Database Develop

Issues & Questions from an Android user

Hey guys
So I recently got the Nokia Lumia 1020 after being an android user since day one. Rooted and everything
I have couple of issues and questions that have arise since then.
1. How can I change the search button to bring up google instead of bing? I have read that you have to change your language to Russia but I would not want to do that
2. With my Note 3, HTC one and other previous android devices, I was able to use maps with speech and use the FM radio on my deck together. Android would just mute the FM radio and give me the next direction.
With WP8, it seems like I have to select bluetooth source in order for speech to work, however I can no longer listen to the radio at the same time. Is there a fix/workaround for this?
3. NFC tags.. I recently bought a bunch.. however I noticed that you can't have the nfc tags to change the settings but just launch the settings app? So I would need 3 NFC tags to turn off BT, turn off wifi and enable gps? Seems..... any fix?
Thanks
- Sashi

1: Basically not possible until we "root" the 1020. Maybe if a bootloader exploit is found. Otherwise, only devices sold in markets where Bing doesn't have much presence - such as Russia, I guess - support that option. You can install apps for other search engines, but the button is sort of "hard-coded" to the Bing app.
2: WP7 used the Headset mode of Bluetooth (Hands-Free Profile) for driving directions, but that was built into the OS. Apparently Here Drive can't or won't do that (I consider this a regression, since my car doesn't support the audio profile) so the car needs to be using BT audio (A2DP, I think) to give directions. However, as a work-around, you can of course play media *from the phone* and it should work fine (it will be muted while directions are spoken). Whether you use internally stored MP3s, streaming music from the built-in Xbox Music (formerly Zune Pass), one of many apps (such as Pandora), or the phone's built-in FM receiver (requires that headphone wires be connected, since that's what it uses as an antenna, but otherwise possible), you can have your music and directions both.
3: Yeah, for reasons of their own, Microsoft hasn't exposed any way for third-party developers to toggle various settings directly. With that said, though... There's basically no need to turn either BT or WiFi off; they draw extremely little power when not in use (and by default, WiFi turns off while the screen is off and there's no external power anyhow). As for GPS, unlike Android's incomprehensibly wasteful approach, on WP8 it is *always* inactive unless an app or OS feature is explicitly using it, so as long as you remember to close the navigation app when you're done with it, there's no need to manually turn off location services.
Hope that helps.

GoodDayToDie said:
1: Basically not possible until we "root" the 1020. Maybe if a bootloader exploit is found. Otherwise, only devices sold in markets where Bing doesn't have much presence - such as Russia, I guess - support that option. You can install apps for other search engines, but the button is sort of "hard-coded" to the Bing app.
2: WP7 used the Headset mode of Bluetooth (Hands-Free Profile) for driving directions, but that was built into the OS. Apparently Here Drive can't or won't do that (I consider this a regression, since my car doesn't support the audio profile) so the car needs to be using BT audio (A2DP, I think) to give directions. However, as a work-around, you can of course play media *from the phone* and it should work fine (it will be muted while directions are spoken). Whether you use internally stored MP3s, streaming music from the built-in Xbox Music (formerly Zune Pass), one of many apps (such as Pandora), or the phone's built-in FM receiver (requires that headphone wires be connected, since that's what it uses as an antenna, but otherwise possible), you can have your music and directions both.
3: Yeah, for reasons of their own, Microsoft hasn't exposed any way for third-party developers to toggle various settings directly. With that said, though... There's basically no need to turn either BT or WiFi off; they draw extremely little power when not in use (and by default, WiFi turns off while the screen is off and there's no external power anyhow). As for GPS, unlike Android's incomprehensibly wasteful approach, on WP8 it is *always* inactive unless an app or OS feature is explicitly using it, so as long as you remember to close the navigation app when you're done with it, there's no need to manually turn off location services.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for 1 & 3
However with #2, I would like to have my USB that is plugged into my car deck AND driving directions at the same time. With android this is possible... but not with WP8

What? I must be misunderstanding you, because there's no problem at all with having USB plugged in while getting directions. Or did you mean you're getting the music off the USB (you said radio before, which the phone is capable of doing by itself) and hence the USB is a different input that the BT?
My usual approach in my car is cigarette lighter -> USB adapter -> phone -> ripping cable (I'd use BT if my car would do it for music) -> car stereo AUX port, and that works fine for getting both music and directions. Swap out the aux port and the ripping cable for Bluetooth and it will still work fine (as I've found when I had to rent cars).

That's correct, my deck has a Bluetooth source as well as a USB source.
I have to select Bluetooth source in order to get voice directions to the car speakers but if I select USB source the voice navigation no longer works

Yeah, that's a pain. Is there some reason you can't play your music/audiobooks/podcasts/whatever through the phone, though? Yeah, it's annoying to need to change what works, but on the plus side, it's all your media on one fewer device than you're using now.

GoodDayToDie said:
Yeah, that's a pain. Is there some reason you can't play your music/audiobooks/podcasts/whatever through the phone, though? Yeah, it's annoying to need to change what works, but on the plus side, it's all your media on one fewer device than you're using now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to use USB because that way I can save the storage on my phone for pictures and stuff

[Q] Mirrorlink

Is there any way to get mirrorlink working on the Nexus 6?

Not sure what mirrorlink is. Do you mean Miracast? If so, I don't believe it works. Chromecast works great for screen mirroring your Nexus 6 to a HDTV.

Found this searching for compatibility... One application for MirrorLink for those that didn't know is Pioneer head units like the AppRadio so you can mirror your phone's screen onto it...

any luck?
Is MIrrorlink compatible with the nexus 6? If so, anybody know how to enable it?

My understanding....
spillytime said:
Is MIrrorlink compatible with the nexus 6? If so, anybody know how to enable it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I have been told neither Mirrorlink nor AppRadio are compatible with Lollipop in general and the nexus 6 specifically. Your only option at this point is Android Auto which works well if you have the supporting HU from Pioneer. However, at this time, not many developers have made their applications compatible with it. When the 2016 car models start rolling out with AA preinstalled in their HU, then I believe we will see a flood of apps moving into the platform.

Google needs to start supporting MirrorLink on Nexus phones. I have a Nexus 6 and the Pioneer AVH-4100NEX.
Android Auto has been a horrible experience so far. It worked at first, for a couple of months, and then I don't know why (Android update maybe?) but suddenly it stopped working and hasn't worked since.
Even when it did work, there were some VERY annoying things:
1) if your phone is plugged into the USB cable, Android Auto launches, and as long as you're still plugged in I couldn't find any way to temporarily get out of Android Auto (such as if I want to check my email or some other app on the phone). Or if I want to listen to a YouTube video (or watch it from my phone, lets say I'm the passenger ok?), then I'd have to un-plug the USB which means my phone isn't charging.
2) The other really annoying thing is that Android Auto limits developers in how many screen clicks user would need to do to get to content (including, clicking the down arrow to browse through a long list). Where this is a problem for me for example, is my Spotify playlists. Android Auto will only display about 10 or so of my playlists.
So I find myself disconnecting the phone from the cable and just streaming over bluetooth.
In fact at first I was really upset that my phone was no longer launching Android Auto at all and stopped working with my Pioneer AVH-4100NEX, but now that I am just able to leave the phone charging all the time and have full access to my phone apps, all my spotify playlists, and am just streaming over bluetooth I'm not really sure I want to fix Android Auto.
What I really want at this point is to just MIRROR my phone screen to my head unit. This way no matter what I want to watch or listen to, it doesn't matter if "Android Auto" supports it or not. I can put on YouTube videos, or anything I want.
So this gets me back to Mirror Link, I don't know why Google or Motorola is not supporting it, MirrorLink from what I've seen should be another viable option for Android users (and for now I think a better option than Android Auto)
I'll be posting this reply as a separate topic as well, here and in Google's forums because it needs some attention.
Thanks

Ill repost this here as well
You have to take into account the many laws in different places concerning cell phones and driving. In some places you can get a ticket just for having your phone in your hand while driving. And now they are cracking down even harder on it. Also some OEM have been known to block some cars from working with devices like that. It was found that one samsung device had a list built into the OS that blocked a number of different cars from working with Android Auto. This I can only assume came from the Car manufacturer.

If I had a nickel for all the distracted drivers around me, well, I'd have a lot of nickels!

[Q] Post 5.1 Bluetooth Issues/bugs

5.1 did not fix the bluetooth issues I had...it actually added another bug.
New with 5.1:
-When playing music with Google Play Music, whenever I switch tracks, the screen turns on. Why?
Still a problem after 5.1:
-Sometimes Bluetooth plays but without sound - it takes some weird opening/closing/pausing/starting maneuvering to hopefully get it working
-Pause during notifications does not work properly - I've tried this with Google Maps and a few different podcast apps. With Google Maps Navigation on and a podcast playing...when Google Maps wants to talk, it pauses the podcast (as the setting says) but the Google Maps notification is muted. It's just silence until it is done and then the podcast resumes.
Is anyone else having these sort of issues?
Nexus 6, 5.1D, stock, rooted ,twrp, with my 2013 Cadillac ATS

Yes it is happening to others myself included. why? I have no idea. But you are certainly not alone.
Sent from my Google N6 on VZ

I just posted this in the General section ....
OTA'd the 5.1 update on 3/26/15.
Since then, contact addresses fail to appear on vehicle displays over Bluetooth.
Rebooted phone / Forgot and paired phone to vehicle, no fix.
Phone is paired to 2 vehicles with the same results.
Can anyone confirm this?

Having the same issue. If you disable ambient display, the screen will stay off when selecting tracks with Bluetooth. My issue with Bluetooth is that every few days I have to reboot the phone to get the BT to work. I can't even toggle Bluetooth. When I do, it says Bluetooth turning off, it toggles back on by itself. Tried force closing all running apps but dosent help.

Bluetooth...
jeffreii said:
5.1 did not fix the bluetooth issues I had...it actually added another bug.
New with 5.1:
-When playing music with Google Play Music, whenever I switch tracks, the screen turns on. Why?
Still a problem after 5.1:
-Sometimes Bluetooth plays but without sound - it takes some weird opening/closing/pausing/starting maneuvering to hopefully get it working
-Pause during notifications does not work properly - I've tried this with Google Maps and a few different podcast apps. With Google Maps Navigation on and a podcast playing...when Google Maps wants to talk, it pauses the podcast (as the setting says) but the Google Maps notification is muted. It's just silence until it is done and then the podcast resumes.
Is anyone else having these sort of issues?
Nexus 6, 5.1D, stock, rooted ,twrp, with my 2013 Cadillac ATS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When it comes to bluetooth problems, especially with cars and this phone you will find very few helpful answers. Sad but true, not many Nexus 6 people seem to use hands free automobile applications on their device. I had to buy a new head unit for my car along with all the other bullcrap to make it look nice in my car to get some of these puzzling problems to disappear. Android Auto works great if you have the supporting gear in your car and follow the instructions about how to pair phone with car and use the right USB port and wire in your Nexus. After that, everything works as expected. Unfortunately you do have to spend some cash and time to do this but it is the future and if you plan and use your phone in car more than anywhere else, it is worth the investment and will improve with time. The only good take away from all this is, so far only nexus devices running lollipop work with Android Auto supporting head units.

vvveith said:
When it comes to bluetooth problems, especially with cars and this phone you will find very few helpful answers. Sad but true, not many Nexus 6 people seem to use hands free automobile applications on their device. I had to buy a new head unit for my car along with all the other bullcrap to make it look nice in my car to get some of these puzzling problems to disappear. Android Auto works great if you have the supporting gear in your car and follow the instructions about how to pair phone with car and use the right USB port and wire in your Nexus. After that, everything works as expected. Unfortunately you do have to spend some cash and time to do this but it is the future and if you plan and use your phone in car more than anywhere else, it is worth the investment and will improve with time. The only good take away from all this is, so far only nexus devices running lollipop work with Android Auto supporting head units.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It wasn't perfect, but my Bluetooth was just fine pre 5.1...I can deal with the quirks and avoid spending $$ on Android Auto (for now at least)...but these major bugs need to be fixed ASAP.

Do we know if this is fixed?
Is this fixed in 5.1.1? Is there an issue logged with google? Anyone?

I have my nexus 6 rooted with 5.1.1 stock and the bluetooth doesn't work. I cannot see any device but the other devices can see it.
I have tried to fix it clearing cache and data (only bluetooth) but the problem is still there.
Do you have any idea guys?

This morning I remembered my experiments with my old gt-9100 and I have decided to do wipe cache and wipe dalvik-cache.
And now... bluetooth is alive!!!
[emoji39]

Accessing SD card that is in the car from android auto

Hi all,
I'm thinking about buying a new car equipped with android auto. This car comes with an SD card slot where you can store music to use with the regular infotainment system. I was wondering if that SD card can also be accessed from android auto? I currently have a 16 GB Nexus 5X so it would be nice if I could use the SD card in the car, while driving.
I'm asking here because I'm sure the sales people don't even know what android auto is, so I don't really trust them.
Thanks.

My car stereo (Pioneer AVIC-F77DAB) has an SD card slot and I can't access it through android auto. I have to go into the stereos main screen to access music/video from SD card. Hope this helps

wallacerp said:
My car stereo (Pioneer AVIC-F77DAB) has an SD card slot and I can't access it through android auto. I have to go into the stereos main screen to access music/video from SD card. Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answer, I was kind of expecting this but I wanted to make sure. If anybody has a different experience please let me know.

wallacerp is correct.
AA has no way at present to play audio sourced from the headunit, whether CDs, SDCard or AM/FM/HD/Sat etc.
Maybe in some future release 1-3 years from now.
There are strings within the AA code indicating Google might be experimenting with this. But it's in Googles interest to have us using Google Play Music. (Though deals with auto OEMs to share car data with Google could shift that interest.)

Hi,
Peharps, in the future a new release of the AA protocol will include this., However, HU manufacturers can implement this AT TIME:
* Share the SD content using DLNA over the WiFi. Typically, you mobile and your HU can be connected by WiFi, additionally to AA USB connection. On this wireless network you can use any PLAYER App compatible with AA that can play from DLNA sources... in this case the HU.
I found this solution quite complex but viable... I do something similar in my VW.

manos78 said:
Hi,
Peharps, in the future a new release of the AA protocol will include this., However, HU manufacturers can implement this AT TIME:
* Share the SD content using DLNA over the WiFi. Typically, you mobile and your HU can be connected by WiFi, additionally to AA USB connection. On this wireless network you can use any PLAYER App compatible with AA that can play from DLNA sources... in this case the HU.
I found this solution quite complex but viable... I do something similar in my VW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, OK. But a bit complicated and potentially fragile I think.
I am not aware of any aftermarket AA HU that supports Wifi, never mind DLNA on top.
I presume your VW HU does, but I'm not sure about others.
My first thought was using flash USB connected to the phone, but I think it goes the wrong direction to use a hub to share the USB needed for AA. In theory AA over Wifi (or USB hub'd ethernet ?) could free up the USB, but it's not clear that Google will support AA over IP officially any time soon.

mikereidis said:
wallacerp is correct.
AA has no way at present to play audio sourced from the headunit, whether CDs, SDCard or AM/FM/HD/Sat etc.
Maybe in some future release 1-3 years from now.
There are strings within the AA code indicating Google might be experimenting with this. But it's in Googles interest to have us using Google Play Music. (Though deals with auto OEMs to share car data with Google could shift that interest.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it's kind of a no-brainer that people would want to listen to FM radio and use navigation at the same time. Same goes for an SD card or CD you might have in the car. As it is I'm leaning towards buying a cheaper car model and just using a mount for the phone when I need it. Especially since I have no guarantee that if Google does implement this in the future, it will work with my car.

This guy has a mode button on his device that allows him to switch between Android Auto and his normal infotainment system. That's at least an option, but I'm not sure if it works the same on the one that comes with VW cars.
https://youtu.be/Mw7BYxyC_3Q?t=13m31s

sorin7486 said:
This guy has a mode button on his device that allows him to switch between Android Auto and his normal infotainment system. That's at least an option, but I'm not sure if it works the same on the one that comes with VW cars.
https://youtu.be/Mw7BYxyC_3Q?t=13m31s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a standard Pioneer AA HU feature. I would have thought other HUs can do the same, but maybe some don't.
sorin7486 said:
Well, it's kind of a no-brainer that people would want to listen to FM radio and use navigation at the same time. Same goes for an SD card or CD you might have in the car. As it is I'm leaning towards buying a cheaper car model and just using a mount for the phone when I need it. Especially since I have no guarantee that if Google does implement this in the future, it will work with my car.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My negative reply was about not being able to control FM and other HU sourced audio from the Android Auto screen UI.
Pioneer HUs (at least) allow you to start FM (or whatever), then start AA and FM will continue playing. FM will pause or drop volume when using AA navigation, so that's a crude form of basic "integration".
But you have to leave the AA UI in order to deal with FM etc on the HU screen (buttons might work, I've never actually tried this.)
So there is no seamless integration that allows you to control FM etc on the HU screen while staying within the AA UI. And most of us find it a bit jarring to switch between UIs, so we try to stay within one UI, which effectively means the AA UI.
It may be a "no brainer" that we all want seamless integration, but that doesn't mean that Google will support it.
Google music services compete with FM radio. This is why Google has never supported FM on Nexus devices. Google also killed attempts to create standard FM radio APIs for Android (while pretending to support them).
Basically, Google wants us to use Google Play Music from within AA and purposely makes it difficult to access FM/HD/CD/etc... in a seamless manner.

Yah, I have a feeling that most HUs have AA as just another app of sorts instead of AA taking over completely. That was my impression because ever review only really shows the features of AA, not how you would use it day to day. And I get what you're saying about the radio but I think cars are a bit different: the people who listen to the radio on their phone have usually been a minority, while almost everyone uses it in the car. In any case, if AA doesn't take over completely I see no reason for them or the car companies to integrate other car functions into AA.
thanks for the reply

Android Auto add apps

Hi guys,
I have something I don't understand...
In the past I had a jailbreaked iPhone where I could add specific apps that I want in Apple CarPlay.
Don't know why thats not possible with a rooted s10...
I don't want mirroring or all the apps show in AA...
Can someone tell me if this is possible in Andriod Auto?
(Don't want to go back to iPhone... ) :highfive:
Peace!
Mo
Mo

For now the answer is no. If you are on version 4.7xxx this will not allow you to customize your apps on the screen. BUT, in a teardown of 4.7, there are strings that make mention of some new features coming, and that is one of them. So, for now it looks like we have to wait just a little bit longer for this feature to become live in a future release.

The main problem on Android is that any app to be used on AA should be adapted by its developer in order to work in AA. This means that no jailbreak or root won't help to make an app available on AA. I've heard somewhere that it is or it was (at that time) possible to view youtube clips on the car's infotainment screen, but I don't know how. The only apps usable for now on AA are the ones listed when choosing Apps for AA on AA's menu.
Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk

Something I dont understand. Why does anyone even entertain installing android auto - just to read messages ?
It seems that millions of people are ??
Ignoring for a moment any personal blatent data mining of google apps generally.
There seems to be quite a few prerequisites for running it. Besides having a permanent data connection (In a car, and while travelling ??)
Then while nearly every head unit capable of running it, has already many built in apps to do most things like play music / radio, run various navigation programs, play videos etc. which are ignored in favour of what ever 'approved' apps are on our phones and that are heavily restricted.
And all the while after faffing about finding and connecting the usb plug just to make it work. Really ?
So just what are the compelling reasons for using it. I'm genuinly interested.

cleverdicky said:
Something I dont understand. Why does anyone even entertain installing android auto - just to read messages ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If all Android Auto did was read messages and allow Google Assistant through car audio, it would still be really good. But it does a lot more.
cleverdicky said:
There seems to be quite a few prerequisites for running it. Besides having a permanent data connection (In a car, and while travelling ??)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The data connection comes from your phone. It's not built into the car audio, although it could be, I guess.
cleverdicky said:
Then while nearly every head unit capable of running
it, has already many built in apps to do most things like play music / radio, run various navigation programs, play videos etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never seen a head unit with Tidal or Waze built in, can you link to the one you're talking about?
I have a Sony XAV-AX210 and it doesn't have GPS at all. Furthermore, it's practically unheard of for OEM head units to stay up-to-date with firmware, and they literally charge hundreds of dollars for updated maps for the built-in GPS.
And you're saying that even though I have everything on my phone, I should take the time to make USB sticks of all that stuff? LOL, WUT?
cleverdicky said:
And all the while after faffing about finding and connecting the usb plug just to make it work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds like a problem only you are having. Almost everyone I know plugs their phone in while driving, regardless of having a head unit that will connect to it.
Based on the latest version of CarPlay and Android Auto, I personally think Android Auto is really lacking outside of its map display, and CarPlay is just WAY better, but if you have an Android device, it's nice to have.

I have android auto because it is the only way I can get GPS maps for my truck without paying nearly 900$ for OEM maps. I have all permissions denied for android auto and nearly all Google apps disabled with permissions denied. I use AA mirror to mirror my phone and use osmAND for maps. YouTube vanced for background play of music. Once I get a Bluetooth obd 2 dongle I will use torque as well. My truck is a 2019 Colorado zr2. The sales sticker was misleading in that the truck does have turn by turn voice GPS that is a paid service from on star but didn't come with the maps app. In order to get the maps app for my truck I need to replace the OEM head unit with either after market or gray market device. So far my attempts of side loading a maps app to the head unit have failed.

OK if your stuck with manufaturers head units, especially running win ce, I agree you are limited to what apps you can run.
But you can still mirror your phone to the head unit and run apps you want like waze. Even the cheapest basic chinese headunit can do that.
And whether you use phone or head unit for data collection, you still need a data connection.
Many gps / maps dont need live data to work such as sygic or Igo, and require just occasional connections ( for traffic updates / weather ) but only if wanted. They still work without.

cleverdicky said:
Something I dont understand. Why does anyone even entertain installing android auto - just to read messages ?
It seems that millions of people are ??
Ignoring for a moment any personal blatent data mining of google apps generally.
There seems to be quite a few prerequisites for running it. Besides having a permanent data connection (In a car, and while travelling ??)
Then while nearly every head unit capable of running it, has already many built in apps to do most things like play music / radio, run various navigation programs, play videos etc. which are ignored in favour of what ever 'approved' apps are on our phones and that are heavily restricted.
And all the while after faffing about finding and connecting the usb plug just to make it work. Really ?
So just what are the compelling reasons for using it. I'm genuinly interested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hiii,
There seems to be quite a few prerequisites for running it. Besides having a permanent data connection (In a car, and while travelling ??)
=》 i have SIM card in my card and unlimited data..
Then while nearly every head unit capable of running it, has already many built in apps to do most things like play music / radio, run various navigation programs, play videos etc. which are ignored in favour of what ever 'approved' apps are on our phones and that are heavily restricted.
=》 true true but you can't watch video ... but I have carstream for that...
So just what are the compelling reasons for using it. I'm genuinely interested
=》 the only reason I need it, is because i want coyote displayed in my 10.1 auto screen and not anymore in my phone... don't want waze
It's so bad that an iPhone has the advantage of adding apps... :crying: :crying:
Grtzzz.