Database Users

[Q] Android car headunit app?

I know car pc's have software so you could just put a screen up front and it displays a fully customizable headunit on the screen. Just wondering if anything like that has ever been made or discussed for Android?
With how powerful these tablets are getting, don't see why something like that wouldn't work. Use a tablet as a headunit/car-pc, I'd like that!
Sent from my Rogue'd-Xoom using XDA Premium App

This kinda what I'm talking about. This is the whole indash unit. I'm just talkin the software that runs it. Why couldn't it be packaged into an app.
http://www.cartft.com/catalog/il/770
Sent from my Rogue'd-Xoom using XDA Premium App

It could. You could also just put a bunch of widgets on your screen with a nice wallpaper and get a similar effect. You just need a way of mounting the Xoom...shouldn't be *too* hard to make something that looks decent. If you have steering wheel controls then you don't have to worry about blocking your factory stereo, should you decide to leave it in.

Man, i can see it now, the window replacement indutry would thrive with an Android-powered-indash-tablet-multimedia/gps/wifi-hotspot unit stereo. I would be the first to buy one. Think it up, it can happen.
Hell if a two-bit company can take psp-fat and throw in froyo, then why not an ice-cream sandwich indash.

Guess there just isn't much interest for something like this around here.
Sent from my E4GT using XDA Premium App

You have some problems with good connections plus the size of 10 inch tab is a bit odd.. Firstly, you would need a 7 inch tab, then you would need a custom build with fiberglass outer shell to hold ya tab in place not forgetting the port for headphone jack needs to be easily accessible.. You would need atleast 2 amps one for speakers and 1 for subs as the headphone port would not drive 4 speakers etc.. You need a headphone splitter.. Then a headphone to rca splitter.. Would also need to wire ya amps to the battery as there is no remote wire and attach this to a couple of switces to turn the amps off.. Now what to do with fm radio as you have taken the headphine port already...
As you can see this becomes a hassle
Easier way would be to get a headunit and mount that in your glovebox.. Then mount ya tablet into wjere the headunit. Should be then import the tab into the headunit in the glovebox.. So costs are down, functionality is there as tab has gps, etc and internet from phone tether if not a 3g device and it looks like u have a tab as your main unit lol
Sent from my mind control device

I like my idea. As long as you have steering wheel controls, you can put the Xoom right in front of your head unit. I have a Mazda 3 with a gigantic head unit, I've held the Xoom in place over top trying to think of ways to mount it, but space is not an issue. My Thunderbolt dock is right above it, so it's in a good spot for WiFi tethering. I might actually have to build a mount someday...in my wife's Pathfinder I can mount the HDMI dock right in the middle of the dash, but I wouldn't trust it to hold the Xoom in place, I would need some kind of lock. It blocks the windshield a tad, but it looks awesome!

joshndroid said:
You have some problems with good connections plus the size of 10 inch tab is a bit odd.. Firstly, you would need a 7 inch tab, then you would need a custom build with fiberglass outer shell to hold ya tab in place not forgetting the port for headphone jack needs to be easily accessible.. You would need atleast 2 amps one for speakers and 1 for subs as the headphone port would not drive 4 speakers etc.. You need a headphone splitter.. Then a headphone to rca splitter.. Would also need to wire ya amps to the battery as there is no remote wire and attach this to a couple of switces to turn the amps off.. Now what to do with fm radio as you have taken the headphine port already...
As you can see this becomes a hassle
Easier way would be to get a headunit and mount that in your glovebox.. Then mount ya tablet into wjere the headunit. Should be then import the tab into the headunit in the glovebox.. So costs are down, functionality is there as tab has gps, etc and internet from phone tether if not a 3g device and it looks like u have a tab as your main unit lol
Sent from my mind control device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A basic headunit is needed for supplying signal to the amplifiers. I guess I'm just interested in someone making an app of sorts to simulate a headunit. The mount I can make something like what these guys made.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SkltRqOF5k&feature=youtube_gdata_player
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BDR456 said:
A basic headunit is needed for supplying signal to the amplifiers. I guess I'm just interested in someone making an app of sorts to simulate a headunit. The mount I can make something like what these guys made.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SkltRqOF5k&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Sent from my E4GT using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You dont necessarily need a headunit as i explained in my post it can be done... The output from a headunit to a amp is very similar to stereo headphone output.. You would need good quality amps to adjust frequency and other aspects to get decent sound.. Possibly a signal noise remover as well but i digress as i actually agree with you as yes i would always go a hidden head unit save a ton of time and frustration and i could do more of it myself meaning less money... I was going to do this in my ute but i ended up grabbing a chinese 7 inch display that slotted straight in for $300.. Has good functionality but doesnt look as mint as a tablet injection lol... Purchasing a newer car soon so all my good plans have been shelved for a couple years in place of cheap ideas that will get me by until i have enough cash for a better ride..
I would suggest tho knocking up a mounting piece for a tablet with thin chipboard very thin for the front edge and thicker around sides etc to hold the tab.. Then applying a small amount of fibreglass over it then sand and paint the piece the same colour as your dash.. It will be easier to manage and the resulting colour application will look closer to the plastic around the rest of the dash... And i would probably use a 7inch tab for a easier fit but thats just my personal opinion... You could have a go at making a theme for the picture you displayed with photoshop.. Would be hard and take to modifying an apk probably as well
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http://www.aliexpress.com/product-f...c-Dual-OS-Win-CE-6-0-Android-wholesalers.html
i am planning to buy this thing

liquidini said:
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-f...c-Dual-OS-Win-CE-6-0-Android-wholesalers.html
i am planning to buy this thing
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Click to collapse
if the specifications on that page are correct: do you have a vehicle with 24V power supply?

llama-power said:
if the specifications on that page are correct: do you have a vehicle with 24V power supply?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it states 12v,
i have been working on using my 7" huawei mediapad as my main headunit now for a while... and i think i almost have it all sorted out
i will be removing my current headunit and using only the tablet.
i have 2 amps already (one for speakes, one for sub) and as for switching the amps on, this is not a problem, i will be using a acc switched power source.
as for converting 3.5mm out to rca i will be using what is called a ReQ5 unit (sorry cant link im too new)
i am planning on mounting this and the tablet behind the dash in my nissan s14 as to have a kind of factory look about it, and not have to modify the dash to much
i will keep you up to date on my progress

I have actually taken apart a tablet (the power supply got fried). The best way I see is just using android as the user interface and then sending the sole audio signal out which is what I suspect regular head units without amplifiers do. All the android head unit needs to be is compadible to the standard wiring harness, im not expecting a loud system, just something that sounds good and is versatile, I even pondered making a shell and putting the tablet components into is and then making a dock in which the tablet just slides right into it. Of course this is just a conceptual idea but with enough resources I dont doubt it could be done.

liquidini said:
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-f...c-Dual-OS-Win-CE-6-0-Android-wholesalers.html
i am planning to buy this thing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has anyone bought/teied this thing out? Intrested in knowing how good the navigation is on this thing. And for that matter, would it be able to side load apps, or does it have android market?
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA

Urgent! NFC reading distance, LCD side?

I'm in talks with an investor and looking to incorporate RFID tags into wristbands that can be scanned on several N7 tablets at a function of about 1500 people and 200 N7 tablets.
Each wristband would be unique.
The problem is the range. Can you read the tags by running them on the screen or does it have to be the back?
The wristbands will only be transmitting a URL like www.12345.com/id=AJ6GW0
Any special sizes?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium HD app

When I used NFC to pay for lunch at McDonalds I had to literally tap the reader with the upper backside of the N7.

Yea I've used mine at McDonald's but I've never experienced smaller tags. I know the battery usually contains the antenna but I'm wondering if it would work from the front.
These tabs will be on display for use and probably bolted down. I don't have any tabs to test with yet so I'm asking here. I couldn't find any information from Google specifically for the NFC range on the N7.
If this solution won't work very well then I'd have to use some sort of BT-NFC accessory and pair each one with 100 tabs = much more work and effort keeping the N7 together with its reader accessory across multiple staging setups.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

I can't use my NFC tags by wiping them on the screen. Mind you, they were ridiculously cheap and from a low-degree shop in China.
To activate, it was maximum distance from naked back: 3cm.
Maximum distance from thick fabric case: 1.5cm.

Google NFC dongle android. There are some good YouTube videos on attendance logging.
Trying to use NFC from the front without a dongle will be an exercise in frustration.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

I bought some wristbands and it reads perfectly from the FFC location on the top bevel above the screen. So this is perfect and great news. The sweet spot is just left of the camera hole.
Although after a meeting today we decided to use the stickers with a company logo and adhere them to a lanyard around the neck so they don't have to worry about the NFC section of the bracelet rotating around and not being in range.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

You could always use a nexus 10 it has nfc on the front and back if it won't work on the 7
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Nexus 4 Charging Case

Been looking for something like this for quite sometime but couldn't find it anywhere, hence posting here.
http://www.amazon.com/Mophie-Rechargeable-Battery-Verizon-iPhone/dp/B0046EBTQ0
http://www.mophie.com/mophie-juice-pack-air-iPhone-4-4S-battery-case-p/1145_jpa-ip4-blk.htm
Any idea where can I find one for N4?

I've been thinking the same thing myself. My only concern is that as the iPhone is so widely available that the accessories will be made for it, but will a company make accessories for a platform with such a wide range of devices?

These r available for Samsung phones too, since they r popular as well. But then again, so is N4.. I just hope we get such a case. I used to carry one with 4s and it was really very handy, compared to portable battery packs.

Charging Case
I have never seen a case like this before. I have been waiting for a hardback card carrying case. But if something like this became available I would defiantly get this instead.
I liked the rugged protection of the PRO case and how they redirect the speaker to the front of the phone. So annoying holding your hand against the back of your phone to try and hear things better

These types of cases are notorious for breaking your USB port in your phone. However, I'd LOVE to have a Qi version of one of these things. Then it shouldn't add a significant amount of height to your phone, mostly just thickness as expected.

I have used such a case for 4s for over a year.. I surely stopped working after that but it was for $ 20 only so u cannot complain really.

filthykid said:
Been looking for something like this for quite sometime but couldn't find it anywhere, hence posting here.
http://www.amazon.com/Mophie-Rechargeable-Battery-Verizon-iPhone/dp/B0046EBTQ0
http://www.mophie.com/mophie-juice-pack-air-iPhone-4-4S-battery-case-p/1145_jpa-ip4-blk.htm
Any idea where can I find one for N4?
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Click to collapse
Here's one I saw in another thread. It's bulky and expensive imo. I emailed them to ask if they could make one for half the size and battery for half the price. Well see. On a side note I think these kind of companies should add usb slots to easily add hdd and stuff .
http://www.shapeways.com/model/937654/nexus-4-5000mah-charger.html?li=productBox-search
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

frigidazzi said:
Here's one I saw in another thread. It's bulky and expensive imo. I emailed them to ask if they could make one for half the size and battery for half the price. Well see. On a side note I think these kind of companies should add usb slots to easily add hdd and stuff .
http://www.shapeways.com/model/937654/nexus-4-5000mah-charger.html?li=productBox-search
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
They responded and apparently they already have a smaller version. It's still too pricey for the use I personally would get out of it. Anyone else interested? Has usb port built in to.
http://custompowersolar.com/lg.html
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

frigidazzi said:
Here's one I saw in another thread. It's bulky and expensive imo. I emailed them to ask if they could make one for half the size and battery for half the price. Well see. On a side note I think these kind of companies should add usb slots to easily add hdd and stuff .
http://www.shapeways.com/model/937654/nexus-4-5000mah-charger.html?li=productBox-search
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
holly cow lol no it's like carrying a dock around. i'd rather carry my battery pack. beside it's quite pricey I'd wait for a more proper one lol..

Custom Power Solar integrated chargers
michael_ta315 said:
holly cow lol no it's like carrying a dock around. i'd rather carry my battery pack. beside it's quite pricey I'd wait for a more proper one lol..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi-
We've recently added the USB power out port on selected versions of our chargers - primarily the thinner lighter versions. You can charge any devices up to 2A. The Nexus version we've made in a 1250 & 2500mah slim (15mm) version - besides the standard 5000mah version which is 21mm thick. The thinner versions are much lighter as well - less than 1/2 the weight.
What are you looking for in terms of features/price?
Here are the Nexus 4 versions:
custompowersolar.com - produtcs - LG
We make the cases using 3D printing, so can be easily customized. You can get a full color image printed on the case with our Sculpteo partner. Devlivery time is typically 5-10 days depending on options - many units we have in stock.
We also make versions for iphone5 in 1500mah and 5000mah, Galaxy S3, HTC DNA, iphone 4/4s, iPad and iPad Mini.
All models also can be purchased with a camera/tripod mount - 1/4-20 screw holes on the side & bottom for easy attachment to a tripod.
The X Bracket allows you to mount any smartphone to a tripod - we also have a ball swivel, bike mount, and hang glider mount.
If you have something special you want, contact us - we're having too much fun designing and building products with 3D printers.

Any one have experience with these cases I'm thinking about trying one
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Using nexus 4 internals go make another device?

I have a nexus 4 with a smashed screen and back. I bought another one.
The all the internal stuff is fine. How would I go about taking the logic board etc... and make something useful out of it?
For example. Would it be possible to take apart mu Kindle fire and replace its innards with those from the nexus 4? This is probably a bad example but you catch my drift
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2

billydroid said:
I have a nexus 4 with a smashed screen and back. I bought another one.
The all the internal stuff is fine. How would I go about taking the logic board etc... and make something useful out of it?
For example. Would it be possible to take apart mu Kindle fire and replace its innards with those from the nexus 4? This is probably a bad example but you catch my drift
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No and yes. First of all, you'll need a pencil solder and a device that you can loose without crying
Most of the electrical components are made for a specific device. You can't just replace components from other devices. Trust me, I have tried this, and nearly set my house to fire when I tried replacing the transistors on my amplifier with others....

alicarbovader said:
No and yes. First of all, you'll need a pencil solder and a device that you can loose without crying
Most of the electrical components are made for a specific device. You can't just replace components from other devices. Trust me, I have tried this, and nearly set my house to fire when I tried replacing the transistors on my amplifier with others....
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Click to collapse
yeah i figured most stuff is set to work with certain components. Is there any where you, or anyone, could point me to do some research on this type of hardware modifications?

Well you can start by looking up the devices in question on pdadb.net. That site gives a lot of specifics about the hardware, so it's a good start at least.
Sent from my buttered S3

You would start by gathering information about the two displays, then engineering an adapter that would suit the power needs and put the signals to the right place. It's not an easy task.

Maybe it can be useful even without a screen.
Garage door opener, security camera, something that can find your car if its stolen.
Just be creative. And show us the results if you did something cool.
(Think of all the ways the device can communicate: WiFi, cellular, NFC, BT)

if only the screen broken, so u can buy a slimport mhl adaptor and keyboard. plug your phone on tv, so it becomes to a smart tv.
or best choice is to buy a lapdock. so plug the nexus4 with the slimport on the lapdock and u will get an android pc.
http://www2.robpol86.com/lapdock/Atrix-Lapdock-with-a-Nexus-4/
good luck

Anyone using Google Cardboard with their Turbo?

I read reports that the Turbo doesn't work well with some of the standard Google Cardboard headsets because of how its magnetometer is setup. Has anyone had success with any particular Google Cardboard or other VR headsets?

Due to a sale I saw, I actually just bought a Cardboard for $5 FS from ebay... I figure why not give it a shot.
That being said, I did come across the issue you mention... and I found a potential "answer" here for it (last post): https://forums.motorola.com/posts/61a66aeaa5

I had this problem with Maxx. I used Set Orientation (an APP from play store, no root needed) to change the orientation of Cardboard and moved the magnet a little lower from its original position (outside of the place where its supposed to be). Worked well for me.

Yes I tried it was a coworkers box.... It sucked... IMO. And it worked better with her 2yr old phone..
Sent from my XT1254 using XDA Free mobile app

I use Archos VR, very nice and cheap.
http://www.archos.com/us/products/objects/cself/avr/index.html

I use a Powis ViewR.
It is an awesome headset that uses the new conductive touch button instead of the magnet switch. It has a stylish leather and black look that is much more attractive than the typical cardboard headsets. It is still cardboard, but one side of it has a leather look coating and the other is matte black.
One of the best features is that the lenses are adjustable, so if you wear glasses you can adjust the lenses to your needs by screwing them in and out to focus and just leave your glasses off. It also has soft tubing around the face part so it is comfortable to wear. It comes pre-assembled and ready to go.
Get 20% off everything on the site using my referral link (I don't make money on it, it just gives me an additional discount):
http://powiscustom.refr.cc/DMHTK7Z
Note: Their home page still shows the old version. Click on the Virtual Reality tab and choose Powis ViewR to see the new version.
The only issue I have had with it is that initially I was using it with my phone while it was still inside an Encased case. The extra thickness of the case caused the glue on the bottom of the rear flap to separate. I replaced the glue with sticky-back velcro so it can accommodate thicker phones. You might want to do that too if you want to use your phone while it is still in a case.

I used my Turbo with the free Conan 360 cardboard. It works, but I don't think there's any magnet or trigger on the Conan 360, so nothing to not work with the Turbo. I also have a cardboard from OnePlus coming in the mail. We'll see how that works.
Sent from my SM-T217S using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 02:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:58 PM ----------
You can't get the Conan 360 viewer anymore, but try this link for the OnePlus unit: https://oneplus.net/cardboard
Sent from my SM-T217S using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 02:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:00 PM ----------
This seems to be what the Conan 360 viewer is: http://www.dodocase.com/products/virtual-reality-cardboard-pop-up-viewer
No mechanical input...
Sent from my SM-T217S using Tapatalk

1. Cardboard 2.0 has a capacitive button that touches the screen so no problem with the Turbos' odd placement of the magnet.
2. You can modify Cardboard 1.0 boxes and just move the magnet switch. It's not that difficult. I did it and I'm really not that handy. Just do some experimentation first about where exactly the magnet sensor is on the Turbo. It's kinda near the middle of the back of the device. A bit to the lower side of it.

RichSPK said:
[/COLOR]This seems to be what the Conan 360 viewer is: http://www.dodocase.com/products/virtual-reality-cardboard-pop-up-viewer
No mechanical input...
Sent from my SM-T217S using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a hole cut into the Conan one. I just stick my finger in it and tap the screen. Seeing as it was made for iPhone 5, I bet that's what they intended that hole for, lol.

Thanks for the tip, @coronado!
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Just got my "Valencia" cardboard (the one I mentioned above for $5). The side-mounted magnet doesn't work, but if I hold it on the front right area, I can slide it up and down to get it to work. I'll have to try the other people's suggestions, but so far this works for me. There's no slot there for it, but I'll figure something out. Maybe I can hack the 2.0 capacitive trick into this one...
Bottom line, it works, phone fits fine, etc. FYI, this is the one I got: http://www.ebay.com/itm/361181827682?afsrc=1&rmvSB=true

My droid turbo works with google cardboard just use reverse angle ... Mean put mobile on cardboard opposite side (touch buttons will be on left side and power button on down side) magnet will work then

Just cracked my screen. Really want to try it out.