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Apple CarPlay is a simple and intuitive way to mirror many of your iPhone’s apps and features to your vehicle’s infotainment system. Thanks to Siri voice commands, you can send texts, search for destinations, and control your house’s smart thermostat completely hands-free. There are numerous tips and tricks for getting the most out of Apple CarPlay, but what if you own a car or truck that doesn’t support the infotainment platform?
Sure, you can download a free app that lets you mimic Apple CarPlay in any vehicle, but if you don’t want your mobile device carrying a heavier workload, products like the Paslda 7-inch HD Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Touchscreen can be useful.
Scoring 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon based on nearly 3,000 reviews, the Paslda Touchscreen is a standalone device powered by your vehicle’s 12-volt to 24-volt DC outlet. Once it’s installed, all you have to do is pair your iPhone to get a complete CarPlay interface. The touchscreen supports up to 1080p high-definition images, and several Amazon reviewers praised the display’s bright and clear visuals. For audio playback, the device has built-in speakers, but it also comes with an auxiliary cable and output. As long as your vehicle has an auxiliary input, you’ll be able to connect the Paslda to your car’s speaker system. For cars with no auxiliary ports, the device also comes with an FM transmitter that sends audio when you tune your vehicle’s radio to the appropriate station.
Other things to know about this infotainment accessory
The Paslda Touchscreen comes with an adhesive mount that sticks to your dashboard. Unfortunately, a few Amazon reviewers had issues with the adhesive wearing down quickly, which might warrant the purchase of a stronger adhesive pad down the line. It’s something to be mindful of, especially if you live in a particularly warm area.
Conveniently, the Paslda Touchscreen also comes with a waterproof rearview camera and the wiring required to connect it to the touchscreen. The 170-degree field of view is great for tough parking jobs, and it even comes with an automatic night mode. While the touchscreen includes an SD card slot, the product page doesn’t mention recording capabilities for the backup camera. The device also supports screen mirroring from a mobile device, but according to one Amazon reviewer, you’ll first need to disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your phone, then enable only Wi-Fi to select the screen mirroring option on the Paslda device.
An aftermarket head unit can cost hundreds of dollars, which might not be worth it even if it features native support for CarPlay and Android Auto. The Paslda Touchscreen costs $80, which makes it even more appealing. You’ll be able to retrofit an older vehicle with modern infotainment tech. Once it’s up and running, the only thing left to do is download one of the free Apple CarPlay apps that users swear by.
