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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
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!
Hey All,
I've done a quick and dirty search for this problem, but I haven't found anything that's exactly the same.
I have an XT1060, Dev Ed, on KK 4.4.4, and I'm just wondering, am I the only one who cannot get my bluetooth radio to hook up to paired devices easily?
The problem is, I always have to ask to connect manually; this is a bit of a pain, especially after turning off my car, say, for a few seconds. Oh, it'll connect, but sometimes it takes 10-15 tries before that connection is made, and even then, it's often after I have to disconnect then attempt to reconnect a few times because it doesn't connect both the phone and media modes.
I have done the unpair/re-pair thing a couple of times, but nothing changes.
I had an HTC phone before this, and it'd reconnect automagically to my cars BT server, so I suspect it's nothing to do with the car's BT radio. I really miss that...
Thanks for any suggestions anyone might have in how to remedy this. Fwiw, I'm willing to go through a diagnostic procedure if someone would clue me in to just how to do that.
cheers,
john
I've had issues with the bluetooth and pairing. When I was on 4.2.2 (I think..) it wouldn't connect automatically at all, and I used an app to connect for me. I have a Chevrolet Cobalt and it wouldn't connect to my built in bluetooth for calls or a small bluetooth dongle that I use for playing music through the AUX input on the stock radio.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.myklos.btautoconnect&hl=en
Once I was on 4.4.2 it seemed to work much better. I have no real issues now on 4.4.4. The only time I notice it not really working right is when I try to connect to the bluetooth speaker in our bathroom at home. If I turn the speaker on, it almost always connects to my girlfriends phone nearly instantly, even though I open the bluetooth menu and tap the paired device to manually initiate right when I turn on the speaker. It usually takes me a few tries to get mine to connect before hers, or I ask her to shut her bluetooth off for a moment while I connect. She uses the speaker every day because she leaves for work after me, so it only happens to me 1-2 times per month on the off chance that I want to listen to music or a baseball game in the shower, so it never really bothered me much.
I think the bluetooth radio in this phone could be better.. I never had any similar issues with my Droid X or Moto Razr Maxx so I'm not sure what the deal is...
Edit: forgot to mention I also have an XT1060, but not dev edition. My bootloader is unlocked and I am rooted, but using the official 4.4.4 VZW rom with Xposed.
I have never had any issues pairing Bluetooth - on either my car or moto 360 watch (even simultaneously).
However, I have noticed that the Bluetooth connects much quicker on custom ROMs when compared to stock.
I think tour connection issue may be a setting or rogue app related.
Sent from my Moto X using XDA Free mobile app
Thanks to both of you for your replies!
Fwiw, things have not gotten any better since I posted my question. I'm getting more accustomed to it, though.
As for the possibility of a rogue app, yes I suppose so, but short of uninstalling everything, and adding them one by one and trying to connect to something via BT, how can someone go about debugging such a thing?
cheers,
john
jrredho said:
Thanks to both of you for your replies!
Fwiw, things have not gotten any better since I posted my question. I'm getting more accustomed to it, though.
As for the possibility of a rogue app, yes I suppose so, but short of uninstalling everything, and adding them one by one and trying to connect to something via BT, how can someone go about debugging such a thing?
cheers,
john
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may need to delete the profile for the Bluetooth pairing in your car. Could be a conflict there.
Otherwise, try looking at your Bluetooth settings on the phone.
Sent from my Moto X using XDA Free mobile app
jrredho said:
...
I have an XT1060, Dev Ed, on KK 4.4.4, and I'm just wondering, am I the only one who cannot get my bluetooth radio to hook up to paired devices easily?
The problem is, I always have to ask to connect manually; this is a bit of a pain, especially after turning off my car, say, for a few seconds. Oh, it'll connect, but sometimes it takes 10-15 tries before that connection is made, and even then, it's often after I have to disconnect then attempt to reconnect a few times because it doesn't connect both the phone and media modes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it *ALL* bluetooth devices, or just the car? What model and year car? Are you connecting to the Hands Free profile, Headset Profile, or doing something like A2DP for music streaming?
How long have you had the phone, how long has this been a problem? Has the symptom ever changed?
Keep in mind, just because your HTC phone connected to the car just fine, doesn't mean the car could not be the issue. While the Bluetooth profiles and protocols should be "standard" I've seen many issues of interoperability issues between bluetooth devices over the years. Especially with car kits.
KidJoe said:
Is it *ALL* bluetooth devices, or just the car? What model and year car? Are you connecting to the Hands Free profile, Headset Profile, or doing something like A2DP for music streaming?
How long have you had the phone, how long has this been a problem? Has the symptom ever changed?
Keep in mind, just because your HTC phone connected to the car just fine, doesn't mean the car could not be the issue. While the Bluetooth profiles and protocols should be "standard" I've seen many issues of interoperability issues between bluetooth devices over the years. Especially with car kits.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guys, thanks for staying with me on this. One thing I've definitely learned is that the bluetooth thing is something I'm pretty ignorant on. I can see that I'm going to have to study it a bit before too long. Gad, that HTC spoiled me rotten---at least in that way.
I haven't tried the phone with any other BT devices. This is mostly because I don't own but two, the car and a travel speaker, and I haven't had the speaker out of its case since I scored the phone six or eight weeks ago. Also, I did some housecleaning, so I have only a small fraction, maybe 20%, of the same apps on the MotoX that I had on the HTC. I have no apps on the MotoX that I didn't have on the latter.
As for some of the car-related suggestions, it's a 2015 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5i, which is really only level up from the base model of that line. I can't find that there is a bluetooth profile setting in the car that I can change; I think that it's too basic. The relevant user manual simply states the following:
Media format
Bluetooth audio devices cannot be
connected if they are not compatible with
the following Bluetooth® profiles.
. A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution
Profile)
. AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control
Profile)
I don't even know what either of those mean!
Anyway, what I did do is go to the phone settings, and uncheck the Media box that shows up once the car's BT server is detected. Then I try to connect with the Phone box checked. It'll still fail to connect several times, but (a) it doesn't take as long to fail to connect, (b) it doesn't take as many tries (it seems) to make the connection, and (c) when it fails, it fails totally, so I don't have to disconnect from 'Media-only Connected (No Phone)' connection. That makes it easier I suppose. Then once the connection is established, it's a simple matter to go back to settings, and check the Media box. That add-on connection happens pretty quickly, but the process is still a little overwrought, imo.
Of course, KidJoe, up until you mentioned a Headset Profile, I didn't know one existed. But when I try to play music on my phone using PowerAmp, well, the app doesn't hook up to the BT anyway. That's a key difference between the HTC and the MotoX. In PowerAmp, I have "Play over Bluetooth on Detection" selected. The headset isn't being detected at all. So maybe that goes some distance to explaining what I'm encountering.
Again thanks to both of guys for hanging in there with me! I'll keep trudging "onward through the fog," as it were...
cheers,
john
A2DP and AVRC are used for Bluetooth Stereo audio streaming (like playing Pandora on your phone via your car stereo). Not phone calls.
For phone calls, usually a Headset or Handsfree profiles are used, and sometimes BT Phone Book Access (so you can see your phone's contact names/numbers on the car's screen).
I've run into compatibility issues between some phones and some Headset/Handfree devices (mostly cars, but a few bluetooth headsets too). Often times when this happens, you're stuck. Each side will blame the other (i.e. Moto will blame the Subaru car stereo, and Subaru will blame the phone).
I have had issues re-connecting to my car (a 2011 Saab 9-4x with Bose/Nav), IF I had my Moto S11 Flex HD headset connected to my Moto X before I got in the car (even if the S11 was powered off/disconnected from the X before I started the car). Usually toggling the X's bluetooth off/on, and sometimes worst case rebooting the phone, has always fixed it.. Another time I had troubles connecting to my Saab's car kit was when my wife was using her phone to stream audio. The next time I got in the car, I had to manually connect my phone. The car always tries to connect to the the last phone used, so it was looking for my wifes and it took a while before it timed out. When it did time out, it didn't look for mine.
Since you have a 2015 Subaru, I would consider visiting your car dealer, ask them to help with pairing the phone properly, and making sure its working right. See what they have to say.
My bluetooth in my car stopped pairing the other day, and it turns out it was an app that updated and requested permissions related to bluetooth. I didn't notice them because it's an app I trust so I accepted the new permissions without really looking at it.
I used App Settings (Xposed module) to disable the permissions and my bluetooth works fine again.
I could still pair with things if I went to the bluetooth paired device list and manually tapped on the device I wanted to connect with, but it would not pair automatically (like when I got in my car). Once I disabled that permission, it started working again without issue.
May be worth a look through your installed apps to see if anything has access to bluetooth and may be interfering.
Hey All,
Thanks again for the continued help!
It's true, I didn't do any research on app interference before I posted this thread topic, but since a couple of you have brought it up, I decided to do a little research. I installed a permissions app, and took a look at the permissions that allows an app to automatically seek out, and pair with, Bluetooth servers. I have to admit, I got some surprises there. (Who would've thought that Beautiful Widgets needed that permission; it is now gone.)
Anyway, most of the remaining apps are either system/Moto-related, or ones I would really like to keep. I'll report back on what I learn. If there are other permissions that I need to reference besides the two pairing-connecting to Bluetooth ones please let me know...
cheers,
john
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!
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
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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.
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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.)
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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
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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.
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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