. However, some features may not be available in all countries, and the navigation feature is not intended for use by oversized or emergency vehicles.
2. Car Launcher Pro
Launcher is a program designed for use in cars on Android devices such as phones, tablets, and radio tape recorders. It combines convenient program start with an onboard computer for tracking the distance traveled over different periods. Users of the free version have the option to set it as their main launcher and add any number of applications for quick start on the main screen. The exact speed of the car based on GPS data is displayed on the main screen. Users can also access a menu slide with the onboard computer, display speed in miles or kilometers, and choose from three default main screen themes.
Additionally, Launcher supports third-party themes, players, and icons, as well as weather and location display on the main screen. Users can select a picture for the program start, change the color gamma of the text, and add their own wallpaper. The program also has automatic brightness control and a screen saver with different prototypes, fonts, and date formats. It supports system widgets and a large number of additional screens. Users can edit any subject to their discretion and can access an expanded set of Car Launcher widgets. Settings for the selected applications include infinite scrolling, changing the number of applications in a grid, and changing the logo. Users can also tinker with the color gamma.
3. VIVID Launcher
VIVID is a personalized launcher designed to offer the best experiences while driving. The app boasts a neat and beautiful design that is also intuitive and easy to use.
One of the main features of VIVID is its split home screen, which allows users to access the two most important features while driving, Maps and Media, without having to switch between apps. Additionally, recent apps can be easily accessed from the bottom bar.
VIVID’s navigation feature is compatible with various navigation apps, including Google Maps, Waze, Amigo, and iGo. Once a user selects a preferred navigation app, it will remain as the default Maps app at the bottom bar.
In terms of media, VIVID offers a highly customized user interface for in-vehicle scenarios that is compatible with any standard media browse services, such as DAB-Z.
VIVID also provides a highly customized UI for phone calling, which is simple and functional, especially during a navigation session.
Finally, VIVID is integrated with HCT and some aftermarket infotainment devices, allowing users to use native radio and Bluetooth call, music, and even SMS.
Car Penguin is a launcher application that provides Android users with a customized dashboard for their head unit. The application offers a convenient interface that includes maps and navigation, media player, phone calls, contacts, and more. Car Penguin supports multiple languages, themes, and bidirectional layout.
The dashboard has been designed to gain fast access to essential fixtures with customization to the layout and content. Each page in the application has its own option menu that can be accessed by pressing the menu icon while the page is open.
Car Penguin offers Google maps that display current locations, addresses, and traffic. Users can configure maps with multiple themes and layouts and search for places and points of interest. The application also uses Google APIs for directions and turn-by-turn navigations, and offers other navigation features including statistical information and trip logging.
The media player built into Car Penguin allows users to play local audio and video files, create album lists, and access other predefined app shortcuts. External media widgets can also be added to the dashboard and/or toggle bar.
Car Penguin integrates with users’ smartphones by displaying contacts and favorites lists for making phone calls. Users can either use the system default dialer or transfer phone calls over Bluetooth to their cell phones. To enable call log and SMS syncing, users need to install the free Car Penguin Server app on their cell phones.
5. AGAMA Car Launcher
The AGAMA Car Launcher is a multimedia control system designed for use in dashboard units and audio systems running on the Android operating system, as well as Android phones and tablets used in cars. The launcher boasts a simple, clean design that can be adjusted to match the style of the car. It offers 24 customizable buttons for quick access to applications, a speedometer widget that displays the speed based on GPS, a music player widget compatible with popular music apps, and a navigator widget for route guidance. Other features include a compass widget for travel enthusiasts, an information display showing Wi-Fi, GPS, mobile internet, Bluetooth, USB, and battery status, local weather information with a 5-day memory, automatic screen brightness, and a voice assistant.
The AGAMA Car Launcher comes with a free 30-day trial period, after which users must purchase the full version to continue using the application. Support is available through an instruction manual, email, and the Instagram of the main developer.
6. Car Launcher FREE
Launcher is a car-specific program that can be used on Android-based phones, tablets, and radio tape recorders. The program contains a convenient starting feature for applications and an onboard computer that counts the distance traveled. To activate the latter feature, users must allow permission to receive GPS data in the background.
The free version of Launcher enables users to set the program as the primary launcher for the HOME button, add a number of applications on the principal screen, edit selected apps, and exhibit current speed, distance, and other data on the principal screen. It also provides the option to quickly call up a list of all applications, a slide menu with an onboard computer, set up the menu slide, and select parameters for display.
Other features include switching the display of speed in miles or kilometers, starting the program on device startup (only for radio tape recorders), support for third-party themes, players, and icons, weather and location information, and an option to select an image for program start.
The paid version of Launcher grants access to additional features such as support for system widgets and multiple screens, as well as editing subject matter. It also offers an extensive set of widgets for Car Launcher, settings for selected applications, and expanded color gamma change settings. This version allows the addition and modification of logos, a screen saver with various settings, and more.
7. Fcc Car Launcher
The FCC Car Launcher is an Android app that provides new features for your Rockchip (MTCB/MTCD+/PX3/PX5/PX6), MTK 8227 (YT9216-YT9218), FlyAudio, or AllWinner android head unit. The launcher is fully customizable and built around the widget concept, allowing users to change colors, placement, size, and combinations of information displayed on the screen. Multiple screens are available, including a screensaver screen, and an interactive MiniMap is also included. The launcher does not require ROOT access and can be launched on any other android head unit, tablet or phone.
The latest release, version 3.0, includes new features such as skins support, interactive MiniMap with traffic data, icon pack support, a customizable screensaver screen, new widgets, OBD2 widget, auto-brightness based on sunrise/sunset time, wheel button interception, and more. Free features include support for app shortcuts, widgets, and multiple home screens, launching Google Voice by pushing the speech button on the steering wheel, speedometer in the notification bar, and more. Paid premium features include autoplay last player after sleep, advanced customizations of the launcher’s appearance, ability to assign text names to FM stations in player widget, ability to make phone calls via connected phone’s SIM-card, sound notifications when reaching certain speed limits, and more.