Database Users

Turn head unit into android auto host device?

I just had a thought and is it possible to turn an android head unit into an android auto host device? I realise that there is the option for mirroring and remote touch control, so it should be trivial to have and automatic switch into android auto mode (that is, the head unit acts only as a screen with touch functionality while the whole thing runs on the phone that's plugged in) when plugging an android phone into one of our android head units, right? Is that even a thing? I figure demand would be extremely low for it (it's even redundant a bit), seeing as it's quite limiting in comparison to a full android head unit, but it is still a curiosity for me. Many factory android auto capable head units are running a custom version of android os anyway, so I imagine the possibility is there, right?

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.projection.gearhead&hl=en

pounce said:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.projection.gearhead&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But wait, if I install this on my android head unit, it will just run android auto, not wait for a phone to be plugged in. That's what I mean.

What is it exactly you want from a functionality perspective. The point of the android units is that you have much of the flexibility of android with apps and such running on the head unit without the need for the phone. Many of the current units can do mirrorlink in some form with a phone.
You may be able to trigger an app to run when you connect a phone if that's your objective.
What unit do you have?

pounce said:
What is it exactly you want from a functionality perspective. The point of the android units is that you have much of the flexibility of android with apps and such running on the head unit without the need for the phone. Many of the current units can do mirrorlink in some form with a phone.
You may be able to trigger an app to run when you connect a phone if that's your objective.
What unit do you have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a hot audio (dasaita) px5 unit.
Basically, I'm just curious and want to add as much expandability as possible. For instance if I have another driver in the car who has his/her own music and nav favourites in their android phone, it would be cool to have them plug it into the unit, and have the option of android auto (instead of digging around in my custom setup on my head unit). Furthermore, since everything will be running off of their phone, they instantly have their contacts, emails, sms, etc. available to them on the head unit (moreover, if they use android auto on a regular basis in their own car, it would be a seamless transition).
Not saying it's useful on a daily basis like it would be on a stock (for instance Hyundai) head unit with AA support. I realise that modern head units have very limited functionality in the ways of navigation and apps, and that's expanded a little bit with android auto, and obviously expanded a whole lot if your head unit has a full android OS on it.
Anyway, I think I found an app that does just that:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gb.xxy.hr
I'll give it a go tomorrow. Once again, it's not a feature I'll be using (probably ever), but it's just kind of neat to have.
Anyway, my end goal is to have a head unit that has an open android system AND Android Auto + Carplay support. The redundancy in that situation is obvious, but I still think it would be quite neat.

Is mirror link functional on your unit?

yep. so i've done a bit more digging and it looks like the stock android auto app has a developer settings mode, and you can enable it to run in server mode, like many android auto enabled head units do. will test this tomorrow.

vassandrei said:
yep. so i've done a bit more digging and it looks like the stock android auto app has a developer settings mode, and you can enable it to run in server mode, like many android auto enabled head units do. will test this tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you test it? I'm interested in running android auto on my head unit as well.

I'm interested to see how this plays out

I get only a black screen on my px5 unit but on my test setup it works wonderfully.
edit: I should note that this all worked without any real tinkering. I didn't have to enable developer mode on the phone, or tinker with any settings on the computer. The only thing you don't see is the default application dialogue, as I've told it to auto-open headunit reloaded when connecting the phone already.

vassandrei said:
I get only a black screen on my px5 unit but on my test setup it works wonderfully.
edit: I should note that this all worked without any real tinkering. I didn't have to enable developer mode on the phone, or tinker with any settings on the computer. The only thing you don't see is the default application dialogue, as I've told it to auto-open headunit reloaded when connecting the phone already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to clarify, do you have to install anything on the head unit?

Fl4v10 said:
Just to clarify, do you have to install anything on the head unit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. The app is Headunit Reloaded Emulator. There's a free trial, but the full version is paid.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gb.xxy.hr&hl=en

vassandrei said:
Yes. The app is Headunit Reloaded Emulator. There's a free trial, but the full version is paid.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gb.xxy.hr&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you install this app on the head unit and the android auto app on the phone correct?

Fl4v10 said:
So you install this app on the head unit and the android auto app on the phone correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, correct

vassandrei said:
Yes, correct
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm gonna try it on my unit.

Fl4v10 said:
Thanks. I'm gonna try it on my unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, hope it works well for you. definitely get the trial version before spending any money to make sure it works well.
I did another test, and after updating to malaysk 4.0 (and making sure to allow video while driving!!! that's why i had a black screen)
here's how it works:

vassandrei said:
Awesome, hope it works well for you. definitely get the trial version before spending any money to make sure it works well.
I did another test, and after updating to malaysk 4.0 (and making sure to allow video while driving!!! that's why i had a black screen)
here's how it works:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice. I have Malasyk on mine. I'll try with the trial version. Did you test the calls? Does that works with the head unit mics or the phone mics?

Fl4v10 said:
Nice. I have Malasyk on mine. I'll try with the trial version. Did you test the calls? Does that works with the head unit mics or the phone mics?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
havent tested calls yet, but it uses the head unit mics for google voice search, so i imagine it would use the head unit mic for calls as well

vassandrei said:
havent tested calls yet, but it uses the head unit mics for google voice search, so i imagine it would use the head unit mic for calls as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I tried today and with no luck. Did you configure anything on the Android auto app?
When I connect it to the head unit nothing happens.

Fl4v10 said:
So I tried today and with no luck. Did you configure anything on the Android auto app?
When I connect it to the head unit nothing happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't have to configure anything, nope. It didn't want to work on my centre consoles USB port though, I had to use another port that was directly connected to the head unit. So if you're using a hub try without it. Other than that, launch the headunit reloaded app at least once

bmw f30 android 7.1.x head units

Hi,
I am trying to buy an android head unit from aliexpress for my bmw f30 2013. Very few sellers answer questions and not to the point.
e.g.
1) does it supports after market front camera through RCA input and how easy is to select it? (e.g. does it appear automatically right after reverse gear)
2) does it support can bus messages or do I need a can bus converter. I have already tried 2 multimedia interfaces (IW06B-N23 and QHI-BM12) but they dont trigger the camera. So how to be sure that the same will not happen with the android head unit
3) which MCU is used in order to see if I will be able to find updated firmware on xda forum
4) will I hear oem radio during google maps navigation (hearing also google maps directions)
5) will it connect automatically to my iphone hotspot for internet
6) will it work for iphone 11.2 mirroring
7) will it show perfectly the oem screen
8) would I be able to use steering wheel controls for bluetooth and which bluetooth will I be able to use? the OEM one or the Android one?
9) would I be able to use idrive in google maps
All of the above I believe are very basic information that you cannot get from sellers. I dont understand how they sell or I am missing something here.
Is there anyone here with similar problems so we can help each other?
Regards,
Mike

With a name like Mike, you're maybe English or American? I really suggest buying locally. You'll pay £/$30 more but you'll get a warranty and protection from your local trading laws. Buying from China is a game of Russian roulette. I bought an Erisin from China before and it was absolutely fine. Lucky that, because one I bought from England was not fine, and I had to return it. Had it been the other way round, I'd have been in a world of trouble and £100+ down the ****ter.
1) does it supports after market front camera through RCA input and how easy is to select it? (e.g. does it appear automatically right after reverse gear)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On mine, there's a setting for it to switch back to the front camera after the rear camera has been operating.
2) does it support can bus messages or do I need a can bus converter. I have already tried 2 multimedia interfaces (IW06B-N23 and QHI-BM12) but they dont trigger the camera. So how to be sure that the same will not happen with the android head unit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will come with a canbus decoder unit. Any unit worth it's salt will work correctly with your PDC system. Mine does.
3) which MCU is used in order to see if I will be able to find updated firmware on xda forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MCU is not important. It's the brand that puts out firmware updates. Xtrons, Joying and Eonon have fairly solid reputations for their updates. Xtrons have put out 5 so far for my unit. Erisin have a fairly flakey reputation. The rest are going to be a complete gamble and more likely you'll lose.
4) will I hear oem radio during google maps navigation (hearing also google maps directions)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OEM radio? You're removing the OEM radio and replacing it with this. If you mean will you hear the radio and maps, yes, the maps software dips the volume in a very polite way
5) will it connect automatically to my iphone hotspot for internet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firstly, sack off the iPhone, it's crap and there's so many things you can do with Android that work with this unit (mine triggers the hotspot on and off when i get in and out of the car). In answer to your question, yes, you can connect it to your hotspot.
6) will it work for iphone 11.2 mirroring
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if the product spec says it will.
7) will it show perfectly the oem screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OEM screen?
8) would I be able to use steering wheel controls for bluetooth and which bluetooth will I be able to use? the OEM one or the Android one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Steering wheel controls work yep and they work with the calling.... at least mine do in my 3 series.
9) would I be able to use idrive in google maps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're mixing two entirely different software packages up here.
To conclude, if your car has iDrive. I wouldn't go anywhere near one of these systems, it'll be a ****ing minefield making it work. If yours is non iDrive, like mine, then it'll fit perfectly with no issues

Thank you for the supplied information. I am from Greece/EU and locally there are no such products.
Chinese solutions for BMW F30 are mainly changing only the screen (which is detachable) and the new one includes all the features inside the screen, so the main OEM function remain in-place.
I would take a look at xtrons as I have seen various posts here and they have a decent website hoping to receive updates but I dont know yet if they have an EU warehouse because import taxes is my country are very high. My concern stays for idrive and canbus integration mainly because I have already tested 2 other types of interface and non of them worked.
Lets see if xtrons will reply on aliexpress with more to the point questions!
skezza said:
With a name like Mike, you're maybe English or American? I really suggest buying locally. You'll pay £/$30 more but you'll get a warranty and protection from your local trading laws. Buying from China is a game of Russian roulette. I bought an Erisin from China before and it was absolutely fine. Lucky that, because one I bought from England was not fine, and I had to return it. Had it been the other way round, I'd have been in a world of trouble and £100+ down the ****ter.
On mine, there's a setting for it to switch back to the front camera after the rear camera has been operating.
It will come with a canbus decoder unit. Any unit worth it's salt will work correctly with your PDC system. Mine does.
MCU is not important. It's the brand that puts out firmware updates. Xtrons, Joying and Eonon have fairly solid reputations for their updates. Xtrons have put out 5 so far for my unit. Erisin have a fairly flakey reputation. The rest are going to be a complete gamble and more likely you'll lose.
OEM radio? You're removing the OEM radio and replacing it with this. If you mean will you hear the radio and maps, yes, the maps software dips the volume in a very polite way
Firstly, sack off the iPhone, it's crap and there's so many things you can do with Android that work with this unit (mine triggers the hotspot on and off when i get in and out of the car). In answer to your question, yes, you can connect it to your hotspot.
Only if the product spec says it will.
OEM screen?
Steering wheel controls work yep and they work with the calling.... at least mine do in my 3 series.
You're mixing two entirely different software packages up here.
To conclude, if your car has iDrive. I wouldn't go anywhere near one of these systems, it'll be a ****ing minefield making it work. If yours is non iDrive, like mine, then it'll fit perfectly with no issues
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Your car has iDrive? Be very careful. Those systems are so much more complicated. The reason the non-iDrive works is because it's actually still a simple system. It's just a whole bunch of relays triggered by other relays and a few more relays and then somewhere there's a computer that does it all. iDrive has it's own dedicated computer which does so much more and offers so much more functionality, and that's where you might find problems. Getting those two systems integrated could be an absolute minefield.

mnikitas said:
Hi,
I am trying to buy an android head unit from aliexpress for my bmw f30 2013. Very few sellers answer questions and not to the point.
e.g.
1) does it supports after market front camera through RCA input and how easy is to select it? (e.g. does it appear automatically right after reverse gear)
2) does it support can bus messages or do I need a can bus converter. I have already tried 2 multimedia interfaces (IW06B-N23 and QHI-BM12) but they dont trigger the camera. So how to be sure that the same will not happen with the android head unit
3) which MCU is used in order to see if I will be able to find updated firmware on xda forum
4) will I hear oem radio during google maps navigation (hearing also google maps directions)
5) will it connect automatically to my iphone hotspot for internet
6) will it work for iphone 11.2 mirroring
7) will it show perfectly the oem screen
8) would I be able to use steering wheel controls for bluetooth and which bluetooth will I be able to use? the OEM one or the Android one?
9) would I be able to use idrive in google maps
All of the above I believe are very basic information that you cannot get from sellers. I dont understand how they sell or I am missing something here.
Is there anyone here with similar problems so we can help each other?
Regards,
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if you are still around or found more info but the above posts are incorrect. The unit you are buying is more than likely the 10.25 screen upgrade with Android built in. It will work in tandem with idrive....everything works and it is easy install and upgrade.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10-...00a8-4760-8b00-b2efeaa2fb7e&priceBeautifyAB=0

So a stupid question, it seems there are several Chinese companies that sell these 10.25" Android panels for the F30 BMW. Though the interface looks exactly the same despite who made the tablet, is there really a difference in the ROM image between makes? The one I have is from COG Android (atleast that is what the Bluetooth ID says). I have had in other cars Joying and ITOPWay, are they really something different ( I almost suspect they are the same company)?

mnikitas said:
Hi,
I am trying to buy an android head unit from aliexpress for my bmw f30 2013. Very few sellers answer questions and not to the point.
e.g.
1) does it supports after market front camera through RCA input and how easy is to select it? (e.g. does it appear automatically right after reverse gear)
2) does it support can bus messages or do I need a can bus converter. I have already tried 2 multimedia interfaces (IW06B-N23 and QHI-BM12) but they dont trigger the camera. So how to be sure that the same will not happen with the android head unit
3) which MCU is used in order to see if I will be able to find updated firmware on xda forum
4) will I hear oem radio during google maps navigation (hearing also google maps directions)
5) will it connect automatically to my iphone hotspot for internet
6) will it work for iphone 11.2 mirroring
7) will it show perfectly the oem screen
8) would I be able to use steering wheel controls for bluetooth and which bluetooth will I be able to use? the OEM one or the Android one?
9) would I be able to use idrive in google maps
All of the above I believe are very basic information that you cannot get from sellers. I dont understand how they sell or I am missing something here.
Is there anyone here with similar problems so we can help each other?
Regards,
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
you can have a look below dasaita plug and play products hence it is the most popular and reliable android seller on the market ;
https://dasaita.aliexpress.com/stor...l?spm=a2g1y.12024536.pcShopHead_5904672.1_2_1
cheers.

Atoto A6 have to buy $50+ USB dongle to use Android Auto??

When I purchased this head unit last year and installed it; everything work perfectly. No issues.
But when I went to use Android Auto with it, no luck. I installed it on my smart phone, connected to USB from the head unit. It never recognized the A6.
I emailed ATOTO support and the reply I got was "Google won't license our units to be compatible". That does not make sense. Since when does a Chinese company care what Google things about their product? I though "WTH is that all about??". It wasn't not long after Atoto release a USB dongle, or converter that goes between your phone and head unit to enable Android auto.
It cost over $50 bux. This unit is a year old (as of this spring) and has Android 6 (marshmallow). It is by no means out of date.
Is there any light that anyone can shine on this issue??
Thanks

Try A6 q&a thread, but sounds like you have self answered.

You can use the headunit reloaded app, I use it on my A6 premium.

Do many people use this currently for Wireless Android Auto? Does this work with these ATOTO A6 units?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ge...droid-3-0-proxy-gateway-android-auto-t3813163

meoshe said:
You can use the headunit reloaded app, I use it on my A6 premium.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Samsung Galaxy S10 and headunit Reloaded just stopped working for me.

meoshe said:
You can use the headunit reloaded app, I use it on my A6 premium.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the reloaded app still the preferred solution or is it possible to update to Android 9+ to have embedded AA? Also, will HU reloaded work with one of the new AA wifi dongles to auto launch on entry into the car and power to the HU?

Latest Android Auto Interface when using Seicane Headunit?

I'm currently looking to purchase a Seicane headunit for my 2008 Accord, but really just want to connect my phone via USB to use Android Auto on it. I've read up on the Autokit app, I'm guessing I need the Carplay/Android Auto USB Dongle as well.
https://www.seicane.com/2008-2013-h...lay-swc-wifi-music-support-dvr-tpms-obd2-h281
I apologize if this isn't the right place for this question, but in order to use the latest Android Auto Interface (that came out in 2019), does it matter which version of Android the headunit has on it, or does it only depend on my phone? I currently have the Pixel 2XL and will actually be upgrading the Galaxy S20+ once it's released. Before placing the order with Seicane, I just wanted to check to see if that mattered. The headunit I'm looking at would be Android 8.0 whie my phone would be Android 10. I've read a lot of mixed things on Seicane, however they are the only unit that I could have a 10.1 inch screen above the dash instead of a regular unit below.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
-J

nbaj2k said:
I'm currently looking to purchase a Seicane headunit for my 2008 Accord, but really just want to connect my phone via USB to use Android Auto on it. I've read up on the Autokit app, I'm guessing I need the Carplay/Android Auto USB Dongle as well.
https://www.seicane.com/2008-2013-h...lay-swc-wifi-music-support-dvr-tpms-obd2-h281
I apologize if this isn't the right place for this question, but in order to use the latest Android Auto Interface (that came out in 2019), does it matter which version of Android the headunit has on it, or does it only depend on my phone? I currently have the Pixel 2XL and will actually be upgrading the Galaxy S20+ once it's released. Before placing the order with Seicane, I just wanted to check to see if that mattered. The headunit I'm looking at would be Android 8.0 whie my phone would be Android 10. I've read a lot of mixed things on Seicane, however they are the only unit that I could have a 10.1 inch screen above the dash instead of a regular unit below.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
-J
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These Seicane units and others are not Android Auto, they are a hacked android OS. Are you wanting Android Auto or Android.

marchnz said:
These Seicane units and others are not Android Auto, they are a hacked android OS. Are you wanting Android Auto or Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the below the dash Dasaita 10.2inch PX6 9.0 with the Carlinkit USB dongle and it works really well with the latest iPhone 11 and the Samsung S9+.

marchnz said:
These Seicane units and others are not Android Auto, they are a hacked android OS. Are you wanting Android Auto or Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So regular Android Auto is ideally what I'm looking for. However I've looked at most of the normal aftermarket setups with the dash kit for my 2008 Accord, but don't like the standard spot for it in my car since it is too low like the attached pic (1 - LowDashLocation.jpg), especially when using it for navigation. I'd like to have a unit where it's higher up (like the other attached pic, 2 - SeicaneAccord). I also like the larger 10.1 Screen. I like how the stock screen is moved below.
The Seicane really seems like the only option for this, but I'm planning on trying to use that Carplay/Android Auto USB Dongle with AutoLink to use it with Android Auto. I'm not sure how well it would work though in this case. If anyone has any other solutions that might work better for Android Auto I'd definitely appreciate any suggestions!
Thanks!
-J

sandpita said:
I have the below the dash Dasaita 10.2inch PX6 9.0 with the Carlinkit USB dongle and it works really well with the latest iPhone 11 and the Samsung S9+.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this info. Dasaita would be similar to the Seicane I was looking at. So does Android Auto specifically work well on it, and do you have the newer Android Auto 2019 interface (which is much better) that comes up? Is it pretty quick to come up and any lag? Do you use Google Maps from your phone?
-J

nbaj2k said:
Thanks for this info. Dasaita would be similar to the Seicane I was looking at. So does Android Auto specifically work well on it, and do you have the newer Android Auto 2019 interface (which is much better) that comes up? Is it pretty quick to come up and any lag? Do you use Google Maps from your phone?
-J
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android Auto /Apple Car play works really well, I haven't had any problems what's so ever and yes it's the Android Auto 2019 interface.
Less than 10 secs and it's connected and as soon as it's connected it loads up Google maps on my Android head unit, I use the head unit and put the phone in my centre console and have no need to touch it.

sandpita said:
Android Auto /Apple Car play works really well, I haven't had any problems what's so ever and yes it's the Android Auto 2019 interface.
Less than 10 secs and it's connected and as soon as it's connected it loads up Google maps on my Android head unit, I use the head unit and put the phone in my centre console and have no need to touch it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great to hear! If you don't mind I have a few questions! Lol
I'm curious, on your Android head unit what version of Android do you have on it and what did you have to do in order to get the 2019 Android Auto installed? Once it synced with your phone was it something on the phone side? If you didn't have the adapter and just plugged the phone in with USB even with Autolink I'm guessing it wouldn't work?
Also, do all the functions of Android auto including the phone function work well without lag and connects fine with Bluetooth? I read some people had issues with phone not working through it and having to use the dialer that came with the unit. Is the microphone used during calling the one from the headunit or on the actual USB dongle?
Assuming you don't have any issues with lag, how much RAM do you have on your unit?
Thanks a ton for your help! I apologize for all the questions.
Josh
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

nbaj2k said:
That's great to hear! If you don't mind I have a few questions! Lol
I'm curious, on your Android head unit what version of Android do you have on it and what did you have to do in order to get the 2019 Android Auto installed? Once it synced with your phone was it something on the phone side? If you didn't have the adapter and just plugged the phone in with USB even with Autolink I'm guessing it wouldn't work?
Also, do all the functions of Android auto including the phone function work well without lag and connects fine with Bluetooth? I read some people had issues with phone not working through it and having to use the dialer that came with the unit. Is the microphone used during calling the one from the headunit or on the actual USB dongle?
Assuming you don't have any issues with lag, how much RAM do you have on your unit?
Thanks a ton for your help! I apologize for all the questions.
Josh
I have the Dasaita 10.2 inch Android 9 Pie
CPU : RK3399 , Dual Cortex-A72 + Quad Cortex-A53, 64-bit
RAM : 4 GB
ROM : 64 GB
Telephone functions works well, no drop outs or lag.
Either use the microphone from the head unit but I have installed an external microphone in the original location of the cars microphone position. I use the external microphone jack from the back of the Head unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

sandpita said:
nbaj2k said:
That's great to hear! If you don't mind I have a few questions! Lol
I'm curious, on your Android head unit what version of Android do you have on it and what did you have to do in order to get the 2019 Android Auto installed? Once it synced with your phone was it something on the phone side? If you didn't have the adapter and just plugged the phone in with USB even with Autolink I'm guessing it wouldn't work?
Also, do all the functions of Android auto including the phone function work well without lag and connects fine with Bluetooth? I read some people had issues with phone not working through it and having to use the dialer that came with the unit. Is the microphone used during calling the one from the headunit or on the actual USB dongle?
Assuming you don't have any issues with lag, how much RAM do you have on your unit?
Thanks a ton for your help! I apologize for all the questions.
Josh
I have the Dasaita 10.2 inch Android 9 Pie
CPU : RK3399 , Dual Cortex-A72 + Quad Cortex-A53, 64-bit
RAM : 4 GB
ROM : 64 GB
Telephone functions works well, no drop outs or lag.
Either use the microphone from the head unit but I have installed an external microphone in the original location of the cars microphone position. I use the external microphone jack from the back of the Head unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, appreciate the pics too! Did you have to do anything special to get the 2019 interface for Android Auto on the unit after installing the Autolink apk? And every time you get into the car you just open the Autolink app and connect the phone I'm assuming, does it take awhile to connect? Did you install a particular launcher that you liked?
Having a USB-C phone I'm guessing I'll just need to use a USB-A to USB-C adapter so I won't get fast charging, but still would probably be worth it to modernize my car a bit.
-J
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

nbaj2k said:
sandpita said:
Thanks, appreciate the pics too! Did you have to do anything special to get the 2019 interface for Android Auto on the unit after installing the Autolink apk? And every time you get into the car you just open the Autolink app and connect the phone I'm assuming, does it take awhile to connect? Did you install a particular launcher that you liked?
Having a USB-C phone I'm guessing I'll just need to use a USB-A to USB-C adapter so I won't get fast charging, but still would probably be worth it to modernize my car a bit.
-J
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,There is nothing that I have to do other than plug my phone into the usb socket and approx 10 seconds later Android auto/Apple Carplay is up and running.
You can install what ever launcher you like that suits you, I'm using Car Launcher Pro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Hello everyone. I received an updated Firmware directly from seicane for their head unit. This is Android 10 update for the 2/32 GB unit. Everything seems to be working great so far on unit. If you would like to try it for yourself please feel free to download and install. I'm not too tech savvy so if you have any questions I'll answer them the best I can. Thought I would share for anyone to update their own unit if possible
PLEASE BE ADVISED YOU USE THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!
I will not be held responsible for any damages done to your own unit.
Thank you!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q9ns_Nojpl-8WAIvqgd0DMklUZJsjt7p/view?usp=drivesdk

Android Auto - use without a phone

Hi there. I have recently installed an aftermarket Android 11 screen in my car. I set up the unit with a 4G SIM card so it has its own isolated internet connection, as I want this entire unit to be self-sufficient and never have the need to connect a smartphone to it.
Is there a way to run Android Auto on this Android unit as a stand-alone app without having to connect a phone or external device to it?
(this seems like it should be a basic and common question, but I could not find an answer using Search)
TIA.

No one knows what the head unit is, out of the many unit types and manufacturers.
What have you identified as a possibility to solve your problem from reading the forum

There is not really a "brand" per-se, it's a somewhat generic aftermarket Android unit manufactured in China and distributed by DMP Car Design for a Mercedes W205 chassis. The device is "unlocked" and I can install almost anything.
As a network device, It identifies itself as: 'Bengal for arm64'
Specs:
12.3" Screen | Android 11 | 6GB LPDDR4 Ram | 128GB Storage | Qualcomm SnapDragon 662 (sm6115) 8-core kyro 260 64-bit CPU
I would think most of this has no bearing on the app having the ability to run stand-alone (except for the Android version).
Thanks!

KeithW205 said:
There is not really a "brand" per-se, it's a somewhat generic aftermarket Android unit manufactured in China and distributed by DMP Car Design for a Mercedes W205 chassis. The device is "unlocked" and I can install almost anything.
As a network device, It identifies itself as: 'Bengal for arm64'
Specs:
12.3" Screen | Android 11 | 6GB LPDDR4 Ram | 128GB Storage | Qualcomm SnapDragon 662 (sm6115) 8-core kyro 260 64-bit CPU
I would think most of this has no bearing on the app having the ability to run stand-alone (except for the Android version).
Thanks!
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Click to collapse
For what reason you want to mess around with Android Auto?
This app is meant to connect a phone with an OEM head unit to mirror the screen of your phone to your head unit.
In fact:
Your new head unit is able to handle all the apps itself a lot better as any AA installation would do.
If you don´t have a phone connected, you won´t be able to make phone calls at least.
So I am really curious what you expect to get and the reason for your question.

Hi, did you resolve the problem with your android head unit because I've got the same predicament . Thanks

rigattoni said:
For what reason you want to mess around with Android Auto?
This app is meant to connect a phone with an OEM head unit to mirror the screen of your phone to your head unit.
In fact:
Your new head unit is able to handle all the apps itself a lot better as any AA installation would do.
If you don´t have a phone connected, you won´t be able to make phone calls at least.
So I am really curious what you expect to get and the reason for your question.
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Click to collapse
Since I have work accounts on my phone, I cannot connect to external devices. Additionally, I prefer not to have my car's system or devices be dependent upon an external device to function. From my perspective, the only requirement I should have to make everything in my car work is to have a key, that's it.
I like the clean UI of Android Auto and it works well for native Google navigation and music control in one simple interface which is why I was looking for an "easy" way to run Android Auto on my aftermarket Android car screen without having the dependency of a connection to a smartphone to function.

Charlieboy205 said:
Hi, did you resolve the problem with your android head unit because I've got the same predicament . Thanks
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Click to collapse
Hi there. I did not spend a lot of time pursuing this as I ended up going down too many rabbit holes in search of a solution.
I dropped trying to run Android Auto as a stand-alone app without a smartphone connection and went with FCC Car Launcher. In the end, I gained a huge amount of functionality and customization by using FCC. I now have a Google moving map, music controls, and much more on a single home screen without any dependency on a smartphone. (my headunit has its own 4G internet connection)

KeithW205 said:
Hi there. I did not spend a lot of time pursuing this as I ended up going down too many rabbit holes in search of a solution.
I dropped trying to run Android Auto as a stand-alone app without a smartphone connection and went with FCC Car Launcher. In the end, I gained a huge amount of functionality and customization by using FCC. I now have a Google moving map, music controls, and much more on a single home screen without any dependency on a smartphone. (my headunit has its own 4G internet connection)
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Click to collapse
Using Fcc is surely the best solution.
As I said... Stand-alone Android Auto is not possible. you always need a Connection between phone and head unit. This is the way this app works...
I already use Fcc nearly since the start of development and I would not use anything else.

I have a 2016 RAV4 with Entune radio. Looking for a GPS Navigation capable unit. I have an Android phone. Seems like an Android OS wireless and wired head unit would work. Extensive research led me through Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, Sony: all poor values. Car stereo dealers want a fortune to install. I value function and reliability. Any suggestions on a plug-and-play easy install unit that will keep my steering controls and factory backup camera? T'eyes CC3 and Dasaita Max 10 both are on my short list. Prefer to buy from US only.

Hello all,
I may be late, but you can use Headunit Reloaded Emulator (it's a paid App):
Headunit Reloaded Emulator HUR - Apps on Google Play
Turn your tablet or Android powered unit into a full blow Android Auto headunit.
play.google.com
You can run standalone Android auto server and app.
There is a trial version for testing:
Headunit Reloaded Trial for An - Apps on Google Play
This is a free trial version of the Headunit Reloaded Emulator.
play.google.com
Regards.