Database Users

Blue Angel (SX66) and Audi BT hands free

Hi all!
I just got my new car (WOOHOO) -A 2006 Audi A4. One of the many high tech gadgets it has is Bluetooth hands free.
The only things that seems to work is basic call-redirection so sound comes out the car's speakers and I am using the microphone in the car rather than the one in my SX66.
I read on Audi's web site a list of supported phones, and as no big surprise, the SX66 was not on the list.
Supported phones can automatically transfer their phonebook to the car so I can dial by pressing a button on the steering wheel and select the appropriate entry.
Does anyone know if there are any updates or patches aor profiles etc that coul denable the SX66 to do this?
I have poked around a bit in the forums and didn't find anything that seems to apply...
Thanks
Mikkel

TomTom: Worth it?

I still use my old XDA 1 (Himilaya) for sat nav (running TomTom5 - haven't upgraded to 6 yet) with a wired GPS mouse, so both the GPS receiver and XDA are always charging when the ignition is on/engine running. I leave all that kit in the car all the time. I've also got an MDA Pro (Universal) and am thinking of using that for TomTom instead because:
a) Take advantage of the data tariff on it and subscribe to Traffic Plus (or whatever TomTom call it)
b) I also intend to get a Parrot CK bluetooth add on for the car (allow the car speakers to be part of a speakerphone) so I can make/receive calls and also listen to WMAs whilst driving (I hate all headphones)
So, questions.
1) TomTom5 works really well on the original XDA 1 (no crashes, smooth scrolling, very responsive, etc). Will it work just as well on my Universal?
2) If using the traffic service (over GPRS/UMTS), will voice calls still come through OK? T Mobile UK
3) Would pretty much any BT GPS unit off ebay be OK?
4) How long do the batteries last before needing a charge on these BT units?
5) Are there any wired solutions, so I don't need batteries and the Universal could also be on charge? I'd much prefer that.
6) Is the traffic service good? I mean, does it warn/reroute you sufficiently in advance? Does it know, for instance, that some roads are always slow and avoid them?
7) Anything in TomTom6 worth the ugprade over 5?
Or should I forget the traffic (and still rely on the radio) and just stick to the satus quo, or maybe still get the BT thing for MP3/WMAs? Anyone got any experience of a similar setup to report? TomTom5 on the XDA is one of very few tech products with which I'm completely and utterly happy.

Can no one help on any of the questions?

Hi Xiasma,
I sell a Car Kit for £40, which sounds like it should do what you want.
http://www.mdapro.co.uk/shop/xcart/T-Mobile-MDA-PRO-Handsfree-Custom-Car-Kit-with-speaker-pr-36.html
It'll charge your phone and GPS at the same time, amplify the voice, etc. and comes with 3 different mounts to attach to your car. I haven't sold many and one person is complaining about people not hearing him when he makes recieves a call, although we've proved that the microphone is working correctly. See this thread for an in depth discussion on pro's, con's, etc.
http://www.mdapro.co.uk/phpBB-2.0.18/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=275
I have no experiance of other solutions, but I think that as you have problems with loudspeaker, you'll have the same trouble as the guy in the thread. The thread goes on a bit, but I think you'll find it usefull.
Any bluetooth GPS reciever should work well with your phone, but I'd advise going for one with a Sirf III chipset, people seem to find them much better than sirf II. I have some new ones due in next week around the £50 mark, which sound a better deal than any others I sell at the minute.
HTH
Dave

That's great, Dave, thanks. It's got a built in microphone, but does it have line out so I could have the sound going through my car speakers (ie for MP3 and the like)? That would be perfect. Well, almost, I'd prefer to mount the MDA Pro open with the keyboard underneath - I guess this won't allow that, will it?
How many hours use does a good BT GPS unit last between charges?

Hi Xiasma,
unfortunately it doesn't have a line out, but I've seen Y-adapters around for a few pence which could well serve the purpose you require.
As you wish to plug it into your stereo anyway, you don't neccessarily need an amplified mount. Herbert Richter make several suitable mounts and a body which will hold your device with the keyboard open. (Laptop Style) It has cutouts for most buttons, sockets, etc. So you could easily plug your phone in to charge and connect it to your stereo.
Heres a good GPS reciever, the manufacturer claims the battery will last 11 hours. I honestly haven't tested one myself, so I don't know how accurate this info is.
http://www.mdapro.co.uk/shop/xcart/GlobalSat-359S-Sirf-III-Bluetooth-GPS-Receiver-pr-42.html
HTH
Dave

streaming music via BT to car

I am looking for a cheap BT car head unit which intigrates well with the kaiser. It also needs to stream music/mp3.
Anyone had any experience
I have a vauxhall astra 05..and would like to keep steering wheel controls.
Has anyone had experience with a parrot ie the 6100 which sttreams music via blue tooth ?

Your Astra has an iPod/Aux input?
Use the itech R-35 clip and a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable to connect to your iPod/Aux jack and you're done.
If you use a long cable to clip the R-35 to your shirt "voila" handsfree with calls over your stereo. I found this the cheapest and best working solution.
http://www.itechdynamic.com/en/products_spec.asp?cid=2&pid=02030

Parrot MK6000 + Audicom
Hi,
I have installed a Parrot MK6000 to get audio streaming with my Kaiser into a VW Golf GTI. I used an Audicom SW101C to get the steering wheel controls integrated. If you are going to use steeering wheel interation, just get an MK6000, not the MK6100 as the 6100 has an LCD display and it will cost more. The purpose of the steering wheel integration is to make it all look factory and integrated, but get the audio streaming, which the 3000 doesn't have.
http://www.audicom.it/prodotti2.asp?subcategoria=47&prodid=120&tipo1=&tipo2=
I initally had loads of trouble getting the Kaiser to pair with the Parrot, but since they have released firmware version 1.03, it has worked like a charm.
http://www.parrot.com/documents/en/support/mk6000_notes.txt
http://www.parrot.com/forums/english/viewtopic.php?id=5127
The audiocom unit has worked very well at integrating the steering wheel controls. Their website lists the >2006 Astra as compatible, which would be the AH Astra. I had the old TR Astra, which did not have steering wheel controls.
Adam

I bought a sony xplod deck that supports bt audio streaming and headset profile as well. It shows your signal strength and battery leven on the display and what services are connected (BT audio and/or headset)
I stream music to my device using resco radio which then i send to the stereo through BT and if i get a call, it fades the music out, rings and i can talk on the phone. soon as a i hang up the music fades back in and all is well
best part about it, the deck was less then $60 from best buy!
Also the deck has a USB port to put jumpdrives and some usb dongle/mp3 players, but i just use it to charge my device when driving long trips and the HSDPA/Bluetooth/GPS use would kill a device in under an hour

If you want a "portable" option and yr car has aux input. I will recommend Sony DS200/220. Unlike most BT stereo headset I tried, it can charge battery while playing.
For car header, I would recommend you to bring yr Kaiser to a local store and try it out. I tried many brand/models (Sony, JVC, Pansonic ..etc) at Fry's and found that both Sony model (BT1500 and 3000 ??) sound very poor (very mechanic) compare to other brand. I ended up follow the user review from Clutchfield and brought the JVC BT1. And I am happy w/ the the sound quality.
Just FYI, Kaiser does have problem in returning to A2DP after phone call. (Search the other discussion in this forum).

Problems with Parrot MK6100 and ATT Tilt
I'm having some major problems with my hands free Parrot MK6100. Talk about an overpriced piece of crap! I contacted Parrot about the problem, and this is the response I got! WOW, the Fench and thier customer service!
Matthew,
I would like to make something very clear to you. It is not Parrot or any other companies job to do your research before you make a purchase. You stated everything worked great until YOU got a new phone. Nowhere on our website does it state that the HTC Tilt is compatible with the MK6100. If you would have looked at our forum, you would see other people with HTC phones reporting audio issues a while back. If you would have called us or sent us an email, we would have told you this information & suggested against getting that phone. It is your personal responsibility to educate yourself before making a purchase & especially with technology products. Ex. I just bought a camcorder & I spent a week researching until I made my purchase & I will stick by my educated purchase & not complain at all. I think my point is clear & now we can move on.
This is a dynamic industry. We have no control over how Windows, LG, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Nokia, Motorola, Treo, & HTC, design & develop their hardware & software to work with Bluetooth. Ocassionaly there are problems with phones. We do the best we can to resolve these problems as fast as possible even if it is not our problem to begin with. How many of the cell phone companies that you have talked to do that? They always "pass the buck". We do not. We take pride in our products & have a much larger phone compatibility base than any other car kit on the market. We also make a superior product.
First, We have no problems with the contacts synchronizing with the car kit here in the lab. All contacts from the SIM & phone memory synchronize. Second, the audio issue will be resolved. We work directly with HTC & have been working on this issue for a while. As Jim stated, we just released a fix for our 2 most popular car kits, the CK3100 & the 3200LS & that we expect a release for the MK6100 soon as well.
Please perform the following & see if your contact list will synchronize.
Delete the phone from the car kit (Settings - Paired Devices - your phone - Delete)
Delete the MK6100 from your phone's Bluetooth settings (Long press the MK6100 - Delete)
Reset your phone (Remove the battery for 1 minute, replace & restart)
Once the phone is back on, search for add new device from the phone's Bluetooth settings, select the MK6100, & enter pin 0000.
I will keep your ticket open & inform you of any new information about the MK6100 & the Tilt audio issue. By the way, the phone is actually turning off hands-free when this happens, not the car kit. You can get the audio on the kit by pressing the Menu on the phone & select Turn Hands-free On. Please do not do this while driving for obvious safety reasons.
We may have other options for you if you absolutely can not wait for an update. Let's try moving in a positive direction please.
Thank you for choosing Parrot
Jason Moore
Technical Support
877-972-7768

fone_fanatic said:
I bought a sony xplod deck that supports bt audio streaming and headset profile as well. It shows your signal strength and battery leven on the display and what services are connected (BT audio and/or headset)
I stream music to my device using resco radio which then i send to the stereo through BT and if i get a call, it fades the music out, rings and i can talk on the phone. soon as a i hang up the music fades back in and all is well
best part about it, the deck was less then $60 from best buy!
Also the deck has a USB port to put jumpdrives and some usb dongle/mp3 players, but i just use it to charge my device when driving long trips and the HSDPA/Bluetooth/GPS use would kill a device in under an hour
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second the sony xplod, I've been very happy with my unit.

matthewpcorley said:
I'm having some major problems with my hands free Parrot MK6100. Talk about an overpriced piece of crap! I contacted Parrot about the problem, and this is the response I got! WOW, the Fench and thier customer service!
Matthew,
I would like to make something very clear to you. It is not Parrot or any other companies job to do your research before you make a purchase. You stated everything worked great until YOU got a new phone. Nowhere on our website does it state that the HTC Tilt is compatible with the MK6100. If you would have looked at our forum, you would see other people with HTC phones reporting audio issues a while back. If you would have called us or sent us an email, we would have told you this information & suggested against getting that phone. It is your personal responsibility to educate yourself before making a purchase & especially with technology products. Ex. I just bought a camcorder & I spent a week researching until I made my purchase & I will stick by my educated purchase & not complain at all. I think my point is clear & now we can move on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. I'll never buy a Parrot unit simply based on that response. Who wants to be berated for purchasing a new phone by some lowly tech support rep?

URPREY said:
Wow. I'll never buy a Parrot unit simply based on that response. Who wants to be berated for purchasing a new phone by some lowly tech support rep?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Terrible response, what an .....
But, since I allready own a parrot, I'll keep my head down until its time to buy a new system.
Good luck with syncin the music

sony xplod is very good. i have the BT2700 model.. 180USD but hard to find.

I recently upgraded my car stereo to a new Alpine CDA-9887 with the KCE-400BT.
Syncs right up with my kaiser.. Within 30 seconds of turning the key on, I can make full calls, and stream music with full play/pause/forward-backward control...

XCarlink?

I have been looking at getting a XCarlink MP3 Bluetooth kit for my car but I am not sure how good or functional it will be? I use TomTom Navigator on my Kaiser and also have a Jabra BT Headset. This works OK but the audio from TomTom can be a little quiet.
With the XCarlink it looks like I can pair it with the Kaiser and it offers A2DP so in theory I should be able to use the Kaiser as a music source as well as a car kit for the phone function? If anyone has a similar set up I would be grateful of any comments etc. I have done a fair bit of searching and can't find anyone who has done this - or at least anyone who has done it and written about it?
Cheers
Andy

Link to one of these on eBay if anyone is interested:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=150292962717
I am keen to know how anyones experiences with one of these, especially the BT operation?
Andy

I don't have one of these, but I did check it out as best I could with a view to a potential purchase. I discovered one significant flaw - at least if you plan to use it as a handsfree kit:
The xcarlink is only functional if the AUX port is enabled. In other words, if you are listening to the radio and a call comes in, it won't go through the XCARLINK.
This was a deal breaker for me ...

The bluetooth is very problematic
I would go for the non bluetooth version

hays said:
The bluetooth is very problematic
I would go for the non bluetooth version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got to disagree there Hays
I have one issue with the BT functionality and that is the button on the BT module doesn't activate Voice Command (which it does with my Jabra headset). Other than that it works well. The volume is a bit low compared to the radio, however it is no different to the volume level of music on the SD card, so as long as you turn the PDA volume up it's OK.
Like you I had the problem with the wireless stereo not automatically activating, however I have overcome that now by ensuring that BT is active on the PDA before the car is started (and the XCarLink kicks into life). It can be a bit fiddly navigating to music, but again this is easy to overcome by creating playlists prior to any journey. Either that or use the SD card and disable the Wireless Stereo function (i.e. just use the XCarLink as a headset), the only issue with this is the audio from TomTom uses the PDA speaker.
I must admit for the price of the XCarLink (I paid just under £60 with a PayPal voucher) it is very good value for what you actually get. There are some limitations but as you can see these can be worked around. The alternative would be a replacement head unit that has integrated BlueTooth which is going to set you back much more than £75 (which is the average price on eBay for one from China).
Andy

There is a promotion on these at present:
Please enter the new coupon code "xdadevelopers2" at the checkout.
gives 15% off

hewers said:
There is a promotion on these at present:
Please enter the new coupon code "xdadevelopers2" at the checkout.
gives 15% off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where? on eBay or somewhere else?
A link might be helpful

Yeah, give us a link Hewers

Best Car Stereo for most functionality with android phone

I am in the search for the best, well best for a descent price that is probably double din card stereo with the best Android integration.
By that I mean mainly blue tooth and usb.
I know based on some of the bluetooth protocols there are quite a range of things that can be integrated (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth#Bluetooth_protocol_stack)
For example pluging into USB and the deck seeing the internal memory as well as SD Card to be able to play files from it, bluetooth being able to push music to the deck as well as the deck being able to communicate with apps such as pandora to skip tracks and such from the deck.
My searches thus far have lead to me this model http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KWHR81B/JVC-KW-HDR81BT.html?showAll=N&search=KW-HDR81BT&skipvs=T
But I know there is one more bluetooth feature I would like and that is (MAP) Message Access Profile, which allows for text related messages to the deck for text to speech functions an such. (http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_...tooth-do-besides-make-calls-abcs-of-car-tech/)
So anyone have ideas, I think there are new models announced close to this time of year right?
Anyone have good suggestions for a review site?

maxpower2078 said:
I am in the search for the best, well best for a descent price that is probably double din card stereo with the best Android integration.
By that I mean mainly blue tooth and usb.
I know based on some of the bluetooth protocols there are quite a range of things that can be integrated (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth#Bluetooth_protocol_stack)
For example pluging into USB and the deck seeing the internal memory as well as SD Card to be able to play files from it, bluetooth being able to push music to the deck as well as the deck being able to communicate with apps such as pandora to skip tracks and such from the deck.
My searches thus far have lead to me this model http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KWHR81B/JVC-KW-HDR81BT.html?showAll=N&search=KW-HDR81BT&skipvs=T
But I know there is one more bluetooth feature I would like and that is (MAP) Message Access Profile, which allows for text related messages to the deck for text to speech functions an such. (http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_...tooth-do-besides-make-calls-abcs-of-car-tech/)
So anyone have ideas, I think there are new models announced close to this time of year right?
Anyone have good suggestions for a review site?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I'm looking into. Somebody sent me a screen shot of the app radio hooked up to their HTC and it even had the sense 4 lock ring displayed
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/AppRadio/AppRadio+2+(SPH-DA100)

CharliesTheMan said:
This is what I'm looking into. Somebody sent me a screen shot of the app radio hooked up to their HTC and it even had the sense 4 lock ring displayed
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/AppRadio/AppRadio+2+(SPH-DA100)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That looks very cool but my phone is not on the list plus it seems like something that is in its infancy still. I think a broader technology like bluetooth that could be compatible with many more devices may be a better way of connecting. I think that kind of thing will be awesome in a few years when they nail down a standard for communicating audio/video to the head unit, almost like the head unit is just a monitor to the phone and a touchscreen monitor at that.

I'm actually looking for the same thing right now. I don't want to spend $500+ dollars on a head unit when I could buy a nexus tablet to do everything for half that. But I do want a stand alone radio that I can use with a phone or streaming data, plus a built in amp with preamp outs would be perfect.

App Radio 2 has many issues.
sureshot007 said:
I'm actually looking for the same thing right now. I don't want to spend $500+ dollars on a head unit when I could buy a nexus tablet to do everything for half that. But I do want a stand alone radio that I can use with a phone or streaming data, plus a built in amp with preamp outs would be perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just purchased the App Radio 2, and am returning it to Crutchfield. The screen is nice looking, but otherwise it is the single most disappointing electronic device I have ever purchased. I won't go into the long list of complaints about the device, as the hatred I now have for it could destroy a small city. Suffice to say that the unit functions as designed, but was likely designed by a team of engineers who had never seen a car, radio, phone or normal human being. There are a few threads here for people who are still trying to make the device worthwhile, with a particular success in the ARLiberator App.
I'm tempted to try that out, but the reality is the radio software itself is the problem in my opinion. It would be great to use the ARLiberator phone functions, but I don't like the firmware of the radio.
I'm looking at other options and right now the Parrot Asteroid Smart is a front-runner. I'm conflicted as it has runs Android 2.3 and I was hoping for something more current. Search around on the forum for more details on both before you purchase, there are many potential show stoppers.

hey guys,
I've been searching for a Android Head unit for a while now. I too hate the fact that most of them are 2.3, but check this unit out.
ebay.com/itm/Hot-2-Din-Car-Radio-DVD-Player-Fast-Cpu-Android-4-0-WIFI-3G-GPS-Ipod-Bluetooth-/170939816360
recently stumbled over it. Wondering if any has seen one or has one, worry about the quality. Currently, I'm also considering Parrot's new unit.
Hope this helps.

Dan.S said:
I just purchased the App Radio 2, and am returning it to Crutchfield. The screen is nice looking, but otherwise it is the single most disappointing electronic device I have ever purchased. I won't go into the long list of complaints about the device, as the hatred I now have for it could destroy a small city. Suffice to say that the unit functions as designed, but was likely designed by a team of engineers who had never seen a car, radio, phone or normal human being. There are a few threads here for people who are still trying to make the device worthwhile, with a particular success in the ARLiberator App.
I'm tempted to try that out, but the reality is the radio software itself is the problem in my opinion. It would be great to use the ARLiberator phone functions, but I don't like the firmware of the radio.
I'm looking at other options and right now the Parrot Asteroid Smart is a front-runner. I'm conflicted as it has runs Android 2.3 and I was hoping for something more current. Search around on the forum for more details on both before you purchase, there are many potential show stoppers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried it WITH ARLiberator and I still hate it. I'm looking at the Chinese Double Din HU's now that run only Android (not wince and android).

RSO86 said:
hey guys,
I've been searching for a Android Head unit for a while now. I too hate the fact that most of them are 2.3, but check this unit out.
ebay.com/itm/Hot-2-Din-Car-Radio-DVD-Player-Fast-Cpu-Android-4-0-WIFI-3G-GPS-Ipod-Bluetooth-/170939816360
recently stumbled over it. Wondering if any has seen one or has one, worry about the quality. Currently, I'm also considering Parrot's new unit.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you buy one? I'm looking at getting one like this or something similar...

I'm currently looking for a replacement for my Clarion CX501, any updates from anyone? Seems like the APT-X support has yet to hit the headunit market.

Has no one found a good unit yet? Please update!

copekyle said:
Has no one found a good unit yet? Please update!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get an android based double din radio, make sure its dual core, 1G Ram, DAB+ supported, 6.2-7" TFT capacitive touch screen, steering wheel controls supported and accepts WiFi dongle. you will have the mighty Google Play store to satisfy your imagination.
obviously such a unit would support most of the Bluetooth profiles.
I noticed few units on ebay but not from any known manufacturer. best i found was from some German supplier icar-tech
Alpha V800 and Alpha S600 are the ones, I haven't confirmed all the above requirements that I would wanna see in my next head unit.
Good Luck

maxpower2078 said:
I am in the search for the best, well best for a descent price that is probably double din card stereo with the best Android integration.
By that I mean mainly blue tooth and usb.
I know based on some of the bluetooth protocols there are quite a range of things that can be integrated (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth#Bluetooth_protocol_stack)
For example pluging into USB and the deck seeing the internal memory as well as SD Card to be able to play files from it, bluetooth being able to push music to the deck as well as the deck being able to communicate with apps such as pandora to skip tracks and such from the deck.
My searches thus far have lead to me this model http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KWHR81B/JVC-KW-HDR81BT.html?showAll=N&search=KW-HDR81BT&skipvs=T
But I know there is one more bluetooth feature I would like and that is (MAP) Message Access Profile, which allows for text related messages to the deck for text to speech functions an such. (http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_...tooth-do-besides-make-calls-abcs-of-car-tech/)
So anyone have ideas, I think there are new models announced close to this time of year right?
Anyone have good suggestions for a review site?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You want Android in your car...install a tablet in the dash. That's the best option, or you could go with the Parrot. But from the reviews I've seen I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole.

Car Stereo
Hi,
Did you end up getting this head unit?
Does it work well?
RSO86 said:
hey guys,
I've been searching for a Android Head unit for a while now. I too hate the fact that most of them are 2.3, but check this unit out.
ebay.com/itm/Hot-2-Din-Car-Radio-DVD-Player-Fast-Cpu-Android-4-0-WIFI-3G-GPS-Ipod-Bluetooth-/170939816360
recently stumbled over it. Wondering if any has seen one or has one, worry about the quality. Currently, I'm also considering Parrot's new unit.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I wanted to get in on this thread to see if anyone has actually pulled the trigger and bought something yet.
I share the same mentality -- the phone/tablet can handle most of the "smart" functions. All that's needed is rock-solid bluetooth support. If it does great USB, that's a huge bonus.
I have one of the older Pioneer stereos that first did Bluetooth. I got it around 2007. The market has matured a lot since then and I'm itching for an upgrade.

WuddaWaste said:
I wanted to get in on this thread to see if anyone has actually pulled the trigger and bought something yet.
I share the same mentality -- the phone/tablet can handle most of the "smart" functions. All that's needed is rock-solid bluetooth support. If it does great USB, that's a huge bonus.
I have one of the older Pioneer stereos that first did Bluetooth. I got it around 2007. The market has matured a lot since then and I'm itching for an upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had a look around many different forums and stores, and I'm still at square one. I totally agree that all that's needed is rock-solid bluetooth support.

I've been into a few shops in the last few days and BT paired my GS2 running CM11 and Google Play Music with some head units....for what they can do via bluetooth, they all seem to do a decent job of it......I can skip/pause songs on either the head unti or the phone, Google Play Music on the phone updates as you switch songs on the HU.
But what it doesn't seem capable of (that I've seen or read about), which apparently iPhones can do, is change albums, browse by artist/genre, search, etc.....beyond the most basic of back/next/pause functions, unless I'm mistaken, it's just not possible when BT pairing an Android phone with any head unit on the market.
Can anyone definitively confirm that this is or is not true?

Well.... Now that android auto is in the making, maybe there will be some better offerings available for those of us looking for a good stereo!

1990clb said:
Well.... Now that android auto is in the making, maybe there will be some better offerings available for those of us looking for a good stereo!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Until then what are we supposed to do ..buy an IPhone?
I have a Google Nexus 4 and went too the effort of looking into the options. I find it utterly amazing in an Android phone you can't browse albums over bluetooth its simply a joke!
The best option would be to try to maybe get a double DIN car stereo with support some kind of screen mirroring so you can change album from the touch screen maybe something like a AVIC-F60DAB but it costs a grand would be cheaper for me to buy an IPhone!!!
I belive you need the AVRCP standard if you want the track listing to display on your headset via Bluetooth.
Even if I could get a Car Stereo to support my mobile..the big problem with the Google nexus and it seems many Android devices they don't support Bluetooth very well. There is a bug in the Nexus 4 so that when you are using bluetooth in your car stereo after a while Bluetooth will just turn off Google don't seem to care about fixing this..I don't really want to get an Apple but if means I can listen to Music via Bluetooth and get access to Google Music then why not.!!

I have a Double Din car stereo. It's the Pioneer AppRadio 3 and it works well mirroring my Nexus 5. There's an app called "AppRadio Unchained" which let's you control your phone via the touch screen of the stereo. The only downside is the lack of power on the radio which makes the scrolling not as fast as any Android phone nowadays, but the Bluetooth has been working non-stop for me.
I had to buy an HDMI dapter to make it compatible though.

I've had a look at these but they are expensive! Maybe if I get a raise I'll buy one haha!
I was hoping to get something similar, but without having to use a HDMI adapter, a completely wireless solution would be kick ass!