Looking for a headunit - Android Head-Units

Since i got a new/old car and i am not too happy with its radio right now I would like to exchange it and get an android device.
Actually right now I am a bit torn between an android unit and a pc. I know the pc is more expensive but as I read around the internet, right now it has the following advantages for me:
1. I can choose freely which hardware it has.
2. Bluetooth works fine.
3. It will support Windows 10 so i can use cortana - which will give me the option to use it more or less hands free.
4. I can use Kodi for Radio etc.
5. it might just run android as well
6. pretty much all apps are more or less available
7. with Kodi i can customize the look (in my opinion way beyond of what i could do with different launchers)
8. Kodi supports radio traffic service
Now that I have listed all the + Notes on the PC version here comes Android:
1. A lot cheaper!
2. Works out of the box.
3. I don't have to buy the apps again (as i have bought them already and use them on my phone)
4. Theoretically I can use Kodi (afaik "just" not for radio)
5. Afaik bigger community
BUT(!)
I was digging around and found following problems which i'd like to ask you guys if they are still an issue:
1.) So far no Android 6.... so no Google Voice for hands free
2.) Bluetooth is at best buggy (incomeing calls show no name from the phonebook just the number) other devices such as obd do not work or if they work only the ones from the manufacturer of the headunit will work. Bluetooth connectivity is limited to one device at a time.
3.) I am limited to the Apps from the manufacturer as far as radio goes. (i think most of the apps i have seen are ugly - i don't want to see the frequency of the station I am listening to... especially not as big as i have seen it.) DAB(+) Apps look somewhat ugly as well. There is no real chance to change that.
4.) there is no support for radio traffic service
5.) Customization is limited
My questions are:
1.) Is what I am saying still correct (for example the bluetooth issues).
2.) Does anyone know a work around for the Google Voice? Preferably without the need to press a button. Or has someone an Android 6 device and can confirm that Ok Google works fine there?
3.) Is it at all possible to implement the Radio(FM/DAB+) into Kodi on Android - has someone done this? Maybe even something like a navigation software? (yes - i am a kodi fanboy -actually more or less from day one - i had a old xbox - the first xbox running xbmc in my car with linux and a gps built in)
What I would like to have in the end would be a system where Kodi is loaded up as soon as the car starts.
Via Tasker (if possible) I would grab the infos from torque and implement them in a custom skin in kodi. I would love to listen to the radio via Kodi and if at all possible have navigation in there as well (but if that does not work I will find a workaround - i already have one in my head)
I know this is a lot and many of you might think tl;dr but if anyone could answer my questions anywhere I am convinced that it is here on the mighty xda board.
Thank you guys so much. (If I get this all to work I will of course post all of it here (skins, tasker skripts etc)

About Android vs Windows and head unit vs PC, I think you'll have to decide on that for yourself. Nobody here can tell you what's the right choice for you.
As for Kodi, I haven't dived into it much, but I have a more typical use of the head unit I guess. Google voice works in 5.1.1, but you need another launcher and you need to install the required apps from Google Play and enable everything. I have it working in mine, but decided to have it activate on a button press. I do have to switch between apps and stuff, and the BT caller app is a little quirky to use. I would've wanted something more inline with the default Google dialer, but no go on that one. Even if you install Contacts and the Google Phone app, they don't really do anything. If you want complete control over everything, then PC and Windows (or <insert OS her>) would be the best choice for you. If you want to save time and have something that is fairly easy and quick to set up out of the box, then a head unit with Android would be better.

Thx Hilari0 for your answer.
May I ask what Unit you have. What are the pitfalls? How did you manage to solve or work around the Bluetooth problems (i saw that joying for example released an update - can anyone tell me if that fixes the bluetooth problems?)
Is it more complicated than on other devices to install another launcher?
Thank you!

I have the Joying Intel 2GB/32GB head unit, the 135 variant. The bluetooth on it worked well out of the box with the update installed, but it was vastly improved following the instructions in this thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...elopment/bluetooth-settings-launcher-t3504526

Related

A few quick questions, if someone has time. Thank you....

Hi everyone,
I am currently a Windows Mobile user, Xperia X1a, and am looking to switch to an Android device sometime soon. Since the Nexus One is on Android 2.1, I figured this would be a good place to ask a few quick questions, if any kind user could help
1) Button mapping -> On Windows Mobile it is possible to map different applications/actions to a button, as well as a different action based on a short click or a long tap/hold. Is there something similar in android? I had trouble finding it in the base 2.1 build in the Android SDK emulator
2) Calendars -> I believe that Android support multiple Calendars on device, unlike Windows Mobile, is this true? Or is it multiple calendars synced to the main Google Calendar in the crowd? (My main issue is I want to sync my work and home calendars as 2 different calendars on the phone, something I have never successfully done through Windows Mobile)
3) Any alternatives to System Seven for syncing OWA email and calendar to the device? System seven only supports email right now
4) Any native app for Google Reader? I currently use SpeeedReader on WM which is not amazing, but gets the job done.... somewhat. Based on all my research even Android has to use the browser to access Google Reader.
5) DivX / Coreplayer/ any real video codec support? WM has Coreplayer, but most devices are too slow/crippled to take advantage of it. Nexus One and others have Snapdragon processor which is better than the current devices.
6) bluetooth handsfree - This appears to be a major problem according to forums and Google Bug tracker. A friend who has got into the vlingo beta for android confirmed that clicking on the "speak now" button enabled him to use the phone completely handsfree. Related to question 1, is there a way to change the bluetooth button to access vlingo app instead of the native app?
7) For a current Windows Mobile dude, who thought he knew most tweaks in WM. Just how hard is the learning curve for Android? (I know its the noobest question of all, but I would like some reassurance /stories to help transition over, I spent 5 years on WM devices )
Thank you so much for your time.
I was in the same situation as you: I've been on winmo for more than 7 yrs and I was dreading the shift. I got my N1 and kept my winmo device at hand and fully functional...only to discover 24hrs later that I totally forgot about it!
Basically, all you can do on winmo, you can do on Android, although sometimes in a slightly different manner and of course a different interface.
Major pros after 3 months of use: besides the hardware (amazing speed), very smooth UI, no need for soft-resets (on WM it was a daily burden), friendly community, rapidly developing apps...
Go for it
I've come from 5 ish years on Windows mobile to Android too, I'll try answer the questions from what I know.
1. Button Mapping -> It's possible to create shortcuts to applications on the phone's "desktop". It's also possible using the "Anycut" app to create specific actions (not used this myself so not sure of details). What I did love was you can create a shortcut to direct dial or direct text someone on your contacts list. Overall I found this much much easier and quicker on Android compared to WinMo.
2. I've only used Google Calendar and, yes, you can sync multiple calendars as they are setup on your desktop Google Calendar. I've found implementation of this is to be really good. If you're currently using Outlook it's possible to sync that to the browser Google Calendar and then to your mobile.
3. Everything works best and smoothest when linked with Gmail and Google Calendar. Afraid I don't know much more about OWA email, hopefully someone else will be along shortly to help on that score.
4. I've only used Google Reader from within the browser, but it's still slick and fast.
5. Don't think there's support for playing DivX yet. I believe Core Player are working on it but it could be some time.
6. Sorry, don't use Bluetooth headsets so can't advise. I think it is possible but sometimes fiddly depending on the headset.
7. For me the learning curve was extremely easy. I never found myself getting frustrated even right from the beginning, the UI to me seems very intuitive. In fact I'd say I was more frustrated with WinMo after 5 years than I was with Android after 5 minutes in terms of trying to figure out what I wanted to do.
Go for it, I think it's so refreshing going from WinMo to Android. Maybe less so going from the iPhone UI to Android because they are in some ways similar but in other ways quite different and you can get confused about which way to do things after being so used to the Apple way.
6. I use 2 different Bluetooth headsets and never had any problem.
The guys above did a pretty good job describing things. This is what i can contribute
1) Yes there is a long press and it allows you to create shortcuts and many other things to the home screens (in general it kind of works like a right click opening menus in many programs). There isn't really button mapping because there aren't buttons, everything is very intuitive.
4) for google reader there are several applications that link up to your subscriptions and will download them to your computer. I personally use newsrob for articles and google listen for podcasts. Both work well and sync with google reader nicely.
6) The only thing i've used bluetooth for was pairing it with the dock and streaming audio. I've never had a problem with that. But I guess that's not all that surprising since the dock was made solely to work with this phone.
Thanks Guys. I think that nearly all the items I asked about without getting a phone myself have been answered.
I suppose it will take months for me to build the kind of knowledge base/app library that I had with Windows Mobile, but keeping in tune with RSS feeds from various sites, I think I have found a tweak/app for nearly everything on Windows Mobile. Max a 1 time conversion is needed for the Call Log/eBooks/ SMS initial backup-synch. Looking forward to a snapdragon device that does NOT take 20 seconds to move from one screen to the next.
I don't suppose there are any other solutions out there for Outlook Web Access email/Calendar syncing, huh?
Thanks again!

[Debate] Root on Google Nexus Player

I always try on not to be a party p**per but also would like to make this debate as civilized as possible so no need to bash me if you found my doubts in a negative way.
But after spending all this time with the Nexus Player of Google, I found myself with the conclusion, why is worthy my time for any root for the device.
At least I have a goal on showing my step-dad that paying DirecTV (Nothing against DirecTV BTW, just want to save money) is not 24/7 cost-effective versus Google Play Service and popular streaming services.
Heck, I didn't even felt left out in terms that versus Apple TV, the Nexus Player is still short without service like WWE, Amazon, NFL, etc. I was happy with the service available as of the writing of this.
To tell you the truth, the exact moment when I read all the possibility for free TV and streaming needs with Kodi (XBMC), I realized that was exactly why I bought the Google Nexus Player on the first place, beside having an alternate set-top box instead of my lovely Playstation 3 and except for improvement on hardware level for Android TV (reboot capacity WILL BE so WELCOMED!) I don't see how rooting the device can be compared as rooting a Smartphone.
Also some needs that we find regularly on Android Smartphone can be requested to Google either by AOSP or direct feedback (I realize that Google might just ignore anyways) and I am pretty sure that future Android 5.0.x or 5.x version will be synonymous of improvements.
No, this is not ignorance and definitely not naive-ness, perhaps I need another point of view to better understand or see more benefits for rooting the device.
Again, please I created this thread as a informative and debatable spot for this topic, do not flame me and not flame each other if you don't agree with an specific opinion.
TheGeeZus said:
I always try on not to be a party p**per but also would like to make this debate as civilized as possible so no need to bash me if you found my doubts in a negative way.
But after spending all this time with the Nexus Player of Google, I found myself with the conclusion, why is worthy my time for any root for the device.
At least I have a goal on showing my step-dad that paying DirecTV (Nothing against DirecTV BTW, just want to save money) is not 24/7 cost-effective versus Google Play Service and popular streaming services.
Heck, I didn't even felt left out in terms that versus Apple TV, the Nexus Player is still short without service like WWE, Amazon, NFL, etc. I was happy with the service available as of the writing of this.
To tell you the truth, the exact moment when I read all the possibility for free TV and streaming needs with Kodi (XBMC), I realized that was exactly why I bought the Google Nexus Player on the first place, beside having an alternate set-top box instead of my lovely Playstation 3 and except for improvement on hardware level for Android TV (reboot capacity WILL BE so WELCOMED!) I don't see how rooting the device can be compared as rooting a Smartphone.
Also some needs that we find regularly on Android Smartphone can be requested to Google either by AOSP or direct feedback (I realize that Google might just ignore anyways) and I am pretty sure that future Android 5.0.x or 5.x version will be synonymous of improvements.
No, this is not ignorance and definitely not naive-ness, perhaps I need another point of view to better understand or see more benefits for rooting the device.
Again, please I created this thread as a informative and debatable spot for this topic, do not flame me and not flame each other if you don't agree with an specific opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dunno, i rooted mine because i really needed to have expandable storage. So i rooted for chainfires stickmount. So i could have all my movies on my external hard drive run through xbmc natively.
↑This!↑
I have not rooted mine but if i do it will be for the ex-storage as well.. i am at the point of not storing a lot of movies because they are almost all online for a fee or free if you go that way.. We watch a movie once or twice and that is the end of it.. So to add to your debate i don't at this point see why you would root this device.
Would like a reboot function..
Im sure someone will come up with some nice ways to use root.. give them a week or so lol..
The main current use for rooting in my home is support for PS3 & 4 controllers wirelessly, using stick mount & folder mount to store game data and kodi data on an external drive and the ability to modify xml to re-arrange the order of programs in the NP's leanback interface (kodi gets top billing). My daughters now have immediate access to over twenty very large installed games so far thanks to folder mount. I also store all my kodi fanart, cover art, cd art, etc on the external as it takes up so much space internally for my large media collection that kodi accesses from my nas.
There will be future uses for root as well, of course (there always is), but these were my immediate needs.
Elrondolio said:
The main current use for rooting in my home is support for PS3 & 4 controllers wirelessly, using stick mount & folder mount to store game data and kodi data on an external drive and the ability to modify xml to re-arrange the order of programs in the NP's leanback interface (kodi gets top billing).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently rooted my NP, and I'm completely new to android and rooting. My main desire is to be able to get all of my sideloaded apps into the leanback interface, and to be able to rearrange the order and hide app icons I don't use. I've noticed by default Kodi RC2 appears in the leanback interface.
Do you have any tips for modifying the leanback interface in the way I've described?
kaess said:
I recently rooted my NP, and I'm completely new to android and rooting. My main desire is to be able to get all of my sideloaded apps into the leanback interface, and to be able to rearrange the order and hide app icons I don't use. I've noticed by default Kodi RC2 appears in the leanback interface.
Do you have any tips for modifying the leanback interface in the way I've described?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since things are so new with the leanback launcher there hasn't been much time for any semi-automated tools/apps to be coded to accomplish what you want. Manually, however, is very doable depending on your desired time investment.
You can modify select sideloaded apps to make them show up on the leanback interface by uncompressing its apk, editing its manifest then re-compressing and re-sideloading. See this post: How to sideload XBMC/Kodi on Nexus Player. See also this helpful post from @zlexy : [Q] Launching Netflix From Within Kodi.
You can re-arrange the order of apps listed in the leanback interface by editing leanback launcher's database. See this post by @ariful : [Q] Rearranging Apps on Android TV Nexus Player.
Again, these methods are a bit labour intensive... it'll have to be that way until more devs start/finish coding for this brand new interface/device and/or for Google to release more customizable updates. Good luck.
Elrondolio said:
Since things are so new with the leanback launcher there hasn't been much time for any semi-automated tools/apps to be coded to accomplish what you want. Manually, however, is very doable depending on your desired time investment.
You can modify select sideloaded apps to make them show up on the leanback interface by uncompressing its apk, editing its manifest then re-compressing and re-sideloading. See this post: How to sideload XBMC/Kodi on Nexus Player. See also this helpful post from @zlexy : [Q] Launching Netflix From Within Kodi.
You can re-arrange the order of apps listed in the leanback interface by editing leanback launcher's database. See this post by @ariful : [Q] Rearranging Apps on Android TV Nexus Player.
Again, these methods are a bit labour intensive... it'll have to be that way until more devs start/finish coding for this brand new interface/device and/or for Google to release more customizable updates. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The last thing you said is exactly why I am resisting the temptation.
I am being fair with the fact that this is the first face of Android Tv and there is yet more to see and I am faithful that most feature that needs root for now, Google might have something on their sleeves, but they are waiting to see how many Nexus Player gets sold, specially after the holidays.
My mom and my step-dad were impressed with the Nexus Player so great, that my step-dad sold me the Google Chromecast as he wanted to have an experience on his own and he really didn't find the Cast environment hard but he liked the more controlled environment of the Nexus Player, so we are buying a second one for me and I will let him take the first one after the second arrives.
I think that is another example that rooting (again, my exception is that a proven restart method gets developed) for now is not needed in base of a normal usage and still haven't got the problem of storage (yet, I know the day will come).

SMS Notification mirroring and other questions re: A-Sure S3OVB Android HU

Hi All,
I recently treat myself to an A-Sure AS-S3OVB (Running android 5.1.1) headunit for my UK Spec Vauxhall Zafira. I am very impressed with the unit and making a few tweaks has made it into a very impressive piece of kit. I don't know if its MTCB or MTCD or even anything to do with those two things, so Im afraid I can't reliably post inside another sub-forum.
However, I now have a few final things that I would like to TRY to make the unit do...
1...
I want my Notifications from my phone (Not ALL notifications, just ones from SMS to appear on the HeadUnit (BIG CENTRAL SCREEN notification would be ideal) and perhaps read the message with TTS?
Is this possible, and does there exist any software to make this happen?
Essentially, i want my HeadUnit to do all the things it normally does, but also behave in a similar fashion to a smart watch for mirroring notifications.
I have looked at things like PUSHBULLET and the such but have had little success...
2...
I would like to set one of my steering wheel control buttons to fire up google voice search, so as I can tap a button and then say "Play <generic song name> on spotify" - and thus said song will play.
Is its possible using the onboard software, or with a 3rd party app?
3...
I would like to change what the external display says when i am using certain apps (its done through an external CANBUS box but I believe controlled by the software in the HU). For example, at the moment when I am running spotify, my external in car display shows "MP5" - Would be much prettier if i could make it say "Spotify" or "Streaming" or something similar.
Is this possible at all?
4...
Finally, is there any way to get Google TTS to work with my mapping sortware? I use Co-Pilot Live which works 100% in every other way, just it doesnt work output and voice instructions when set to Google TTS. I have a feeling this is more to do with thge funky version of android thats installed as standard on the HU, less so than co-pilot itself.
Can anyone advise? Thanks in advance - I know someone will have an answer as this is seemingly the greatest forum on the whole of the interwebs!!!
tegan1110 said:
Hi All,
I recently treat myself to an A-Sure AS-S3OVB (Running android 5.1.1) headunit for my UK Spec Vauxhall Zafira. I am very impressed with the unit and making a few tweaks has made it into a very impressive piece of kit. I don't know if its MTCB or MTCD or even anything to do with those two things, so Im afraid I can't reliably post inside another sub-forum.
However, I now have a few final things that I would like to TRY to make the unit do...
1...
I want my Notifications from my phone (Not ALL notifications, just ones from SMS to appear on the HeadUnit (BIG CENTRAL SCREEN notification would be ideal) and perhaps read the message with TTS?
Is this possible, and does there exist any software to make this happen?
Essentially, i want my HeadUnit to do all the things it normally does, but also behave in a similar fashion to a smart watch for mirroring notifications.
I have looked at things like PUSHBULLET and the such but have had little success...
2...
I would like to set one of my steering wheel control buttons to fire up google voice search, so as I can tap a button and then say "Play <generic song name> on spotify" - and thus said song will play.
Is its possible using the onboard software, or with a 3rd party app?
3...
I would like to change what the external display says when i am using certain apps (its done through an external CANBUS box but I believe controlled by the software in the HU). For example, at the moment when I am running spotify, my external in car display shows "MP5" - Would be much prettier if i could make it say "Spotify" or "Streaming" or something similar.
Is this possible at all?
4...
Finally, is there any way to get Google TTS to work with my mapping sortware? I use Co-Pilot Live which works 100% in every other way, just it doesnt work output and voice instructions when set to Google TTS. I have a feeling this is more to do with thge funky version of android thats installed as standard on the HU, less so than co-pilot itself.
Can anyone advise? Thanks in advance - I know someone will have an answer as this is seemingly the greatest forum on the whole of the interwebs!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) try automate or Android auto to bring your phone notifications onto headunit
2) enable "ok Google" on every screen
3) not easy. you have to decompile the app used by mcu and modify it.
4) I don't know if copilot could use Google tts voices (or you have to install own copilot advanced voices). Sygic can use Google tts
Enviado desde mi D6603 mediante Tapatalk
ikerg said:
1) try automate or Android auto to bring your phone notifications onto headunit
2) enable "ok Google" on every screen
3) not easy. you have to decompile the app used by mcu and modify it.
4) I don't know if copilot could use Google tts voices (or you have to install own copilot advanced voices). Sygic can use Google tts
Enviado desde mi D6603 mediante Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for quick reply,
1) I dont use Android Auto, can it be used via Bluetooth, or Wifi, or does it HAVE to be connected by USB cable?
2) I dont have the options to enable "ok Google" on every screen, I know the options SHOULD be there, and I know where they should be... But they are absent!
3) Sounds like a challenge for a project in the future
4) Copilot can use Google TTS as it works just like that on my phone - it just behaves a little differently on the HU, which is why I was wondering if they had left some part of the TTS system out of their build of android or something?
Jamie
tegan1110 said:
Thanks for quick reply,
1) I dont use Android Auto, can it be used via Bluetooth, or Wifi, or does it HAVE to be connected by USB cable?
2) I dont have the options to enable "ok Google" on every screen, I know the options SHOULD be there, and I know where they should be... But they are absent!
3) Sounds like a challenge for a project in the future
4) Copilot can use Google TTS as it works just like that on my phone - it just behaves a little differently on the HU, which is why I was wondering if they had left some part of the TTS system out of their build of android or something?
Jamie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Android auto can be used by wifi
2) Google now works for me.in my unit. The developer should have to remove it.
3) yes
4) strange thing. Have you tried the Google tts if is installed and working?
Enviado desde mi D6603 mediante Tapatalk

Updated phone dialer app

Hey guys first time poster here.
Ive been trying to search around but cant find any real solutions.
I find the stock phone dialer app terrible as you cant have favourites and just the overall appearance of it aswell is a little plain.
I downloaded the app dialer and I like the look and functionality of it but when i press to call someone it goes to the stock dialer but it takes about 15 seconds to get there.
Someone please help!
The standard dialers you find on play store do not implement HFP-CLIENT.
To my knowledge, there are three hfp-client dialers available;
1) The binary only one that the thing ships with,
2) The new one added to AOSP8 here: https://android.googlesource.com/platform/packages/apps/Car/Dialer/
3) The qualcomm test application available on codeaurora.
There are problems with all of them for this application.
Specifically, as you note, option (1) is absolutely terrible.
A common problem with option (2) and (3) is that they don't interface with the chinese audio control hacks, which means that when you switch to a call, the audio won't come through.
An additional problem with option (2) is that it doesn't compile with less than Android 7.0 -- even though it actually specifies a minimum of 6.0, it depends on something with a minimum of 7.0.
An additional problem with option (3) is that it is a test application through and through, it doesn't implement the necessary background service to pop up a notification you can click on to answer a call. The application has to actually be *open* to do anything.
But aside from those problems with (2) and (3), the *good* thing about them, is that they are open source, which means that anybody who wants to adjust them so that they do work, can do so.
If I was going to pick somewhere to start with this, it would be with option (2). It is a dialer meant for end users, and would take a lot less work to adjust it to (a) compile, and (b) implement the needed audio hacks. Although technically, I do have option (3) working, as I mentioned, it has to actually be open in the foreground to do anything, and it doesn't implement the audio hacks.
Hi,
Apologies for the noob question but what do you do with the code in option 2 to install it on the headunit?
Thanks!
luciusfox said:
The standard dialers you find on play store do not implement HFP-CLIENT.
To my knowledge, there are three hfp-client dialers available;
1) The binary only one that the thing ships with,
2) The new one added to AOSP8 here: https://android.googlesource.com/platform/packages/apps/Car/Dialer/
3) The qualcomm test application available on codeaurora.
There are problems with all of them for this application.
Specifically, as you note, option (1) is absolutely terrible.
A common problem with option (2) and (3) is that they don't interface with the chinese audio control hacks, which means that when you switch to a call, the audio won't come through.
An additional problem with option (2) is that it doesn't compile with less than Android 7.0 -- even though it actually specifies a minimum of 6.0, it depends on something with a minimum of 7.0.
An additional problem with option (3) is that it is a test application through and through, it doesn't implement the necessary background service to pop up a notification you can click on to answer a call. The application has to actually be *open* to do anything.
But aside from those problems with (2) and (3), the *good* thing about them, is that they are open source, which means that anybody who wants to adjust them so that they do work, can do so.
If I was going to pick somewhere to start with this, it would be with option (2). It is a dialer meant for end users, and would take a lot less work to adjust it to (a) compile, and (b) implement the needed audio hacks. Although technically, I do have option (3) working, as I mentioned, it has to actually be open in the foreground to do anything, and it doesn't implement the audio hacks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought a Seicane unit. The model is listed as sp9853i in the settings screen. I haven't been able to find a lot of information anywhere about this unit. I have been trying to get a different HFP-enabled phone dialer, but no luck so far.
I did try installing FCC Launcher, which lists dialing through BT as a feature. However, it looks like the Seicane sp9853i provides the actual bluetooth functionality in the actual launcher. When I start FCC launcher, BT disconnects. Also, the BT properties are not available under Android settings, which is not terribly surprising, since it's a head unit, not a phone.

Eonon GA2168K Radio app and Nova launcher issue

Hello all, I just purchased and installed an Eonon GA2168K 10.1" LCD Android head unit. The stock launcher on this unit is terrible. I've installed Nova launcher and everything looks much better now. The issue I'm having is that the stock radio app is nowhere to be found however when I go back back to stock launcher, it is there. Not sure why it's not available in Nova. Has anybody else experienced this problem? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Yes it is because it is a custom function for the head unit, so standard launchers can't see it.
Give FCC Car Launcher a try - it's great and should hopefully work for you
Thanks for the suggestion. I tried FCC and still no radio. My old Eonon Android unit on 4.4 didn't do this. I have also noticed that this is a very limited version of Android e.g., missing all the settings in the top drop down menu. Hopefully someone is working on a custom ROM for this unit. I really don't want to use the stock launcher.
cere1bro said:
Thanks for the suggestion. I tried FCC and still no radio. My old Eonon Android unit on 4.4 didn't do this. I have also noticed that this is a very limited version of Android e.g., missing all the settings in the top drop down menu. Hopefully someone is working on a custom ROM for this unit. I really don't want to use the stock launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah your old one would have been a MTCB with Rockchip manufactured by Klyde - this one is basically a completely different software developer and manufacturer.
What is the MCU version out of interest?
Mcu: Ts907.180712
I've also purchased this same unit. I'v tried a bunch of different launchers and all are no go for the radio app. Really driving me crazy that I can't use other launchers without losing the stock radio functionality.
zerocoolak said:
I've also purchased this same unit. I'v tried a bunch of different launchers and all are no go for the radio app. Really driving me crazy that I can't use other launchers without losing the stock radio functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to hear I'm not the only one but sucks at the same time. Though I was starting to worry because I bought this unit refurbished and the software was all screwed up when I got it. It had Apex launcher installed along with a bunch of other non stock apps. These were presumably installed by the the original purchaser and Eonon didn't even bother to reset to factory settings which is something I still have not figured out how to do.
Is your drop down menu bare like mine? Mine only shows the WiFi connection.
Bluetooth is very disappointing too, can't connect anything like bluetooth headphones or a keyboard as it does not show an option to search for devices.
This is not the true android experience I was hoping for.
Ya, mine only has wifi listed in drop-down. I can connect to Bluetooth with my phone just have to go into settings menu. I like the unit, but the custom firmware and launcher that it comes with is kinda garbage. I did get in contact with the seller for the newest update, but it still has issues. Mine has the same radio app issue you described with custom launchers and will not keep a radio preset name. I can set a preset, but as soon as I select another staion whatever is displayed gets saved as that preset name on the channel I was switching from. I did update to the newest 2/21/2019 update, but my unit still has the same bugs. I bought mine through Amazon and I'm pretty sure I'm going to return it as it was not describes as published. This unit could be awesome if it had a better firmware installed on it. I can dump the firmware if anyone wants to take a look at it and possibly fix it's shortcomings.
zerocoolak said:
Ya, mine only has wifi listed in drop-down. I can connect to Bluetooth with my phone just have to go into settings menu. I like the unit, but the custom firmware and launcher that it comes with is kinda garbage. I did get in contact with the seller for the newest update, but it still has issues. Mine has the same radio app issue you described with custom launchers and will not keep a radio preset name. I can set a preset, but as soon as I select another staion whatever is displayed gets saved as that preset name on the channel I was switching from. I did update to the newest 2/21/2019 update, but my unit still has the same bugs. I bought mine through Amazon and I'm pretty sure I'm going to return it as it was not describes as published. This unit could be awesome if it had a better firmware installed on it. I can dump the firmware if anyone wants to take a look at it and possibly fix it's shortcomings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just installed a GA2168K yesterday in my 2006 GTO.
A couple things I noteced... I noticed in the included harness adapter is they have constant battery power and accessory power swapped.
Installed it with their R0008 dash cam that came with it. No DVR app. Finally found the main config menu (hidden by password 8888) and enabled DVR.
It does not detect the camera. it works fine with my GA2170. Went to their website and was looking to see if they had a different camera available, and that is the only one. However, on the R0008 camera product page it gives a list of HU's it isn't compatible with, and the GA2168K is one of those. Sent support an email, hopefully will have an answer Monday on that. The other frustration is that half the settings they show in the user manual and online, aren't showing up in the actual menu's. Hoping they can send me a newer Firmware/OS that enables those... And finally, there is no seperate control for subwoofer like there was in the GA2170 Looks like I need to buy the remote amp level control and run a new cable to the trunk
I also need to add that it is advertised as having 18 FM radio presets and 12 AM presets.
Mine is only storing 6 of each and just goes back to the beginning...
Mine has the 18 fm presets and 12 am. Just have to hit the Fm or am button to go to the next set. As for the DVR cam, I remember reading that it wasn't compatible with DVR cams in the Amazon description where I purchased mine. Specifically list the r0008.
So problems I've noticed so far. I've updated to the latest firmware provided by Eonon support.
The addition of a screen off button is nice, but the brightness settings for auto brightness are still to bright at night. I really wish they would include a brightness slider. Maybe a lower setting on the nite slider.
My wifi does not automatically connect to my phone when i turn on my hot spot. I have to manually go into wifi settings for it to start searching for a signal.
My radio presets will not save properly. They only save what is listed when I change the station. Becomes really annoying since it save whatever song data is displayed. I really would like a way to add a custom name to stations so that it doesn't just save the radio data displayed.
I also really wish I could use the radio app with another launcher like Nova. The radio app contains all the speaker adjustment controls and equaliser settings.
Edit: this is the response I got from Eonon after sending them a similar email for their developer to hopefully look into and correct some of the quirks of the firmware on this head unit for a future update.
Hi,
1, regarding the brightness, currently can not be set lower.
2. Because the WIFI hotspot of the mobile phone will automatically enter the hibernation state after being connected for a long time, when the machine is started again, the WIFI hotspot of the mobile phone is not detected. At this time, it is necessary to manually activate the WIFI hotspot to connect, we cannot change this..
3, currently does not support the storage method you said, thank you for your advice!
4. This is a problem with APP compatibility. There is no way to solve it.
Thank u so much!
Vera
Hmmmm......?
If someone wanted to work on a ROM for this headunit I'm sure I could figure out how to dump it. This head unit has some great potential but has some flaws that I wish the companies devs would fix.
5ft24 said:
I just installed a GA2168K yesterday in my 2006 GTO.
A couple things I noteced... I noticed in the included harness adapter is they have constant battery power and accessory power swapped.
Installed it with their R0008 dash cam that came with it. No DVR app. Finally found the main config menu (hidden by password 8888) and enabled DVR.
It does not detect the camera. it works fine with my GA2170. Went to their website and was looking to see if they had a different camera available, and that is the only one. However, on the R0008 camera product page it gives a list of HU's it isn't compatible with, and the GA2168K is one of those. Sent support an email, hopefully will have an answer Monday on that. The other frustration is that half the settings they show in the user manual and online, aren't showing up in the actual menu's. Hoping they can send me a newer Firmware/OS that enables those... And finally, there is no seperate control for subwoofer like there was in the GA2170 Looks like I need to buy the remote amp level control and run a new cable to the trunk
I also need to add that it is advertised as having 18 FM radio presets and 12 AM presets.
Mine is only storing 6 of each and just goes back to the beginning...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the GA9163K (the Mazda version) of this head unit. Apparently the K versions of this model, which generally come with Android 8.1.0, do not support front camera/dvr function. That's what the EONON rep told me anyway.
On my unit, in the advanced menu (code 8888) it had options to change the number of presets on each band and could be selected between 6, 12 or 18 presets on FM and 6 or 12 on AM. It also had the option to enable OT frequency, but not sure what that is as we do not use that here.
Dears,
anybody tried Eonon GA2178 - 10" Android 9 Head Unit?
I'm actually on Eonon GA2168K - 10" Android 8 Head Unit, it's a good device with minor problems.
Anytime developers fix a problem they introduce an other problem and there's no community support for MTK chipsets.
Because of this I'm evaluating the new Eonon GA2178, that is quite similar but based on Rockchip chipset.
Tks!
I found a solution to eonon with no radio,
I installed the GA2180A eonon unit last week and changed the launcher to the paid version of Car launcher by apps lab studio and found the same issue, no radio.
I was able edit the theme and create a widget with 'KWGT Kustom Widget Maker' that basically displayed a picture, I used an radio clipart png file i found with google image search and set the action when clicking the widget to run the Radio activity inside the app installed called com.ts.MainUI8. Your app and activity may be slightly different to mine. I do own the pro key for KWGT, but I don't think that matters.
This is my first post so the system won't allow me to post the google drive link to my custom widget. Feel free to message me for it. It would need modification too.
Depending on the rom installed in yours you may be able to use something like 'Activity Launcher' by Adam Szalkowski to create a shortcut directly to the activity. This is a much easier than the first option, but some roms have the ability to create shortcuts turned off. Mine did so I found widget work around.
The above could easily be adapted to launch other internal activities beside the radio.
Happy to provide more info if I'm not clear. Good luck!
C4rl0sHunt3r said:
I installed the GA2180A eonon unit last week and changed the launcher to the paid version of Car launcher by apps lab studio and found the same issue, no radio.
I was able edit the theme and create a widget with 'KWGT Kustom Widget Maker' that basically displayed a picture, I used an radio clipart png file i found with google image search and set the action when clicking the widget to run the Radio activity inside the app installed called com.ts.MainUI8. Your app and activity may be slightly different to mine. I do own the pro key for KWGT, but I don't think that matters.
This is my first post so the system won't allow me to post the google drive link to my custom widget. Feel free to message me for it. It would need modification too.
Depending on the rom installed in yours you may be able to use something like 'Activity Launcher' by Adam Szalkowski to create a shortcut directly to the activity. This is a much easier than the first option, but some roms have the ability to create shortcuts turned off. Mine did so I found widget work around.
The above could easily be adapted to launch other internal activities beside the radio.
Happy to provide more info if I'm not clear. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hello , i just install the head unit and just like you i can't have the radio app to work on other laauncher exept the ''factory'' one... can you help me to make it work just like you ? or have you find a better way to achieve it ? thanks @ [email protected]
C4rl0sHunt3r said:
I installed the GA2180A eonon unit last week and changed the launcher to the paid version of Car launcher by apps lab studio and found the same issue, no radio.
I was able edit the theme and create a widget with 'KWGT Kustom Widget Maker' that basically displayed a picture, I used an radio clipart png file i found with google image search and set the action when clicking the widget to run the Radio activity inside the app installed called com.ts.MainUI8. Your app and activity may be slightly different to mine. I do own the pro key for KWGT, but I don't think that matters.
This is my first post so the system won't allow me to post the google drive link to my custom widget. Feel free to message me for it. It would need modification too.
Depending on the rom installed in yours you may be able to use something like 'Activity Launcher' by Adam Szalkowski to create a shortcut directly to the activity. This is a much easier than the first option, but some roms have the ability to create shortcuts turned off. Mine did so I found widget work around.
The above could easily be adapted to launch other internal activities beside the radio.
Happy to provide more info if I'm not clear. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love more info on how to accomplish this, also. I have an Eonon GA9465B and can't get the radio to work with Agama launcher. Please help
[email protected]
I also have an eonon and would love to get some information [email protected]
I have an UGAR 9 in (model 8227L). It's running Android 9. And has a clunky stock user interface. I used Nova Launcher and "quickshortcutmaker" to create shortcuts to the stock apps that did not show up in my app drawer. Namely the AV-IN and radio apps. So I got that all working pretty well. However, I have not been able to figure out how to get the upper status bar to remain visible. It hides itself after one or two seconds. If you have figured out how to keep the status bar from hiding please let me know. Thank you much
C4rl0sHunt3r said:
I found a solution to eonon with no radio,
I installed the GA2180A eonon unit last week and changed the launcher to the paid version of Car launcher by apps lab studio and found the same issue, no radio.
I was able edit the theme and create a widget with 'KWGT Kustom Widget Maker' that basically displayed a picture, I used an radio clipart png file i found with google image search and set the action when clicking the widget to run the Radio activity inside the app installed called com.ts.MainUI8. Your app and activity may be slightly different to mine. I do own the pro key for KWGT, but I don't think that matters.
This is my first post so the system won't allow me to post the google drive link to my custom widget. Feel free to message me for it. It would need modification too.
Depending on the rom installed in yours you may be able to use something like 'Activity Launcher' by Adam Szalkowski to create a shortcut directly to the activity. This is a much easier than the first option, but some roms have the ability to create shortcuts turned off. Mine did so I found widget work around.
The above could easily be adapted to launch other internal activities beside the radio.
Happy to provide more info if I'm not clear. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same setup... Same head unit, programs, I can't get it to work. Could I get detailed directions or something? It would be greatly appreciated.

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