Related
With the Sony SW3 out in stores, and it being the first wear device with NFC, I was curious if NFC-support in Android Wear is similar to AOSP Android, in that an intent will be broadcasted when Android Wear detects an NFC-chip in range.
I've got some ideas I want to use NFC for with Android Wear, but I wasn't sure of the current supported capabilities of the platform.
Hi,
It is really exciting that we are starting to get some real android car stereos on the market, that have software in them that can be entertained by the developers here on XDA. There are so many headunits that look the same with different hardware, look different with similar hardware, and are just altogether different. I can't find definitive information anywhere, and frankly search just returns too much scattered information to really sift through.
Needs:
Hands free quality is important.
hardware volume control - prefer a knob, but buttons are ok. I just do not want software volume buttons.
Rooted Android
3 sets of 4+ volt preouts, including controllable non-fading subwoofer preout
I don't care about a DVD/CD player - if it has one cool, but I don't need one.
What I'd like it to do:
"OK Google"
Tasker
Google Maps
Pandora
Spotify
Sirius/XM app - or Sirius satellite radio (I don't know if any of them do this natively)
Vevo
Kodi
Netflix
Hulu
Amazon Prime
Torque connected via bluetooth
bluetooth hands-free phone calls
WIFI tethered from Foxfi running on my phone
Am I looking for too much or is there a head unit that looks like it can accommodate this?
Summary Questions:
Other than price, is there any reason to consider the dual core (instead of the quad core) or the smaller resolution (i.e. are there some apps that don't work right with the larger resolution)?
Are some MCUs better than others?
Do all of the better Android head units suffer the problems with the microphone that will require modification to fix, or is there one out that has the fix already implemented? I saw the threads where people are desoldering stuff. Has that been resolved by some of the manufacturers, or am I destined to do that mod also?
Is there a really good aftermarket hands free microphone that is worth buying?
Is there sub pre-out control either on the stock firmware, or on a different ROM?
Is the sub pre-out affected by the fader?
What is the voltage at the pre-outs?
Do any of the units come with an IR sensor and/or a remote control?
Can I connect the bluetooth OBDII module, bluetooth phone, and wireless wifi tethering from the phone at the same time?
When text messages come into my cell phone, does the radio read them to me? Can I voice-to-text respond?
Does anyone see anything wrong with my needs, or the apps I plan to run?
Are any of them running newer iterations of Android? Is there anything stopping a developer from releasing a ROM with a newer android?
Should I be considering another unit? Is there an Android head unit other than one of the Hue Fei clones that would serve my needs better? Is there one Hue Fei clones that stands out as better than the others, or gets better support than the others, or that fits my needs better?
So it looks like the other two to consider other than the Hue Fei clones is the Newsmy which only has 1 RCA Pre-out and the Ownice which doesn't have root.
there is a new generation of AN-21U unbranded units floating around ali express. If you shop around you can get a good deal on one. Quad core R16 A9/1 GB RAM/up to 1080x600 res. There is little info on them so far since they are so new, but since they appear to be an update to a very popular pre-existing model, they should gain more support soon on xda.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...nd-generation-4-4-2-android-21u-ouku-t3230587
I have one coming in today and will update that thread with my impressions. I previously owned a carjoying UQ-124 so I will have a good unit to compare it to.
The carjoying unit was pretty solid but had one major issue - BT audio quality. The audio also was controlled by the MCU (poorly) which required a complex hardware mod to rectify. I also for some reason had stability issues w/ google now voice control (ok google)... worked sometimes but would crash >50% of the time.
I am hoping my new unit will not have these issues.
gijosh28 said:
So it looks like the other two to consider other than the Hue Fei clones is the Newsmy which only has 1 RCA Pre-out and the Ownice which doesn't have root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Newsmy CarPad III (NRXXXX) has 5.1 pre-out available and uses the same MCU and ROM as the CarPad II (NUXXXX)
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/indashnet-world-s-first-open-source-infotainment/x/5292434#/story
This guy has been pretty responsive with his first 2 designs and now he's putting out an octa-core unit. Probably overkill but the indiegogo price is right. I don't know what his projected delivery dates are for this unit. You can check out his google+ page as well. That is his primary avenue for support and it seems to mostly work pretty well.
Hope i could provide some information. Please check the comments in quote.
gijosh28 said:
Hi,
It is really exciting that we are starting to get some real android car stereos on the market, that have software in them that can be entertained by the developers here on XDA. There are so many headunits that look the same with different hardware, look different with similar hardware, and are just altogether different. I can't find definitive information anywhere, and frankly search just returns too much scattered information to really sift through.
Needs:
Hands free quality is important.
hardware volume control - prefer a knob, but buttons are ok. I just do not want software volume buttons.
Rooted Android
3 sets of 4+ volt preouts, including controllable non-fading subwoofer preout
I don't care about a DVD/CD player - if it has one cool, but I don't need one.
What I'd like it to do:
"OK Google"
Tasker
Google Maps
Pandora
Spotify
Sirius/XM app - or Sirius satellite radio (I don't know if any of them do this natively)
Vevo
Kodi
Netflix
Hulu
Amazon Prime
Torque connected via bluetooth
bluetooth hands-free phone calls
WIFI tethered from Foxfi running on my phone
Am I looking for too much or is there a head unit that looks like it can accommodate this?
Summary Questions:
Other than price, is there any reason to consider the dual core (instead of the quad core) or the smaller resolution (i.e. are there some apps that don't work right with the larger resolution)?
Think mobile phone. it is similar.
Are some MCUs better than others?
What MCU done is about more low level works like power management. really depends on design. No base for comparing.
Do all of the better Android head units suffer the problems with the microphone that will require modification to fix, or is there one out that has the fix already implemented? I saw the threads where people are desoldering stuff. Has that been resolved by some of the manufacturers, or am I destined to do that mod also?
Most have mic built-in(in the panel), some have external connector which provide a chance to apply a good mic.
Is there a really good aftermarket hands free microphone that is worth buying?
No idea.
Is there sub pre-out control either on the stock firmware, or on a different ROM?
It is not about software/ROM/firmeware. this is by hardware design.
Is the sub pre-out affected by the fader?
Normally.
What is the voltage at the pre-outs?
depends on hardware design.
Do any of the units come with an IR sensor and/or a remote control?
Many.
Can I connect the bluetooth OBDII module, bluetooth phone, and wireless wifi tethering from the phone at the same time?
Wifi/BT same time for all head unit. BT OBD and BT Phone call together, it depends.
When text messages come into my cell phone, does the radio read them to me? Can I voice-to-text respond?
This could be done by one App which is not related to Head unit. don't know whether it exists already.
Does anyone see anything wrong with my needs, or the apps I plan to run?
could say no barrier. Need to check hardware related items.
Are any of them running newer iterations of Android? Is there anything stopping a developer from releasing a ROM with a newer android?
Lots of work is needed to port system to a newer version android. Similar as mobile phone.
Should I be considering another unit? Is there an Android head unit other than one of the Hue Fei clones that would serve my needs better? Is there one Hue Fei clones that stands out as better than the others, or gets better support than the others, or that fits my needs better?
no answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posted my thoughts on the 2nd gen AN-21U vs joying UQ-124 here -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...eration-4-4-2-android-21u-ouku-t3230587/page3
summary - new unit is better than joying in every way except for customization and xda support. I have not applied an external amp or sub to my system yet, but I will soon. I am already using custom speakers (focal 8"). BT audio quality is night and day difference over joying. Bad BT audio quality is not universal, joying just did a poor job b/c they wired internal & external mic in parallel & used low quality bt module. I highly recommend it, though I have only had a short time with it (less than a day). My thoughts may change as I get more time to find issues.
@nonstop2050, I like how active you are here, I would have loved to buy one of your units had you supported my vehicle. If someone were to buy how long would you take to ship? I had to wait 3 weeks for my unit... I think they manufacture units as the orders come in, they don't keep stock on hand.
The joying units with a single volume knob allow you to adjust the pre out voltage. I have mine feeding into a 4 channel amp, powering front hertz components and a single JBL sub. I use the crossover on the amplifier - more scope for adjustability & probably performs more consistently than the one in the headunit feeding the sub pre out.
I've been researching various headunits, and oddly haven't found everything I'm looking for; since you folks have all of the experience, I'm hoping someone can help. I'm coming from a stock Monsoon system from my 2007 Pontiac G6, which means anything is an upgrade. However, my choices are between a good Android unit, or a Pioneer AVH-4201NEX (with Apple TV, if I can get Peer-to-Peer AirPlay to work consistently)... so that's where my comparisons are at the moment.
* I assume hands-free phone operation is similar between the two paths? I know the Pioneers will allow me to invoke Siri; do any (all?) Android units do similar things built-in, or is the Zlink required?
* I use an iPhone; several units on Amazon claim they support iPhone "mirroring" via Wifi and/or USB - is this an implementation of AirPlay? Note that I don't necessarily want CarPlay, because of its app and usage limitations, unless needed for some of the hands-free operations. I would prefer wifi/bt-based, but not opposed to a plug-in requirement if everything else is matched.
* I'm most interested in the ability to cast YouTube and Plex -- although since these are Android, can I install those apps natively? I just don't want it to be the 'Android Auto' version, since Plex won't allow video (not that I'm going to be watching while driving, but I should have the freedom to do so at other times).
* Backup camera support, with automatic switching (this seems common, but throwing it out there just in case). I will probably provide my own camera, so I'm not worried about having one included.
* Good stock audio fidelity. My current/stock Monsoon system is good for my needs (not trying to rattle neighborhood windows), but I have seen conversations in this forum regarding having expectations of subpar audio on these units. I just don't want to have to crank these units to max in order to hear something.
* Native, easy to use radio interface. HD Radio is preferable, but it seems we're not here yet. Last year, Joying claimed that they'd look into it, but apparently this hasn't happened.
* EDIT: Also looking for decent resolution. I just noticed the Pioneers are only 800x480! 1024x600 seems to be rare (but at least more usable), and anything higher is relatively nonexistent. Why is there a skimp on displays when these are supposed to be entertainment units?
Other considerations:
* Double DIN, fixed unit. The radio access is secure, so I don't want a detachable or moving face that could end up being stolen.
* CD/DVD playback.
* Ability to use my existing G6 steering wheel controls for volume.
And since they are Android, how extendable are they with other apps? If I wanted to add one of the many NES emulators, for instance, would I be able to install them without hassle? How about adding BT-based controllers?
I'm basically looking to add an open system with the least amount of input and content restrictions as possible, while still retaining good experiences for 'basic' functions (e.g. radio).
I know these posts pop up every 6 months or so, but technology moves fast, and I want to see if the quality of these things has increased since then. Thanks all!
Morgon99 said:
I've been researching various headunits, and oddly haven't found everything I'm looking for; since you folks have all of the experience, I'm hoping someone can help. I'm coming from a stock Monsoon system from my 2007 Pontiac G6, which means anything is an upgrade. However, my choices are between a good Android unit, or a Pioneer AVH-4201NEX (with Apple TV, if I can get Peer-to-Peer AirPlay to work consistently)... so that's where my comparisons are at the moment.
* I assume hands-free phone operation is similar between the two paths? I know the Pioneers will allow me to invoke Siri; do any (all?) Android units do similar things built-in, or is the Zlink required?
* I use an iPhone; several units on Amazon claim they support iPhone "mirroring" via Wifi and/or USB - is this an implementation of AirPlay? Note that I don't necessarily want CarPlay, because of its app and usage limitations, unless needed for some of the hands-free operations. I would prefer wifi/bt-based, but not opposed to a plug-in requirement if everything else is matched.
* I'm most interested in the ability to cast YouTube and Plex -- although since these are Android, can I install those apps natively? I just don't want it to be the 'Android Auto' version, since Plex won't allow video (not that I'm going to be watching while driving, but I should have the freedom to do so at other times).
* Backup camera support, with automatic switching (this seems common, but throwing it out there just in case). I will probably provide my own camera, so I'm not worried about having one included.
* Good stock audio fidelity. My current/stock Monsoon system is good for my needs (not trying to rattle neighborhood windows), but I have seen conversations in this forum regarding having expectations of subpar audio on these units. I just don't want to have to crank these units to max in order to hear something.
* Native, easy to use radio interface. HD Radio is preferable, but it seems we're not here yet. Last year, Joying claimed that they'd look into it, but apparently this hasn't happened.
Other considerations:
* Double DIN, fixed unit. The radio access is secure, so I don't want a detachable or moving face that could end up being stolen.
* CD/DVD playback.
* Ability to use my existing G6 steering wheel controls for volume.
And since they are Android, how extendable are they with other apps? If I wanted to add one of the many NES emulators, for instance, would I be able to install them without hassle? How about adding BT-based controllers?
I'm basically looking to add an open system with the least amount of input and content restrictions as possible, while still retaining good experiences for 'basic' functions (e.g. radio).
I know these posts pop up every 6 months or so, but technology moves fast, and I want to see if the quality of these things has increased since then. Thanks all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMHO, these android units are the exception when it comes to fast moving tech. My direct experience with units I've had so far is that none of them are great sound quality from their built in amps, but if you go external they are pretty good. Volume wise they go loud, just not always a great sound.
Just curious, why do you want to play DVDs? I mean it sounds cool and is, but I cant really find a practical reason for them since I can put a movie on an SD card.
Hands free bluetooth is mostly the same on all these units and should be similar functionally. Some units will download your phonebook, some won't. As for Siri, not sure.
The mirroring function is an app, usually Ezconnect. For iphone this is over wifi so you have to be on the same network ad the unit. The app has a limited implementation of Airplay. There are other apps you can use as well, all pretty much the same as far as I can tell.
Youtube and Plex can be installed as apps, just make sure you get a unit with Play Store. If you cant tell just make sure you ask the seller.
Pretty much all of them have backup camera capability.
All the radios are easy to use, to me this is more about the look of the interface. I hate my Ownice C500 as the colored all the preset buttons and used white letters. That means the yellow and green ones are unreadable. Just look through all the detailed descriptions for pics of what the radio looks like. To my knowledge there are no HD or digital radios in any of them though most support a DAB add on.
There are tons of generic double dins and all pretty much have steering wheel control capability but you'll need to look at whether the unit cant interface with your G7 directly via canbus or you might need some kind of adapter.
Apps wise, some units support side loading natively such as my Hizpo unit with android 8 that came with a preloaded apk installer plus what you can get via google play. If you can load the app on a phone and the app supports landscape mode chances are it will work. However for an emulator you better get a unit with the fastest processor and the most RAM which is currently 4GB
If you really want something truely "Open" you'll want to get something that you can get root access to.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hey guys,
Hoping to hear your thoughts and opinions, the good/bad/ugly.
I'm about to buy my first Android Head Unit but have been trying to get something like this going for a long time.
Here's the "Wish List" I've made to weed out the unit I want.
Unit:
Universal
Double/2 Din
PX6
4GB RAM
64GB ROM
Screen:
10"+ HD IPS (unless there's an OLED out there)
Lowest Profile available (distance been back of screen and dash)
No need to pan, but adjusting up and down and tilt are a plus
No branding
Preferably little or no buttons
No visible ports
OS:
Android 9.0, hopefully, upgradable to 10
Extensions:
Bluetooth -> Support for 2x Paired Phones at once able to receive calls or stream music would be great!
Wireless Apple Car Play
Android Auto
MicroSD card support of 256GB or higher
DPS
Dual-Band WiFi
1+ Video Input NOT back up cam (Plan on attaching a Nintendo Switch as an input device. I haven't seen anything higher resolution on input than just CVBS, but if one existed that would help? Or the support of USB 3 Video Dongle (USB to HDMI)
Right now, this has led me to this one
Dasaita HA2156A-MAX6
There's so much "noise" in this space with the hundreds of resellers/OEMs and scammers that I think I'm just going to pull the trigger on this and see what happens.
But before I do, if anyone has any better options, or thoughts/words of wisdom, please pass them along!
Thanks in advance!
I also really like the ATOTO A6Y1021PR but it's spec'd so low compared to the others and is running Kitkat (what the hell???)
I also really like some of the Xtrons, but couldn't get the specs. If I go wth a PX5 then they have tons of options, but couldn't find a 10+ screen with PX6
I'm interested in this too, I've been looking for a while at Android head units and while my wallet says go a basic double din 6-7" screen, the rest of me says go for that PX6 with the 10" screen.
I'm looking at getting the single DIN so that I can keep the little storage place below it, the only storage in my entire car (75 Series Land Cruiser Ute). If anyone knows of any reason not to, feel free to chime in, but otherwise I'm going to go the same route as you '82. The Maxx6 looks like the only PX6 with a massive screen from a reputable brand
My experience is that some of the specs are best described as "rubbery". Some of the good value units include marketing graphics which are copy-pasted to assist sales and are not wholly accurate.
Ideally one would like to see a pic the summary screen.
Casual research indicates ATOTO delivers the goods!-IMHO
There is not one single (cheap) Chinese brand supporting to pair 2 phones at once.
Only a few of the latest PX6 models support dual-band wifi. Most only support 2.4GHz.
Support for Apple Car Play and Android Auto can be tricky. Especially if your phone is on android 9. Support for android 10 (released today on 3 September 2019!) might take quite some time.
1+ Video Input: Haven't seen that yet.
Dasaita is a very good choice but does not support the above mentioned wishes either.
and what is DPS? or do you mean DSP?
You can get lower profile by "burying" the double din instead of flushmounting it to dash/adapter bracket
I've been enjoying my admittedly under-powered ATOTO A6 Pro for months now, and while I don't have experience with other Android Head Units, I've gained some perspective. Mainly, we're not really talking about buying an Android tablet here!
Android tablets are obsolete after a year or three, but my lexus is 20 years old and (with certain updates) I still love it. I've realized that although I wish I didn't have to put up with quite so much lag while interacting with certain android apps running on the ATOTO (Google Maps responsiveness is painfully slow), I'm really glad about the ways that the A6 Pro behaves like a car stereo head unit should: It has a great display that's easy to see in all lighting; It's on instantly after the car's ignition (with minimal battery drain while the car is parked); great bluetooth aptX audio streaming and call handling; the backup camera view is instantaneous after shifting to reverse (with optional volume reduction while in reverse), it can drive 4 speakers (6 if you count the component tweeters surprisingly well at 29W RMS each without an external amp (while supplying my powered subwoofer with a clean line output), etc, etc.
So with the A6 Pro one learns to keep most apps on the adjacent SmartPhone (even if you're not choosing to use Android Auto or CarPlay which mostly run apps on the phone), and mostly run media apps that are easily handled on the head unit. I've never been bothered that my car stereo is running marshmallow or whatever instead of Android 10.
My phone is running Android 10 and is distracting enough as a responsive/powerful android device. And while it would be cool if it were faster, my car's head unit is more about good music and phone integration while driving (or while parked and listening to/watching media .
Hi
I have an old (>5 years) android 4.4 chinese head unit
The main problem with the unit is the slow (~30 seconds or more) startup time, and the limited memory and slow cpu.
I am thinking of upgrading, and most manufacturers offer similar specs with newer Android versions.
Do any of these chinese units offer true Apple CarPlay and Google AndroidAuto support (preferably with wireless phone connection). that is, the ability to operate the apps and the units with voice (Siri / Google assistant) including reading and dictating messages, and making calls using the phone's dialer rather than a specific app?
Can anyone recommend a specific unit based on personal experience?
Android is open source, so it is up to the operator in question (in this case the head unit designer) to ensure proper operation. You don't really need AA on an android head unit anyway. Anything which AA can offer can be had directly on the head unit itself. Auto phone hotspots are also possible with android phones, so your head unit can connect to the internet easily.
Apple does not now, nor will it EVER officially support any of these Chinese head units. Apple has a strict set of regulations which must be followed by head unit manufacturers in order to gain official support (certain operations locked out while driving for example).
Soooo... in either case its kind of touch and go, but more so with Apple though since Apple unlike android, does not allow 3rd party tasker apps and such to change any internal phone settings, which makes things like auto hotspots quite difficult to do.
thanks
I have contacted a few Chinese head unit manufacturers and indeed their "CarPlay" solution does not support voice based / Siri control
I have found, however, a product (link) which provides full CarPlay operation, including Siri interface on generic Android based head units.
The box offers both wired and wireless interface to the iPhone, and uses an internal microphone for voice operation.
I have not tested the box myself, but I am considering purchasing it (relatively not pricey...)
I know there is a risk that future iOS upgrades will render this interface useless, but if it works for the meantime - it might be worth it if I can keep my current Android head unit
Has anyone tested this (or similar interface box)?
I don't have an iphone so I can't tell you for sure but I think there was something about the head unit not being able to get wifi while the system is in carplay mode. You should do a search on that anyway.
As I said, carplay/AA is touch and go with these head units because they are not officially supported.