[Q] Nexus 7 Car install using official dock - Nexus 7 General

Hi, I've been following the forum for a couple of years and its helped me out a lot, I've never posted before but I can't seem to find an answer on this one. I've fiberglassed a nexus 7 dock in my audi tt, at the moment it's going nexus 7>pogo pin dock>headunit>amps>speakers. There have been a few issues regarding volume control, as you may know the volume controls are disabled because of the output being line level, at the moment my headunit is mounted behind some trim under my steering wheel which is really a good solution. What I was wanting to achieve is to have a pre amp equaliser up front for volume controls so I can get rid of the head unit completely, and a dac in between the dock and the equaliser. The part I need help with is figuring out if the dock itself is a dac, I believe that on the Google Play store description it does say the output from the dock is 3.5mm analog, if that is correct, then I'm wondering does the internal dac of the nexus 7 convert the signal through the pogo pins, or is it still digital right up until it goes into the dock? If so, then I'm thinking would it be possible to still use the audio pogo pins, disconnect them from the docks internals, and then just wire them straight to a dac? I hope all of that makes sense. I can't post link to the thread of the install, but if you Google audi tt tablet install, it should be the 2nd one down, thread title is just called tablet install, thanks

Related

Htc rc e100

Hi I would like to know if HTC RC E100 will work with hd2.
Thanks for answers!
No, it won't work, because the RC-E100 has a mini USB cable and not a micro USB one, i tried it already with a RC from a friend
chrcad said:
No, it won't work, because the RC-E100 has a mini USB cable and not a micro USB one, i tried it already with a RC from a friend
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Won't a Mini to Micro converter work?
This is a really good question. I would really like to use this control unit with my own headphones...
I'm new to the workings of the RC E100.
Could some kind soul please explain the connections for this item?
If I'm reading this correctly, does it connect directly into the micro USB port (with adapter if it works) but how does it then pick up the Music/Phone call data if it is not connected to the Audio Jack (or is it a split connection with one to the USB port & one to the 3.5 Audio Jack)?
harolds said:
Won't a Mini to Micro converter work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it will work, because the mini USB cable from the RC E100 has a special configuration (cable/pin). So i think that a convertor won't work.
Dearest fellow hd2-owners,
I am searching a couple of days to a wired handsfree headset with music control for my HTC HD2. Unfortunately, i cannot find one, besides the original included by the phone, wich doesn't support exchangeable earphones.
The RC e100 is just what i'm looking for.
Can anybody tell me if it is possible with a cable between it:
3.5 mm to mini usb:
If not, can anybody tell me if there is a alternative wired handsfree headset with music control, which is supported by htc hd2... ???
Thanks ..
Kindly Regards M.
For further explaination:
With music control, i mean: song forward, song backward, volume etc..
Answer call / hangup
Thanks ..
M
I asked htc support if rc e 100 would work with mini to micro adapter and they told me that it won't been working correctly.
They also told me that something comparable to rc e100 won't be in sail soon for micro usb devices.
str0g said:
I asked htc support if rc e 100 would work with mini to micro adapter and they told me that it won't been working correctly.
They also told me that something comparable to rc e100 won't be in sail soon for micro usb devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a JOKE. I have the HTC desire, and the headphones that come boxed are horrible. When you finally fit them in your ear they hurt after 5 seconds. Why would you not have a socket in the damn media control bit? Every Nokia phone i have ever had comes with this basic feature.. allowing you to connect your own ear buds to the multifunction remote control.
so in this case, I’m going to have to cut up the headphones that came with the desire and attach a 3.5 socket, allowing me to connect my sennheisers and giving me the ability to control the music player /sigh GG htc. you build a sweet phone but gimp its audio playback all because u didn’t want to spend the 1 cent it would have cost to put a socket in the damn headset attachment, and not even bothering to offer an accessory.
I should point out that the headset that comes with the desire is not micro usb, but rather a 3.5 plug. It allows play, pause, skip, answer and has a mic.
I am going to jump on the bandwagon on this one too and comment on how disgraceful it is that accessories aren't interchangeable and that nothing similar is being devised for the newer generation of phones. The headset is one of the failing features of HTC units and a good quality remote would be the answer to just let people use whatever IEMs, heaphones they want.
"Luckily" my right headphone that came with it is broken already. It may have been from the start, it sounds horrible like it's scraping its voice coil and I was about to order the RC E100 when running into this thread... Thanks for saving me .
I will have no choice and no reservation to cut the earbuds off and mount a 3.5mm socket to it. I may even go and experiment if HTC added some not-yet implemented resistorvalues for a future remote control, as I did do some checks and it seems the remote on the standard headphone is a simple resistor network like e.g a Sony RM-X4S (search for panuworld and RM-X4S to see a schematic) caraudio wired remote. I wouldn't put it past them to actually have the volume-control resistor values programmed into the HD2, but simply not implemented in any accessory yet.
A happy but sometimes also disillusioned HTC HD2 owner. Next stop: voice dialing... (last I looked that wasn't solved yet either, but I've been ill so didn't actively look for a couple of months, that's also the reason I didn't get into the wired remote resistor values any further. I did measure the existing values on the standard headset remote and actually have an RM-X4S at home that might get me started with some standard values (or drawers full of other resistors))
Damn, this thread has got me excited, I wanna go home and figure this out! (They'll let me out the hospital on Thursday, but please let me know if someone somewhere has already done this work, cannot believe I would be the first to dive into this!!! "This" being the mapping of the resistor values of the OEM headphone headset remote and searching for extra resistorvalues that might have different functions (10 minutes work in mapping the values, 15 minutes putting it in writing and posting it here and another hour to butcher my headset beyond repair and hook up the RM-X4S to it, guess I might have to sacrifice my headset for science unless someone has a broken one they want to ship me, should have picked up the run-over Nokia headset I saw on the ground a few weeks back that had a 4 pin 3.5mm connector, that's all I need for hooking up other resistorvalues...Oh, I'll figure something out or indeed butcher it and ask the company to buy me a new one, as mine IS actually broken. They'll survive the extra 9€ on top of having to pay me while I am out of the running for half a year due to the illness...)
BTW, this thread is old, and there is a micro-phone 3.5mm input super simple remote available, but it does less than the OEM headset apart from you being able to plug in your own headphone. HTC HD2 Audio Adaptor for 3.5mm to 3.5mm HS U350 (with Stereo Headset + HTC Logo, Retail Pack) for 21 € That's more money than a RC E100 with a LOT less functionality: good call HTC
R-P said:
"Luckily" my right headphone that came with it is broken already. It may have been from the start, it sounds horrible like it's scraping its voice coil and I was about to order the RC E100 when running into this thread... Thanks for saving me .
I will have no choice and no reservation to cut the earbuds off and mount a 3.5mm socket to it. I may even go and experiment if HTC added some not-yet implemented resistorvalues for a future remote control, as I did do some checks and it seems the remote on the standard headphone is a simple resistor network like e.g a Sony RM-X4S (search for panuworld and RM-X4S to see a schematic) caraudio wired remote. I wouldn't put it past them to actually have the volume-control resistor values programmed into the HD2, but simply not implemented in any accessory yet.
A happy but sometimes also disillusioned HTC HD2 owner. Next stop: voice dialing... (last I looked that wasn't solved yet either, but I've been ill so didn't actively look for a couple of months, that's also the reason I didn't get into the wired remote resistor values any further. I did measure the existing values on the standard headset remote and actually have an RM-X4S at home that might get me started with some standard values (or drawers full of other resistors))
Damn, this thread has got me excited, I wanna go home and figure this out! (They'll let me out the hospital on Thursday, but please let me know if someone somewhere has already done this work, cannot believe I would be the first to dive into this!!! "This" being the mapping of the resistor values of the OEM headphone headset remote and searching for extra resistorvalues that might have different functions (10 minutes work in mapping the values, 15 minutes putting it in writing and posting it here and another hour to butcher my headset beyond repair and hook up the RM-X4S to it, guess I might have to sacrifice my headset for science unless someone has a broken one they want to ship me, should have picked up the run-over Nokia headset I saw on the ground a few weeks back that had a 4 pin 3.5mm connector, that's all I need for hooking up other resistorvalues...Oh, I'll figure something out or indeed butcher it and ask the company to buy me a new one, as mine IS actually broken. They'll survive the extra 9€ on top of having to pay me while I am out of the running for half a year due to the illness...)
BTW, this thread is old, and there is a micro-phone 3.5mm input super simple remote available, but it does less than the OEM headset apart from you being able to plug in your own headphone. HTC HD2 Audio Adaptor for 3.5mm to 3.5mm HS U350 (with Stereo Headset + HTC Logo, Retail Pack) for 21 € That's more money than a RC E100 with a LOT less functionality: good call HTC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep us posted man. Always interested in new audio hacks for the HD2. I'm missing the volume control too!
RC e100 via adaptor to HD2 possible?
Hello!
There is another threat (german only) which deals with connecting the RC e100 via adaptor to the HD2:
http://www.pocketpc.ch/android-allgemein/118188-htc-rc-e-100-headset.html
Maybe the following idea is totally nonsense, please let me know if I'm wrong:
The RC e100 apparently uses the extendedUSB version of miniUSB.
Does anyone know if the HD2's micro USB provides extendedUSB functionality as well?
Can anyone provide a circuit diagram to modify a mini to micro usb adaptor or cable 'USB-Adapter - 5-polig Micro-USB Typ B (M) - Mini-USB, Typ B (W)' to use the extendedUSB functionality of HD2 for the RC e100?
Thanks for your reply!
felixdd said:
Keep us posted man. Always interested in new audio hacks for the HD2. I'm missing the volume control too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Took quite a while for me to test, but using an RM4-XS (or something) does NOT work on the inputs of the HD2/Leo. So it seems the resistor values of this Sony car-audio remote do not trigger any 'hidden' functions, so it is likely the OEM remote on the headphone is all the functionality you are going to get.
Sorry about getting peoples hopes up...

[Q] Duplicate Ipod Functionality

I just got a new car and it has a spiffy usb hook up where you can plug in an ipod/flash drive/phone and it will play music off of it. The ipod works amazingly with the stereo system, displaying titles and artist as well as making navigation really easy. The display/navigation is **** when hooking up a flash drive/phone.
It would be amazing for my phone to work the same way as the ipod.
Right now there doesn't seem to be anything like that out. I know that I probably can't change anything with the way the car's stereo system recognizes and plays devices, so that means the hack would have to be on the phone. The only way I can think it would work is the make the phone spoof as an ipod when connected to the car's usb hook up.
I'd like to know if anyone has tried doing this before, maybe on a different phone or device? Is this possible at all, and if so, where would I start?
The phone I have now is a Captivate running Serendipity rom and the car is a 2010 Honda Civic.
This would be an excellent idea for an app. I hope this can be made possible
Have you tried putting the phone in USB storage mode? Either through the standard menu items, or enable USB debugging, and enable it after you plug it in.
Sent from my Captivate running Continuum 5.5
The mass storage thing works for just playing music but it displays songs terribly, usually just by track number and the number (not the name) of the folder, sorted by creation date. It's basically impossible to use if you have more than a small amount of songs.
I just connect the phone to my car stereo via BT, plug the phone into a car charger, set the display to always on, place it in my dash mount to the right of my steering wheel and use the phone to see the Now Playing info. My steering wheel controls work the phone just fine so I can skip foward/back and raise/lower volume. When I shut the car off the music automatically pauses until I come back and it automatically reconnects to the radio and I just hit Play again.
Miami_Son said:
I just connect the phone to my car stereo via BT, plug the phone into a car charger, set the display to always on, place it in my dash mount to the right of my steering wheel and use the phone to see the Now Playing info. My steering wheel controls work the phone just fine so I can skip foward/back and raise/lower volume. When I shut the car off the music automatically pauses until I come back and it automatically reconnects to the radio and I just hit Play again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My car doesn't have blue tooth so this isn't really an option right now.
I'm actually willing to write an app for this, but I'm not sure entirely where to start. The biggest unknown is how the stereo system recognizes ithe ipod and what it sends/receives to/from the ipod.
If I had some starter code where someone did something similar or documentation on how the ipod works of usb I should be able to at least start writing an app for this.
dpayne19 said:
If I had some starter code where someone did something similar or documentation on how the ipod works of usb I should be able to at least start writing an app for this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably not going to find that in here.
I would look up what kind of stereo the car has and the technology it uses. I can bet there is a forum out there on that type of stereo. Your probably not the only one with this question.... If you can list the specs i will look into it myself.
echonc said:
I would look up what kind of stereo the car has and the technology it uses. I can bet there is a forum out there on that type of stereo. Your probably not the only one with this question.... If you can list the specs i will look into it myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The car is a 2010 Honda Civic Ex. I don't know what the stereo system is, it's what ever comes stock.
Welcome to proprietary apple exclusive deals. Do you think the ipod integration and lack of android integration is accidental?
By all means if you can write an app that will make android phones work with iphone docks and compatible stereos more power to you.
It would definitely involve reverse engineering closed source apple code.

Nexus 7 Car Head-unit Install

Nexus 7 Head-unit Install
Hi all, long time reader, first time poster. I'm working on a Nexus 7 Car Head-unit install, and figured I would post my working through the install, hardware, software, and kinda just help all the tons of people I see out there who have the same idea, but just have no idea how to go about it.
This is ment to be half a tutorial (once everything is done) and half a brainstorming to give me idea's for things I haven't thought of or considered. I'll be coming back and updating this OP with pictures, and the build as it gets worked on.
Goals of the Install
I want to be able to run my entire car off the Nexus. I have already set up wifi tethering from my S3 to get internet into the Nexus, and thus open up a realm of possibilities. Necessary features are Nav, and Music. I rarely call from my car, but in car calling would be a nice feature to have as well. I also go out to the track ever now and again, and adding car stats (boost, RPM logging, acceleration, mapping) would be great. The biggest reason to do the install is that one the hardware is configured, you literally have a ultimately customizable setup that will take years to outdate.
The Hardware
1 x 2003 Subaru WRX
1 x Nexus 7
1 x Samsung Galaxy S3 (T-Mobile)
1 x MRX-V60 - Alpine 5-Channel Subwoofer Amplifier
1 x 7 Channel Equalizer
lots of hacked wiring
The Software
This is where I would love some feedback on on what I may be missing, better solutions to what I have suggested, and just some general awesome idea's!
Music:
Pandora, Play Music, DI.fm, Soundcloud, Radio.com
In Car Phone/Text:
Talkatak, Google Voice
OBDII Support: (Future Project)
Right now this is not a nessiacty as the hardware to do this could get very tricky. However I know I can read from the OBDII port with a bluetooth OBDII dongel and an app like Torque Lite. However I do own a tatrix cable, and am considering if it would be possible to go from the USB to the tablet, and find an app/write one what allows for the tablet to control the car in real time.
Nav:
Google Navigation, Local
Track Apps:
aLapHD
The Two Builds
There are two ways to go about this. The first would be the simple and easy way which is to hack together a charger wired to the power source of the car, and use that to keep the tablet charged. Then run a 3.5mm audio into the amp, and have sound run from there. There are a few issues with that. 1. There will be no volume control, as the Tablet's buttons will be part of the center console. I suppose I can run a controller to the amp, that will let me adjust volume. 2. This will not allow for the possibility of adding OBDII support.
The second option is to purchase a micro USB dock that does audio out. Hack it apart, and run the audio to the amp, and the power to the power. This would be necessary if I want to do a full USB ODBII connection (I believe, please tell me if I'm wrong), and would be much "cleaner" when it comes time to take the tablet out of the car for any reason (hardwire sync, parking in the "ghetto").
What I need Help with
Have any idea's. Tried something similar and have some tips. Have suggestions for apps, hardware configurations I haven't listed, or just generally want to say "sick man". Please let me know. I would love to have some people who are also interested in doing this join in on my build, and we can work together to eliminate any issues to make tablet installs easier. I will be coming back and updating this OP throughout the entire process so please look for updates!
Thanks All!
(reserved for pics)
Check out a half-DIN equalizer or crossover to solve your volume, fading, equalizing concerns... can't post a link because this is first post!
I'd like do do this in the future... I hope someone comes out with a custom set of apps that make this really cool and easy... maybe even a custom ROM.
Basically what I'd want out of this is:
Auto-on with power. Auto off after 10 minutes of no power. FM radio tuner. Maybe the ability to connect a rear-view camera (wifi?). Bluetooth OBDII would be good enough for me.
I'd also appreciate the ability to connect to at least one camera and use it as a DVR, but I think that it would probably be beyond feasibility with the Nexus 7...
What I really want to see is the ability for the Nexus to be a full Bluetooth head unit. I want it to pair with my phone for both internet (already do this, works great) and have it act as a headset essentially. This is the part that appears to not exist anywhere. The ability for the Android Tablet to act as a hands free device. I mean if a car stereo can fully integrate with your phone read your address book, start and answer calls hands free, stream music, everything from your phone then why the heck not the tablet! Someone needs to write the BT stack that can handle that. Apparently it doesn't exist for android. It exists for Windows, but not Android. That is just wrong. Are there any car stereo head units running Android as their OS? If so can someone dump their rom so we can see what all it can do for a project like this?
I really want this!
I have had mine in the dash for a couple weeks now, streaming Bluetooth to the radio which I relocated, also using NFC sticker to turn on WiFi, bluetooth , set audio volume, screen brightness and start playing music. Tasker to put unit into car mode, its sick! I'll be following, really interested to see what you come up with. My car is N 06 altima and the Nexus 7 fits almost like a glove where factory stereo use to be.
Nexus 7 in altima
sneakk said:
I have had mine in the dash for a couple weeks now, streaming Bluetooth to the radio which I relocated, also using NFC sticker to turn on WiFi, bluetooth , set audio volume, screen brightness and start playing music. Tasker to put unit into car mode, its sick! I'll be following, really interested to see what you come up with. My car is N 06 altima and the Nexus 7 fits almost like a glove where factory stereo use to be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!
Can you upload a picture of your install? I own a altima and I am looking to install the Nexus 7 on my dash as well. And also, did your factory stereo have bluetooth? If not, what are you streaming bluetooth to?
Thanks
Just gonna subscribe as I thought of doing something similar
Sent from my LG-E739 using Tapatalk 2
Look into this thread
http://www.mp3car.com/worklogs/152658-nexus-7-android-in-a-2001-audi-s4.html
here's a video also
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdLi9wCFZ7M
timskyline86 said:
Look into this thread
http://www.mp3car.com/worklogs/152658-nexus-7-android-in-a-2001-audi-s4.html
here's a video also
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdLi9wCFZ7M
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If anyone can post on his site, tell him to connect two middle pins in usb plug, then it will start charging from the lighter socket.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using Tapatalk 2
Does anyone know of a micro USB dock/cable that then splits to power, usb, and audio? I know of one's that will do 2 of the three, but nothing that does all three. Maybe just a USB and power one, and run the audio straight out of the 3.5mm on the N7.
Amp was ordered, and will be here next week. Prelimanary fitment pics coming soon...
Hello, I'm considering permanently mounting a nexus 7 in my car. It seems like the perfect in car device.
With this in mind I have updated my CarHome Ultra app to better accommodate the Nexus 7 screen. I will be posting a new video soon showing it running on the 7.
I've looked at doing this as well, I've always been prevented by the issue of the FM radio. I use the car a lot in places where I get no or poor connection via the phone, but the radio works fine, so loosing it would not be an option as I use the FM radio quite alot.
I've been trying to figure out away to control an FM radio via the Nexus so if anyone out there has any info it would be greatly appreciated.
Jonnym
Jonnym said:
I've looked at doing this as well, I've always been prevented by the issue of the FM radio. I use the car a lot in places where I get no or poor connection via the phone, but the radio works fine, so loosing it would not be an option as I use the FM radio quite alot.
I've been trying to figure out away to control an FM radio via the Nexus so if anyone out there has any info it would be greatly appreciated.
Jonnym
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Load a hand full of mp3s on the device. Then use Tasker to switch to switch to your favorite music player when reception is bad
Sent from my LG-E379 running ICSyndicate 2.0
I am actually currently doing a very similar project with a Nexus 7 and my Nissan 350z
I am planning on installing the Nexus 7 inside my dash (to replace sat nav dash)
HOWEVER
what about routing the power button on the tablet? Because If you cant access the power button the tablet will only get power when the car is on and if you dont use the car for a day or two the tablets battery would go flat and next time you turn on the car the tablet would go into charging mode (screen with charging battery only) and not boot up into android jelly bean.
Theres 2 potential solutions:
1. Open the tablet and wire the power button to a custom one, however on opening it I have found the button is actually a physical push press button and cannot be wired.
2. There is potential to change a file on the android system to tell the tablet to boot up when a charger is plugged in, check these threads:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1187631
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1815131
Any updates from the OP?
Here's my install. Kept the factory radio intact, if not using the nexus, everything looks totally stock.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1847452
regalpimpin said:
Here's my install. Kept the factory radio intact, if not using the nexus, everything looks totally stock.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1847452
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What OBD ll connector are you using?
tallyforeman said:
What OBD ll connector are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
xitech xr7 purchased off amazon over a year ago.
http://www.amazon.com/XiTech-ELM327...TF8&qid=1347466620&sr=1-3&keywords=xitech+xr7
Never had any problems with it.
Despite working in the car industry and loving gadgets and mod-ing...I haven't really seen what people are up to these days in terms of car mods. The Nexus 7 makes so much sense and looks great!
Hey all
Just to add to the discusion;
Radio/DAB
Frontier silicon are the only company that I can find that do an app that can control an external radio and stream it's signal to the tablet as opposed to picking up the signal over the cellular network.
App:
Their page
http://www.frontier-silicon.com/products/software/DOK_App.html
Play store
http://tinyurl.com/d24gwm4
Module:
http://www.frontier-silicon.com/products/modules/briefs/Venice6_PB.pdf
now the problem with this is, aside from building the module in somewhere' the audio out as it feeds out of the module, but I was thinking I could use some form of y split cables near to my amps 'in'.
Media storage and playback
As far as storage for everything video/audio atc and a player to match I was thinking of useing xmbc
http://xbmc.org/
andriod port;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1813089
and pairing this with a WiFi DLNA HDD that I would wire in remoted off (say in the boot)
GPS
For improved gps I was going to use an external bluetooth gps reciver then allow mock locations on the tablet, there are also a few apps that help with this.
This app seems to have good support and a nice help page.
App:http://tinyurl.com/a9s7gvo
An example of a external GPS receiver
http://tinyurl.com/a339vu7
Hands Free
The only work round I seem to have found atm though far from perfect is this
http://www.scosche.com/consumer-tech/product/1919
it allows you to to 'cut in' the audio stream, but (can't fins the tread now will keep looking) the guy who was playing round with this was having audio issues.
not an idea solution but workable.
before my mind starts melting again;
How I plan to implement the tablet is to use tasker to wake the tablet when power is supplied then shut of down after, if I disable all kinds of connectivity when tablet shuts down then reactivates when it wakes up everything should run smoothly. Power will be cut because I'll wire in the ignition live, like you do in a stereo anyway, an this shouldn't put a drain on my battery to much, an if the dash build is good it shouldn't be too much of an issue extracting the tablet to hard boot anyway.
Volume and Audio
Volume and audio quality is another issue that needs to be addressed.
http://tinyurl.com/d2zbbnf
Seems like an ok work round.
Another way would be to install a direct in-line volume control as suggested in other threads, and put in an external DAC or hardwired EQ.
On a side note I came across this........ http://www.crutchfield.com/p_773AIRDAC/NuForce-Air-DAC-Receiver.html?tp=59282 ........ although you need to use their plug in senders but I'm sure this can be worked round with the knowledge on this forum, an would provide a very nice solution. then again there are quite a few bluetooth devices around. this probably wouldn't allow for in-line controls though.
well thats it for now, hope this helps push this forward to a working system
ben
nice build thread containing alot of theses ideas;
http://www.mp3car.com/worklogs/152658-nexus-7-android-in-a-2001-audi-s4.html

Android Auto headunit vs just tablet?

Hello all, I had a Son XAV-601BT, which was supposed to be a very promising and awesome android headunit, but ended up being a dud because mirrorlink doesn't work well, etc, I can only connect my phone with bluetooth and play music through it. I just got a Nissan Titan and want to up my in car experience. I had a good bit of audio equipment I took out of my old 240sx and was going to reuse it, which included the 601BT, 2 kicker amps (one for the sub, another 4 channel for speakers), and polk audio speakers, but the headunit is basically.. meh.
I was wondering what would be the ideal route to go to get the best experience. I know they have head units that have all the android auto stuff built in, but since I already have a nice amp I can use to drive the speakers, would I be better off just using a tablet and getting things connected up that way? I would like to be able to utilize good quality voice for commands and phone calls, but I am not sure if using a tablet for that would work (using the phones capabilities through the tablet to make calls and texts via bluetooth or some other way.)
If anyone has any recommendations on how I can have a nice sized mounted capacitive screen to control my audio (spotify), navigation, and be able to use voice commands (though I could technically just make them through my watch as I have been), I would love to hear some suggestions. If the best route to go would be an actual android auto headunit, then so be it, but I would like to know if alternatives can do this.
See my sig for Headunit app for Android Auto. Nexus tablets are working well with it.
Tablet solution likely takes some time to get it the way you want it, but it makes it very customizable and can be done cheaply-ish.
There are 2 popular lines of $300 Chinese HUs discussed on XDA. They are best described as... the Chinese stuff you find on EBay/Alibaba etc. Source is available but the latest Newsmy is still stuck on Android 4.4.
Or for $500-2k get a Pioneer or Kenwood Android Auto 4100/6100/7100NEX. There's a custom ROM just come out for some Pioneers, but it will take time to mature.
Awesome, thanks for the info. I really appreciate it. I was looking in to some of the interesting setups people have, such as using an Arduino with an IR transmitter that you connect to the tablet, so you can use a standard smaller headunit, hide it in the dash to connect to the speakers and control the volume, and the tablet can be mounted nice, and when you hit the volume etc on the tablet it makes the Arduino blast the IR to the head unit, and it makes the volume go up as if you pressed the button (or in this case, the remote)
That might work well with a head unit app or something similar. I will download the APK's you linked and check them out!

DIY Samsung tablet car system vs dedicated AA touchscreen head unit

Just bought a used 2007 Toyota Solara SLE convertible (with JBL 7 speaker system), and looking to replace stereo. I've read up on here and elsewhere about some of this, but still have some Q's before moving forward.
Main needs:
Spotify (strongly prefer NOT to use bluetooth due to audio compression)
GPS (The larger the screen, the better for this)
Theft-resistant (Either looks not worth stealing, has removable face without wearing out connectors, is built-in and looks hard to steal, etc)
I'll drill down on the details in a bit, but I'd like a little perspective first on reasons why it would matter if I go with a dedicated head unit, or possibly get the fiddly bits and hook them up myself to do something like a slide-mounted Samsung tablet that I can easily pop in and out.
1) Is there some reason in general why one path is better than the other?
2) If I go DIY route, I've been reading up that Android Auto is not available for tablets without data (wifi only versions). Can't tell if that info is outdated, or still true. I see a few mentions of 3rd party workarounds, but not much info on how they are working.
3) I'd really prefer a larger readout as I use GPS heavily on a regular basis. The detachable ones I see for 10.1 screens from Joying, etc look to have connectors NOT designed for daily plug/unplug. Do these hold up?
4) Is it better for theftproofing to have a removable face, or something smaller that fits in the double din and looks harder to steal?
5) If I do the DIY route, does the audio come out of the tablet via usb and need a d/a, or out of the phones jack?
5) There seems to be info out there for DIY to get the steering controls working, car info like tire pressure, temp, etc. If I then already have the amp, and can work out the audio, and get info to and from via bluetooth with my phone or using my phone as hotspot, that's all bases covered, right? Is there anything I'm missing that CAN'T be done this way and would be better off just getting head unit?
6) Are the dedicated head units less updatable or anything like that than something like a samsung tablet?
7) Is there an issue with my 7 speaker system? Haven't checked, but I'm under the impression from some conversations I've had that there's a 7 speaker dedicated amp currently in place (not part of existing head unit). I read something about certain versions of AA not supporting subs. Not sure what that means. If I'm replacing head unit with full DIY rig, can't I just sent audio to the amp, and it splits from there, or does processing and separate out for sub need to somehow happen prior to the amp?
FYI: Asking in part because I'm thinking about getting a tablet anyway, and might as well have dual use if possible. Also, I'm considering idea also of leaving the stock stereo as is (has BT for voice, but not audio streaming), and rigging a detachable dock for tablet that then feeds audio via the aux input. I guess if I go this third route, I'd store music on it locally, and use it's wifi with my android phone as mobile hotspot to get new tracks, access map data, etc.
Thoughts on why one path is better?
Too many q's?
Available info in another thread? (I've searched and read all I could find)
Better in another subforum? (Connected car maybe?)
Thank you for the questions it is helping me do more research.
If any one can answer part of a question please chime in.
1. Android tablets (Samsung, LG) over Chinese (KLYDE, Joying, etc) units:
- better screen - even an old Galaxy Tab3 has a screen 10x better than any chinese in-car unit.
- cleaner Android implementations - chinese units suffer from poor system implementation that generates lots o0f issues with Bluetooth audio quality, OBDII pairing, WiFi and 3G/4G compatibility
- software upgradable - again, my Samsung Galaxy Tab3 from 2013 runs Nougat. My Klyde in-car unit runs Lollipop
- better RAM, usually
- more flexible in implementation
Chinese (KLYDE, Joying, etc) units over Android tablets (Samsung, LG):
-easier to install
-FM radio
-some level of integration with the car's systems
2. Since version 2.1 Android Auto is a standalone app so it will run on WiFi only units
3. No idea. But if I were to take the DIY road, instead of removing the tablet I'd have a fake panel to cover the screen, with the front part of a cheap stereo.
4. It depends on your preferences. Audio will be much better if run through an external d/a converter but you can start with getting the signal from the headphone jack and add a converter later.
Probably 2 main differences:
Android tablet wont have good amplifier. Not so good sound, you must install many apps from yourself (this is good and bad), no radio probably or bad radio. You must also connect an antenna for the radio if the tablet has one.
You must also do some modding by yourself, connection for power etc. Probably use tasker for some things, search in youtube and other places for suitable script. Xposed, app settings will help for making many apps more car like.
Search for car launcher etc.
I am writing this as i have installed in past, not tablet but mobile phone (an old galaxy s2) in a Fiat punto. So i have done those im Writting for.
If you give time and efford at the end it could be better the result compaired with a dedicated one.
The dedicated one has the benefit of don't search at all. Just install, plug and play. Probably better sound.
If it has android, you can make many things with this. Probably most as the tablet i wrote before.
If it only has android auto you can do only basic things..
Sent from my SM-G9350 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Ok, I had both approaches with 2 different chinese units and one Zenpad.
- 1st Chinese unit, piece of .... so I almost smashed it with a hammer in a fury rage, so got it sold after 3 month, conclusion stay away from XTRONS!
-2nd I had a Zenpad built into my dash, lucky enough for me my dash was big enough to easily fit in an 8" tablet. I bought a mechless Sony car radio, which is much smaller than a normal unit and I hid it behind the tablet, steering wheel remote control still worked, so I could control the radio from the steering wheel, but never needed anything else than adjusting the volume. I did not use FM radio at all. See attached picture. This has a few potential problems, most probably you won't be able to charge the device & use the usb port at the same time, you will need a custom kernel for that or a USB-C tablet. Also its much more difficult to fit it in properly, when the system freeze or crash and you need to hard reset it, it can be painful, however overall I was very pleased with my setup. Since you cannot use the tablet for the bluetooth hands free I still needed to use a Himbox HB001. TIP: The install was done with the help of a 6mm acrylic sheet, which I cut to size using a jigsaw.
-3rd changed the car and couldn't do the same thing in the new car so I bit the bullet and bought another chinese unit, this time I went to an Intel based one. So far so good, I have only done about 1000 miles with it but it looks to work OK, boot up is really quick, bluetooth A2DP quality is good (not like the crap XTRONS), handsfree quality seems decent, but I need more feedback from others on this, I hear them clearly the question is how good they can hear me, so I can recommend the unit: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301955449854
And now to the Android Auto question, they run on all of them, just use my app: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ge...ndroid-4-1-headunit-reloaded-android-t3432348

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