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TRIED & TESTED – Carpuride W702B Pro
PRODUCT NEWSACCESSORIESGADGETS
8 October 2024
Carpuride’s W702 Pro gets around that problem by providing an always-on dash-mounted display that links wirelessly to the phone safely tucked in your pocket, offering a simplified array of compatible apps through the Android Auto or i-Play interface.
Installation
First impressions of the W702B Pro are good. The screen is glossy, and the slim device feels sturdy and has the feel, and size, of a premium tablet. A moulded-in sun shade adorns the top edge.
Fitting the unit to the bike was quick and easy using the supplied ball-and-socket mount, with weather-proof cables supplied to connect to either a USB socket or direct to the battery. It’s even easier for owners of more modern BMW machinery, as there is an adaptor in the box to fit the 702B directly onto the OE navigation unit, from which it will take its power supply. The 7in screen is pretty big, and positioning it without obscuring the rest of the dash may be challenging, depending on the model of bike. On a big adventure tourer, it will look completely at home, but on a retro naked it will be a little more incongruous.
Once fitted the unit powers up in a couple of seconds to the home screen which shows the icons for Android Auto, and various settings for audio output, screen brightness and other essential options.
I was initially worried about pairing the Carpuride unit with my phone and helmet, but the W702B Pro rapidly found both and we were soon up and running, with Android Auto automatically starting up and showing my location on a swish 3D map.
On the move
A small switch on the side (which is a bit fiddly to operate with gloves on) powers the unit up, booting it to Android Auto with a layout split between location map and media output, but a quick press on either section will make it full screen.
Streaming music is simply done using the same apps as are on your phone, just with bigger buttons to make operation easier. Voice control works well, even at motorway speeds, meaning your choice of tunes or setting a new sat-nav destination is just an ask away. The screen itself is very good, responding to touchscreen-compatible gloves with just the right amount of sensitivity, and despite the glossy finish, reflections don’t seem to be an issue. It has an auto brightness setting that means it remains comfortably visible day and night. Audio is crisp and clear, with separate volume levels available for media and comms, and the EQ settings can be adjusted between a range of presets – pop, jazz, rock and suchlike. Gadget lovers will also enjoy the built-in compass and altimeter.
One downside is the relatively easy nickability of the unit, meaning that it can’t really be left fitted in public places. But detaching it only takes a couple of seconds, and it will slip into a bag for safekeeping. On the plus side, it is definitely waterproof, as a recent rain-sodden slog across the country proved.
Conclusion
The Carpuride W702B PRo has proven to be a great companion, especially on longer motorway trips where the ability to listen to music and have nice clear navigation has been a boon. It’s use of Android Auto means that you aren’t tied-in to a bike’s standard navigation, and instead can use Waze, Maps or whatever your favourite app is. The upsides of clearer mapping and easier finger-touch controls make it a worthy companion to a helmet-mounted comms kit.
Overall the performance and usability make the Carpuripe easy to recommend. It only drops half a star because of the aforementioned lack of theft-resistance.
The W702 range starts from £213, with the W702B Pro tested £281 SRP, but Carpuride doesn’t currently have a UK importer for its range of motorcycle smart displays. Contact carpuride.com/pages/agency if you are interested in becoming a dealer or importer.
Carpuride;
carpuride.com/?ref=mkrvjvvy
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