[Android 4.1+]Proxy/GateWay for Android Auto - Paid Software Announcement and Discussion

Background
- Couple of years ago Google have launched Android Auto, but up till recently the only way to connect your device to the car/head unit was to plug in a USB cable. As of 2018 this starts to change, BUT it looks like you will need to get new hardware for this and older cars/head units won't be upgraded to support this, neither phones with older OS.
Concept
- Since many of us will like to have this wire free but not ready / willing or have the possibility to upgrade the units/cars/phones I have thought of a way to achieve this, by using a small auxiliary device, like for example a very cheap and basic Android TV stick, which can be plugged in/mounted in the car and which can fulfil the roll of a Wifi antenna for your car.
This app should allow you to transform any android powered device into a Wifi receiver for your Android Auto compatible Car/Headunit. Please do not confuse Android Auto, with Android powered headunit (usually Chinese, like MTCB, MTCD, Joying, etc).
AAGateWay Documentation.
Beta released (04.01.2020)
What is it?
AAGateWay is a an app which should allow you to use an auxiliary (slave) device to connect your existing Android Auto compatible car to your phone (master) using a hotspot created on your phone.
How to use it?
SLAVE SETUP
1) Install the app using XDA Labs (Only on SLAVE) : https://www.b3itlabs.com/prod.php?id=3
2) Configure
FOR BOTH ROOTED AND NOT-ROOTED SLAVES
CASE 1: Master is running Pie or higher
Pair Master and Slave over BT (do this from the normal BT settings)
Open app
If slave is ROOTED and ONLY if you are using a TV STICK convert the app to system app. (if app not visible after conversion, reboot device)
Enable the start tethering option (If asked make sure you manually configure the hotspot, to have the name HUR and the password AndroidAutoConnect)
Select the masters phone BT MAC
Exit
CASE 2: Master is running Android 8 or lower
Create a Wifi hotspot from the master
Connect slave to it
Reopen AAGateWay and select the masters hotspot from the "Phone Wifi SSID" list
Slave is ROOTED - This will give a much bigger compatibility with cars, it should work with any car/unit (but depends a lot on the slave used, read below)
Slave is NOT ROOTED - This mode won't work on all cars and it has caveats.
MASTER SETUP
CASE 1: Master is running Pie or higher
Install WiFi Launcher for HUR (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.borconi.emil.wifilauncherforhur)
Make sure WiFi Launcher is version 2.1 or higher!!!
Open WiFi Launcher
FOR Android 10, set permission location to ALWAYS!!!!!!
Select slaves BT from the BT list and exit
DO NOT ENABLE ANY OF THE OTHER OPTIONS!!!!
If you do not want to use WiFi Launcher you can use the following Tasker task to launch AA on any condition you want: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UO-Z5P0oQpHEdrQjYqvSM48L1TI-K5g8/view?usp=sharing
CASE 2: Master is running Android 8 or lower
Open Android Auto, go to Settings, scroll down tap the version 10 times, then from the 3 dotted top right corner select start headunti server.
Exit Android Auto
Leave the Headunit Server running
When you get into the car turn on the hotspot on the master (or use Tasker, automate or anything else do that for you)
CONNECTING
Go to the car, plug in the slave to the car's USB and start the car
Slave is ROOTED
Nothing should happen, car should NOT detect the phone (SLAVE) at this stage. If the car does detect the slave being connected, it means your slave doesn't allow a proper USB toggle, in which case you should try enabling non-root mode.
Master is Pie and above
If you selected to tether from the slave, at this point you should see the slave turning on the hotspot, otherwise you might see the slave trying to connect to a Wifi network.
Slave will notify master
Master will automatically start WiFi Launcher
Master will connect to slaves hotspot
Master will start AA on the phone and notifies slave
Slave will enable USB
If you are using a phone as slave you will get a prompt if you want to use AAGW as the default app for this action, make sure you select ALWAYS ans yes. (TV stick should work automatically)
Projection should start
Slave is NOT-ROOTED (or running in non-root mode)
You will get a prompt to use AAGateWay for this action, make sure you select always.
Car should display a splah-screen saying waiting for master. (on some car's screen you might see a scrambled image)
After splash-screen is displayed, the slave will start tethering, or will try to connect to the masters hotspot depending on the setting.
Once a network connection is established between the 2 devices, you will see the AA icon turning on on the master and Android Auto should be displayed on the car's screen. It is possible that the screen will stay /turn black, if that happens, you can try to press the home button on the infotainment system, then re-open Android Auto on it.
Troubleshoot and getting help
As the thread has so much information it will be really nice if we can try to stick to one format of troubleshooting, by using one of this 2 templates:
Master is running Pie or above and slave is tethering:
Running in root mode: (Yes/No)
If running in non-root mode, is the splashscreen visible on the car: (Yes/No)
If running in non-root mode, did you set the masters BT inside AAGW app?: (Yes/No)
Did the slave actually turned on the hotspot on the slave: (Yes/No)
On the master did you select the slaves BT in the Wifi Launcher app?: (Yes/No)
When the master connected to the car's BT did the Wifi launcher app started up?: (Yes/No)
Did the master connected to the slaves hotspot?: (Yes/No)
Did the AA icon appeared on the master at all (in the notification bar)?: (Yes/No)
Master is running Oreo or below and master is tethering:
Running in root mode: (Yes/No)
If running in non-root mode, is the splashscreen visible on the car: (Yes/No)
If running in non-root mode, did you set the masters BT inside AAGW app?: (Yes/No)
Did you select the masters hotspot name in AAGW?: (Yes/No)
Have you started the Headunit server on the master?: (Yes/No)
On the master did you select the cars BT in the Wifi Launcher app?: (Yes/No)
When the master connected to the car's BT did the Wifi launcher app started up (notification bar)?: (Yes/No)
Did the master turned on the hotspot?: (Yes/No)
Did the slave connected to the masters hotspot?: (Yes/No)
Getting rid of all automation and manually starting it all (regardless of Android version on master and slave):
Uninstall AAGW on the master
Start the headunit server from within Android Auto on the master
Create a hotspot on the master
Open AAGW on the slave and make sure it's not set to tether
in AAGW make sure you select the masters hotspot
If AAGW is set to non-root mode make sure you select the masters BT (just press the button AAGW will do a BT scan of nearby devices and you can pick it from the list)
Go to the car and plug the slave in
Start the car
If slave is running in ROOT mode, slave will first try to connect to the masters Wifi and you will see a notification on the master that AA is running, only then the car should recognise a plugged in device.
If the slave is running in non-root mode, first you will see a splash screen on the car, then you will see slave connects to masters Wifi (if not already connected), then you will see AA starting on the master.
How do I collect a bug report / logcat
Open Settings > About phone.
Scroll down to the Build number.
Tap the Build number 7 times in quick succession until "You're now a developer" appears.
Return to the Settings menu and select Developer options.
At the top of the screen, make sure 'Developer options' is set to On (green).
Scroll down to Debugging and enable both USB debugging and Bug Report Shortcut on (green).
Tab on Logger buffer sizes: Default setting is 256K. Select 16M to help capture more information for debugging. Of note, it can affect the apps performance especially with lower spec phone, so change it back after you have finished submitting bug reports.
On slave make sure you enable debugging inside AAGW, on master open Android Auto go to developer settings and make sure force logging is enabled.
Reproduce the problem
Hold the Power button down until the menu appears.
Select Take bug report. and wait for the device to capture the bug report.
Tap the 'Bug report captured' notification when it appears.
Send the bug report by email to [email protected]
Know problems, workaround:
- Latency & lag. This will be really down to the devices you are using. I have tested it with a MK808B Plus, it work’s ok most of the time but occasionally you will get the odd lag. I’ve also tested it with a Nexus 7 tablet, and there was no lag at all, so device does matter, as well as probably ROM.
- I get random disconnection. There can be 2 causes for this, one the USB connection fails between the car and the auxiliary device, or the Wifi fails between the phone and the auxiliary device. In my tests I saw a few Wifi disconnections without any reason on the MK808, but non on the Nexus. Changing the tethering option from WPA2 to Open did help with this.
- App is closed without error or reason. The app runs in a background process, with a minimal interaction with the foreground, some devices/OS will kill background apps. I saw this happening on Nokia and I saw this happening on OnePlus as well. Try disabling battery optimisation for AAGateWay, that might help.
- I just cannot get it to work… Try using a phone, that will at least give you some visual guidance. Make sure that your device connects to the phone Wifi hotspot, make sure that AA Headunit server is running on the phone (try to force stop Goolge Play Services, stop and restart the headunit server)… All fails contact me
- Nothing happens on the master, using Wifi Launcher for HUR app. In this case, try to manually start the headunit server on the master, and manually turn on a hotspot, then reconfigure you're slave to connect to the masters hotspot (even if the master is running Pie or higher).
Device compatibility:
Master:
Any phone which normally works with Android Auto
Slave with ROOT:
- Tested and know to work: - MK809V, Nexus 7 (depending on rom), Sony X Compact (depending on rom)
-Tested and not working as expected: Pixel 2, MK808B
- While root is necessary, not all phones can toggle USB port on and off by software. And there can be other problems, for example on some devices when you turn off the USB the phone loses the ability to detect the power connection as well, which is use as trigger to start the whole process. It is almost impossible to predict if a phone will be a good slave candidate or not.
Other things
- Xiaomi phones (MIUI makes a mess), try not to use it for Slave
- Generally older phones (pre oreo) are more likely to work fine as a slave device.
Any suggested slave?
- Yes, use an MK809V TV stick, as the experience with it, is pretty slick and it should work out of the box. If you get a MK809IV try to get the one with Android 5.1.1 as the one with Android 7.1 has problems with the tethering.
FAQ.
Q: Can I use this with any car and phone combination?
A: Assuming your car is already Android Auto compatible, then YES.
Q: Can I also automate the start of the Headunit server?
A: Only with a rooted phone, using the following shell command: am startservice -W com.google.android.projection.gearhead/com.google.android.projection.gearhead.companion.DeveloperHeadUnitNetworkService
Q: Can I use Wifi-Direct to connect instead of WIfi?
A: No.
Q: Does the traffic come out from my monthly data allowance?
A: NO, traffic between auxiliary device and phone hotspot does NOT count as internet traffic, HOWEVER if you do have other apps on the auxiliary device which download updates, etc in the background that WILL be counted as internet traffic. So I suggest double check the apps on the aux device and disable all those which aren’t needed.
Q: Will the car/head unit provide enough power?
A: It should provide at least 500mA that’s the standard USB current, while I cannot guarantee that will be enough in all cases, it should do, assuming you do turn off all unneeded services on the TV stick.
Q. What about start up time?
A. It will depend a lot on the device you are using. A low-entry TV stick boot time is about 1 minute, which can be a bit too much for an initial car setup. As mentioned earlier, these devices usually have 2 USB ports, you can for example connect the power USB port to a continues power supply in the car, in which case the boot time will be non-existent since the device is always running. If you are using a phone, the phone battery will probably hold the charge just fine for a couple of days, if you disable all apps on it and you set up a profile to go into aeroplane mode when it’s not charging. Tasker or Automate are your friends for that. If you cannot connect the TV stick to a continues power source, you might consider using a small portable power pack which powers the tv stick (should hold power for a few days) and the power pack can be charged while the car is running.
Q. Can I decrease boot time for TV Sticks/Phones by removing all unrelated software.
A. Yes, actually quite a lot. Once you have your configuration ready and everything is working as expected, you can uninstall/disable all packages beside this ones:
package:android
package:com.android.apkinstaller
package:com.android.providers.settings
package:com.android.packageinstaller
package:com.notriddle.null_launcer (or any other launcher, but NULL launcher has no memory consumption, no app drawer no nothing, perfect for headless - see: https://github.com/notriddle/null-launcher )
package:com.android.inputmethod.latin
package:com.android.settings
package:uk.co.borconi.emil.aagateway
package:com.android.shell
package:com.android.systemui
Easy way to list / disable all apps will be using a computer and following commands
Code:
adb shell pm list packages
This will list all installed packages
Code:
adb shell pm disable xxxx
where you replace xxxx with the package name (Ex: com.android.shell )
Q. Will using Wifi 5Ghz give me better performance?
A. Well if both of your devices support it, SURE!
Q. Is the source code available?
A. Sort-of, please see: https://github.com/borconi/AAGateWay this is only for the sketch, however new version does contain code which lift restrictions on 3rd party apps in Android Auto. To prevent the abuse of this by some, further code won't be updated to GitHub, however if you want to build your own version, please do contact me for details.
Guarantee or Warranty
- Due to the fact that there are so many possibilities and combinations of cars, head units, slave and master devices, there is no way for me to test all of them, however if you did purchase the software and you are not able to get it to work for any reason, please email me on [email protected] and I'm more then happy to refund the purchase.
Teaser:

VERY interested in the progress on this, Emil. For one, this would allow me to charge my Samsung using the Quick Charge adapter in my cigarette lighter, rather than relying on the anemic power output of my truck's USB port. Or if I want to get fancy, I could install a wireless charger and use that.
Thanks for all of your hard work.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Hi Emil,
What about original headunits that have integrated Wifi, but do not have Wireless Android Auto enabled? Is this something that you could enable to work as well?

Another great idea.
Definitely interested..
thanks.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I thought of you instantly when I saw this thread on Reddit, but didn't imagine that you were the creator.
Congratulations and thanks again!

Jackos said:
Hi Emil,
What about original headunits that have integrated Wifi, but do not have Wireless Android Auto enabled? Is this something that you could enable to work as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly no, that will require altering the firmware on the car and each unit is different. It is possible that those unit might get an official update for Wifi support, but although I'm not 100% certain, I think it will only work with 5Ghz Wifi network, so if you're unit is 2.4Ghz only probably it won't get the update.
If I will ever have times (something which I never have ) I might look into adding this to some units out there, but that is so far down the line, that realistically speaking probably will never happen.

Very interesting idea. I have a couple of these android sticks here and maybe even a modern mediabox that might offfer a bit more performance. I guess you want to power it from the USB socket from the car. Not sure how much current you can draw from these ports.
What is the pc below the radio doing?

This is awesome news! looking forward to progress!

lukesan said:
Very interesting idea. I have a couple of these android sticks here and maybe even a modern mediabox that might offfer a bit more performance. I guess you want to power it from the USB socket from the car. Not sure how much current you can draw from these ports.
What is the pc below the radio doing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Performance is not really needed the slowest device should work just fine. You can theoretically disable all processes and apps, so even a device with 512Mb ram will do.
Indeed I'm taking power directly from the headunit/car in the demo I use an MK808B powered directly from the Sony XAV-100 which only provides like 500mA, so should do (especially if you kill all apps which can use CPU and turn of everything but Wifi on the stick).
The PC is the power source , to lazy to make a separate power switch so I powered the Sony from my PSU directly

Emil Borconi said:
Performance is not really needed the slowest device should work just fine. You can theoretically disable all processes and apps, so even a device with 512Mb ram will do.
Indeed I'm taking power directly from the headunit/car in the demo I use an MK808B powered directly from the Sony XAV-100 which only provides like 500mA, so should do (especially if you kill all apps which can use CPU and turn of everything but Wifi on the stick).
The PC is the power source , to lazy to make a separate power switch so I powered the Sony from my PSU directly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, got the Mk802, 808 etc etc so I might finally have a good destination for those. Lazy and working is a combo that also works. :good:
Wondering if there is like a beta test thing, or is it complex to get it up and running? I'm pretty sure a lot of people are seriously interested in this. It would offer the freedom of charging your phone the proper way.

lukesan said:
Ok, got the Mk802, 808 etc etc so I might finally have a good destination for those. Lazy and working is a combo that also works. :good:
Wondering if there is like a beta test thing, or is it complex to get it up and running? I'm pretty sure a lot of people are seriously interested in this. It would offer the freedom of charging your phone the proper way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that far away, the only problem this will be braking my fix for obd2aa, so I need to make the 2 things compatible. I also need to do find a way to set the defaults without plugging into the car, you won't really be able to plug in a HDMI screen when you plug it in the car.
I've started fully rewriting my HUR app moving all the code from C to Java, once that is done and I fix other issues with obd2aa I will be pushing this forward
Ideally I will like to have a release available before I go on holiday on the 17th of July but not sure I will manage to do it all by that time.

Emil Borconi said:
Not that far away, the only problem this will be braking my fix for obd2aa, so I need to make the 2 things compatible. I also need to do find a way to set the defaults without plugging into the car, you won't really be able to plug in a HDMI screen when you plug it in the car.
I've started fully rewriting my HUR app moving all the code from C to Java, once that is done and I fix other issues with obd2aa I will be pushing this forward
Ideally I will like to have a release available before I go on holiday on the 17th of July but not sure I will manage to do it all by that time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, sounds like a bit of an issue that you can't really test since we'll have no screen. Well maybe a sort of a config txt file. Most of us will have to clear the thing on a tv screen or monitor anyway because a lot of crap is installed on these devices. I guess it makes sense to have something that can show if the stick is getting data from the phone. There is always a way.

Emil Borconi said:
Not that far away, the only problem this will be braking my fix for obd2aa, so I need to make the 2 things compatible...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No offense to obd2aa, I use it daily, but I'd be interested in this even without it

Where is the APK to give it a try ?

Emil Borconi said:
Currently only a placeholder for those interested in the project while working on development.
Background
- Couple of years ago Google have launched Android Auto, but up till recently the only way to connect your device to the car/head unit was to plug in a USB cable. As of 2018 this starts to change, BUT it looks like you will need to get new hardware for this and older cars/head units won't be upgraded to support this, neither phones with older OS.
Concept
- Since many of us will like to have this wire free but not ready / willing or have the possibility to upgrade the units/cars/phones I have thought of a way to achieve this, by using a small auxiliary device, like for example a very cheap and basic Android TV stick, which can be plugged in/mounted in the car and which can fulfil the roll of a Wifi antenna for your car.
This app should allow you to transform any android powered device into a Wifi receiver for your Android Auto compatible Car/Headunit. Please do not confuse Android Auto, with Android powered headunit (usually Chinese, like MTCB, MTCD, Joying, etc).
If you are interested in this project please simply subscribe to this thread and follow the updates.
Teaser:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm interested, I have a Tahoe with AA and an Android stick. Your project sounds great, can't wait!!

You should have it by the 17th of July, I'm just in the middle of rewriting another app, once I completed that I will focus on this one. I'm going away on a holiday on the 17th of July so I'm really pushing to have it out there by then.

Having the same XAV-AX100, and I was pissed off when I heard that in order to use wireless android auto it needs to be replaced.
Great idea, can`t wait to test it.

Do you think it can works also with windows stick.? Or only android?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

jeromeo01 said:
Do you think it can works also with windows stick.? Or only android?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never heard of a windows stick... Any link/reference? In theory it can work with almost anything but since Android Auto need Open Accessory, Android device will be the preferred option, having all the classes already available.

Emil Borconi said:
Never heard of a windows stick... Any link/reference? In theory it can work with almost anything but since Android Auto need Open Accessory, Android device will be the preferred option, having all the classes already available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its exactly the same.
Mini PC stick, but using windows 10 as OS.
Just a little bit more expensive. But I already have one to try. [emoji6]
https://www.windowscentral.com/best-stick-pcs
Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

Related

[Android 4.1+] Headunit for Android Auto - 160117 - Self Mode+ other fixes, x86, 720p

"Headunit": The First, Best, and Only Headunit app for Android Auto, Now Open Source & Free !
Turn an Android tablet into an Android Auto compatible Headunit ! (With several limitations at this early time of course...)
Android N developer preview: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=65749262&postcount=1165
If you purchased Headunit on Play before Google removed it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/gen...droid-auto-t3125252/post65015637#post65015637
160117 January 17: New Self mode & Car mode fix: http://forum.xda-developers.com/gen...droid-auto-t3125252/post64844560#post64844560
151224 December 24: 1280x720 and X86 support: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=64466237&postcount=943
151128 November 28: Voice Input + Audio Output: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=64045807&postcount=903
August 28 & 5 Voice Input etc: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=62548380&postcount=724
USB OTG Y cables I've had success with: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=62745966&postcount=792
Comments welcome: Proposal for a Private Website / Forum for the Headunit app and Automotive Android: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=62207324&postcount=587
July 24 APK Immersive mode: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=62014837&postcount=519
July 14b APK Standalone mode: http://forum.xda-developers.com/gen...oid-4-1-headunit-android-auto-t3125252/page43
July 11 APK: http://forum.xda-developers.com/gen...oid-4-1-headunit-android-auto-t3125252/page39
Quick summary of Google Play bans and final responses; I fixed each time & Google gave a different excuse each time: http://forum.xda-developers.com/gen...droid-auto-t3125252/post61632463#post61632463
Nexus 9 OTG charging w/ M developer preview & Nexus 7 2013 w/ Timur kernel/mods: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61632651&postcount=312
Nexus 7 2013 OTG charging while running Headunit w/ ElementalX kernel: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61593874&postcount=290
Now Open Source and Free ! http://forum.xda-developers.com/gen...droid-auto-t3125252/post61440441#post61440441
June 16 Release #5 APK: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61422602&postcount=163
Release #2 APK and instructions: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=60894402&postcount=94
Thank you "All About Android" for covering the Headunit app in episode 218 ! http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61412309&postcount=152
Android Auto over WiFi Direct is coming: http://forum.xda-developers.com/gen...oid-4-1-headunit-android-auto-t3125252/page16
June 16 APK: http://forum.xda-developers.com/gen...oid-4-1-headunit-android-auto-t3125252/page15
June 12 APK Auto-Start: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61321219&postcount=107
June 11 APK: http://forum.xda-developers.com/gen...unit-android-auto-t3125252/page8#post61287292
June 9 APK: http://forum.xda-developers.com/gen...roid-4-1-headunit-android-auto-t3125252/page5
Android Auto is Google's latest and greatest effort to provide automotive navigation, music, phone and other features in an environment that minimizes distraction.
The Headunit app is intended for 7 inch /17 cm or larger tablets.
A $100-200 Nexus 7 tablet mounted in the car is MUCH cheaper than $700-$1400 Pioneer devices.
A $300+ 10 inch/25+ cm tablet provides a much larger & nicer screen than 6 inch double-din units.
Original XDA Thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/android-auto-general/developer-mode-aa-t3059481
These are early, experimental releases. They should only be used for testing at this time.
Please note that Google has NOT released Android Auto specifications required to build a Headunit app such as this, except to headunit and auto OEMs who have paid fees and signed NDAs.
This app required over 500 hundred hours of painstaking reverse engineering (and many more to come), and another 500 or so as of mid July to build and test the app so far.
If you wish for apps like this that are professionally engineered, supported and updated, your financial support via Paypal donations is required, especially since Google will not allow Headunit apps on Play.
Help keep an independent developer working full-time++ on this cool new stuff.
Thanks for your support !
Mike.
What the heck is Android Auto, and why would I want it ?: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61114397&postcount=2
What devices and ROMs are supported ?: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61114397&postcount=3
How do I use the Headunit app?: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61114419&postcount=4
Troubleshooting: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61114437&postcount=5
Supported Phones running Android Auto: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61114468&postcount=6
Business Issues: Open Source & Pricing: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61114482&postcount=7
Feature Requests: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61114494&postcount=8
Coming Features: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61114500&postcount=9
Future of Android Auto: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61114532&postcount=10
What the heck is Android Auto, and why would I want it ?
Introduction / Different approaches:
There are many different approaches to running apps in a car, and they each have advantages and disadvantages.
Many people are happy to just install an Android tablet or Android based headunit and run apps much like they do outside of the car.
Others may mount their phone on the dash and use Android as they always do. They may plug it in to charge and might pair the phone's Bluetooth with their existing in-car audio system.
If you are using approaches like these, and you are happy with them, that's great ! I'm not a mission to convince you otherwise if you have decided these methods are best for you.
Android Auto:
Android Auto (AA) is Google's latest and greatest effort to provide automotive navigation, music, phone and other features in an environment that minimizes distraction.
AA was announced in 2014, and it's "app" first publicly released March 19, 2015, after Pioneer starting selling their AA compatible 4100/7100/8100-NEX headunits. Google did not seem ready to launch AA at that point, but Pioneer's early release of headunits seems to have forced this.
Apple has it's own rough equivalent to AA called Apple Car Play. Many who have seen both prefer AA, but iOS users also appreciate having more or less the same iOS UI they already know in their car.
How AA works (basic):
AA is not a mirroring solution like MirrorLink, Miracast or Apple Airplay. Mirroring solutions simply send phone screen video to an external, larger screen and return touch events. Thus the in-car screen is simply a blown-up version of the phone screen.
Mirroring solutions generally work with all existing apps. AA on the other hand, requires Android apps to have special AA compatible extensions added. Clearly this can be a disadvantage of AA. Few music and messaging apps can be used with AA, and the only mapping/navigation app supported is Google's.
With AA, Google mostly controls the User Interface (UI) as implemented in their AA "companion app". AA compatible apps CAN modify some of the color scheme and some related minor UI features, but the look and feel are largely Google designed and controlled.
Google has done this to minimize distraction. Although many of us will not be happy with Google's decisions. we should consider that the last things Google wants are: (1) laws against Android Auto, (2) bad publicity from distracted driving incidents, and (3) expensive lawsuits. Note that Google, Apple and the auto OEMs are reportedly negotiating who takes how much responsibility for the inevitable lawsuits, particularly in the US where multi-million dollar settlements regularly occur.
Google AA supports two types of AA compatible apps at present, with more (eg maps/navigation ?) coming in future: (1) Audio/music and (2) messaging. For the most part, audio/music AA extensions provide functions for starting/stopping/nexting/etc of the audio as well as functions to determine the music navigation hierarchy. Messaging AA extensions include sending a message to AA to be converted to speech as well as handling spoken replies.
Video and gaming apps will likely never be supported for the drivers position, at least while driving, for obvious reasons.
Many app developers are hesitating at this time to add AA extensions. At this time, there is very little revenue to be made by supporting AA (and the same has been seen for watch and TV apps). This should improve as more cars have AA installed, via OEM systems or aftermarket headunits.
So why would I want AA ?:
If you need access to ANY Android app, and not just the limited selection of AA compatible apps, then mirroring solutions will work better for you.
AA is more for people who want a solution that "just works" (although there are still many wrinkles to iron out), is well integrated, and has a common Google specified UI.
Less technically minded people will appreciate AA or Apple CarPlay, while Android power users may be happier with mounting a tablet or using an Android based (usually Chinese) HU.
An Android based HU which can run my Headunit app, may offer the best of both worlds. You can run any Android app when you need to, or run my HU app to get AA features. (At present nobody has reported success running my Headunit app on an Android based HU. I hope/presume I'll figure that out.)
I am personally convinced that AA will be very important for Google going forward. Controlling and getting the treasure-trove of data from connected cars is important to Google. We may not be far from the day when Google will get a commission when it successfully convinces us to pull over for specific fast food or auto maintenance. Want fries with your oil change ?
Because AA is important to Google, I feel confident it will not be abandoned, and will only get better as the years tick by, bugs are fixed, apps are AA enabled, etc.
Getting AA working:
Please, always do your best to drive responsibly and with a safe minimum of distraction. You assume all liability for following any of these or any other instructions.
First, your phone (or tablet) needs the AA companion app installed. US residents can install the Android Auto app from Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.projection.gearhead and those outside the US can find APKs here: http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/ .
Next, you need an AA compatible aftermarket or auto OEM headunit. Auto OEM AA headunits (HUs) are just starting to come out for a limited selection of 2016 models. Aftermarket HUs like the Pioneer 4100/7100/8100-NEX devices are a good alternative. If a $500-700 HU is too expensive for you, that's where my Headunit app for tablets comes in, but there are some inherent disadvantages to such an app and a tablet is just one of the costs. More on this further below.
Ensure that your mobile device running the Google AA companion app is setup with a Google account. Make sure the Google apps are up-to-date, including the AA app, Google Play Services, Google Maps, and Google Play Music.
Now plug your mobile device USB into the HU. If all goes well you should see a series of prompts and screens on the HU and mobile device. If something complains that it's not safe to configure at this time, ensure your car is in the Park gear (or neutral for manual), that the emergency/parking brake is fully engaged, and press down on the brake pedal. My 4100-NEX is setup for testing, outside of a car, and I simply connect the green wire to ground or 12 volt negative line. I'm not sure that this will work well if your HU is installed such that the green wire is connected to other things.
Hopefully you will now see the main AA Intro/Google Now Screen. Select functions from the "rail" at bottom of screen: In order: Maps/navigation, Phone, Google Now, Music, and "Other/OEM".
Your mobile device should show a mostly black AA screen indicating the device is in AA/car mode. You CAN escape this and run other apps, but it is not recommended.
While your mobile device is connected via USB, it should charge. Turn the device screen off to maximize charging and minimize heat build up. Using Maps/Navigation will use the device GPS (unless the HU provides it) and this contributes to heating of the device and minimizes charging.
How AA works (technical):
Basically, the AA app creates a special environment in which it draws to a virtual screen instead of the real screen. The resulting video is encoded as an H.264 stream and sent via USB to the HU. The HU responds with touch-screen events which the AA app interprets similarly to normal Android app operation.
AA compatible audio apps contain AA audio extensions, which can provide control of audio app playback and provide information about which audio streams or files can be played. The audio app uses it's normal Android audio APIs, which the AA "app" hooks in order to send the audio to the HU, over USB or Bluetooth. I refer to the AA "app" with parentheses, because it has many hooks into Android internals which normal apps do not have access to. Thus, much of the AA "app" is really system level code, though there is a minor UI for some basic configuration and to provide access to AA developer mode functions.
The AA USB protocol also includes functions for accessing sensors, including parking brake status, gear position, fuel tank level, road speed, engine speed and many more. Only a few sensor functions are fully implemented at this time however, such as parking brake status to determine if it is safe to do configuration.
Google has referred to AA HU's as "dumb terminals". But IMO a true "dumb terminal" would simply be a touchscreen with a DVI/HDMI like interface. AA HUs DO need to have some "smarts", such as H.264 video decoding, Bluetooth and sensor signal processing.
Hardware HUs also generally provide many other functions that work standalone with no mobile device, such as AM/FM/HD radio, CD player and vendor specific apps that run on the HU.
Why would I want your Headunit app ?:
- For the customization opportunities.
I haven't seen any 10 inch / 25 cm screens on auto OEM or aftermarket HUs. Large tablets however are readily available with many choices for screens and other hardware.
- To use or experiment with Android Auto without buying a new car or a $500+ hardware headunit.
Note however that besides the tablet, you may also need a USB OTG Y cable and a powered USB hub in order to properly charge the mobile device, and tablet, without running down the tablet battery.
Some devices (for tablets, mostly non-Samsung) may need special kernels in order to charge while acting as a USB host.
Why can't we just run our phone in an AA standalone mode, without tablet or Headunit ?:
Mostly because Google does not want that. They consider screens under 7 inches / 17 cm to be distracting. Google seems to eventually want "Android in the car", so Google may be working on something like a standalone mode (for what would essentially be an Android tablet in the car), but this is nothing but rumours so far.
I know a LOT of people would REALLY like a standalone mode, so I am likely to explore the feasibility of this in the near future. I am sure that Google would disapprove of this and would eventually take measures to sabotage such a thing, so it's a tricky prospect.
I think an AA standalone mode "app" (more like system mods than an app, same as AA "app" itself) would require a rooted device. It likely would also require Xposed (or similar) to hook and modify various system functions.
Add it all up and it turns into a very difficult venture with limited returns on time invested.
A Headunit app running on a 2nd device/tablet is more feasible as Google can not just change the AA protocol overnight, and it does not require root on the tablet (except for charging of non-Samsung tablets, sigh...)
Are there any other AA compatible Headunit apps ?
At this time no, my Headunit app is the first and only of it's kind.
Google has not publicly released documentation or code to build a Headunit app, and may never do so.
It has so far taken me over 600 hours of work to reverse engineer the AA protocol and build this app. With open docs/code it might have taken only 100-200 hours at most.
I've read a report that Google must certify AA HU implementations before they are "allowed". This is likely part of the agreement and NDAs that auto and HU OEMs must sign to join Googles "Open Auto" alliance, beyond whatever fees are charged.
GENIVI appears to have plans to "open source" an AA client implementation. But AFAICT, GENIVI "open source" is not entirely public and open. I suspect Google would want to ensure that any users of such source code adhere to their requirements.
Pioneer HUs run Android. Their AA client implementation is a binary, so it's somewhat similar to an HU app. But it's specific to their hardware and will not work on general purpose Android tablets or phones.
There may be other Headunit apps to come, but I have not heard of any, beyond one persons desire to create an open source app in the long term.
What devices and ROMs are supported ?
Root is NOT required. (But root and a custom kernel may be needed on non-Samsung tablets in order to allow the tablet to charge while it's in USB host mode.)
Most Android 4.1+ ROMs should be able to work.
ICS 4.0 and earlier devices/ROMs do not have the needed video decoder and can never work. (Except by building my own decoder with FFMPeg or whatever, which is way too much work for too little return.)
A working H.264 video decoder is required, but most quality Android 4.1+ devices should have this. (Chinese/budget devices may use slow and/or buggy implementations.)
Only devices that support USB host mode are physically capable of working. Many or most tablets released in the last 2 years should support USB host mode.
Full, official support is limited to devices I own. With sufficient demand for a new device, I may purchase that device and add official support, if possible.
These are the tablets that I own and test:
Nexus 7 2012 stock.
Nexus 7 2013 stock.
Nexus 9 2014 stock.
Xperia Z2 Tablet stock. CM12 tested OK too.
Many other devices will work and I will do my best to support them.
Phones can work as a headunit, but tablets of 7 inches/17 cm or greater are recommended. Smaller screens are more distracting and can risk your safety.
How do I use the Headunit app?
At this time I can't recommend this for use while driving. It's ONLY for testing within the safety of a home or office... If you can't understand that this Headunit app is still VERY experimental and potentially very distracting while driving, then please don't run it. It's not my fault in any respect or measure if you hit a tree or kill people; it's ALL on you... You assume all responsibility for collisions, injury or the advent of Skynet...
App requires Android 4.1 ICS or higher, but I've mostly tested on Android 4.4 KK, 5.0 and 5.1 Lollipop..
I tested successfully on these, for the Headunit/Tablet side running my app:
Tablets are recommended for a decent size screen in a vehicle:
Xperia Z2 Tablet - CM12 - This 10" screen is wonderful compared to the 7 inch/17 cm 800x480 Pioneer 4100-NEX screen, despite that the video is still only 800x480 at this time.
Nexus 9 - stock - This looks pretty nice too and the CPU power helps make it look good and pretty lag free.
Nexus 7 2013 - stock
Nexus 7 2012 - stock
Phones can also work, but small screens are less safe so I can only recommend these for testing:
HTC One M8 - stock
HTC One M7 - CM12
HTC One XL - CM12
Xperia Z - Lollipop
Xperia Z1 - CM12/FXP
Moto G - CM12
GT-N7100 Note 2 - CM11, but with some video issues.
These phones have major issues or did not work for me:
GT-I9300 GS3 - CM12 unofficial
GT-N7000 Note1 - CM11
GT-I9100 - Android 5.1 ROM
GT-I9000 - Android 5.1 ROM
Note that Headunit/Tablet side issues are largely separate from Phone/Mobile Device side issues. Phones that do not work with Pioneer or other AA head units will not work with this app either, and only Google and the phone OEMs can fix that. This includes MANY very popular Samsung devices. I note that my older Samsung devices also have issues on the Headunit side, and this may be related to general USB issues on Samsungs. (?)
The Headunit/Tablet side running the Headunit app needs to connect to the phone running AA with a USB OTG cable. The OTG cable small micro-USB side needs to plug into the Headunit side.
Many devices can do USB Host for the Headunit side, but can't supply any power to the phone. For these devices a powered USB hub is required, and is recommended for all devices anyway, or the Tablet/Headunit device will quickly lose power to running the phone device.
The phone running AA plugs into the USB hub output side, and should be the only device so plugged in (or the device my app connects to will be random-ish, with HTCs having highest priority.)
When they are all plugged, be patient and wait at least 6 seconds after plugging the USB before starting my app. Most likely the Gallery app will open on the Headunit side. This is annoying, but at least it confirms the connection is good. You may have to wait, then hit Back to exit Gallery. If you get any popups, hit Back or Cancel; you might get several.
Latest AA companion apps to run on the phone side are here: http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/ This requires Android 5.0 Lollipop+ on the phone side as per Googles' decision, and also requires Google Mobile/Play services to be installed and an account set up.
Now you can start the Headunit. You should be prompted to allow access to USB twice. Select OK both times. Don't bother to check the "Remember" box because it never works and it's a silly Google thing. Better solutions are possible, especially if rooted.
If you have never connected the phone with AA to a headunit before, you will be prompted to do a bunch of stuff on the phone side. If you are outside the US you must manually update to the latest AA app from APKMirror etc. You may have to download Maps and Play Music if you don't have yet, and say Yes or "Standard" etc, to various prompts.
After all this, hopefully you will see video on the Headunit screen. You will likely see a safety warning prompt etc. Read it and understand it, and select OK if you dare.
Hopefully you will now come to the main/home/Overview/Now screen of AA. On some devices, video may be imperfect. Select different functions on the "rail" at bottom to help clear it up.
Touch works, but not Multi-touch yet.
Audio output was through the phone last I looked, but microphone does not work.
If you hit Back while in the app, it should exit and the AA connection is broken.
To open a new AA connection/restart the app you MUST disconnect and reconnect the USB, at any point in the chain.
It generally seems possible to turn the screen off and return to it after powering it back on, but if the orientation changes from landscape this may not work. Same for leaving the app with the Home or Recents button; if it switches to portrait, you can't get the video back and must stop the app, reconnect USB and restart the app.
I'm finding that quite a few of my phones running custom ROMs will not run AA on the phone side properly. In some cases a custom DPI really messes up the video dimensions and you can't even select the startup OK button. I see this on my One M7 with CM12 and many people see the same on other phones w/ custom ROMs, whether using a Pioneer headunit or this app.
Enjoy responsibly.
Troubleshooting:
Nothing more disheartening than trying a cool new app, and.... it doesn't work.
Public Enemy #1: Cheap/Bad USB OTG cables.
I got 3 cheap OTG cables and 2 straight and 2 right angle adapters a few months ago. The cables seemed OK in the beginning and now they're all flaky. The adapters didn't last as long and some were flaky new. 7 cables and adapters and they're all garbage.
I've been happy for a few weeks at least with these $10 Y cables that can power/charge both devices. I'll see if they're still good in the next few months: http://www.amazon.com/Micro-Cable-Power-Samsung-AtomicMarket/dp/B009YPYORM
But even with the best cables, your phone and tablet micro-USB ports can be a factor too. Car mounting, with constant vibrations and bumps adds to the challenge.
When I get Android Auto over Wifi working better, I hope USB will just become a backup connection. But wifi has it's own issues too.
Cheap or Chinese devices and hardware HUs are a "crap-shoot": So far I don't think I've had a single success report for Chinese devices. The ROMs and video decoding are often bad or VERY slow and USB is questionable. Some devices do not support USB Host mode or have a bad software implementation.
I recommend Nexus or good quality tablets from Sony or maybe Samsung. All tablets that I own work and are officially supported, including: Nexus 7 2012, Nexus 7 2013, Nexus 9 and Sony Xperia Z2 tablet.
July 24 or later releases recommended for testing: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=62014837&postcount=519http://forum.xda-developers.com/gen...oid-4-1-headunit-android-auto-t3125252/page39
July 24 has a bottom "Test" button to test H.264 video decoder (some phone/ROM decoders are bad or VERY slow.)
Also has a bottom "SUsb" button for devices with USB Host Mode supporting kernels even without Android support.
Also allows manual USB device selection when automatic doesn't work.
MANY possible fixes:
- You must have 2 devices for the Headunit app, so try reversing them to see if that works. This requires the Android Auto app and Google app, Google Play Music, Google Now and Google Maps to be installed on both devices of course.
- You usually need 2 cables: The micro-USB side of an OTG cable to the Headunit app device/tablet, and the full-size USB connection to a "normal" phone/USB cable connected to the Android Auto device/phone.
At least one person reversed the cables, without reversing HU and AA devices and it worked. USB can be funny; there are MANY possible jumper, resistors, wires etc combinations, especially with specialty high current charging cables.
- With some devices, an OTG Y cable MUST be powered, with others it MUST NOT be powered, and for some it doesn't matter and power can even be stopped and started with no effect.
- "Fast Charge" should be disabled if it's a kernel setting. Saw this with Elemental-X kernel on Nexus 7 2013. This kernel also has a setting to allow charging in USB Host mode.
- Sometimes enabling USB Debugging helps, sometimes disabling, sometimes turning it off, then back on. Do this at both ends: Headunit app device and Android Auto device.
- Unplug and replug cables, at both ends and in between. Ensure they are firmly pushed together. July 11 release allows you to see devices disappearing and re-appearing if cable connections are flaky and moved.
- Before starting Headunit app, plug all cables together. If Camera Importer or Gallery, or other apps pop up, hit Cancel or Back to deal with them first. Then after a few seconds of no more popups, NOW start the Headunit app. Plugging/unplugging while the app is running may work but is less successful than starting the app after plugging.
- Some devices/ROMs have various USB settings to try, such as "Charge Only", MTP, etc.
- Use the Exit button or Back key to terminate the Headunit app and try again. It kills it's own process for an extra fresh start next time.
- Use Recents button to return to the Headunit app if Android Auto covers it.
- Avoid screen switching to Portrait mode for best chances of success. Home-screens that force portrait mode can create problems, as can lock-screens.
- Self or SUsb modes require SU/root access. Sometimes the SU prompt is covered and not visible. In such cases manual SU configuration, or setting SU default to "Grant" can help.
Supported Phones running Android Auto:
Any phone that works with hardware headunits, such as Pioneer 4100/7100/8100-NEX, should also work with this Headunit app.
Note: This list is for devices running Android Auto. It is NOT for connected devices running the Headunit app, except for Self standalone mode where one device runs both.
Devices that I tested OK:
Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 CM12.
HTC One M7 stock & CM12.
HTC One M8 stock & CM12.
Xperia Z stock & CM11.
Xperia Z1 stock & CM11.
Xperia Z2 stock & CM11.
Moto G stock & CM12.
EDIT: I wrote this page before Google banned Headunit from Play and before I made it free and open source, but please feel free to read my thoughts written before that below.
Soliciting donations sucks. Thanks much to those that have and those that will. But VERY few people do. At some point I will likely have to return to a commercial model.
Those who donated, or bought Headunit on Play before the ban will become most honoured customers retroactively.
Business Issues:
Yes, I am (attempting) to run a business here. I hope I don't have to explain or apologize for trying to make a minimal income to help support my wife, kids, cats, pay for a house, cars, and all the usual basic accoutrements of life like food, electric, fuel, etc, etc...
I have been working 60-70 hour weeks for over 4 years now on my apps, mostly the Spirit FM apps: Spirit1, Spirit2, Spirit Transmit. I have no other income except my apps.
I am somewhat disappointed that I've been making a small fraction of what I made for decades doing contract or salaried work for a plethora of tech companies.
I have seen my Spirit FM income dropping for the last few years, and have entered into the connected car apps space in an effort to make a better income.
I hope to serve your app desires and appreciate the financial support of everyone who can afford at least roughly the price of a meal at McDonalds, or there-abouts.
Open Source:
Yes, I know EVERYONE wants free and open source software... I LOVE open source; my career has been built mostly on Linux (and Android) since 1997.
But NONE of the 20-odd companies I've done contract or salaried work for in those 18 years has open sourced their code.
Very, VERY few companies turn a profit with open source. How many app devs can you show me that make a decent living exclusively or primarily with open source ? Over 99.9% are based on closed source.
Kickstarter / IndieGogo etc ? LOL. Show me a lone app dev who has done well with that route.
If someone were to sponsor me with a decent income I'd be happy to open source everything. But that's not too likely and I'm not seeking that.
Google is keeping their AA code secret and unpublished, and they do the same with their premium apps like GMail, while the AOSP apps like EMail languish.
Pricing:
Pricing software is a funny thing. If no technical support or packaging are provided (and there are no advertising costs), the incremental cost of 1 more copy of an app is zero.
And yet if you hire people (or yourself) and pay a decent, competitive rate, the R&D costs for the 1st copy can be in the $millions for many modern apps.
There is no such thing as a "fair price"* for an app. Many think apps must be $0.99 for something simpler, or up to $10 for something more complex, and in rarer cases, $20-40-100 or much more.
(*Fair Price: If we talk about technical support, a "fair price" becomes more feasible. If my time is worth $60 per hour (and it should be much more in this field for very short term work), then 10 minutes of total time spent to support someone is worth $10. But that ignores ALL the time it takes to build and test apps.)
The number of people who will buy an app at some given price are a major determinant for a developer trying to make a decent living.
A popular non-root app for "Joe Average" that millions of people might use might be $0.99 or free with ads.
An app only for Android enthusiasts who root, ROM and install Xposed on the other hand will have a very limited market, and price must be high for a chance to make a decent living.
I've noted that there are several examples of specialist Automotive apps that sell in the $20-40 range. Then there are apps like Torque that may sell for $3-5 but have a much bigger market, and the income allows people to be hired, above and beyond supporting a single independent developer.
At this time, I've put this Headunit app for sale at less than $9 US or 8 Euro (after 20% VAT Euro prices are under 10 Euro, but I get none of that).
Note that Google takes 30% (42% markup !) so I only get about $6 US per app. That hardly buys a Big Mac these days...
My desire is to license this Headunit app on a per device basis, though Google doesn't provide any easy method to do so. So if you use this app in 2 cars, but with only one Play store purchase, I'd appreciate consideration via Paypal. There is NO DRM in this app and I REALLY hope not to use any form of copy protection. DRM is mostly trouble.
I reserve the right to change price at any time. As the app becomes more fully featured, I may raise the price as needed to get sufficient income to work on this full time.
Without sufficient financial support, I'll just have to spend more time on other app opportunities. So if you use and like this app (or just want to support such) please support me so I can support you.
And please help spread the word about this app. I'd rather spend time working on wonderful new features and fixing bugs (LOL) than spending time doing marketing stuff, or spending/wasting money on advertising.
Thanks !
Mike.
Feature Requests:
I'm always happy to hear what you want.... Speak up !
Coming Features:
(Originally written in June. Amended August.)
Features I guarantee I will try to added in the relatively short term of 1-3 months:
- Automatic start at plugin.
- Bypass USB permissions with root. (July 24 "SUsb" button)
- Multitouch support (pinch zoom GMaps)
- Resolution increase & switching, if possible. 800x480 at present, 1280x720, 1920x1080. (July 24 still does not seem possible. No hardware HUs higher than 800x480 so Google hasn't enabled ?)
Future of Android Auto:
Built-in, Brought in, Beamed in.
Android in the car
Self driving cars
Flying cars
Skynet^H^H^H^H^H^H
"Headunit" - Build an AA Headunit with a $165 tablet...
As I posted on the original thread:
240 downloads of the Free APK now... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=60894402&postcount=94
"Headunit" is the app name I've settled on. Short & sweet.
Want to see this Headunit app fixed and improved on a regular basis ?
Then I need your help...
First need is some IMO well deserved publicity. There is no other app like this and I think there is a need...
I saw LOTS of excitement on Android enthusiast sites about Android Auto. And a LOT of excitement dissipated hearing that a $700 Headunit or new car was required.
So wouldn't turning a $165 Nexus 7 2013 tablet into a basic AA Headunit with an app restore some excitement ?
I've been busy on the tech side, but to keep this project moving, people need to find out about it.
I've started a new thread here for all further discussion about my Headunit app: http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/paid-software/android-4-1-headunit-android-auto-t3125252
If it seems worthy to you, please consider clicking on "Submit Thread as News Tip" at top right of that thread.
Most Android news and discussion sites have similar functions to submit news tips. If it comes from people like you, I'd think it has more weight than me trying to promote my new app.
XDA is kinda, sorta, not supposed to be used to SELL things (and that's kinda vague & fuzzy, and there IS a section for paid apps, where my new thread is), and I understand and respect that...
But truth is that my second, and perhaps most important need, in order to support YOU, is for some "little bits" of support from you... See my new thread or sig for the new paid APK on Play.
There are other, Android Auto/Connected Car app ideas I have, should this one garner insufficient support. Feel free to comment:
- Use any media player (or messenging) with AA, where it does not have AA extensions.
- App to connect sensors, + via ODB and maybe Torque like functionality.
- Standalone mode for AA running on a phone. Will likely require root and Xposed and LOTS of work and workaround when Google sabotages it.
- Customization of Android Auto via root/Xposed app; Change anything from backgrounds to color to rules that AA imposes in the name of safety and anything else that needs a mod.
Thanks !
Mike ( [email protected] )
Hi!
I've just purchased your headunit app. I've attempted to connect it, but am unable to get it working. I'm really excited to see something like this, and can probably help you debug it if needed.
My devices:
- Nexus 7 (2012 Wifi), running stock Android 5.1.1, stock recovery, rooted with Nexus Root Toolkit
- Nexus 4, running stock Android 5.1.1, custom recovery, rooted with Nexus Root Toolkit
Cables:
- USB OTG cable, purchased some time ago, but known to be functional -- I've used it on my Nexus 4 to connect a microSD reader.
- Micro USB (male) connector from USB OTG cable plugged into Nexus 7.
- Charging cable plugged into micro USB connector (female) on USB OTG cable.
- Standard micro USB connected from Nexus 4 to USB A (female) port on USB OTG cable.
- Both devices show as charging.
Problem:
- When starting Headunit app, the screen stays black (with only standard on-screen controls, and never prompts me on either device for anything).
- I have also tested this in reverse, by sideloading the Headunit APK onto my Nexus 4 (Google Play Store said incompatible, but what do they know? ), and sideloading the Android Auto app onto my Nexus 7. I reversed the cabling, so that the USB OTG cable is plugged into the Nexus 4 as the host device. Same results.
- I've tried various combinations of unplugging and replugging, force closing and restarting apps, etc.
What's the next step in debugging this setup?
jpreston84 said:
Hi!
I've just purchased your headunit app. I've attempted to connect it, but am unable to get it working. I'm really excited to see something like this, and can probably help you debug it if needed.
My devices:
- Nexus 7 (2012 Wifi), running stock Android 5.1.1, stock recovery, rooted with Nexus Root Toolkit
- Nexus 4, running stock Android 5.1.1, custom recovery, rooted with Nexus Root Toolkit
Cables:
- USB OTG cable, purchased some time ago, but known to be functional -- I've used it on my Nexus 4 to connect a microSD reader.
- Micro USB (male) connector from USB OTG cable plugged into Nexus 7.
- Charging cable plugged into micro USB connector (female) on USB OTG cable.
- Standard micro USB connected from Nexus 4 to USB A (female) port on USB OTG cable.
- Both devices show as charging.
Problem:
- When starting Headunit app, the screen stays black (with only standard on-screen controls, and never prompts me on either device for anything).
- I have also tested this in reverse, by sideloading the Headunit APK onto my Nexus 4 (Google Play Store said incompatible, but what do they know? ), and sideloading the Android Auto app onto my Nexus 7. I reversed the cabling, so that the USB OTG cable is plugged into the Nexus 4 as the host device. Same results.
- I've tried various combinations of unplugging and replugging, force closing and restarting apps, etc.
What's the next step in debugging this setup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, Thanks for your support.
Send me an email at [email protected] and I'll send you a debug release. Or I'll PM you a link when I get one built in a few hours. Are you able to capture a logcat or should I add an easy "Send logcat" button ?
Some quick googling tells me the stock Nexus 4 does not support USB OTG (ie running the headunit app). But some kernels enable this and this is the first thread I saw about that: http://forum.xda-developers.com/nex...g-externally-powered-usb-otg-t2181820/page154
The app specifies that USB OTG is required, and I thought that was a great way to prevent people from purchasing on incompatible devices. But now that I see Nexus 4 (and I'm sure many other devices) can do OTG with a custom kernel, I guess I should remove that as a hard requirement. A popup warning would be better.
I have that same Nexus 7 2012 with the latest Android 5.1.1 (unrooted even) and pretty much stock, and all released versions of the Headunit app work on it. So I feel confident that the hardware and software work OK together.
And AFAIK, Android Auto runs fine on stock Nexus 4.
If you aren't getting prompted for USB permissions on the Headunit app side, that seems to indicate a connection problem.
Can you stop charging the Nexus 7 and reboot it to see if that helps ? My understanding is that Nexus devices can't do USB host mode and charge at the same time. Custom kernels are needed to allow this.
If you have a plain OTG cable without a charging connection please try that also. Ensure that the regular USB cable supports data tranfer. Some are for charging only.
My test setup is:
- 1 regular USB cable: large male (plugged into OTG large female) to micro-USB male (plugged into Android Auto phone).
- 1 OTG cable: large femaie (plugged into regular large male) to micro-USB male (plugged into Headunit device).
Sometimes between the 2 cables I insert a powered USB hub, but a straight connection seems to work for both Nexus 7's, Nexus 9 and Xperia Z2 tablet, though it does drain the Headunit device battery to charge the Android Auto device.
A good sign that the cabling is working is seeing the Gallery app opening on the Headunit device when they are plugged. Android Auto device pictures and videos are shown via USB MTP I guess.
I'm going to add a startup screen that shows connected USB devices and that can be used for trouble-shooting.
This thread needs to be woken up...
If you have ANY questions or comments, please post !
I'm encouraged to see the Headunit app on Play has had 2 confirmed sales in the last 2 days; there are also 9 cancels (boo !) and 3 unconfirmed....
Pretty Good I think for the first few days of a new app.... Could be more if I remove the strict USB host requirement, but probably more disappointed cancellers too.
I appreciate Google Play reviews from anyone who has purchased and/or cancelled.
Right now I have two 1 star reviews on Play to deal with; thankfully Google lets us reply to reviews now.
Here's what I just added to the Play Store description:
No risk/full refund within 90 days. Just email 15 digit order ID or email of purchase to [email protected] . But "be warned" that I WILL do my best to get this app working for you and make you happy, or at least explain why your device may be incompatible...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Message to app reviewers on Play:
The Reviews section of Google Play has a 350 letter maximum. It is impossible to provide good technical support with that limit.
Please email me [email protected] for private support.
But I prefer to discuss publicly for everyone's benefit if you are registered or don't mind registering at XDA Developers Forum. Headunit Thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/paid-software/android-4-1-headunit-android-auto-t3125252
If Headunit is working well for you, Great !
For problems, please read on:
I updated the Play Store description with this:
NOTE: Requires 2 devices ! Needs an Android 4.1+ tablet (that supports USB Host mode) running this Headunit app connected to an Android 5.0+ phone running Android Auto. Connection requires 1 standard phone USB cable and a special USB OTG cable connected to the Headunit app device.
No risk/full refund within 90 days. Just email 15 digit order ID or email of purchase to [email protected] . But "be warned" that I WILL do my best to get this app working for you and make you happy, or at least explain why your device may be incompatible...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you understand this is the first release of a new type of app, and that I'm still calling it "experimental".
I will do my best to support as many devices as I can. But some devices will never work, particularly those that can not support "USB Host Mode".
The most common problem will be USB cable connection problems. Generally, you will need at least 2 cables:
1 USB OTG cable connected to tablet or other device running the Headunit app.
1 Regular USB cable connected to phone running Android Auto.
The cables are connected together of course, directly or though a hub. Sometimes you may need to insert a powered USB hub between the cables, with the powered side going to the Android Auto phone.
Sometimes connections may be loose. Ensure that (at least) all 3 connections are securely made. Gently try to push the plugs in just a little deeper to see if it goes farther. This has fixed it for me more than once.
I will put some better debugging and logging options in the next release of this app.
There is a LOT more information about how to get the Headunit app working, and some trouble-shooting hints in the First 10 posts of thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/paid-software/android-4-1-headunit-android-auto-t3125252
Hi, good work on getting this started. For me the deal breaker feature down the line would be car integration, namely:
Bluetooth calls take place over car mic and speakers
Steering wheel controls (volume, answer, next track, etc.)
I imagine some support for the pioneer adapter that allows this would be feasible.
Any plans or knowledge about that?
ok, seems to be working ok (although slowly) on a nexus 7 2012 (as headunit). does not work at all on a nexus 7 2013 (as headunit), just a black screen without any notices.
I would really like to try this, but the USB port of my N7 2012 is broken, and I still haven't fixed it :/
Sent using my nexus⁴ running Euphoria 1.1 with Xposed and hells-Core B78
Maxr1998 said:
I would really like to try this, but the USB port of my N7 2012 is broken, and I still haven't fixed it :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really hope that Google can enable Android Auto over WiFi soon. If not, I will consider mods that would allow this. But it would require root on both sides; an AA standalone mode (that only needs one rooted device) may be desirable to more people.
Android Auto over Wifi would solve USB specific connection problems, like the need for USB Host mode on the Headunit and the associated "charging while in USB host mode" problems that usually requite a custom kernel.
ldti said:
ok, seems to be working ok (although slowly) on a nexus 7 2012 (as headunit). does not work at all on a nexus 7 2013 (as headunit), just a black screen without any notices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good start...
My N7 2012 seems to have good video speed, but I only use it for testing so I have very few apps and they aren't doing many background tasks.
Does the video have defects or does it look accurate ? I have seen slowness and defects together, but mostly on my older, slower phones.
The release I'm working on now has better debbuging capabilities. I'll try to post a new version within the next 12 hours.
Can I presume both Nexus 7's are stock ? Root and recovery shouldn't matter, but a custom kernel (or ROM) could make a big difference.

Android Auto connectivity issue

I've recently bought the new vw golf with the android auto function. I've updated my galaxy note 3 to the latest lollipop 5.0 UK version so i can use AA.
The phones initial connection is fine. Open the AA app, connect USB to car, car recognises the phone via AA. Phone changes connection type to USB instead of Media. AA app then prompts a few questions (as its new connection to the car) and then AA is good to go on the car screen.
All is well until the next time i hop into the car and connect the USB to the phone. you would a expect that as my phone made an initial connection, the car should be able to pick it up and AA will then load up. However the car display will keep going into a loop where it tries to read my phone but connection keeps failing. likewise for my phone it will keep shifting between connection as media and connection as USB (which is the connection type for AA). AA wouldn't load at all on my phone. i go into the app and tried connecting again but the app will just quit by itself. i've tried USB debugging, no luck. i'm using the samsung original USB cable so didn't think there would be issue here.
the funny thing is that i figured that in order to get AA to connect successfully is to go into the app and go to the settings to forget the car that i initially had it connected to. so next time i plug in the usb and go into the app, it will start the new connection prompts and voila it will work again. but next time i plug in the phone it will just go back to the connection loop and won't be able to trigger AA to load on the phone.
there was only one time that the phone managed to connect to the car and load AA without the need to forget car and connect as new. its very hit and miss and i'm not sure whether this is a bug in the app or the car's.
anyone else having similar connection issues?
AA is buggy but I'd have to say......
rafalucas said:
I've recently bought the new vw golf with the android auto function. I've updated my galaxy note 3 to the latest lollipop 5.0 UK version so i can use AA.
The phones initial connection is fine. Open the AA app, connect USB to car, car recognises the phone via AA. Phone changes connection type to USB instead of Media. AA app then prompts a few questions (as its new connection to the car) and then AA is good to go on the car screen.
All is well until the next time i hop into the car and connect the USB to the phone. you would a expect that as my phone made an initial connection, the car should be able to pick it up and AA will then load up. However the car display will keep going into a loop where it tries to read my phone but connection keeps failing. likewise for my phone it will keep shifting between connection as media and connection as USB (which is the connection type for AA). AA wouldn't load at all on my phone. i go into the app and tried connecting again but the app will just quit by itself. i've tried USB debugging, no luck. i'm using the samsung original USB cable so didn't think there would be issue here.
the funny thing is that i figured that in order to get AA to connect successfully is to go into the app and go to the settings to forget the car that i initially had it connected to. so next time i plug in the usb and go into the app, it will start the new connection prompts and voila it will work again. but next time i plug in the phone it will just go back to the connection loop and won't be able to trigger AA to load on the phone.
there was only one time that the phone managed to connect to the car and load AA without the need to forget car and connect as new. its very hit and miss and i'm not sure whether this is a bug in the app or the car's.
anyone else having similar connection issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this is your radio hardware and not the AA app. But you never really disclosed what phone you are using and if it has been modified or what so there is no clear help answer that I can assist you with.
hi, i've got the Note 3 (SM-N9005) running stock lollipop 5.0 (baseband N9005XXUGBOI2). my phone was previously running 4.4.2 kitkat with root.
the connection is very hit and miss. it will keep trying to read my phone when plugged to the car and the phone will keep shifting between "connected as a media device" or "connected as a USB accessory". When its connected as usb accessory, the phone screen will black out for a second and then goes back into the previous screen which is usually home page of the launcher. i think the "blackout" might be the phone trying to boot or load android auto app but gets disconnected as it tries to get in.
i have to plug the usb in and out a few times and sometimes by lottery, it will establish a successful connection and AA loads on the car screen. i've found that if i open the app first on the phone and then plug in the usb, it will have higher chance of getting a successful handshake.
hope this makes sense.
I have the exact same issue: VW App-Connect in a new 2016 vehicle with a Galaxy S5 running Lollipop. Very annoying because once the two are connected it does work reasonably well.
rafalucas said:
I've recently bought the new vw golf with the android auto function. I've updated my galaxy note 3 to the latest lollipop 5.0 UK version so i can use AA.
The phones initial connection is fine. Open the AA app, connect USB to car, car recognises the phone via AA. Phone changes connection type to USB instead of Media. AA app then prompts a few questions (as its new connection to the car) and then AA is good to go on the car screen.
All is well until the next time i hop into the car and connect the USB to the phone. you would a expect that as my phone made an initial connection, the car should be able to pick it up and AA will then load up. However the car display will keep going into a loop where it tries to read my phone but connection keeps failing. likewise for my phone it will keep shifting between connection as media and connection as USB (which is the connection type for AA). AA wouldn't load at all on my phone. i go into the app and tried connecting again but the app will just quit by itself. i've tried USB debugging, no luck. i'm using the samsung original USB cable so didn't think there would be issue here.
the funny thing is that i figured that in order to get AA to connect successfully is to go into the app and go to the settings to forget the car that i initially had it connected to. so next time i plug in the usb and go into the app, it will start the new connection prompts and voila it will work again. but next time i plug in the phone it will just go back to the connection loop and won't be able to trigger AA to load on the phone.
there was only one time that the phone managed to connect to the car and load AA without the need to forget car and connect as new. its very hit and miss and i'm not sure whether this is a bug in the app or the car's.
anyone else having similar connection issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe Verizon phones were having USB connection issues because of some special app they had that did stuff over USB, and an update fixed it.
Some USB connection issues can be solved by changing the mode of USB: MTP, Charge Only, etc.
Some issues can be worked around by enabling (or disabling) USB debugging. This is under Developer settings after Dev mode is entered by tapping Build number 7 times.
Hi Mike, I've got an Australian stock unbranded note 3.
i've spoken to the vw dealer and apparently vw is working diligently for a software upgrade to the car's infotainment system which may or may not fix the connectivity issue.
it's just frustrating that in order to get a consistent connection, i have to go into the app and "forget" the car, then it will go through the new connection prompts.
i'm hoping the next app update might fix the issue but at the moment its unclear whether its the app, or my phone or the car's problem.
I have similar issues with my 2016 Skoda Fabia Combi. I'm guessing the infotainment system in the Skoda is pretty much the same as in the Volkswagen. Many parts are because Skoda is owned by VW. After tons of trial and error, I've had some success connecting my LG G3 but first let me tell you how I ended up in the current situation.
I have tried to connect thee different android devices (LG G3, HTC One M7 and Nexus 7 tablet all running Lollipop) with bunch of different USB cables. The result is always the same. On the phone I see black screen flashing before it returns to home screen and nothing else happens. From the recent apps view I can see that the black screen was AA trying to launch. CarPlay with iPhone works fine.
I live in Finland so I have sideloaded the AA app and at first I thought that the issue is caused by AA not being officially available here yet. After searching this forum and other android forums I found out that other people are having the same issues in countries where AA is supported so maybe this is not the case. Obviously it's not also a device problem because I get exactly same results with different devices from different manufacturers. Only common nominator seems to be the VW/Skoda infotainment system? Correct me if I'm wrong here..
In the Skoda smartlink menu you can choose your preferred connection protocol from Android Auto and Mirrorlink. This affects the order the car attempts to establish the connection. I read from a Skoda forum that someone had a successful connection after he had changed these options around so I tried it. I checked Mirrorlink as a preferred method and tried the connection: no luck. I changed back to AA as preferred method and to my amazement after this the AA launched on the phone and I had a successful connection! If the VW has similar option I suggest you VW guys also try this.
My current situation is that most of the time the phone does not connect at first try but after changing the preferred method around it does. I have also other issues with AA. After connecting I cannot adjust the volume first from steering wheel/stereo volume knob. Spotify audio goes to a wrong channel at first (I can hear it only when i activate voice command) After changing music app to Google Play Music and then back to Spotify it starts working normally and I can also adjust volume. And of course the restriction on browsing your Spotify library. It is the most stupid thing I've ever seen at that level of software development.
rafalucas said:
Hi Mike, I've got an Australian stock unbranded note 3.
i've spoken to the vw dealer and apparently vw is working diligently for a software upgrade to the car's infotainment system which may or may not fix the connectivity issue.
it's just frustrating that in order to get a consistent connection, i have to go into the app and "forget" the car, then it will go through the new connection prompts.
i'm hoping the next app update might fix the issue but at the moment its unclear whether its the app, or my phone or the car's problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Auto dealers tend to know almost nothing about software and smartphones. They know how to sell cars, and the mechanics tend to know how to fix them mechanically, more or less.
And they can almost always say that there is likely an update due at some point.
If you, or anyone having a problem on the car/HU side, has a USB OTG cable and a bit of time to test, you should consider trying my Headunit app; see my sig.
If you get it working you can get a better idea if your car HU is at fault.
I wonder if there are car stereo shops where you can plug your phone into a Pioneer AA unit, like 4100NEX, and see if it works OK on that.
I've had my 2015 Seat Leon (also VW group) for four months now and also having trouble with Android Auto through the SEAT 'Full Link' connection. It seems to be russian roulette whether it'll make a connection and start AA when you plug it in. Sometimes you'll get a 'Connection failed' message, other times you will see the system try AA, fail, then try MirrorLink then fail on that too (as my Nexus 5 doesn't support MirrorLink). As others have said you see the phone screen go black then crash out and goes back to the home screen.
The only solution I have is to restart my phone and try again. Its almost my routine now to restart my phone just before I know I'm about to go for a drive. It beats having to sit in the car watching my phone reboot before I set off!
I didn't know you can change the USB settings on the phone, so I'm going to go through the various settings in developer options to see if any of these help. I'm thinking 'Charge only' might be useful, unless AA needs MTP or network connection to operate?
seems like i'm not the only one! sounds to me its more and more likely to do with the vw made headunit (could be the firmware). I just tried a mate's phone with the AA app but it also went in a connection loop before finally establishing a handshake with the phone. hopefully next firmware update to the car's headunit may be able to fix but but i won't bet on that happening anytime soon.
guess everyone has to trial and error and find ways to establish a successful consistent connection. for me is to forget the car and establish a new connection to the car.
still frustrating as ever and i don't want to have to spend 2 - 3 mins each time before i drive to wait for AA to load.
anyone else having connection issues with other car makes?
rafalucas said:
anyone else having connection issues with other car makes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With my Pioneer or my Headunit app, one of the biggest issues is quality of the USB cable and USB connections.
Testing with different/known high quality cables is worthwhile.
nimdy said:
'Charge only' might be useful, unless AA needs MTP or network connection to operate?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Charge Only" is what I try to aim for. Despite it's name apps like Android Auto can use the USB in this state.
AA does not need or use MTP or network connections via USB. Trying to use USB for other things, like network connection, would only be possible via a USB hub, but it's a crap-shoot whether that would even work.
mikereidis said:
With my Pioneer or my Headunit app, one of the biggest issues is quality of the USB cable and USB connections.
Testing with different/known high quality cables is worthwhile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've tried various cables but i find the original samsung cable that came with the phone the most "consistent" in establishing a successful connection.
mikereidis said:
"Charge Only" is what I try to aim for. Despite it's name apps like Android Auto can use the USB in this state.
AA does not need or use MTP or network connections via USB. Trying to use USB for other things, like network connection, would only be possible via a USB hub, but it's a crap-shoot whether that would even work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'll give this a go tonight
PHEW. I thought maybe it was just me. I have just purchased a Skoda Fabia 2016 with Android Auto (I imagine this will be the same underlying system for VW/Skoda/Seat/Audi). I find that sometimes, I plug it in and then it magically works fine. Other times it can't connect to the device and tries to connect to MirrorLink instead....which also fails. I'm using a Samsung Note 3 official UK lollipop build - but rooted. When it fails, I have to go through the process of telling it that I want to connect to the device.
Incidentally when it has connected, it's rock solid every time (well with one random crash & reboot of the car's entertainment system).
It's just annoying. I want to get in my car, plug it in, AA to launch and that's it!
What's also slightly annoying is that there's no button to go right to AA on the dash. I have to go to 'Menu' and find Android Auto in that menu to launch back into it if I go to something else within the car's entertainment system. Grr! Not anything anyone can do on here, but just venting!
jonboyuk said:
PHEW. I thought maybe it was just me. I have just purchased a Skoda Fabia 2016 with Android Auto (I imagine this will be the same underlying system for VW/Skoda/Seat/Audi). I find that sometimes, I plug it in and then it magically works fine. Other times it can't connect to the device and tries to connect to MirrorLink instead....which also fails. I'm using a Samsung Note 3 official UK lollipop build - but rooted. When it fails, I have to go through the process of telling it that I want to connect to the device.
Incidentally when it has connected, it's rock solid every time (well with one random crash & reboot of the car's entertainment system).
It's just annoying. I want to get in my car, plug it in, AA to launch and that's it!
What's also slightly annoying is that there's no button to go right to AA on the dash. I have to go to 'Menu' and find Android Auto in that menu to launch back into it if I go to something else within the car's entertainment system. Grr! Not anything anyone can do on here, but just venting!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Galaxy s6 Stock firmware and my octavia android auto 1.4 work very well.
No luck with LG G3
Good day everyone, I just purchased a 2016 VW GTI and I have an LG G3 with Lollipop 5.01 rooted. and I can not get it to work with mirrorlink or android auto. Mirror link default or AA default. I tried different cables, plugged in car on before the car was on. MTP, PPP, charge. The head unit does see it as an LG phone but nothing works.. usb debugging on or off.. Kind of bums me out. Oh I keep getting a make sure the phone is unlocked message I turned screen lock off, and the phone is awake when I try to connect.
mikereidis said:
If you, or anyone having a problem on the car/HU side, has a USB OTG cable and a bit of time to test, you should consider trying my Headunit app; see my sig.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! This is the best option for check if the problem is the HU/car or the phone.
From my point of view typically the most issues are related to the phone (ROM, AA app, etc.). For example, with my previous Lollipop 5.0 one month ago... the AA was inestable. With a new 5.1 phone and with the last AA app version (upgraded 1 week ago) I don't have any problem.
Please, try this before post about problems. Sometimes the problems isn't the car or the Head Unit. :angel:
Hi all. Further to my last post, I'm also sure it is a device/ROM issue. It doesn't work all the time, but most of the time the workaround for me is to open the open apps list, swipe them all off to close them, including AA app, then re-open AA. This increases the chances of my phone connecting to the car, but every so often I get a connection error and have to try again a second/third time.
I think I may have asked before, but is there anywhere we can report these bugs to? AA is technically beta (as with most Google products) so I'm sure they would welcome our bug reports.
Connection Memory ?
Hi,
I have the same experience as many others that the connection to AA is very random. I've tried:
Different phones (Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 on stock Android 6.0)
Different USB cables
AA app on and off
Screen locked and unlocked
All without being able to see a pattern. Sometimes it connects automatically in 15 seconds, sometimes automatically in 1 minute and sometimes I need to manually push the connect on the HUD (VW Passat 2106).
The only thing that is consistent is that once you are connected to AA and then disconnect, if you re-connect the phone it works flawless every time ! It seems to be working even if the re-connect happens after a few minute (e.g. not rigth away). So it seems that either the HUD or the phone has some sort of connection memory. Once it expires the connection problem reappears.
Anyone else that can confirm this ? Any ideas on where the problem can be ? I guess this rules out the USB cabel as suggested by many.
// J

AA (Galaxy S6 and S4) stopped working on Skoda Fabia 2016

Hi,
I used to be able to launch android auto on my galaxy s6 Skoda Fabia 2016. It also used to work with a galaxy s4.
About a month ago (or more), it stopped working:
When I connect the phone, AA is launched but the exists and the USB connection is reset. I can see in my task manager that AA is active in background.
I can connect with MirrorLink, but I rather use AA.
The car didn't go through any upgrades so I guess the blame is at AA.
I tried replacing USB cables, resetting the AA on my phone, changing USB connection from MTP to all other possible options... nothing helps.
Any ideas?
AA found that new version is available, but you are somehow frozen during inicialization.
Please provide following info:
1. AA version (go to Application Manager -> current is 1.6.281040
2. in Application manager press FORCE STOP for AA. If you have any cash data for AA, remove it
3. (OPTIONAL). IN skoda HeadUnit, go to settings -> Factory Reset -> Navigate to FUllink/SkodaLink/Whatever link and have reset of AA/Mirrorlink
4. check in mobile, that AA is not running. If yes, clear it from memory!
5. connect via USB, go to Headunit and launch Android Auto. You should go thru setup phase and everything should work.
Fast check if you need update of AA:
Launch AA application, if you see Update/Upgrade banner, you need to perform above. If you are unsure, create a screenshot and i can advise.
Mgx
skfree said:
AA found that new version is available, but you are somehow frozen during inicialization.
Please provide following info:
1. AA version (go to Application Manager -> current is 1.6.281040
2. in Application manager press FORCE STOP for AA. If you have any cash data for AA, remove it
3. (OPTIONAL). IN skoda HeadUnit, go to settings -> Factory Reset -> Navigate to FUllink/SkodaLink/Whatever link and have reset of AA/Mirrorlink
4. check in mobile, that AA is not running. If yes, clear it from memory!
5. connect via USB, go to Headunit and launch Android Auto. You should go thru setup phase and everything should work.
Fast check if you need update of AA:
Launch AA application, if you see Update/Upgrade banner, you need to perform above. If you are unsure, create a screenshot and i can advise.
Mgx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the instructions but it didn't help
My AA version is 1.6.281040. No update\upgrade banner when I open the app.
I tried all of the above steps (force stop + clear data and cache + factory reset my car smartlink) but the result is the same:
When I try to connect the car- AA launches and immediately goes to the background and the connection fails.
Any other ideas?
How can I debug this?
questions
Hi,
1. before launching AA, is bluetooth on your phone activated and you are paired with Skoda HeadUnit? You should be able to make a call via HeadUnit with buttons on wheel/buttons on headunit. Working bluetooth connection is mandatory prereq for working AA yet (USB cable is just not enough)
2. USB cable - i have seen situations, when setup has been not working with long cable or chinese fake cable. Try to use short original factory cable 0.3m maximum from Samsung (should be white), this works
3. what ROM are you using? Its original rom from SAMSUNG? If yes, please indicate build number+version. If not, this may be problem as non-original rom doesn't support DPIchange yet.
4. You can enable devel mode. enable usb debugging on android side + in AA - follow http://www.androidexplained.com/android-auto-developer-mode/
5. do you see on mobile at least ANDROID AUTO label for second?
6. where are you located? S6 is oficially supported phone on SkodaHU, so you may also ask support from importer via dealer.
Hey,
over at the Mazda headunit project, with a opensource custom AA, there is problems too. It appears that a new version of "Google Play Services" broke AA.
Play services is a sort of API that broker things like GPS and USB for apps.
Last working version is 9.0.83. Your timeline fits with the issue of the affected versions. Please send a bug report to Google to get them to fix it : [email protected]
larxxor said:
Hey,
over at the Mazda headunit project, with a opensource custom AA, there is problems too. It appears that a new version of "Google Play Services" broke AA.
Play services is a sort of API that broker things like GPS and USB for apps.
Last working version is 9.0.83. Your timeline fits with the issue of the affected versions. Please send a bug report to Google to get them to fix it : [email protected]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That email just gives us a bounce back not sure if google receives you but you guys should post here!
https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/play/tflL2_GCj4s
skfree said:
Hi,
1. before launching AA, is bluetooth on your phone activated and you are paired with Skoda HeadUnit? You should be able to make a call via HeadUnit with buttons on wheel/buttons on headunit. Working bluetooth connection is mandatory prereq for working AA yet (USB cable is just not enough)
2. USB cable - i have seen situations, when setup has been not working with long cable or chinese fake cable. Try to use short original factory cable 0.3m maximum from Samsung (should be white), this works
3. what ROM are you using? Its original rom from SAMSUNG? If yes, please indicate build number+version. If not, this may be problem as non-original rom doesn't support DPIchange yet.
4. You can enable devel mode. enable usb debugging on android side + in AA - follow http://www.androidexplained.com/android-auto-developer-mode/
5. do you see on mobile at least ANDROID AUTO label for second?
6. where are you located? S6 is oficially supported phone on SkodaHU, so you may also ask support from importer via dealer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bluetooth is working and connected to the car.
I tried several different USB cables (originals and non-originals) but none helped.
I'm using stock rom: 6.0.1 build number MMB29K.G920FXXU3DPEK
5. do you see on mobile at least ANDROID AUTO label for second? I see AA launches and then it moves to the background. I don't see the "Android auto" overlay that was usually there.
I'll try contacting Skoda representative but since nothing has changed in the car unit, I believe it's a software issue in the phone.
soulz said:
That email just gives us a bounce back not sure if google receives you but you guys should post here!
https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/play/tflL2_GCj4s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like my issue. I posted in the forum link.
After reading through he posts in @soulz link, I found a solution:
https://productforums.google.com/d/msg/play/tflL2_GCj4s/Y5Ens5WxBwAJ
Basically, I disabled the following services:
ReschedulerUsingAlarmManager
ReschedulerUsingBroadcast
This needs root! but it works like a charm.
Now, all that's left to do is wait for Google to fix the play services issue.

Android Auto Wireless Adapter for Standard Head Units

I mean, this can't be that hard right? We know USB data can be transferred over WIFI. Thats probably what is behind the tech of the new wireless feature in the head units. The car has wifi, the head unit knows it and uses it with your phones WIFI and blue tooth in tandem.
I can't really rely on GM to update their Android Auto head unit even though my car has WIFI and it would be easy. They just wont do it. So, I was laying in bed brainstorming. There has to be some small dongle out there that plugs into the cars USB port and uses your phones wifi to connect to it and create a USB connection as if it was plugged in directly. Then the head unit wouldn't need the wireless feature.
Or, you plug the dongle in, and the the Android Auto head unit knows what it is, (just like if you plug an android phone in with Android Auto) and the dongle creates a wifi connection with your phone. Then the head unit wouldn't need the wireless feature baked in. This can't be that hard to come up with can it?
I think it may be possible using a few items
1.)Modified OpenAuto (already supports wifi) that redirects or clones AA data to usb
2.) Raspberry pi zero w
3.) this Zero usb adapter
I'd be willing to work on it, but seems like a big task to undertake to modify OpenAuto.
ashergray said:
I think it may be possible using a few items
1.)Modified OpenAuto (already supports wifi) that redirects or clones AA data to usb
2.) Raspberry pi zero w
3.) this Zero usb adapter
I'd be willing to work on it, but seems like a big task to undertake to modify OpenAuto.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that this in any way diminishes the amount of work involved, but I would 100% be willing to donate towards this venture. If you wanted to start a crowfunding or donation platform towards this I would get behind it in a heartbeat!
benmeroff said:
Not that this in any way diminishes the amount of work involved, but I would 100% be willing to donate towards this venture. If you wanted to start a crowfunding or donation platform towards this I would get behind it in a heartbeat!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Id love to see this too. more than willing to donate to make it happen
ashergray said:
I think it may be possible using a few items
1.)Modified OpenAuto (already supports wifi) that redirects or clones AA data to usb
2.) Raspberry pi zero w
3.) this [ RasPi URL HW Removed here]
I'd be willing to work on it, but seems like a big task to undertake to modify OpenAuto.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also would want to donate. There is a market for this if stable and effective. Let us know.
This seems like it is possible if we get a device that works somewhat similar to how Nintendo used to allow wireless connections for their older consoles. They would connect a USB to a PC and bridge the wireless connection to the USB and LAN on the machine. We would need a USB dongle that can take the wireless commands and send them as if the phone was a native host connected via USB.
It'd be interesting to see if it could be done with a Pi Zero W, as the two technologies are *technically* compatible, indeed, when you connect to the Desktop Head Unit, it transmits TCP data over USB.
Unfortunately I don't have a Pi0W to give this a shot with
I'd be all about this.
[Android 3.0+]Proxy/GateWay for Android Auto
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?sh...ers.com/showthread.php?t=3813163&share_type=t
Have a look here. It’s happening.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
That’s great.
Hi Guys,
what about this? Nothing? I've already checked the other solution, but I would like it much better if could be done it with RPi, "natively" redirect the data between wifi and usb. So the phone can connect normally directly by Android Auto app using wifi without any other 3rd app.
Could be possible? Of course I also would donate this project!!!
Best regards,
Géza
Yeah, apparently a Chinese company made this kind of usb dongle but only for carplay. They converted the factory head unit with carplay from wired to wireless.
I did asked if this will work for AA, but reply is no.
Any updates??
hzr34 said:
Any updates??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is this one https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/aawireless#/
Just announced that they are in production:
AAWireless
AAWireless is now available via our official webshop: https://shop.aawireless.io | Check out 'AAWireless' on Indiegogo.
www.indiegogo.com

Detect Andoid Auto running on head unit with Tasker

Is there a way to detect whether AA is running on the car head unit? I need a reminder to take my phone from the hidden wireless charger when I leave my car.
So far I have made a profile which checks for wireless power + BT connection in car to trigger a message when the conditions are not satisfied anymore. I had to add a loop to prevent the message to come if there is a short disconnection from the wireless charging as it tends to briefly cut out from time to time. So, if it is less than 4 seconds off, consider power still on, if not say message.
This works but only 90% of the time, not sure why it is not 100%.
A more reliable method would be to simply check whether Android Auto is running or not and give message when AA is not connected anymore. Unfortunately, checking for AA app running on phone does not work as AA is running on the Head Unit...
I also tried %UIMODE ~ car to check if Android Auto started but that does not work, the value does not change from normal to car when Android Auto is running on the Head Unit...
Is there a relatively simple way (I am not great at programming Tasker besides the obvious basic programming) to check whether Android Auto is running on Head Unit or not? My phone is NOT rooted (as I need to use the Samsung Pay app).
Thanks for any help!
TheEarman said:
Is there a way to detect whether AA is running on the car head unit? I need a reminder to take my phone from the hidden wireless charger when I leave my car.
So far I have made a profile which checks for wireless power + BT connection in car to trigger a message when the conditions are not satisfied anymore. I had to add a loop to prevent the message to come if there is a short disconnection from the wireless charging as it tends to briefly cut out from time to time. So, if it is less than 4 seconds off, consider power still on, if not say message.
This works but only 90% of the time, not sure why it is not 100%.
A more reliable method would be to simply check whether Android Auto is running or not and give message when AA is not connected anymore. Unfortunately, checking for AA app running on phone does not work as AA is running on the Head Unit...
I also tried %UIMODE ~ car to check if Android Auto started but that does not work, the value does not change from normal to car when Android Auto is running on the Head Unit...
Is there a relatively simple way (I am not great at programming Tasker besides the obvious basic programming) to check whether Android Auto is running on Head Unit or not? My phone is NOT rooted (as I need to use the Samsung Pay app).
Thanks for any help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to know that too. Did you find a way. I updated to Android 13 and I found that %UIMODE is not working.
tiho5 said:
I'd like to know that too. Did you find a way. I updated to Android 13 and I found that %UIMODE is not working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used plugin AutoNotification intercept with: Notification App and Title = "Android Auto" and Notification text = "Connected to your car". Have been using it for several months, works fine.
TheEarman said:
I used plugin AutoNotification intercept with: Notification App and Title = "Android Auto" and Notification text = "Connected to your car". Have been using it for several months, works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the meantime I have found that solution too. But thank you for willing to help and replying!

Categories

Resources