Technical Head unit replacement while keeping control on air vents?

[Kesztio]

Dear 500 owners, looking for Android head unit replacement (the original media player from year 2009 looks good, but not that great in functionality).
There are plenty of variants from different manufacturers (like XTRONS, KA BEAM etc.), but all have a major drawback: the air flow from the vents can't be contolled anymore. That is, the on/off and the horizontal/vertical deflection controls are missing on (nearly?) all aftermarket head units. Actually this is the only model which keeps the original air vent controls:

Obviously this model from the Italian webshop can't be ordered anymore.

My favorite aftermarket head unit, which has nice aesthetics, top specs (Android 13, 8-core, 720P IPS, 8GB/128GB) and good price, unfortunately totally lacks any control for manipulating the air flow.
Does anybody have an idea how to find an unit with air flow controls or hack the existing vents on the above linked model to make the air flow at least stoppable on right/left side separately? Or maybe fitting the newer models' air vent system is not that complicated?
Any suggestions would help!

 

[Peterm1000]

I have one of the standard Xtrons type units in approximately the design you have. You can't control the side to side / up and down but if you lift the little flap in the middle you can access the on / off control

 

[Kesztio]

I have one of the standard Xtrons type units in approximately the design you have. You can't control the side to side / up and down but if you lift the little flap in the middle you can access the on / off control

This already would be for a great help. Thanks!
Does XTRONS have 8GB RAM versions by now, or they still got stucked on 4GB/64GB?

BTW: why the flap is that necessary? It would have been easier to let the on/off dials uncovered, wouldn't it? Actually, does it give access to the original dials from the original OEM unit, or there is something else there?

 

[gluodin]

I just posted a thread on installing an Android head unit (I went with a different style). If you want to retain the original vent controls with easier access, might want to consider this type of single DIN units, but they seem like they still get in the way of the original flaps.

There are also single DIN units out there with retractable screens as well, like this one. Not sure how well they might hold up in terms of the screen staying stable and not wobbly while driving...?

 

[Kesztio]

I just posted a thread on installing an Android head unit (I went with a different style). If you want to retain the original vent controls with easier access, might want to consider this type of single DIN units, but they seem like they still get in the way of the original flaps.

There are also single DIN units out there with retractable screens as well, like this one. Not sure how well they might hold up in terms of the screen staying stable and not wobbly while driving...?

View attachment 452293

Unfortunately this solution will definitely kill the original Italian aesthetics.

 

[the green vanper]

Check this thread:

Chinese Android Head Unit on Fiat 500 2014 POP | FIAT 500 (2007+)

Hello, Thought I would share my experiences of replacing head unit to a Chinese Android one from Aliexpress. I did a fair bit of research to figure out the right option for me. My requirements were ; Screen for CarPlay wired/wireless + Steering wheel control. I primarily wanted to play music...

www.fiatforum.com

 

[gluodin]

Unfortunately this solution will definitely kill the original Italian aesthetics.

It does look hedeous

 

[Peterm1000]

This already would be for a great help. Thanks!
Does XTRONS have 8GB RAM versions by now, or they still got stucked on 4GB/64GB?

BTW: why the flap is that necessary? It would have been easier to let the on/off dials uncovered, wouldn't it? Actually, does it give access to the original dials from the original OEM unit, or there is something else there?

It's to do with the screen. Because it's twice the "flat" size of the previous radio, the top of the unit it far forward of the old controls. So they put a flap so you can reach through and access those.