Database Users

using as a tv remote

Is the infrared strong enough for using it as a tv-remote ?
Did any one tried it ?
I'm still waiting for my Hermes to arrive.

Range is only about a meter

I was hopefull of using my Hermes as a swanky all in one remote, but unfortunately after a bit of testing, the pathetic range on the IR rules it out Shame, 'cos the Philips Pronto and other such devices cost a fortune.

you could keep an eye out for a HP IPaq 2210 as it has consumer IR and comes with nevo on board for universal remote control functions. (I really need a full LCD matrix for mine lol, which is what prompted me to get my hermes)

Try NoviiRemote Deluxe 4.1 with range about 3-4 metres. Work Fine

That's the program I used and the TyTN only got a meter. My 8125 got 4 meters with this same application.
There may be a hardware mod in my TyTN's future here. I really miss Novii remote....

hy, everyone, i've heard, that you can put out the plastic glass which protects the ir-led. this shouldincreasethe range up to 15meters. has anyone tried this, does it work?

i hope it can help... + 20% but absolutely not 15 meters! The reason is that more longer is the ir ray, more energy you have to spend!

Thickness with Keyboard

The specs say it is .6 inches or 16 mm thick. Is that with or without the keyboard... what about in the leather wallet?

bandersnatch said:
The specs say it is .6 inches or 16 mm thick. Is that with or without the keyboard... what about in the leather wallet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 16 mm specs is without keyboard, 20 mm with keyboard, 27 mm ~ 31 mm (aproximately because the leather wallet form is not uniform).
Regards!

Thanks
Thanks much. Seems pretty big. I wonder if it will fit in my shirt pocket...

Not unless you're on the 'large' side. I can only just get it in the big pockets on my combat style trousers. 'Tis a beast for sure!

not going to be the phone for me.
I hate to say it. I've been lusting after this thing since I heard it might be coming to tmo usa. But if it is as big as I think it is, I wouldn't be able to carry it on my person. That 5 inch screen is probably going to be too much of a good thing for me. I would have happily settled for 4.

thinking on the same lines
bandersnatch said:
I hate to say it. I've been lusting after this thing since I heard it might be coming to tmo usa. But if it is as big as I think it is, I wouldn't be able to carry it on my person. That 5 inch screen is probably going to be too much of a good thing for me. I would have happily settled for 4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel the same way, when i first saw this device (heard the announcements about availability on T-Mobile in the UK) i was well excited and pleased, but then i did a thourough study regarding the size, including measuring my old diary which strangely seems to be about the size of the ameo in its case. I gave it some deep thought like "Gavin do you seriously think you can carry that around?, and the fact that you need a headset", hmmm will wait to hear about how others are getting along, especially after a few more weeks or months down the line. Ameo/ Athena users would like to hear more about:
1) You and your device on a daily basis, where do you carry it, and how do you use it? on a table/ lap/ other?
2) How is the keyboard getting along, or maybe you are using some other input methods?
3) What about calls are you using a wired headset or bluetooth stereo?
Just general impressions from owners over the last 3 weeks ( i know its not been long, sorry)

The Weight...
It is also 375 grams. The wizard is 150 grams. It weighs 250% MORE than a wizard....

bandersnatch said:
It is also 375 grams. The wizard is 150 grams. It weighs 250% MORE than a wizard....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where to begin after 2 weeks of owning an Ameo....happy. Yes very happy!
I would never have contemplated doing the things I do with the Ameo that I probably couls have done with previous devices owned (JasJar, Hermes, Prophet, Wizard, Xda Mini and Xda IIi....and others).
The Ameo can do what all these devices put together couldn't do.
TV out is quite a treat and allows everything to be displayed on virtually any other type of display that supports S-Video, Composite or VGA.
The USB host functionality allows a FULL PC USB keyboard or mouse (with pointer) to be used.....and it works extremely well!
Remote Desktop (WM6 version) is a joy to use on the Ameo...a smaller screen just would't be up to the Job. Whilst I'm having problems connecting to my own PC, I am easily and quickly connecting to my wife's XP Pro PC via RDP. It is truly astounding and responsive. You literally see and operate the XP PC as you would through your native monitor hooked up to your desktop PC.
Movie Playback when the occasion calls for it is pure eye candy if your using a DVD Rip. Sheer quality!
The speakers are no sound system but prove to be worthy of being best-in class from my experience of PPC devices to date. It is loud and NOT tinny or hollow.
WM5 is no faster than any other 520Mhz device I have used....but that will change when we can upgrade to WM6.
WMLive (from WM6) works seemlessly and beautifully and you even get a Message tone and visual notification of incoming Instant messages or Voice clips...if on-line at the time of incoming message. It's fast and works very well for me.
Wisbar Advance 2 completely changes the look and feel of the device and this is where standard VGA as opposed to ozVGA comes into its own for me, as the font size is just right for me and the cascading start menu etc works well with this size screen.
The Screen. Yes the screen is amazing.....and if screen real estate is tht important to some...you instantly have a choice of a host of resolutions if using RDP to XP/Vista and there are tweaks such as ozVGA and others if you really need it in the WM O/S.
The keyboard....NOT impressed in the slightest! I much prefer the keyboard on the Universal. With that I can type up a book if need be in comparison to the non-tactile feedback of the keyboard buttons on the Athena....but it's not a major issue for me as I am usually at a desk where this problem is much alleviated by a steady base on which to place the Ameo. Full size USB keyboard and mouse come into their element here with the standard non-supplied 4-1 cable.
The Ameo is a great GPS device with a screen large and clear enough to rival the biggest dedicated in-built GPS systems in top-spec luxury or performance cars. I'm not complaining.
Dual TV screen for GPS, Movies or internet surfing using HSDPA whilst travelling a few hundred miles with the kids is great. The possibilities are staggering.
I won't go on.....because the Ameo has much more to offer IMHO. I was considering a Sony UX UMPC, now I've got the Ameo, forget it. I've got me direct access to a powerhouse desktop PC where I can edit videos download torrents and other large files directly to my home or office PC whilst retaining the enhanced Mobile telephony functions of this baby via a tiny BT earpiece.
Call quality is excellent and I'm able to receive calls whilst on wi-fi or GPRS/3G/HSDPA...but this is sometimes temperamental. The new HTC Shift will be the new king, but for me, I'll be sticking with the barely pocketable Ameo.
Yes it's larger than any other device called a Pocket PC, but then this is far more than the sum of its or any other devices parts.
Did I mention that the on-board 3megapixel camera was the best I have come across in any PPC? and that it far surpassed my expectations? Well it has, enough so that I no longer need to carry another camera around at any time.
Long live the Athena....you could do worse....but I doubt you'll do better for quite some time. It just comes down to what you're comfortable with.
For your information....I carry mine without Leather casing or keyboard happily in my front or rear jeans pocket or inside suit pocket....but it actually fits with everything together aswell, but then it is a tight squeeze.
Hope my long boring post helps some of you to stick to your original decision and get one...you won't regret it...but if not..why not try one for a week and return it to your supplier if your not happy with it.

Very good and informative post. Thanks for sharing your opinion.

eagle 1 said:
Very good and informative post. Thanks for sharing your opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the positive feedback.
@ All....Additionally thanks to Eagle1 I can now connect to all PC's in my office/home from my Ameo via wi-fi!! Great stuff....HSDPA - Home network is next on the Agenda.
This device is become more and more like a UMPC, but without the ability to play movies or games....but that can be done natively through WM5 and a PSP if one is that way enclined.

Well, looks really like a cool device, was waiting for a VGA, GPS, fast processor, WM6 with keyboard for a loooong time...
but first what i did was look for the size of Qtek 9000, which had all that, but could not have it (had it for testing for 2 weeks), since it was too heavy and big for a device that i carry with me all the time...
If it was only a little lighter and smaller.... the HP 4700 screen was more then big enough for PDAs, think it was 4", and bigger device then that (also fatter) just does not get me. But the features are perfect, they just need to squeeze it into 4"vga, 250g max. and then ill be running into the store looking for it.. untill then whoever buys it, hope you enjoy it, it looks really like the best pda out now..

But here is somthing that catches my eye...
http://www.gsmarena.com/i_mate_ultimate_7150-1882.php
is this a HTC product? and if, anyone knows their version of this phone?
a VGA 3.5 + keyboard , secondary display outside so you dont have to open the pda if getting a call ...
now thats a heart breaker for me

As far as I know, it's not a HTC product...

Moskus said:
As far as I know, it's not a HTC product...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's not, iMate is no longer partner of HTC, this device is made by also a Taiwanese company, but not HTC.

papizdono said:
But here is somthing that catches my eye...
http://www.gsmarena.com/i_mate_ultimate_7150-1882.php
is this a HTC product? and if, anyone knows their version of this phone?
a VGA 3.5 + keyboard , secondary display outside so you dont have to open the pda if getting a call ...
now thats a heart breaker for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I took a look at this, but was disappointed that it does not support SDHC, which means I can't have wikipedia and lots of MP3 music with me.
I understand that HTC is the one designing and manufacturing the i_mate (please check this out yourself from wikipedia under HTC). HTC in fact designs and manufactures just about everyone's PDA including Dell's, HP's, etc. but they just put in other's labels until recently when they starts to use their own HTC label.

eaglesteve said:
I took a look at this, but was disappointed that it does not support SDHC, which means I can't have wikipedia and lots of MP3 music with me.
I understand that HTC is the one designing and manufacturing the i_mate (please check this out yourself from wikipedia under HTC). HTC in fact designs and manufactures just about everyone's PDA including Dell's, HP's, etc. but they just put in other's labels until recently when they starts to use their own HTC label.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is only true about 4 months ago, now HTC don't design and manufacture for iMate anymore, it's done by another taiwanese company (can't remember the name).

wu5262 said:
that is only true about 4 months ago, now HTC don't design and manufacture for iMate anymore, it's done by another taiwanese company (can't remember the name).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see... Thanks for the updated info, Wu.

Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor?

Anyone heard or use such a beast with their Kaiser. Mine is now on the fritz so figure I may as well get one that may work with my kaiser and some decent software.
Thanks,

I have a Polar heart rate monitor that I used with my old HTC Wizard via the IR port. Alas, my Kaiser which replaced the Wizard does not have IR and I too am looking for a replacement. If anyone knows of such a beast, please let us know.

I looked before and this is all I was able to find. It would have been an awesome solution but I've never been able to find a place that actually sells them. Most likely not cheap but I'd be willing to spend a nice amount on it.
http://www.alivetec.com/pdf/sports_handout.pdf
http://www.alivetec.com/index.htm

Still not much out there
Hello there,
Relatively new to the touch screen GPS enabled windows platform, I’ve also started looking for applications that can make it even more all in one (although in my case the battery life could be a serious dampener – I have a Diamond )
The reference in terms of functionality has to be the Garmin 705HR, but it lacks the connectivity, liberty of map, sat image and software choice that the PPC phones have.
Has anyone heard of a hacked Garmin? It would be too cool to discover it ran on win CE (although it still doesn’t have BT)
So, back to the Bluetooth heart rate transmitter.
My peregrinations on the web have turned up a few possibilities, none of whom I have contacted simply because I am incapable of developing a program that could use the BT signal that issues from such kit:
Blatand do a genuine BT belt – looks like what we need – I wonder how much it costs, or if it’s available without the packages.
Adidas and Samsung have teamed up to create MiCoach, and I’m prepared to bet that the heart rate belt transmits via BT.
FRWD have a GPS module that receives heart rate info from any commercially available transmitter belt, and retransmits it via BT, but I don’t know if it’s available without the package…
I’ve also read that all one needs is a BT2ANT module, ANT being the transmission standard used by the big HRM manufacturers. But I haven’t managed to find even a picture of one, unless the above is one.
The last two are less attractive because it means yet another piece of hardware, defeating the all-in-one objective.
Does anyone know if it’s possible to rewrite part of a radio ROM to pick up/decode the ANT signal at 5KHz? (that’s a long shot and even if it were possible it would probably be at the expense of something else)
Here’s hoping (and waiting)
Luke
Edit: maybe this could be moved to a general or multiplatform forum, as it’s not Kaiser specific.

You could also try this site http://www.blatand.net/brustgurt+M52087573ab0.html

These things must be expensive

Physiol said:
I have contacted Zephyr - an SDK is US$120 including a device. They are shipping me one. Going to have a crack at it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
awaiting for ur review dude...

This is really interesting. What I need is a glucose moniter for the phone, that would be really cool. My Dexcom continuous glucose monitor uses IR from the site to the device I think, so if a BT version ever came out, it would be awsome!

Just for you Superman22x http://www.bluetooth.com/Bluetooth/Products/Products/Product_Details.htm?ProductID=3976

I will suggest you the Polar FS2 heart rate monitor.I am using it and it very effective and I think it will fulfill your requirements .

Superman22x said:
This is really interesting. What I need is a glucose moniter for the phone, that would be really cool. My Dexcom continuous glucose monitor uses IR from the site to the device I think, so if a BT version ever came out, it would be awsome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have a Nintendo DS?
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/07/14/bayer-announces-didget-blood-glucose-meter-for-nintendo-ds/

I was wondering if you had already found a heart rate monitor which sends out the heart rate via bluetooth.
If so please let me know as I am now in the process of investigation the possibility to have them produced (belt only).
When more people are willing to buy them it will cut down my cost.
Please let me know if you, or other people you know, are interested (PM)
Furthermore, anyone knows of any software which reads bluetooth Heart rates besides RunGPS ?!

Just found this thread after starting a new workout routine and stumbling across a Android market heart rate monitor app.
Searched like stupid and didn't find any products that were easily available, affordable or made any sense at all UNTIL I stumbled upon this:
http://www.ethpower.com/productInfo.asp?id=53
I contacted them for a sample and will report back on prices etc, although this looks more like a B2B company. Looks a bit hefty, but USB charging is cool.

Ciddy said:
Just found this thread after starting a new workout routine and stumbling across a Android market heart rate monitor app.
Searched like stupid and didn't find any products that were easily available, affordable or made any sense at all UNTIL I stumbled upon this:
http://www.ethpower.com/productInfo.asp?id=53
I contacted them for a sample and will report back on prices etc, although this looks more like a B2B company. Looks a bit hefty, but USB charging is cool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just came across this thread...I am looking for a bluetooth transmitter for heart rate monitor for my runtastic app on htc one x but I resent paying more than $100 for one!
Did anything pan out with that link, or did you find anything else suitable?
Fingers crossed!
Thanks
Lunch

Athena - End of Life?

I just looked at the HTC website, discovered the new widescreen touch phones, and was taken aback, that the Athena is no longer listed with the HTC products.
So is this the end of the Athena?
R, Michael

Links? When I go to htc.com I don't see the Athena under current "Products", but that's been true for a while. I do see it listed under "Support". I also don't see any new widescreen phones anywhere...

techntrek said:
Links? When I go to htc.com I don't see the Athena under current "Products", but that's been true for a while. I do see it listed under "Support". I also don't see any new widescreen phones anywhere...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not a regular with the HTC website, so forgive me, if didn't find out earlier, that HTC dropped the Athena line altogether. And I haven't seen it mentioned on this forum as well.
"New" widescreen phones means (for the same reason) "new to ME", but probably "water under the bridge" for the better informed.

No, you misread, I wasn't jumping on you. I'm curious what widescreen phones you are talking about and wanted a link to see. The thread that appeared here about the Athena getting dropped from HTC's product line didn't get much activity so it dropped off the front page quickly, so you could have easily missed it.

i looked on the htc Europe page and there they still have the athena

The HTC web site (worldwide) lists two widescreen devices:
Touch HD
MAX 4G
but no X7500/X7501/X7510.
European and german web sites list the Touch HD as the only widescreen device, but still list the X7510.
North-american site lists no widescreen device at all and no more Advantages.
R, Michael

The thing that surprises me is that this niche seems to be emptying. There are the smaller devices with touch interface (iPhone and knock-offs) that are booming, and then the netbooks are booming. But nothing in between. I'm not sure what my next move will be. I've had my x7500 for over 18 months, which is an eternity. But I can't convince myself that there is anything new that I would be happier with. What I really want is a faster, sleeker, lighter x7500 with a 60GB solid state drive. Wouldn't other people want that??

I've had mine 15 months and plan on using it for several more years. Definitely nothing on the market right now that is an obvious replacement for the Athena and I don't think there will be for a while.
I'd love an Athena with a SSD, and a 16:9 aspect ratio screen instead of the 4:3 we have now. It would make it a bit longer but a bit narrower (top to bottom), more like a traditional "candybar" phone. Would give more total screen space but would make it easier to hold like a phone. Obviously that would also require adding a private earpiece. Throw in a vibrate ringer and I'd be there.

wgary said:
The thing that surprises me is that this niche seems to be emptying. There are the smaller devices with touch interface (iPhone and knock-offs) that are booming, and then the netbooks are booming. But nothing in between. I'm not sure what my next move will be. I've had my x7500 for over 18 months, which is an eternity. But I can't convince myself that there is anything new that I would be happier with. What I really want is a faster, sleeker, lighter x7500 with a 60GB solid state drive. Wouldn't other people want that??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude you hit it right on the nail. Or atleast something with an upgradeable memory along with Micro SDHC slot built in, and onboard USB host (no attachments).

hmm
the athena is dieing no one cooks roms for it last was ap5 i think , i love my x7501 ,but the kaiser has more cooks i havent flashed sence ap4 release and i know some one could cook up something better,can a kaiser rom run on a x7501?

Dude where u been?
hey flexedrubi
Mitchy Prima has released many ROMS far above the calibre of the AP ROMS.
I am sure the last one was less than a month ago....
I dont know how u missed it....It is WIZ BANG PA_TANG! (very good)
So go flash it.......
We are indeed a small crowd with our devices and I dont know if anything will come along, I think we are a single generation which were before our time.
In the future we will have XP....sorry VISTA (hssss) or even windows 7 machines - (which are pushing touch screen tech further than Win mobile) the same size and with the same capacity/functionality as our Advantages.
Asus EE pc's come with Sim Card slots now and all you need to use them as phones.
The HTC advantage with the stock Mobile 5 ROM was a pretty awfull device to use as a primary phone we were pioneers with patience lol
Mitchys ROMS have elevated it to heights but its still not really ready to compete with other OS's in terms of simple phone, music, and camera usage
I have been using a combo of N95 8GB (for music, camera and calls) and an x7500 for data for a while now. There is nothing I can see that can beat this combo....
The X7500 is the ONLY PPC in my opinion that I can use for work
Wifi to connect to office (or VPN)
USB host for keyboard and mouse
VGA out for monitor
RDP for TS to access everything I need
I have never used or seen another PPC that could take its place!
I just bought a Sumsung Omnia, I flashed up to newest decent custom firmware (far better than Tmobile stock ROM which was quite bad!) and I loaded up loads of tunes and movies etc, put all my usefull apps on it and expected it to take over from my old combo...
Impossible!
It just cant do it!
I think that Windows 7 (not mobile) or what ever its being called is being designed to plug in to all hardware....

yarod - so what about the Omnia didn't make it good enough to take over from your current combo?

Athena lives?
Just got this from an rss. Looks like Athena lives! Look at this article http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=2357 and you'll see the "Athena 2" apparently code named "Thoth."
Woo hoo!

Wow!
This is indeed good news!

mfschneider said:
This is indeed good news!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope they come out with a T mobile USA 3G version. If not i'm running to AT&T end of my contract before I purchase this handy looking Thoth.

Very good to see that they are continuing development with the Athena line, but it doesn't look much different than the 7510. Still lacks the buttons they took away with the 7510, so right there its a no-go for me.

This is good news
CHECK OUT THIS LINK ALSO
http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/01/12/htcs-full-2009-line-up-leaked

techntrek said:
yarod - so what about the Omnia didn't make it good enough to take over from your current combo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Techntrek
- The omnia was great......BUT comparing to my N95 8GB.........and the Ameo as combo.....
Main things that annoyed me........
unable to use headphones and charge at same time with out of box solution
Also no 3.5 jack without the adapter
FM radio didnt list radio station name ....RDS or something?
Battery (even with newest ROM) doesnt last as long as Nokia (screen is much bigger so maybe that is whats causing it....)
GPS doesnt work as well I only got a FIX Once with my Omnia.......Ameo seems to fix much more reliably as does N95.
Screen is too small to use Remote desktop properly after using ameo - interestingly in this case the only remote app I have for Nokia is logmein which is rubbish
No USB host and I dont want to waste money on Bluetooth combo (top dollar) as I just got a MX3200 set.
The phone application is not as reliable at all.....same with all windows mobile devices, the dialler and phone app on the N95 is integrated into the OS in a much more pleasent fashion - no hangs no issues even if I am running Multiple Applications (web, MMS, video, FM radio etc) the phone app kicks in and out faster and more efficiently with never a crash....
There was no in line remote solution (next/last track, volume, change radio station....
But the omnia could record FM radio!! That was kick ass!

Interesting. Well, here's to many more useful years with our Athenas!

techntrek said:
Very good to see that they are continuing development with the Athena line, but it doesn't look much different than the 7510. Still lacks the buttons they took away with the 7510, so right there its a no-go for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think they are going to bring back the buttons anymore because they are pushing for the touch capacitive screens with integrated touch 3d. We might even loose whatever button is present on the X7510 as it is.

Android into Cars

After trying several Android tablets, i am developing a board for DIY in-dash system which supports GPS, Music, Video, FM and maybe DVD... Any feature do you like if there is one Android system in your car?
Voice call?
Camera? :laugh:
=====================
Thanks for you guys' attention. Eventually, products are coming:
mod edit - link removed

nonstop2050 said:
After trying several Android tablet, i am developing a board for DIY in-dash system which supports GPS, Music, Video, FM and maybe DVD... Any feature do you like if there is one Android system in your car?
Voice call?
Camera? :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a genious idea!! So you plan to integrate a standard Android tablet into a car so that the front passengers can listen to music, make play lists play movies, use Google Maps based GPS (obviously this would only work for SIM card enabled tablets). I cant think of any other uses unless you really wanted to make serious modifications to the car.
Seriously, if I were you I would delete this thread until your idea has a patent or two because this idea is gold dust.

Noobie Boobie said:
That is a genious idea!! So you plan to integrate a standard Android tablet into a car so that the front passengers can listen to music, make play lists play movies, use Google Maps based GPS (obviously this would only work for SIM card enabled tablets). I cant think of any other uses unless you really wanted to make serious modifications to the car.
Seriously, if I were you I would delete this thread until your idea has a patent or two because this idea is gold dust.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. That is what i want to do.
Basically, i developed a board and it works. Now, im thinking new features and going to complete the work. One day it may come as an open design for Android fans.
Internet on the way is possible as 3G connection(USB dongle) is ready. Google street view is an interesting app for driving.

# feature is a quality wifi antenna.. reasoning being if its parked near my house it can connect and sync media, etc. External USB ports and Host mode.
Outside of that it all really falls on software I think. One would be the ability to mount MTP devices, and find media on them to play.
I have been thinking about this for years, and originally I was just going to use a browser based UI on top of a very minimalistic linux install. At this point just a tablet minus the form factor and some of the performance (has to be snappy but no need to play angry birds at 200fps), for a bit less $ could make a killer head unit.

I love the idea of android in the car. But don't waste your time re-inventing the wheel, essentially building a custom tablet that will surely be out of date(both in hardware and in software) long before the product makes it out the door.
Compared to technology, cars last forever. *The only way to keep car electronics from feeling dated by the time the car pulls out of the lot is to have a "Dumb" car which can seamlessly integrate with user-replaceable off-the-shelf electronics.
Focus your resources on creating a device that does nothing other than act as an interface between an off-the-shelf tablet and the car. Then all that is left is a one-size-fits all frame for the console that permits you to drop in any (or a wide range) tablet the user wants. Inside the frame you could provide either both power & data over USB or power over usb and data/control over Bluetooth. Spend all of your effort in making the interface compatible with as many makes / models of cars as possible and working out how to get as much data and control over the car as possible. Don't waste your time on anything else..
Make this data/control available via a openly published API and let other developers build apps to display/use/control things and let Samsung/Asus/Apple/whoever build the actual tablets.
This approach is best for everyone. Less work for you on so many levels. And for customers it is great because it is future proof. In a 5 years (or 5 months) all you have to do to upgrade to the latest and greatest hardware is stop by best buy and pick out a tablet.

cypho said:
I love the idea of android in the car. But don't waste your time re-inventing the wheel, essentially building a custom tablet that will surely be out of date(both in hardware and in software) long before the product makes it out the door.
Compared to technology, cars last forever. *The only way to keep car electronics from feeling dated by the time the car pulls out of the lot is to have a "Dumb" car which can seamlessly integrate with user-replaceable off-the-shelf electronics.
Focus your resources on creating a device that does nothing other than act as an interface between an off-the-shelf tablet and the car. Then all that is left is a one-size-fits all frame for the console that permits you to drop in any (or a wide range) tablet the user wants. Inside the frame you could provide either both power & data over USB or power over usb and data/control over Bluetooth. Spend all of your effort in making the interface compatible with as many makes / models of cars as possible and working out how to get as much data and control over the car as possible. Don't waste your time on anything else..
Make this data/control available via a openly published API and let other developers build apps to display/use/control things and let Samsung/Asus/Apple/whoever build the actual tablets.
This approach is best for everyone. Less work for you on so many levels. And for customers it is great because it is future proof. In a 5 years (or 5 months) all you have to do to upgrade to the latest and greatest hardware is stop by best buy and pick out a tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi, cypho
Thanks for your advice.
Due to variety of cars(and tablets), I guess most difficult part is "a device that does nothing other than act as an interface between an off-the-shelf tablet and the car". Beside audio, power ..interfaces fitting to tablet, mounting and installation are blocking issues to make this kind of device.
There is another interface which has been widely applied in after market car head unit: standard 2DIN/1DIN stereo. Unfortunately, we have to put tablet into 2DIN/1DIN shield by this way.

nonstop2050 said:
hi, cypho
Thanks for your advice.
Due to variety of cars(and tablets), I guess most difficult part is "a device that does nothing other than act as an interface between an off-the-shelf tablet and the car". Beside audio, power ..interfaces fitting to tablet, mounting and installation are blocking issues to make this kind of device.
There is another interface which has been widely applied in after market car head unit: standard 2DIN/1DIN stereo. Unfortunately, we have to put tablet into 2DIN/1DIN shield by this way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that is the hard part. Unfortunately that hard part cannot be avoided, weather you use an off the shelf tablet or build your own - it still has to interface with the car.
Really the ones who should be providing that open interface is the car manufactures. But they will never do it. They want to charge you $10,000 for an upgraded electronics package and then rely on those electronics feeling dated after 3 years to persuade people into buying a whole new car. How can they do any of that if it was easy to upgrade/replace the built in electronics for the cost of a cheep tablet.
The good news for you is because of the overpriced nature of manufacturers options if done right(sufficient polish and access to sufficient data and control over the car) you should be able to sell your interface device for big $$$. If the manufactures electronics option costs $10,000 and people are willing to pay for that, why would they not be willing to forgo the manufactures package pay twice that much or more for an aftermarket one that will never get old. Or better yet, imagine how much it is worth to someone considering spending buying a whole new car because their current car feels old.

Guys look here.
this dude build his streak 7 into his car. Just a idea

user_error said:
# feature is a quality wifi antenna.. reasoning being if its parked near my house it can connect and sync media, etc. External USB ports and Host mode.
Outside of that it all really falls on software I think. One would be the ability to mount MTP devices, and find media on them to play.
I have been thinking about this for years, and originally I was just going to use a browser based UI on top of a very minimalistic linux install. At this point just a tablet minus the form factor and some of the performance (has to be snappy but no need to play angry birds at 200fps), for a bit less $ could make a killer head unit.
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Hi,
Media Sync is a killer application comparing current head unit. :laugh: WIFI is working easily on Android. As you mentioned, quality antenna is a must. Thanks for your information.

exebreez said:
Guys look here.
this dude build his streak 7 into his car. Just a idea
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats something i'd do if i had the time and money

nice idea
voice controls would be really nice and an option to let it read out mails/messages you are getting while driving

There are some good voice control apps in google play. Hardware should link to an internal or external mic for the apps.
Here I put an external one for better performance.

nonstop2050 said:
After trying several Android tablets, i am developing a board for DIY in-dash system which supports GPS, Music, Video, FM and maybe DVD... Any feature do you like if there is one Android system in your car?
Voice call?
Camera? :laugh:
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Click to collapse
multiple cameras and external storage to store video streams from cameras
---------- Post added at 04:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:33 PM ----------
user_error said:
# feature is a quality wifi antenna.. reasoning being if its parked near my house it can connect and sync media, etc. External USB ports and Host mode.
Outside of that it all really falls on software I think. One would be the ability to mount MTP devices, and find media on them to play.
I have been thinking about this for years, and originally I was just going to use a browser based UI on top of a very minimalistic linux install. At this point just a tablet minus the form factor and some of the performance (has to be snappy but no need to play angry birds at 200fps), for a bit less $ could make a killer head unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will stay in the car listening music instead of going back home to listen on our Sofa?

FocusVideo said:
multiple cameras and external storage to store video streams from cameras
USB camera and USB storage have been applied in the design.
USB camera can be standard PC web camera.
Full function samples will be done in several weeks. :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

hands free bluetooth profile would be good to have also.

JoelZracer said:
hands free bluetooth profile would be good to have also.
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Click to collapse
hands free bluetooth profile would be good to have also.

Focus on fidelity
Your early adopters would definitely be those who are already putting in custom stereos. The main thing is that you want quality audio connections via RCA connectors, and avoid ground-loop noise like the plague. Even if what you created was just a a Bluetooth transceiver in the trunk...
-Charles
FoneFill

Boll*cks I had this idea the other day.... then seen this. Guess I'll leave it to you good luck lad. :thumbup:
Sent from the moon on the back of a Yamaha

You mean something like This ?
This would be great, if you could only make a dock for ANY tablet. The tablet that comes with this isnt probably too good. Having a nexus 7 in would make things MUNCH more intersting