Database Develop

Nook Color "standalone" GPS... there's gotta be a way...

I've seen these simple USB GPS receiver antennas that hook to a laptop for GPS duties so naturally I'm thinking why can't this be done for the nook. Ideally we would have a dual/split port so power could still be supplied at the same time.
I'd rather have this config since I don't like the idea of tethering to a GPS capable cell for privacy reasons and it ties up the cell too.
Why couldn't this be possible? Is it just a matter of the Nook recognizing the GPS antenna and being able to get a software package to recognize it?
Any ideas?

With CM7, and a bluetooth GPS reciever, this is no problem. We will never be able to build a GPS into the device, but we can get close enough...

Yes, my intention would be to leave the GPS antenna in the vehicle and just hook up when I get in. Along with MP3 duties of course. It shouldn't be hard to find or make a USB gender changer with dual connections.

KDOG2020 said:
Yes, my intention would be to leave the GPS antenna in the vehicle and just hook up when I get in. Along with MP3 duties of course. It shouldn't be hard to find or make a USB gender changer with dual connections.
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Click to collapse
Im not following, sorry.
I just ordered a "kit" for my NC actually - a car window mount, and a stand-alone BT GPS. I plan on attaching the the GPS to the window mount via velcro, and leave it in the car. You don't need USB at all (nor would it work, since our nook does not currently support usb host). Just get a BT module, and leave it in the car; connect it to the nook when you need it. done.

Ok I see what your saying. But Im not familiar with Bluetooth recievers. Are we talking about just a regular GPS with a screen and all? Then why hook it up to the nook? Or are we talking about a little box that just sits on the dash or tucked away somewhere?

KDOG2020 said:
Ok I see what your saying. But Im not familiar with Bluetooth recievers. Are we talking about just a regular GPS with a screen and all? Then why hook it up to the nook? Or are we talking about a little box that just sits on the dash or tucked away somewhere?
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Click to collapse
Ah, let me fill ya in then.
What i am talking about are standalone recievers - nothing more than a GPS and BT transmitter. No screen, no frills. Most have batteries that will last for weeks, and are small enough to store anywhere in the car when not in use. YOu can see a good selection here:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...eiver&keywords=bluetooth+gps+receiver&ie=UTF8
Hope that may give you some new ideas.

Aaaahhhh..... yes I see now. So it would be just a matter of finding one thats compatible with our NC's and the software for it... cool. Anyway to know which one works the best for the Nook?

KDOG2020 said:
Aaaahhhh..... yes I see now. So it would be just a matter of finding one thats compatible with our NC's and the software for it... cool. Anyway to know which one works the best for the Nook?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now, i guess i cannot guarantee, but in theory, ANY BT gps should work with our system, since all GPS's transmit in the same standard. All you should need for software on the nook will be:
https://market.android.com/details?id=de.mobilej.btgps&feature=search_result
or
https://market.android.com/details?id=googoo.android.btgps&feature=related_apps
Assuming my GPS arrives sometime soon, i will be able to give ya some first hand advice.

You will still need a data connection if you intend to use Google Maps for your GPS software.
If you want to use it without a data connection, you will need something like this:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.alk.copilot.market.usa&feature=search_result
"maps stored on your phone, not downloaded"
Also note, Bluetooth range is very limited on the NC. My BT GPS has to be within 2 feet of the NC to connect.

That is true, a stand alone program is the best, but google will cache the maps if you pre-plan the route.
As for distance - with a car mounted GPS< you really don't need to worry about that - the GPS should be by the windshield anyway, so keeping it close to the nook isn't an issue..

What about this Google "Navigation" program that is on the nook? (the blue arrow)

KDOG2020 said:
What about this Google "Navigation" program that is on the nook? (the blue arrow)
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Click to collapse
You'd still need a data connection. The best probable solution would be to tether to a smartphone that has GPS - so the Nook has a data connection for the Google Maps and Navigation, and GPS data from the phone's GPS.

I was interested in the same thing and went so far as to successfully pair my Garmin bluetooth gps unit with my CM7 nook, but I was not able to actually read any gps data. (This unit was successfully used with a linux laptop and car computer, so it works in linux.)
While looking for a way (hack or software) to read the gps data I found the TetherGPS app, which meets my needs- and yes, I have received phone calls and browsed the web on the phone while using nav on the nook without problems.
The biggest issue I have found in the past and NOW is that I do not think much of the other gps nav options available on Android (or linux!) and caching a limited tileset with Google maps is not enough for my needs. My routes often change.
I do have another bluetooth puck around, if I can find it... I will test to see if that one is easier for the Nook to read data from.

rogerdugans said:
I was interested in the same thing and went so far as to successfully pair my Garmin bluetooth gps unit with my CM7 nook, but I was not able to actually read any gps data. (This unit was successfully used with a linux laptop and car computer, so it works in linux.)
While looking for a way (hack or software) to read the gps data I found the TetherGPS app, which meets my needs- and yes, I have received phone calls and browsed the web on the phone while using nav on the nook without problems.
The biggest issue I have found in the past and NOW is that I do not think much of the other gps nav options available on Android (or linux!) and caching a limited tileset with Google maps is not enough for my needs. My routes often change.
I do have another bluetooth puck around, if I can find it... I will test to see if that one is easier for the Nook to read data from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will pair, but you need to use an intermediary program to access the GPS, like this one:
https://market.android.com/details?id=googoo.android.btgps&feature=related_apps
or this one:
https://market.android.com/details?id=de.mobilej.btgps&feature=search_result
or this:
https://market.android.com/details?...oid.addon.bluetooth.GPS&feature=search_result

I had trouble with some GPS apps.
I was able to use the GPS and data access on my Motorola Cliq to have GPS voice guided navigation.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=12076390
That is how I accomplished it.
If you have a hardware GPS, then you only need the 1 app, which is even easier, but I still recommend wifitether or barnicle for data access (you can download the maps for offline use if you plan ahead.)

colorado_al said:
It will pair, but you need to use an intermediary program to access the GPS, like this one:
https://market.android.com/details?id=googoo.android.btgps&feature=related_apps
or this one:
https://market.android.com/details?id=de.mobilej.btgps&feature=search_result
or this:
https://market.android.com/details?...oid.addon.bluetooth.GPS&feature=search_result
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually tried those apps to no avail, which is why I started looking for the other puck (not as accurate but easier to connect) and alternative solutions.
I actually had looked at all of the other (non- Google) nav apps for Android before to use with a now unused Droid (original) but found them all to be ... less than desirable for various reasons.
Note that I am NOT trying to discourage this project- it is possible, I am certain, but much like linux navigation software... lacking a certain "polish" if not functionality.

[Q] [idea] Android Auto without car headunit?

How hard would it be to activate android auto and have it use the device's own peripherals (display, microphone, speakers), instead of outputting via USB to the car's display and use its buttons/speakers/microphone?
Not all of use have the budget/predilection to buy a brand new car or head unit just to use what seems to be a very useful piece of software. Some of us just want to use the phone in a car dock, like it's been the norm until now.

I am sure we will see hundreds of posts asking this question.
Likely #1 FAQ for Android Auto.
See my post on the new app and it's developer mode.
If developers can see and use the UI pretty well without a head unit, presumably on a tablet or larger phone, then non-developers should be able to do the same.

I've also asked this on the android dev google+ post and the answer was, as expected, very evasive.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AndroidDevelopers/posts/21Zscmv7xvA

I plan on going through the Android Auto Development API to see if there is anything we can utilize.
Also just posted a question to that G+ post:
5:24 PM
Will the Android Auto software provided to manufacturers to be installed into the head units be released to public? If not, what is the process someone or a company can become a manufacturer for an Android Auto head unit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lets see if they reply

IceBone said:
I've also asked this on the android dev google+ post and the answer was, as expected, very evasive.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AndroidDevelopers/posts/21Zscmv7xvA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The blog post is from yesterday but the linked video is from last November:
http://android-developers.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/take-your-apps-on-road-with-android-auto.html

There is a lot of buzz out there right now about "how can I use this on my Phone/Tablet"
I love the idea of the AutoMate idea but like others what I am wanting is this.
Use Case: Turn a non LTE Nexus 7 or other tablet into a head client (IE Dumb Terminal).
I still want to power the unit with my phone as the Android Auto specs lay out. I just want to use a permanently mounted Nexus 7 as the controller as the new head units are doing. There is a chance this could also be done using a touch LCD display and a RaspberryPI mounted in car.
I know many have searched for specs on how we create a client. I suspect there may be some exclusivity deals for release or first crack at it in place with auto manufacturers. If we can figure out via API how to plug a phone into a Nexus 7 and control it via its screen that would be wonderful!!
The information has to be out there. After all, the upcoming Parrot RNB 6 looks to be a simple Android device strapped onto an amplifier.

windraver said:
I plan on going through the Android Auto Development API to see if there is anything we can utilize.
Also just posted a question to that G+ post:
Lets see if they reply
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Click to collapse
I think Google will keep their source code secret, both for the phone part, as well as any software that might run on head units.
Keeping Android app source code secret is the new normal for Google and has been for quite some time IMO, unless there is a compelling business reason to open source it.

manorton said:
The information has to be out there. After all, the upcoming Parrot RNB 6 looks to be a simple Android device strapped onto an amplifier.
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Click to collapse
IMO the info is secret and the rest of us will have to reverse engineer.

Their motive for keeping it secret is so car manufactures have another pricey option to charge people for

Medevila said:
Their motive for keeping it secret is so car manufactures have another pricey option to charge people for
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Click to collapse
I think they have multiple motives.
One is that Google fears legislation that would kill Android Auto. If people get distracted and collisions result, regulators will be harsher.
Lawsuits are another risk.
Google also wants to better control Android Auto, as they do with Wear and any device that ships with Google Apps.

Android Auto without car headunit?
Turn your phone or tablet into an Android Auto device with Headunit or Automate
Want to give Android Auto a try, but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a new car or hundreds of dollars on a new receiver? You could just attach your phone or tablet to the dashboard and install an app that gives you an Android Auto-like experience instead.
There are at least two apps under development designed to bring Android Auto features to any Android device.

It was just announced at Google I/O that Android Auto will be updated to include operating natively on your device without a head unit, using the same UI as if there were a head unit. The update for Android Auto that provides this functionality has not been released yet but it is coming.

Hey the problem i had that AA is not available in our country still i managed to install it on my dads lenovo vibe k4 note. (stock lollipop and will be receiving marshmallow..dad will kill me if i root it). ... work perfect but the problem os here.....My dad recently bought Hyundai i20 Active (December 25 2015 India) and i plugged the USB and nothing happened... OK i switched BTW input modes and video modes but of no use. Neither AA detects nor my in dash navigator ( The navi is built in stock one that it provide in all i20... and i had hard time finding its source code in www.opensource.lge.com[as mention in manual])
OK so any trick, tips, anything......bcoz i want that so badly........
Another thing.....why not Google manufacture GPS cards like this so anyone can use it in stock,aftermarket , Garmin GPS and Map my India navigation.... the craziest thing is the second image which is GPS card is nothing but an 8 GB SD card loaded with map data....why not Google load their auto thingy in it......and there is no such complications bcoz my music player , park assist etc has different interface and map has different interface. And manual says i can replace it with any map data card ....( I've read a post over car hackers guide where they unbelievably changed the whole goddamn stock firmwares.
PS note i want android auto only not any alternative..... ive tried alternatives.but im not getting the vibe that i have something "auto".
Sent from my Panasonic P81 using XDA Labs

OTG GPS & Charging on 5th gen?

I see a thread about OTG charging not being possible due to the Amazon kernel that is a few months old, has anything developed as far as this? I'm planning to install one into my cars dash and it would be great if I could also add a GPS module to it but obviously I need charging capability since it will be inside the dash and always plugged in.

RushNY said:
I see a thread about OTG charging not being possible due to the Amazon kernel that is a few months old, has anything developed as far as this? I'm planning to install one into my cars dash and it would be great if I could also add a GPS module to it but obviously I need charging capability since it will be inside the dash and always plugged in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. You get one or the other. That's unlikely to change as such use does not benefit Amazon (no clicks). You might consider a Bluetooth receiver which would leave the USB port available for charging.

Davey126 said:
Nope. You get one or the other. That's unlikely to change as such use does not benefit Amazon (no clicks). You might consider a Bluetooth receiver which would leave the USB port available for charging.
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Click to collapse
Fantastic I never knew bluetooth gps modules were a thing! Do you personally use one? I'm not too keen on modern android especially when it comes to separate devices like this, will I be able to use it with any maps app and be able to set the default gps device or will it only work with certain apps designed specifically to use one?

RushNY said:
Fantastic I never knew bluetooth gps modules were a thing! Do you personally use one? I'm not too keen on modern android especially when it comes to separate devices like this, will I be able to use it with any maps app and be able to set the default gps device or will it only work with certain apps designed specifically to use one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search Amazon "GPS receiver bluetooth". Pricier than usb receivers. I do not use one; prefer devices with integrated chip. However, I have tried a USB receiver on this device to verify it works. No personal experience with BT receivers. Another poster mentioned an app that would permit reception of GPS data from another device such as a phone. Good luck.

Experience with AA Mirror on XZ1 Compact?

Hello,
I am asking if someone have some experience with AA Mirror (MirrorLink for not officially supported phones) on XZ1 Compact.
I am basically asking if someone have tried it, if it works or works reliable or not. Usage will be simple only for GPS navigation - Sygic. Nothing more.
Reason is that to get AA Mirror on XZ1 Compact i need to root and unlock bootloader on quite a new phone, that still have about 14 months of remaining warranty period. So I would like to know if its worth of it.
Any info will be appreciated!

I'd like to know this, too. I was going to get a MirrorLink screen this week until I realized this phone probably doesn't support it natively...anyway, does AA Mirror do anything non-rooted?

LowVolume said:
.anyway, does AA Mirror do anything non-rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I havent tried it, but since it needs low level USB access, I am sure it wont do anything, maybe not even install.
Problem is that MirrorLink support is really weak. Sony does not support it at all, and e. g. Samsung only on flagship models.
I still guess that I have to try it, not really appreciate it. I hoped that this forum section is more alive.

I have been using AA Mirror daily for the past 3 months. About one or two times a week the connection to Android auto is lost and I have to replug the phone in, or my car stops responding to touch response. This usually doesn't happen when I use regular AA apps. That's about the only issue I have and I haven't tried changing settings to fix it because it doesn't happen too often, everything works well enough for me to keep using it.
Edit: I'm actually using AAStream, a version that should fix some bugs

Joa012 said:
I have been using AA Mirror daily for the past 3 months. About one or two times a week the connection to Android auto is lost and I have to replug the phone in, or my car stops responding to touch response. This usually doesn't happen when I use regular AA apps. That's about the only issue I have and I haven't tried changing settings to fix it because it doesn't happen too often, everything works well enough for me to keep using it.
Edit: I'm actually using AAStream, a version that should fix some bugs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All on XZ1 Compact? That s really cool to hear!
Were there any special steps for getting it work ? Except of root of course.

Ok, I just realized that this isn't actually MirrorLink. It's just outputs Android Auto, not MirrorLink. OP, you got my hopes up for nothing...
Anyway, my searching indicates that non-rooted AA Mirror kind of works for mirroring only. The touch input doesn't, so you have to do it via the phone screen.

LowVolume said:
Ok, I just realized that this isn't actually MirrorLink. It's just outputs Android Auto, not MirrorLink. OP, you got my hopes up for nothing...
Anyway, my searching indicates that non-rooted AA Mirror kind of works for mirroring only. The touch input doesn't, so you have to do it via the phone screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that. As far as I searched, for full and true MirrorLink you need to have manufacturer support out of the box. No one actually figured how to implement this on other phones. I guess that it requires custom kernel module or something closed source.
AA Mirror or AA Stream is sort of solution for other phones, but it works as screen mirroring utility only (you have to control everything from phone, not from car). I really dont mind, especially for GPS I always set up destination or changing it while not driving. So basic screen mirror is enough.
I already installed AA Stream / AA mirror and it really requires root. Without it doesnt work, which I have expected.

HeliumX10 said:
All on XZ1 Compact? That s really cool to hear!
Were there any special steps for getting it work ? Except of root of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes all on XZ1 compact. And no special steps, but have to add I'm on the LineageOS rom. Just never have been able to get Netflix working as they block screen output to another screen, but that's a different issue. It's not perfect, but it's the easiest thing I have been able to do after rooting my phone. I have way more issues with banking or McDonald's apps than with AA Stream Still worth it though. In fact so worth it I refused a free iPhone from work as I rather keep my compact for these 'features'

So I just got a car radio that supports mirroring over both USB debugging and MirrorLink and it works perfectly without root! Including touch input via the car's screen. The radio says MirrorLink ("P-Link"), but I assume it's doing it through USB debugging. Which makes sense, since that's the same way most Android remoting programs work on PC. I haven't tested the audio but I assume that works, too. It has a huge 7 inch screen and was pretty cheap, so it'll be perfect for navigation.

Joa012 said:
Yes all on XZ1 compact. And no special steps, but have to add I'm on the LineageOS rom. Just never have been able to get Netflix working as they block screen output to another screen, but that's a different issue. It's not perfect, but it's the easiest thing I have been able to do after rooting my phone. I have way more issues with banking or McDonald's apps than with AA Stream Still worth it though. In fact so worth it I refused a free iPhone from work as I rather keep my compact for these 'features'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much. this is really helpfull !!
I am also considering LineageOS 16.0 RC6, because if I understand properly, that if you dont backup DRM keys you will loose official Camera and other functionalities after root.
LowVolume said:
So I just got a car radio that supports mirroring over both USB debugging and MirrorLink and it works perfectly without root! Including touch input via the car's screen. The radio says MirrorLink ("P-Link"), but I assume it's doing it through USB debugging. Which makes sense, since that's the same way most Android remoting programs work on PC. I haven't tested the audio but I assume that works, too. It has a huge 7 inch screen and was pretty cheap, so it'll be perfect for navigation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lucky you!
But this will probably not work on stock car display unit (like original 7" Toyota system) which almost all supports MirrorLink only. I will try it You have some additional app for that? Or just checked Dev. options on and all OK?

No additional app. Just USB debugging enabled.

Device info help

I have a touch screen display that came from an advertising display, it has HDMI, USB, and a sd card, it does have a WiFi antenna as well. I was given the touchscreen and wanted I could possibly do with it as it is is android. How can I find out information about the android os build number or who actually manufactures the device. It has no names on it anywhere. I want to install a android os that has the same set up with all touch screen features such an a tablet. Any help out here

I doubt you will find much you can do with it, but good luck.

It's a 23'" touch screen could I set it up as monitor? How would I even start, I'm new to android

Could be done maybe. There are certainly apps that will do it wirelessly, but not sure if there is a cabled solution.

thomaskmaagaard said:
Could be done maybe. There are certainly apps that will do it wirelessly, but not sure if there is a cabled solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has WiFi capability, I just need to figure out the manufacturer and get info