Google / Motorola / Nexus NEEDS to support MirrorLink! - Nexus 6 General

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

natv said:
Google needs to start supporting MirrorLink on Nexus phones. I have a Nexus 6 and the Pioneer AVH-4100NEX.
Android Auto has been a horrible experience so far. It worked at first, for a couple of months, and then I don't know why (Android update maybe?) but suddenly it stopped working and hasn't worked since.
Even when it did work, there were some VERY annoying things:
1) if your phone is plugged into the USB cable, Android Auto launches, and as long as you're still plugged in I couldn't find any way to temporarily get out of Android Auto (such as if I want to check my email or some other app on the phone). Or if I want to listen to a YouTube video (or watch it from my phone, lets say I'm the passenger ok?), then I'd have to un-plug the USB which means my phone isn't charging.
2) The other really annoying thing is that Android Auto limits developers in how many screen clicks user would need to do to get to content (including, clicking the down arrow to browse through a long list). Where this is a problem for me for example, is my Spotify playlists. Android Auto will only display about 10 or so of my playlists.
So I find myself disconnecting the phone from the cable and just streaming over bluetooth.
In fact at first I was really upset that my phone was no longer launching Android Auto at all and stopped working with my Pioneer AVH-4100NEX, but now that I am just able to leave the phone charging all the time and have full access to my phone apps, all my spotify playlists, youtube, and am just streaming over bluetooth now I'm not really sure I even want to fix Android Auto.
What I really want at this point is to just MIRROR my phone screen to my head unit. This way no matter what I want to watch or listen to, it doesn't matter if "Android Auto" supports it or not. I can put on YouTube videos, or anything I want.
So this gets me back to Mirror Link, I don't know why Google or Motorola is not supporting it, MirrorLink from what I've seen should be another viable option for Android users (and for now I think a better option than Android Auto)
It seems it's being treated as something old/legacy but in fact I think it's a step in the right direction and something we should all have the capability to do with our phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to take into account the many laws in different places concerning cell phones and driving. In some places you can get a ticket just for having your phone in your hand while driving. And now they are cracking down even harder on it. Also some OEM have been known to block some cars from working with devices like that. It was found that one samsung device had a list built into the OS that blocked a number of different cars from working with Android Auto. This I can only assume came from the Car manufacturer.
Also on a side not there is no need to open another thread about the same topic you have already replied to. This is called spamming.

Related

Car troubles - audio via USB, hands free texting

I drive a 2010 GMC Terrain. Girlfriends iphone/ipod plays through the USB port fine, but I tried my nexus 4 and got nothing. 5.0.1 stock, but considering alternate ROMs
After a year and a half with windows phone, I was way overdue to come back to android. one good thing about WP though was that my texts would read aloud through Bluetooth (my rig only has Bluetooth for calls, not a2dp), but android still doesn't seem to have this feature stock.
Suggestions for either of these issues?
no clue on usb-audio out, but internet should have something on that
for second issue i know of two possible solutions:
1) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.github.grimpy.botifier&hl=pl (edit - this app actually sends text to car's display, not the audio)
2) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.marvin.talkback&hl=pl
other than these two apps i suppose there are many other, just type a few queries in play store, i'm sure you'll find what you desire
3) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=robj.readit.tomefree
I tried readittome, it requires a purchase to get the full features. The other apps look cool, but not quite what I'm looking for. Disappointing that android still doesn't have what should be deemed an essential feature when a platform like windows phone does.

Panapacific DEA600 head unit and smart touch screen...

Hey Guys,
I just bought a brand new Kenworth W900, and it has android auto (or something mimicing it) built in... A panapacific dea600... the major problem is it super kludge... amongst being terribly locked down, i cannot connect to an ad hoc wifi thru my windows 10 laptop (that is tethered to my S6 with easy tether)... my tablet can connect to the ad hoc no problems, and my stereo can see the network but cannot connect to it for some reason (i REALLY need to update the trucks GPS maps, and have you tried to use a truck stops wifi? (like dial up))... id really just like access to the OS or another launcher so i can add some apps that i need (no not facebook or stuff like that) and perhaps root and rom it....
its running android 4.2.2... and i can get you the entirely too long software version
Its sad really because this could be cutting edge stuff, but someone higher up had to come up with ways to neuter this damn thing... and look i get that there are things i shouldnt have access to while driving, but it DOES have android web browser built in so its not like they dont want us using it...
i dont expect the world as this unit has only been shipping with trucks for a few months... and many of you may not have come across it... but perhaps it shares hardware with another system and panapacific just stole it (it HAS happened many times)
thanks guys and look forward to replies before i finish going insane
Nobody?
DEA600 - SmartDisplay for Automotive Infotainment
Hey,
I just came across your note while search for this product - I was the software architect/tech lead for the supplier company providing the Android port and the Freescale SOM component of the display screen on this product line - although moved on shirtly after the system went to mass production. - it is awesome to see someone here discuss it!
You are very correct on a lot of you assumptions and assessments. it was a very ambitious project that really tried to leverage as much of what Android was capable of at the time it was planned, but tuned to work as a smart display for commercial vehicles.
The display is only a part of a system of components. The display runs a port of Android 4.2.2 - but highly tailored to its environment - pairs with the Delphi radio unit (as a peer, not as an accessory) and is toghtly coupled to the unit in production. as a security measure.
unfortunately for what you are looking for, though much of the upgrade and app installation capabilities have been locked down to prevent side loading or execution of "unauthorized" apps that don't have special keys fro. the OEM or manufacturer. even if installed, the system manager will kill any apps that are launched without keys.
you may be able to get a developer key from the OEM but I don't know how they chose to mange that in the final system.
thanks for the posting, though - it was a small run comparatively for android systems but it was a pretty damn cool system with what we did get working....
I would be happy to discuss more if you want. - with what I can....
- Chris
DEA600
hi there
i have same head unit in my 389 pride and class peterbilt, for the map part, that you can update by connecting it to your phones internet, either wifi hot spot if not then just connect it with bluetooth and use bluetooth tethering of phone and PAN of your DEA600, but main problem in the system is that you cant put a single thing without pulling breaks, and u cant download a single file by any means, it just displays error that unfortunately process.android. stopped or browser has stopped or settings has stopped. if any one figured out how to download anythimg in this little thing. please update
hello there. I have T-680 with DEA600. I had exactly the same problem and ended up taking my truck to a dealer. it turned out to be defected radio. After it was replaced, it would connect to a hotspot no problem ( im using htc 10).
I have the same unit in my W 900. It is a huge disappointment in many ways. First of all just like any factory radio I have ever seen in a commercial truck the sound quality is horrible. Second I don't like the fact that it locks so many functions when I am driving. I have a passenger that rides with me most of the time that is perfectly capable of safely operating those functions while I drive. This makes the GPS almost useless for the way I like to use a GPS. Good thing I still have my Garman. But really my biggest disappointment is the fact that I cannot get the gauges to work properly. It states that I can choose from over 30 gauges to be displayed however I have been unable to find any way to change from the six default gauges that are there. I have read the manual but it does not explain how to open the menu that lets you choose which gauges are there. I don't know if my unit is defective like one of a red one of yours was or if it just hasn't come out in an update yet. Also if I am reading this right it looks like my display and gauges function are tied to the stereo which means if I replace the head unit I'm going to lose that function. Am I reading that correctly?
Hey guys so a friend of mine has the DEA601 in his new truck and drives him nuts that the passenger cannot control things when its going faster than 5km hour (his old Peterbuilt worked fine).
I'm a software eng and would like to find out how to disable the Distracted Driver feature (like you can do in settings on many other Android Auto ROM's like Honda). What are my options here? a) Make a whole new ROM (but how to do that?) b) try to hexedit the existing ROM and find where the 5 km value is and modify it c) add an add-on app somehow to override this limit or d) other???
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Ckrobin said:
I have the same unit in my W 900. It is a huge disappointment in many ways. First of all just like any factory radio I have ever seen in a commercial truck the sound quality is horrible. Second I don't like the fact that it locks so many functions when I am driving. I have a passenger that rides with me most of the time that is perfectly capable of safely operating those functions while I drive. This makes the GPS almost useless for the way I like to use a GPS. Good thing I still have my Garman. But really my biggest disappointment is the fact that I cannot get the gauges to work properly. It states that I can choose from over 30 gauges to be displayed however I have been unable to find any way to change from the six default gauges that are there. I have read the manual but it does not explain how to open the menu that lets you choose which gauges are there. I don't know if my unit is defective like one of a red one of yours was or if it just hasn't come out in an update yet. Also if I am reading this right it looks like my display and gauges function are tied to the stereo which means if I replace the head unit I'm going to lose that function. Am I reading that correctly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found out in order for the guages to work I need an $800 module my truck didn't come with. Now my biggest problem is the technology seems to have stagnated. The software on my phone and tablet are no longer very comparable with Android 4.2. I try my iPhone and my Android tablet and neither will play Pandora consistently. I am forced to use Bluetooth which looses sound quality on an already low quality stereo. I really wish Kenworth had spent their R &D on making their trucks compatible with idatalink like most aftermarket stereos use.
At this point I am torn between installing a hideaway marine stereo with a remote display and leaving this POS Pans Pacrapic as a display with nono sound. Or installing a line converter and amp and dealing with this clunky software. I wish someone would make a rom to upgrade this thing.
Looks like the Mfg won this round
Looks like the Mfg won this round
I'm driving one of these trucks also and I keep checking this post but I guess we havent incentivized anyone who cud help yet!
The electrical switch must be located behind the air brakes control knob. I'm sure if you pull the stereo out you will find the wires that control the disabling feature. The unit tries to "update" when connected to wifi. Maybe someone can use wireshark and grab the update packet and modify it with root installed. I'm ok with trying anything short of taking the unit apart and Jtag the firmware directly. Would love to see one taken apart.
sunny530 said:
The electrical switch must be located behind the air brakes control knob. I'm sure if you pull the stereo out you will find the wires that control the disabling feature. The unit tries to "update" when connected to wifi. Maybe someone can use wireshark and grab the update packet and modify it with root installed. I'm ok with trying anything short of taking the unit apart and Jtag the firmware directly. Would love to see one taken apart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a 2+ year old thread being g responded to.
What is your point? 2years later and still no solution to the problem. I ran across this thread of people discussing the same problems I'm having with the radio unit. If you got something usefull to add to this discussion then please feel free otherwise you don't need to acknowledge when what was posted that helps me null with my problem.
Anyone here figure anything out?
still nothing
Hello! So I have little tech experience but I am willing to work with someone here to sort this out. Got a 17 w900 that I put a aftermarket double din in and retained smart nav for the gauges. What I did find was the screen (not the radio) gets a input from the wire harness off the ecm to give data to the screen. So I’ll attach a picture of the plug and maybe we can use this plus find it’s female counterpart then get the other end to plug into a maestro box? My Sony doesn’t have maestro. I do have a pioneer that does but can’t justify the cost being the Guinea pig. I’ve already been one of the first to get the tilt column to drop LOW and managed to fit a true 7” double din where the stupid nav was.

SMS sync / send from head unit

Hi all,
Happy New year
I see this has been asked lots before, but I haven't as yet found a simple easy solution. Has anyone ?
I want to access my sms / email from head unit over bluetooth ideally. Headers/ notifications would be nice too.
I thought about using a bigger device such as a tablet, but would have much the same issues Plus charging, storage etc.
Wont be used when driving but when I pull up and go through them and can respond. So not really interested in apps that read them as they come in.
Head unit is a new px5 erising, mtce running android 8 untouched. Works great as is.
Phone is stock S6, android 7. un-rooted. NO usb port. (can only charge wireless)
Happy to install any apps as needed.
I have tried several apps, such as botifier, btnotifier, carmode, easyconnection, hotspot control, several smart 'device' syncs and havent got any to work. Sounds easy but have a couple issues. I dont always have data on as on payg, as most apps seem to want.
Plus not keen on google apps reporting my every whereabouts so dont have Android Auto, telling google execs what colour pants i'm wearing to sell data to advertisers to hound me..
2nd I dont fancy turning on hotspot and messing around to pair up wifi. with every journey (although I have considered getting a small AP, router for the car for both devices to connect to and thus be on the same local wifi network if that helps.)
I'm aware there are about 15 different protocols for it to work on BT which is a p.i.t.a that I dont know which I have on either device. I dont (need to) play music or do anything else from phone.
So is there an android app yet that installs whats needed and just does the simple job of remotely without fuss or needing several trips round the moon to display / reply to my sms texts on my head unit while phone is in my pocket?
Thank you.

Android 8.1 Double Din China Head Unit questions...

So I decided to give one of these a whirl in my wife’s vehicle. All in all, for like $80, I’m pretty pleased. However, I have a few bags that I wanted to see if anyone might be able to help me resolve.
Nag 1 - for whatever reason the FM/AM radio tuner app’s volume is WAY louder than all the other apps that play audio. Spotify, YouTube, etc are all the same volume and are ok. The tuner app though is way to loud and I’ve found no way to adjust it. Any thoughts?
Nag 2 - so we both have iPhones and apparently the WiFi hotspot on the iPhone turns off or something after a period of it being connected to a client. Consequently that means re-enabling every time you get it. That’s annoying and detracts from what I was trying to accomplish with the move to this headunit. Anyone have any suggestions for making that process better?
Nag 3 - internet through the Bluetooth connection would be ideal, since that does connect every time you enter the vehicle. However, it doesn’t appear that that is a option. Just music and phone calls appear to be supported via Bluetooth....any way to alter that?
That’s the main issues I have. If I could get those resolved, I’d be pretty happy with the unit.
The MCU1 is HW8227L-3.3-SWO-1.9
Nag2: This is the way iphones work. There is no getting around it.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That was kind of what I figured. ?? Thanks.

Bluetooth reconnects only to last device (Atoto S8gen2)

I have an Atoto S8, and this is my first Android powered head unit (coming from their linux-based F7, which was more of an appliance UI instead of a smart OS). I love the extra functionality it gives me, running apps and video players directly on the unit. But Bluetooth support is wonky.
My wife and I share the car, and ever since swapping to the Android powered unit, it only reconnects to whoever drove last. So if I drive the car all the time, its fine. But when my wife drives, she says bluetooth isn't working, so I have to go into settings on the BT app (BT1 as they call it) and see the three phones listed as paired (my old phone, my new phone and my wife's phone), and click on hers. Wait a bit, and then she is good to go. But then next time I drive, I realize my phone isn't connecting now, so I have to go do it again. Which means she's going to complain next time that her phone isn't working again.
I've installed a few bluetooth powered head units before, and even the Android Auto supporting F7 before this one, worked as expected: If the last device isn't available, try to connect to another recent paired one. It seems to just get stuck on the last one for some reason. Is this a limitation of how bluetooth works on these units?
have you solved this issue
i am finding it very frustrating
i thought i would solve it using the app "automate"
this would star a sequence of checks and sytematic attempted connections
but, oddly enough you cant automate the triggering o fthe flow
so it would only start if actioned
Yes, or rather THEY solved it.
Reach out to customer support. There is an update to the Bluetooth module that makes this work the way I described.
I got an A6pf in my other car and had them make an update for that one too. Much happier now.

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