I’ve been going around in circles trying to choose the correct Android head unit. It either has this but doesn't have that or does this but doesn't do that. For the past few years, I’ve had a Parrot Asteroid. I love it’s bluetooth, hands-free and ipod capabilities. It also got me interested in having the full Android os in my car (Parrot doesn't provide this).
So, I decided to make a list of exactly what I'm looking for, and enlist the advice of those who have hands-on experience with various Android head units to find the one I really want. I’m looking for a unit with the following (or, as close as I can get):
Bluetooth that downloads my contacts from phone to unit and allows me to receive and make calls from the unit. I have an iPhone 7. Voice activated calls would be nice, but not required.
Bluetooth that plays iPhone music, AND displays music info on unit and can be controlled (forward, back) from unit.
Full android o/s with ability to download and run apps from Playstore.
Usb, microphone, sd and bluetooth accessible to Android o/s and apps.
(In my research, I have discovered that a unit may have a built-in mic , usb and bluetooth; however, while the unit firmware can access them, apps running under Android o/s can’t)
Ipod capability -- Once iphone is connected via usb, I can search and play phone music library from the unit itself.
(All the video examples I have been able to find show a phone connected to a unit, and while the music plays on the unit, it is controlled on the phone)
I have read a lot about the Newsmy Carpad, and while the Android o/s functionality is exactly what I want, it is not clear from the videos I’ve seen how the Bluetooth (for phone and music) works in the real world, or if it even has ipod capability.
Interested in any suggestions about any units with which folks have real experience making calls and listening to music.
Thanks!!
Related
Hello people!
My headunit was recently purchased (before I bought the Nexus One) for my iPhone 3G-S 32gig...
The iPhone unfortunately went for a swim...so I decided to try out the Nexus one for the **** of it.
Now, before, when I had the iPhone... the headunit played all audio, music, navigation via the USB port flawlessly... track information was pushed to the headunit and everything
With the N1 however, I can only use it via USB in "mount" mode... only able to read files directly, no audio streams!
While this wouldn't normally be a problem... the folders are SO disorganized, and my unit will look at ALL .mp3 files on the card... and that can be troublesome with the various ringtones and notification sounds that I have...
So I have resorted to bluetooth
This was not the intention with this headunit however...and I am searching amongst the forums for a "USB Streaming" solution that works LIKE the iPhone
Judging by the Desktop Dock by Google, the audio can indeed be streamed via USB (I am aware the dock can also communicate via Bluetooth...but I'm pretty sure the video demonstration I saw displayed the dock working via USB and via Bluetooth)
Any solutions??
I haven't rooted my phone yet, but will if I need to!
As a mobile electronics installer, i can tell you your most likely out of luck.
What head unit do you have? model number and brand.
the reason it works for iphone is many common electronics come with a stamp that says made for iphone... as ipods are synonymous with mp3's these days, and the units are programmed to read an ipod's files like an ipod does.
perhaps with androids growth, some manufacturers will begin offering made for android stuff. its possible.
I know I'll get flamed for this, lol, but I use my n1 while driving and hate cords in my way, so i just use the bluetooth for phone calls and I keep an Ipod Touch in my glove box hooked up to my head unit, or take the SD Card out of my phone and put it into my headunit.
Most of the USB setups were made with Apple in mind. That's just the way it is.
Be glad you can use Bluetooth.
Currently the only way to do it, is via mounting. Otherwise the Head unit has no way of knowing what's on the SD card. Blame Apple for being proprietary @$$hats imho.
As for me, I use BT Audio every, single day with my N1. (I listen to approx 2 hours of audiobooks daily + Navigation as needed, and sometimes Pandora. It works perfect)
it is a kenwood excelon x993
"This CD receiver is not only iPhone and iPod ready, it also includes a unique EQ feature that extracts the best possible sound from the iPod, iTouch or iPhone."
- from a review of your head unit.
maybe soon we'll see one that says "google ready."
Hi all. I have a 2011 Hyundai Accent that used to run a HuiFei KGL4 Hyundai-specific 7" unit. It's been one rollercoaster ride with that unit, having to deal with the following:
1) Underpowered USB ports (had to solder a voltage step-down converter to amp it up for it to work properly)
2) The latest ROM forces me to wait 30 seconds for the unit to shut down after turning off ignition, otherwise my PKE car alarm won't trigger as all doors are generally closed within that time frame because I've already stepped out of the car. Funny piece is there's no way out of this even if I go back to an older software, or use an MCU that doesn't support sleep
3) Weak FM radio
After messing real bad with #3 above, killing one channel off of my FM radio (only right channel is working now) after breaking the electronic links for one of the caps needed, I decided it's time to let go. Not to mention that the reseller that I've brought it from is no longer responding when it comes to asking for replacement parts and Kai Ge Le doesn't sell parts from products that weren't directly bought from them. Malaysk' great ROM helped me get through the day for a while, but hey, when you want a fully working product, you gotta move some time right?
The next dilemma was: should I go with Joying or any other HuiFei-based Android radio and potentially deal with the same thing? Then I thought... man, it's time to accept I'm not too good with soldering and I can't risk messing another brand new radio just for dealing with the same thing.
Long-story short, I went with a not so known MCU / manufacturer / reseller combo this time around for hopes I'd get different results. It may be a bit of a challenge to get support from the community granted none of my searches yielded any results for the MCU the device is using, but man... with how the ROM of this new unit working fluidly as it is, I'm finally content.
Some distinct differences with HuiFei:
1) Boot-up time. Before upgrading my KGL4 to RK3188, boot-up time was 30 seconds. When I upgraded to RK3188 roughly ~15 seconds. In this unit? I don't even notice waiting for boot. It properly turns off USB connected devices so my battery does not get drained- tried for 5 days now and has been consistently fine.
2) Next / Previous controls. I did not need to install Car Service for Next / Previous to be consistent on non-stock apps (Radio, Music, Video apps). If I press next or previous in my steering wheel on, say, Spotify or PCRadio, the behavior is the same. It goes to the next / previous track as expected, with no additional apps or configuration needed.
3) RADIO - I can't emphasize this enough. In days where I just want to use the radio instead of songs from streaming apps, man, this unit delivers! It subdues the static / hisses well, and clearly picks up the same radio stations that I used to have in my car's factory radio that the KGL4 one struggled to pick-up.
4) Bluetooth function - I was never able to get my KGL4 unit to pair with my OBD2 device, no matter how many times I've back-read in the different threads. In this new unit, it was able to detect and pair with it the first time I tried! The plus part is that the Bluetooth config of this new unit allows you to enter the pair code for devices that requires it - at least on this one I'm sure the HuiFei units cannot prompt for the pairing code of the other device.
5) Support for external hard drives. I was unable to connect a 500GB external drive in my KGL4 before until I did the USB mod. For this new unit, it supports it right off the bat. No mods necessary.
6) There's an actual WIFI antenna!
Another plus for me is the screen size upgrade. The new device has 9" of real-estate. I did lose DVD functionality and potentially not have the option to update the software to 5.1 (runs on 4.4), but I can live with those. If anyone's familiar or has the same MCU as mine, or shares the same software build, let me know. Maybe that will be a good reference for anyone who'd potentially buy units from them. In the meantime, TC Car Audio has a store in AE if you want to inquire (Store ID 1360064). Looks like they also have a couple of 5.1 devices, just not sure if it shares the same MCU / ROM combo.
DISCLAIMER: I do not work for TC car audio. Just passing along the positive experience I have with their product, and hoping to help others see that there are better options out there beyond the more known brands.
MCU: 2016-04-25 10:38:12 KEQ_60_C6R_7706_5006_CAN(DaZhongWC)_Newlap
jrgalang said:
2) Next / Previous controls. I did not need to install Car Service for Next / Previous to be consistent on non-stock apps (Radio, Music, Video apps). If I press next or previous in my steering wheel on, say, Spotify or PCRadio, the behavior is the same. It goes to the next / previous track as expected, with no additional apps or configuration needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm more interested in this part. I wonder why this works on your unit, but not the majority of Anrdoid head units?
Can you try Pandora or Google Play Music? Does the app have to be open and in the main view for it to work? or will it work while playing in the background. Like say you are watching the Navigation with Pandora playing in the background from a Pandora app on the Android head unit, if you hit a track change with the Navigation app on the screen will it still change tracks?
CadillacMike said:
I'm more interested in this part. I wonder why this works on your unit, but not the majority of Anrdoid head units?
Can you try Pandora or Google Play Music? Does the app have to be open and in the main view for it to work? or will it work while playing in the background. Like say you are watching the Navigation with Pandora playing in the background from a Pandora app on the Android head unit, if you hit a track change with the Navigation app on the screen will it still change tracks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Microntek head units are using its own "layer" of virtual keys mapping (irkeyDown/up). It is useful from their point of view, because you have possibility to use long press behavior on hard keys. Android has its own definitions of key events and actually it is good habit to use them (in case of developing "steering widgets" and players developing as well). Probably microntek finally started to broadcast Android's defined key events among the system which caused support of many media players .
But that is only my theory .
CadillacMike said:
I'm more interested in this part. I wonder why this works on your unit, but not the majority of Anrdoid head units?
Can you try Pandora or Google Play Music? Does the app have to be open and in the main view for it to work? or will it work while playing in the background. Like say you are watching the Navigation with Pandora playing in the background from a Pandora app on the Android head unit, if you hit a track change with the Navigation app on the screen will it still change tracks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't try Pandora given where I'm at. But yeah, Google Play Music works just as same as Spotify. No need to have the app open, I mostly have Car Launcher Pro on screen OR my GPS app and I can hit next / previous even if the music apps are on the background.
jrgalang said:
I couldn't try Pandora given where I'm at. But yeah, Google Play Music works just as same as Spotify. No need to have the app open, I mostly have Car Launcher Pro on screen OR my GPS app and I can hit next / previous even if the music apps are on the background.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wtf, I gotta figure out how to get that on my Joying.
Reply
jrgalang said:
Hi all. I have a 2011 Hyundai Accent that used to run a HuiFei KGL4 Hyundai-specific 7" unit. It's been one rollercoaster ride with that unit, having to deal with the following:
1) Underpowered USB ports (had to solder a voltage step-down converter to amp it up for it to work properly)
2) The latest ROM forces me to wait 30 seconds for the unit to shut down after turning off ignition, otherwise my PKE car alarm won't trigger as all doors are generally closed within that time frame because I've already stepped out of the car. Funny piece is there's no way out of this even if I go back to an older software, or use an MCU that doesn't support sleep
3) Weak FM radio
After messing real bad with #3 above, killing one channel off of my FM radio (only right channel is working now) after breaking the electronic links for one of the caps needed, I decided it's time to let go. Not to mention that the reseller that I've brought it from is no longer responding when it comes to asking for replacement parts and Kai Ge Le doesn't sell parts from products that weren't directly bought from them. Malaysk' great ROM helped me get through the day for a while, but hey, when you want a fully working product, you gotta move some time right?
The next dilemma was: should I go with Joying or any other HuiFei-based Android radio and potentially deal with the same thing? Then I thought... man, it's time to accept I'm not too good with soldering and I can't risk messing another brand new radio just for dealing with the same thing.
Long-story short, I went with a not so known MCU / manufacturer / reseller combo this time around for hopes I'd get different results. It may be a bit of a challenge to get support from the community granted none of my searches yielded any results for the MCU the device is using, but man... with how the ROM of this new unit working fluidly as it is, I'm finally content.
Some distinct differences with HuiFei:
1) Boot-up time. Before upgrading my KGL4 to RK3188, boot-up time was 30 seconds. When I upgraded to RK3188 roughly ~15 seconds. In this unit? I don't even notice waiting for boot. It properly turns off USB connected devices so my battery does not get drained- tried for 5 days now and has been consistently fine.
2) Next / Previous controls. I did not need to install Car Service for Next / Previous to be consistent on non-stock apps (Radio, Music, Video apps). If I press next or previous in my steering wheel on, say, Spotify or PCRadio, the behavior is the same. It goes to the next / previous track as expected, with no additional apps or configuration needed.
3) RADIO - I can't emphasize this enough. In days where I just want to use the radio instead of songs from streaming apps, man, this unit delivers! It subdues the static / hisses well, and clearly picks up the same radio stations that I used to have in my car's factory radio that the KGL4 one struggled to pick-up.
4) Bluetooth function - I was never able to get my KGL4 unit to pair with my OBD2 device, no matter how many times I've back-read in the different threads. In this new unit, it was able to detect and pair with it the first time I tried! The plus part is that the Bluetooth config of this new unit allows you to enter the pair code for devices that requires it - at least on this one I'm sure the HuiFei units cannot prompt for the pairing code of the other device.
5) Support for external hard drives. I was unable to connect a 500GB external drive in my KGL4 before until I did the USB mod. For this new unit, it supports it right off the bat. No mods necessary.
6) There's an actual WIFI antenna!
Another plus for me is the screen size upgrade. The new device has 9" of real-estate. I did lose DVD functionality and potentially not have the option to update the software to 5.1 (runs on 4.4), but I can live with those. If anyone's familiar or has the same MCU as mine, or shares the same software build, let me know. Maybe that will be a good reference for anyone who'd potentially buy units from them. In the meantime, TC Car Audio has a store in AE if you want to inquire (Store ID 1360064). Looks like they also have a couple of 5.1 devices, just not sure if it shares the same MCU / ROM combo.
DISCLAIMER: I do not work for TC car audio. Just passing along the positive experience I have with their product, and hoping to help others see that there are better options out there beyond the more known brands.
MCU: 2016-04-25 10:38:12 KEQ_60_C6R_7706_5006_CAN(DaZhongWC)_Newlap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello friend,
This is Nicole from Kaigele.
Sorry to tell you that,from your posted info and images,this unit is not from our factory.Maybe you need to contact your direct seller to get more help.
thanks
best regards
Nicole
Hi Everyone, new to the forum here!
I need some help in finding an Android head unit for a project I'm doing which will involve retrofitting the unit into an OEM dash-mounted flip-up display enclosure.
My specific requirements for the unit are:
Android 5.1+
7" Display
Bluetooth w/ Song Information at least (so AVRCP 1.4+ preferred)
Bluetooth Handsfree
CAN Bus support (one of those red boxes)
Small list since most other stuff I want seem to come standard with these units already, however biggest point above being the Bluetooth song info with text because I heavily use bluetooth for audio. If the unit also has the ability to browse my phone's music library via Bluetooth from the head unit (so artist, track, playlist search etc...) that would be awesome as well. However, from the information I have found so far, later versions of AVRCP still seem not really implemented yet at this point. The only units that I have found so far that seem to match my requirements (besides screen size) are the InDashNet OctaCore units which seem to be even be AVRCP 1.5-ready.
In general from what I can make out the bluetooth audio support for a lot of these units seems quite limited but is slowly getting better. What I can't seem to find though in many reviews is much demonstration of the bluetooth music features (or maybe I'm looking in the wrong places?...idk). This is actually primarily why I'm making this thread.
So if anyone can point me in the direction of something that matches or at least comes very close to the specs I bulleted above I would really appreciate it. Also I'm not too concerned with what the shell of the unit looks like for this since I'll likely be gutting it anyways.
Thanks in advance!
NOTE: I tried to post a fully detailed write-up of my issues, with screenshots and links, but because I'm a new member the forum won't let me post this with those URL's in the post. Since there's no way to upload and attach images, I'm happy to provide all of this via alternative means, or update the post with the original links if an admin is willing to remove this restriction from my account (I promise I'm not a spammer of any kind)
Hi all,
First time poster here with some unique issues (at least for me) with one of the newer Android stereo units. (AA0495B)
I've already contacted AUTOPUMPKIN customer support and they were absolutely no help in solving this; I've also done my own testing and tinkering but haven't been able to get anything working so I'm hoping someone here with more knowledge of these Android units can help.
Late last year I got an AUTOPUMPKIN Android 9.0 unit (AA0495B) for my track car; the main reason I got it was to run my track timer apps directly from my car instead of having to run it from my phone in a dash mount as most do; the specific app I use is Harry's Laptimer. Now obviously this app was programmed with phone use in mind, but after a bit of doing I was able to get it working completely on the Android stereo unit, so my questions aren't around that app, but rather some secondary hardware related issues using the unit. Overall this stereo unit has been great and free of any major issues like ones I've seen on other XDA posts about other Android stereo units. The app works, connects to my GoPro over WiFi flawlessly, and records track sessions and syncs to video perfectly. My issue is that the HLT app also supports connecting to other kinds of devices via bluetooth for additional data capture, such as the XGPS160 for obtaining more accurate GPS lap data (The 160 captures GPS coordinates at 10Hz rather than the 1Hz of the AA0495B and most Android phones) and I'm having issues getting the stereo unit to connect to the XGPS160 device.
There are several problems in getting this to work, but to keep things simple I'll start with the first problem and then work down layer by layer as each issues is solved; hopefully, if we can get it to work, this thread can serve as a guide for others to get this stereo unit to connect to this and other GPS devices.
PROBLEM #1 - Getting the AA0495B unit to pair and connect to the XGPS160 over bluetooth
So obviously the first step is to get the XGPS160 connected to the head unit over BT. The instructions for this are fairly straightforward and in the XGPS160 manual which I followed. The AA0495B unit has its own custom UI for managing connections to bluetooth devices rather than using the native OS bluetooth menu. The native OS bluetooth menu can be found in the system menu, however when attempting to use it to pair to devices, no devices are detected. If we instead use the main menu Bluetooth button to open the custom BT interface and then hit the search button to scan for devices, the XGPS160 shows up when ready for pairing, so we know the BT radio is picking it up at least. I then click on the name of XGPS160 and press the Connect button to pair the device. After a few moments, the device name now shows as an "available device" meaning it is paired to the unit (at least in theory). We can then click on the name and click the Connect button again to attempt to connect the device. This is where it stops, as it never shows as being connected. For comparison, the UI does show blue "connected" icons when the stereo is connected to my Galaxy S9. It appears this custom BT UI will only show the blue symbols when the connected device is a phone; I also have an OBDII dongle paired and it will never show as connected from this screen, however apps like Torque Pro are able to make the stereo unit connect to it and pull OBD data from the car. I was hoping that maybe this was a case of this custom UI simply not showing that the device was connected when it actually is, like the OBDII device. I attempted to run the "Bluetooth GPS" helper app to see if I could get it to connect; however the XGPS160 doesn't even show up in the list of available devices, whereas the "OBDII" dongle is listed even though it's not currently connected. Presumably this menu is pulled from the OS's list of paired devices, so if I had to guess, perhaps the XGPS160 isn't really paired even though the Pumpkin custom BT UI shows it as paired?
In contrast, I was able to connect the XGPS160 to my Galaxy S9, update its firmware via the phone app, and install and run the helper apps to pull data from it, so there aren't any problems in the device itself, but appears to be an issue with the stereo unit.
Here are the About Machine details from the unit for reference:
Builder Number: 201907091031
Kernel Version:
4.4.167
#44 Mon 07 1 10:07:31 CST 2019
uboot-06 28 2019-18:00:06_M11 1024x600
MCU Version: CSN2_06252019_163051
CPU and Memory size:
64-bit 8-core Cortex-A53 1.5GHz
4GB TC:29C TGT:29C F0:1200M F1:816M
Model & Hardware: PX5
Android Version: 9
So with all that, does anyone have recommendations on next steps? I'm a software engineer by background (though not in smart devices) so I shouldn't have trouble performing any troubleshooting steps necessary.
thanks!
Figured out the issue
Circling back to update this one for anyone else who comes across this issue. Here's the response I got from Autopumpkin support
"After checked with our engineer,sorry to tell you that our headunit cannot connect to SkyPro XGPS160.the reason is car stereo Bluetooth is equivalent to a Bluetooth headset and it can only be connected passively.sorry about this."
So yeh, seems they cheaped out on the bluetooth module and that's the problem. Now if only I could find a way to disable it and use a USB bluetooth dongle I have instead.
I also have the problem with a Kingbaets K1+ Android 8.1
Unfortunately, it is only possible to establish the Bluetooth connections up to Android 6.0.
Later Android versions have a "castrated" Bluetooth interface.
My consequence was that I bought an OWNICE C500+ with Android 6.0.
With this device, Bluetooth hardware can pair with PIN input.
It works perfectly.
Dealers at aliexpress
Modify Android 8.1 head unit for better menus & easier BlueT controller compatibility
I bought an iMars 7 from banggood, I believe it’s called a “Android Head Unit AC8227l” but from reading on here it could be a YT9217 or a YT9218 (?)
The menu systems I’ve seen running on these online, on pics or YouTube videos vary. But my menu system is quite clunky and limited.
I can connect a phone via Bluetooth for calls or on-device music controls, but I can not connect any Bluetooth controllers (I’d like a Bluetooth control for music and calls since using a touch screen and driving is a no-no). But I would also like to connect a Bluetooth games controller for my girlfriend to be able to play on it when we’re driving on long journeys.
Also, some better menu controls would be useful as the settings are limited at brightness, WiFi, and a few other minor things. Some display settings, better sound settings, and some others would be really useful.
I havnt wired the radio antenna in because of a lack of a female to female jack, and the reverse camera hasn’t been set up yet so their compatibility isn’t an issue right now!
Is there a way of modifying the software to allow for what I’m after? I’m decent with tech, but rooting an android device (even if that’s the correct terminology) is new to me!
Thank you for any help or advice
Braadlee said:
I bought an iMars 7 from banggood, I believe it’s called a “Android Head Unit AC8227l” but from reading on here it could be a YT9217 or a YT9218 (?)
The menu systems I’ve seen running on these online, on pics or YouTube videos vary. But my menu system is quite clunky and limited.
I can connect a phone via Bluetooth for calls or on-device music controls, but I can not connect any Bluetooth controllers (I’d like a Bluetooth control for music and calls since using a touch screen and driving is a no-no). But I would also like to connect a Bluetooth games controller for my girlfriend to be able to play on it when we’re driving on long journeys.
Also, some better menu controls would be useful as the settings are limited at brightness, WiFi, and a few other minor things. Some display settings, better sound settings, and some others would be really useful.
I havnt wired the radio antenna in because of a lack of a female to female jack, and the reverse camera hasn’t been set up yet so their compatibility isn’t an issue right now!
Is there a way of modifying the software to allow for what I’m after? I’m decent with tech, but rooting an android device (even if that’s the correct terminology) is new to me!
Thank you for any help or advice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to say, but forget about all your wishes. BT is not available for other devices as phone and OBD.
Modifying the software to get this fixed... good luck...