Uniden has just announced three new Wi-Fi capable detectors, the R4w, R8w, and R9w.
They’re effectively the same as the original R4, R8, and R9, with the exception that they now have 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi built-in, letting you connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot and update your detector over the air.
To set this up, you’ll use Uniden’s new R/TACH app to connect your detector to your vehicle or home Wi-Fi and then you’ll be able to update both the detector’s firmware and GPS database of speed cameras and red light cameras over the air.
This feature is similarly available in Escort’s line of connected detectors and it’s definitely a nice convenience to have the detector notify you when updates are available and then take care of the update for you while you’re in the car.
Once I get some units on hand, I’ll walk you through the pairing and update process.
Otherwise the features, design, case, and display are all the same as before. Wi-Fi is the key improvement with the ‘w’ models. The new R4w and R8w retail for $50 more than the original R4 and R8 and are available now on Uniden’s website.
The R9w, which will be available through local distributors and installers, will also be available a la carte. So if you want a radar only option or a front only radar/laser package, you’ll have the option to do that.
Additionally you’ll also (finally!) be able to buy the laser jammers separately to run them with compatible windshield mount detectors. Unfortunately though, Uniden will not be making them available for the R4 and R8 like originally promised, something which I’m sure will upset many of Uniden’s current customers. Instead the jammers will only be available with the newer R4w and R8w. Furthermore, unlike the ALP, Stinger, Escort, TMG, and TPX, you won’t be able to buy Uniden’s jammers online and install them yourself. Instead they’ll only be available via local installers. I think this is the wrong move and I strongly encourage them to reconsider. Pricing for their standalone jammers will be released in January.
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2.4G.. So that leaves room for another variant soon at 5G as 2.4 is on the way out
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Yep. I wish they would have opted for 5 GHz out of the gate, especially given that some cars only offer 5 GHz in-car WiFi. They told me it was a limitation of the chip selection. It was straightforward to add a chip that supported 2.4, but supporting 5 would require further redesign of the internals. I’m definitely curious to see how this decision is gonna play out.
I just purchased a new R8 five weeks ago, I am hoping Uniden provides a way that we can send them in to upgrade them, even if they do charge, I don’t care, I would just like to have one with WiFi, upgrading firmware on a Mac is a horrible experience.
Thanks, and enjoy the week there. Appreciate all you do.
I think anyone who has purchased a R8 recently and registered it like I have should be able to get our unit upgraded at a substantial lower cost upgrade or send in our R8 and get a R8w with an added cost at a discount..