Database Users

[Q] Another Car Install: Questions

Hello all,
I'm sort of new to a lot of this stuff. Especially car audio.
With that said, I'm planning on mounting a nexus 7 in my truck soon, preferably this weekend. I've done a lot of research and read a lot of threads all across the internet. This is where I've decided to ask the questions that remain...
So to start off I've got a 05 Silverado 2500 with a double din stock radio.
Theoretically the nexus 7 should fit, as I've seen it in a video; in a GM vehicle with the same dash and what not.
Next, the main problem/question for me is with regards to powering it. The simplest answer I've found is
saying
Yes, ignition->relay-> 12v 3A usb converter-> usb hub -> Nexus 7/DAC/USB Storage/Joycon Steering wheel controller
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I need to know if it truly is that simple.
I've already located what wires I want to use for the power source(a sunroof wire that's live for 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off, even though I don't have a sunroof it is still there) and I've figured out how to deal with the relay... But from there will the usb hub on work right? Initially all I plan on powering is the nexus 7 with a DAC(I've read USB is best?) and a flash drive. I don't have an amp, do I need one for a DAC to work right, it seems like everyone else has one? Again, I don't know car audio and's new ground for me.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks guys,
-Lane

Nexus 7 (2013) install in dash of Lexus GS400

Nexus 7 (2013) tablet install in the dash
I've pondered this install for over 2 years and finally decided to go ahead with the install.
I had originally upgraded the sound system in car by pulling out the stock Nakamichi Head Unit (a couple of years ago) and replaced all the wiring, speakers etc with decent components - Mid and tweeter (separates)- Focal speakers in the front door and a 13 inch Focal sub in the trunk. I focused this upgrade for an SQ setup and did not install any speakers in the rear on purpose. For amps, I used two Zapco's (one for the fronts and one for the subwoofer)
I installed a Pioneer AVIC-D1 navigation/Head Unit and also installed tons of sound deadening all over the doors, trunk etc.
Fast forward to today and here is my new setup - since I had upgraded the wiring and speakers already, I focused this build on the Tablet install and a new HU that connected to my upgraded wiring. I then connected the tablet via the USB DAC (the Microstreamer unit) to the Head Unit aux input for audio out to the car speakers/amps. This simplified my install as I only needed to focus on the tablet install and the new Head Unit Install. Needless to say I ripped out the Pioneer unit for this install.
I flashed Timur's kernel ( https://timur.mobi/timurs-kernel-n7-2013/ ) for a fixed install as its perfect for these types of installs - the tablet goes into a deep sleep mode when accessory power is shut off and it loses very little charge overnight (roughly about 1 - 2 % per 10 hours). As soon as you turn on the car, the tablet senses power has been applied and the screen comes on immediately. So even though my install allows me to remove the tablet from the car, I don't really have to remove it. It comes on immediately when the car is turned on and goes off (deep sleep) when the car is turned off. You don't need to setup any complicated (for me anyway) tasker routines to take care of this. I then connect my tablet to my Note 3's hot spot for Internet access.
I had the install done professionally - the custom fabrication of the tablet and Head Unit mount. That was really the main part of this install by Ultra Auto Sound in Mississauga, Ontario ( http://ultraautosound.com/tag/nexus/ ) . They did an excellent job as you can see from the pics on their website and below. Thanks Joe!
I haven't been able to get the backup camera to work yet with the tablet as my understanding of how it works with the tablet was not thorough enough and I need to do some more reading to figure it out properly.
Here are the parts I bought:
Nexus 7 (2013) tablet ofcourse
Head Unit - Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X998 CD Receiver with built in BT and HD radio - its one of the better Head Units on the market right now ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I8S6B86?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00 )
USB Hub - DLink 7 port USB hub ( http://www.amazon.ca/D-Link-DUB-H7B...d=1439314404&sr=8-1&keywords=DLink+7+port+USB )
USB DAC - HRT microStreamer ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B4YE5BG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00 )
Backup Camera - TaoTronics TT-CC17 Waterproof Color CMOS Car Licence plate backup camera ( http://www.amazon.ca/TaoTronics-TT-CC17-Waterproof-License-Distance/dp/B0092YMZJY )
USB Video capture card - VGB100 USB 2.0 Video Capture Device card ( http://www.amazon.com/August-VGB100...ords=VGB100+USB+2.0+Video+Capture+Device+card )
Bluetooth remote for audio controls - Satechi® Bluetooth Button ( http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00RM75NL0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00 )
USB Flash drive - SanDisk Extreme 64GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive ( http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00KT7DOSE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00 )
Micro USB OTG cable and charger - (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S67XK7Y?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00)
USB 2.0 A-Male to A-Female extension cables for charging my Note 3 and my wifes Note 2 while in the car ( http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00NH11R3I?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00 )
OBD2 BT dongle. This allows me to display a bunch of information on the Dash Command app (shown in a couple of pics below with the LFA "skin"). You can also read any error codes without paying an arm and a leg to the dealer.
Here is the before pic:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
And the current pics:
USB Hub with the USB Digital Audio Controller (HT Microstreamer), USB Flash Drive and Video Grabber for the backup camera
DashCommand for car diagnostics and other info via OBD2 BT dongle. This is the LFA "skin'
Waze maps and close up of the Kenwood KDC-X998 Head unit
Close up of the tablet mount
Close up of the Satechi BT audio controller
Some more pics
Some random pics of the car:

The install looks great. Good job. I've got a 2011 GMC Sierra that I've installed my Nexus 7 (2013) in the dash. Turns out that the double din after market head unit adapter plates opening is just a hair bigger than the actual LCD. ( not the whole tablet but just the LCD). So I was able to use it with the Nexus mounted to the back of the adapter plate so that it fits tight against it covering the edges of the tablet and only leaving the LCD exposed. I'll take some pics and upload them soon. Good job on yours. Love seeing how others went about their install.

nice built but may I ask, is it really needed to add an usb dac to the instalation process if I am runing audio from the tablet with 3.5mm audio jack cable to the car's player aux ?

mattwheat said:
The install looks great. Good job. I've got a 2011 GMC Sierra that I've installed my Nexus 7 (2013) in the dash. Turns out that the double din after market head unit adapter plates opening is just a hair bigger than the actual LCD. ( not the whole tablet but just the LCD). So I was able to use it with the Nexus mounted to the back of the adapter plate so that it fits tight against it covering the edges of the tablet and only leaving the LCD exposed. I'll take some pics and upload them soon. Good job on yours. Love seeing how others went about their install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I love the setup as is and the audio shop that installed it recommended mine be setup (the mount) like this because of my requirement of wanting to be able to unplug it or get to the buttons for whatever reason. I personally prefer the look that you went for where the tablet is behind a plate as that looks more OEM than mine.
Mine looks so obviously like a tablet on the dash even though the quality of the audio shop's custom mount is good, it still doesn't look like an OEM screen (when its behind a plate).
My installer said it would be more expensive to mount it behind a custom opening and also make it removable at the same time, hence the end result you see here.
Looking forward to seeing pics of your setup!
lilutosh said:
nice built but may I ask, is it really needed to add an usb dac to the instalation process if I am runing audio from the tablet with 3.5mm audio jack cable to the car's player aux ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you don't have to do what I did especially if you are not pulling out your stock stereo.

great ! thanks !

This is awesome and has inspired me to create my own Nexus 7 setup. Great stuff!

how did you make the august vgb100 work with the nexus , I bought it and the tablet couldn't recognize it.

Hi, could you share related .dxls file. I searched for LFA skin, bu it dosent look exactly like yours ?
Thanks.
EDIT: Sorry, I found lots of LFA skins, its ok!

What app are you using as the "dash" app for nav and such. Looks very android auto'y
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

eregev said:
What app are you using as the "dash" app for nav and such. Looks very android auto'y
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Automate
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Deeco7 said:
Automate
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Beautiful, thanks!

how is the install holding up... Im getting ready to do a similar set up with a 99 gs300

warnel33008 said:
how is the install holding up... Im getting ready to do a similar set up with a 99 gs300
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its holding up fine.
I could never get the backup camera working and that bugs me.
I'm having second thoughts about the whole system now and want to get an Android Auto HU such as this one - http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Xvsy2Zazrje/p_1304200NEX/Pioneer-AVH-4200NEX.html
What is your budget and requirement for the install of a tablet in your car? The obvious ones in terms of requirements are Phone calling/receiving, Navigation and listening to your music collection. Any others you have?
If your budget can swing for the unit above - it has very good reviews, I would just do that instead.

CayenneGTS said:
Its holding up fine.
I could never get the backup camera working and that bugs me.
I'm having second thoughts about the whole system now and want to get an Android Auto HU such as this one - http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Xvsy2Zazrje/p_1304200NEX/Pioneer-AVH-4200NEX.html
What is your budget and requirement for the install of a tablet in your car? The obvious ones in terms of requirements are Phone calling/receiving, Navigation and listening to your music collection. Any others you have?
If your budget can swing for the unit above - it has very good reviews, I would just do that instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my main reason for the tablet diy is to play my music folders... I make them every other week... with new content... then of course navigation (google)... web browser right in the car if im parked in a parking lot waiting for her to come back....and the other obvious extras n perks.... I think this is more for me than the pioneer... I was looking into that first.... and decided i wanted more hands on experience with a tablet and able to customize as well.... did you use a custom dash kit bezel... how about the wire harness what did you use.... Im thinking of just doing a simple aux wire from the top of the nexus to the aux input in an aftermarket radio

warnel33008 said:
my main reason for the tablet diy is to play my music folders... I make them every other week... with new content...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check. Android Auto lets you play the music from your phone.
then of course navigation (google)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check. Android Auto does that from your phone
web browser right in the car if im parked in a parking lot waiting for her to come back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you're parked, just do this from the phone. You don't need a tablet for this.
....and the other obvious extras n perks....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What obvious extras and perks are you referring to specifically?
I think this is more for me than the pioneer... I was looking into that first.... and decided i wanted more hands on experience with a tablet and able to customize as well....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hand ons experience using a tablet? I don't follow what you mean by this statement. I had the same expectations when I didn't have the tablet in the car. Android Auto looked so limiting. However I've had a change of heart after using a tablet in the car for about a year now and then trying out Android Auto for a week in a rental while I was on vacation two weeks ago. Hands down, the tablet route in the dash is not worth it. Its so much simpler and cleaner (both in looks and functions of the Android Auto unit) to install the Pioneer Android Auto unit I linked above. I'm going to go that route next summer.
I got used to the Backup Camera on the Android Auto HU and and I can't replicate that on the Tablet in the dash. You don't have to worry about the tablet being charged all the time so that you can actually use it in the car without having to take it out and charge it if you haven't driven your vehicle for a few days (perhaps this does not apply to you if your GS is a DD. Mine isn't and the battery drain on the tablet is a major PITA).
did you use a custom dash kit bezel... how about the wire harness what did you use.... Im thinking of just doing a simple aux wire from the top of the nexus to the aux input in an aftermarket radio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the audio shop custom fabricated the bezel kit and the wiring harness goes in the Kenwood HU that I already specified in my first post on this thread. I then connect the tablet via the OTG cable to a Digital Audio Converter to get better sound and then connect that to the HU AUX port - you can also see that in the pics I posted.

CayenneGTS said:
Check. Android Auto lets you play the music from your phone.
Check. Android Auto does that from your phone
When you're parked, just do this from the phone. You don't need a tablet for this.
What obvious extras and perks are you referring to specifically?
Hand ons experience using a tablet? I don't follow what you mean by this statement. I had the same expectations when I didn't have the tablet in the car. Android Auto looked so limiting. However I've had a change of heart after using a tablet in the car for about a year now and then trying out Android Auto for a week in a rental while I was on vacation two weeks ago. Hands down, the tablet route in the dash is not worth it. Its so much simpler and cleaner (both in looks and functions of the Android Auto unit) to install the Pioneer Android Auto unit I linked above. I'm going to go that route next summer.
I got used to the Backup Camera on the Android Auto HU and and I can't replicate that on the Tablet in the dash. You don't have to worry about the tablet being charged all the time so that you can actually use it in the car without having to take it out and charge it if you haven't driven your vehicle for a few days (perhaps this does not apply to you if your GS is a DD. Mine isn't and the battery drain on the tablet is a major PITA).
Yes, the audio shop custom fabricated the bezel kit and the wiring harness goes in the Kenwood HU that I already specified in my first post on this thread. I then connect the tablet via the OTG cable to a Digital Audio Converter to get better sound and then connect that to the HU AUX port - you can also see that in the pics I posted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea i checked it out.... and its great... I would just go with the nexus for now and see how my budget changes next year... for now I'm trying to stay under 200... do I have to get a dac/ microstreamer or can i just plug it from the 3.5mm headphone jack straight into my aftermarket radio aux input... what do you think?

So, did you switch, or are you now happy that you can run android auto straight from your tablet?
I am trying to find if Android Auto has any problems running from an Android headunit such as the Joying units. Otherwise, I would love to see if a nexus 9 could work in my Ram.

Having used tablets, android auto (pioneer and kenwood HU), and joying HU I think I can offer a lot of insight here.
For starters the tablet is still hands down the best carPC you can get. It simply does everything you want it to do without any sacrifices, and tends to look the most clean as well. The reflexive matte screens on android auto HU's are just dull and boring overall, but beyond that their performance is abysmal and android has been completely crippled on these devices in the name of safety. You cant reliably browse for music, the UI/search/scroll functions in the supported music apps block you from doing too much to keep your eyes on the road, and they all require you to plug your phone in which is just a PITA every time you get in your car.
I dont know about you but I dont like having a phone in my cup holder, glovebox, center console, or on some chintzy grip mounted to the dash. It's just ugly, the wires are ugly, and having an additional screen + wires dangling about just breaks the symmetry of a nice clean A/V setup. Using a tablet with hotspot is so much more elegant. The Nexus 7 will charge faster than it drains on any car accessory charging port (cigarette charger) so it should be nearly 100% all the time while you drive. If this car isnt your daily driver then why are you putting a tablet install in it? lol. Ultimately the Android Auto head units are manufactured by companies that just have no experience in this area and are prone to bugs and other anomalies. The entire experience just felt gimped.
As for Joying HU, while the concept is admirable the execution is flawed. Their biggest issue is just poor hardware. You just cannot squeeze an entire Android equipped OS with proper hardware and all the other stuff required to make a functional HU for the prices they are asking. If a tablet alone costs as much as their entire HU then imagine what kind of processor theyre sticking inside these things. While it worked overall, the dang thing has to BOOT UP every time you start your car. This might be tolerable on cold winter mornings where you might sit in your driveway for 5 minutes anyway, but for most other occasions it's just annoying not being able to get your music/waze configured until you've drive a couple of miles, or to just sit there aimlessly tapping your fingers waiting for it to start.
Also due to such poor hardware in the Joying units multi-tasking becomes a chore. CPU/GPU intensive apps like waze are laggy, multi-tasking between your music app is frustrating, and you forget doing things like split screen viewing. The only advantage these have is the ability to integrate with a backup camera, of which I have no need for since I know how to reverse my car without running over a fire hydrant.
A pioneer/kenwood HU might have superior audio internals, but you have to remember the source audio is usually coming from a streaming app which is going to be 128kbps or less anyway so youll never properly exploit all that great audio technology anyway. A simple 3.5mm to aux-in adapter works beautifully and produces good sound on any HU. I never bothered with DAC's or other ways to convert audio, just get a solid single-DIN HU and the aux-in will be fine for all but the purist audiophiles. Even among those types there is still no desire to use Android Auto since it feels like you're using a 1st gen smart phone from 2000.

Chuwi HiBook Dual OS Tablet

Not able to upload pictures yet, need 10 posts.
Specifications
Basic Information
Brand: CHUWI
Type: Ultrabook
OS: Android 5.1,Windows 10
CPU Brand: Intel
CPU: Cherry Trail Z8300
GPU: Intel HD Graphic(Gen8)
Core: 1.44GHz,Quad Core
Storage
RAM: 4GB
ROM: 64GB
External Memory: TF card up to 64GB (not included)
Network
Support Network: WiFi
WIFI: 802.11b/g/n wireless internet
Bluetooth: Yes
Display
Screen type: Capacitive,IPS
Screen size: 10.1 inch
Screen resolution: 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA)
Camera
Camera type: Dual cameras (one front one back)
Back camera: 5.0MP
Front camera: 2.0MP
Connectivity
TF card slot: Yes
Type-C: Yes
Micro USB Slot: Yes
Micro HDMI: Yes
3.5mm Headphone Jack: Yes
Docking Interface: Support
Just got my two Chuwi Hi Book Dual OS delivered from DHL. First impression, the build quality is really excellent, on par with the Cube i9, if not better. Speakers seems good as well, no static noise, same with the 3,5mm jack.
And I really like the keyboard, cant compare the keyboard with i9 yet cause I havent gotten it delivered, still on its way from China.
The bios is from february, gonna test all ports but I can already confirm that the tablet accepts 128GB microSD cards from the start, no issues at all!
Picture:
Will update this post later, and if you have any questions just ask me!
*Update*
The type-C USB port is not the standard of 10gb/s, just tried with a type-C flash drive, it is much slower than the one on Cube i9.
The eMMC/SSD is a: Hynix HCG8e
The Wifi is half the speed I get from my cube i9, with my cube I get: down 100mbit/s – up 8,5mbit/s
Uploaded a picture of the eMMC/SSD CrystalDiskMark 5 benchmark test. Dont know if that is good results or not.

device build quality good for a price,, but software need more work.. wifi is very bad reception i dont know if its related to software driver or poor antenna or metal back case..on Android device not see microsd card, only 9gb free space available..included usb type-c cable very bad and not plug in %100 and didnt charge it with.. cant use cpu max freq at 1,86ghz..

Wifi speeds on my wifi at home is close to 50, but should be 2 to 3 times that at least {I have 300mb cable internet}.
Type C cable works great. Charges quickly. A bit short for me so using one of the 6 foot cables I bought my wife for her Zenpad.
Just bought the type C to usb 3.0 OTG cable to plug in flash drives and such.
Will be buying a 128gb sd to put in, I see it works fine for others.
Overall I am happy with this tablet my wife bought it for me after I showed her an article on it and I said it was cool.
Sent from my HiBook using XDA-Developers mobile app

I just started android for the first time on one of my hibook, and downloaded the lastest chuwi update I think it was (maybe it was some other kind of update), It was 105mb big.
After I downloaded and clicked update, the hibook restarted, but nothing happend after that, it was just stuck at a black screen. I powered the tablet off and restarted it and clicked on the android boot icon, but now it is just stuck at the “Intel Inside” menu. Windows 10 still works
though.
I tried to enter into Android inside windows 10, but it doesnt help either.
Anyone know how to solve this problem?

Over on the chuwi forum I saw something about flashing the BIOS to fix flakey wifi, but didn't read into it much as I've been trying like hell to find a solution for the lack of a touchpad driver for the keyboard dock (hibook 10.1). Anybody heard of a solution for that? By default it's using the generic ms hid mouse driver, not a precision touchpad one, so there are no adjustments for swipes, gestures,or sensitivity in Windows. It's using mouse gestures, which can't be switched off, and is always activating hotkeys and edge swipes. Apparently chuwi doesn't build the keyboard and has no cue who's hardware is in it, and doesn't have a touchpad driver to offer. Very disappointing
Sent from my HiBook using XDA-Developers mobile app

IPOD Cable

I have purchased an Xtrons PF75ATTA. As I understand this information is some what useless so other information includes (MCU Version: MTCD_GS_V1.75_1 and Build Number: rk3188).
As I am sure most owners of similar headunits find even basic technical support is some what limited. So to my question
On the back of the unit I have a 8 pin connector titled D: split machine 3 ipod. In the factory settings it says ipod = yes. and there is an ipod app as part of the stock rom.
xtrons tell me the unit doesn't support ipod but I get the impression that is not the end of it. The back of the unit looks identical to other units and the cable for a pimpkin hu device looks like the cable I need (Unfortunately I am to much of a noob to be trusted to post links at the moment). So I guess my questions are as follows
1. Does anyone else have a unit which specifies it doesn't support Ipod yet has ports for it (other than USB)
2. Has anyone successfully got this working?
3. If so where did you get your cable from or did you make it?
4. If you made it what were the pinouts?
Thanks

i could never get an iPod to work right on my Joying and when I posted on the Joying forum, seemed like no one else could get it to work either.
Prior to getting the Joying, I was emailing with RoadNavi.com's support about the S160 series, and they also said their units didn't really work with an iPod

CadillacMike said:
i could never get an iPod to work right on my Joying and when I posted on the Joying forum, seemed like no one else could get it to work either.
Prior to getting the Joying, I was emailing with RoadNavi.com's support about the S160 series, and they also said their units didn't really work with an iPod
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With your joying did you have a specific ipod cable with ipod connector on one end and proprietary connector on the other end or were you using a standard ipod to usb connector and plugging it into the usb port? This can't be that difficult to do. My old Parrot Asteroid did it with no problems.

i used an iPod Classic with a 30 pin connector. I had a 30 pin to USB cord that worked fine in 2 different cars. I tried that on both the USB cords with no luck.
Road Navi does have an iPod specific plug and cable, but they said it didn't work right either

Yes, I can understand why a standard ipod 30 pins usb connector may not work. Can anyone share there experiences with a hui fei unit with dedicated ipod port and cable. Does it work as expected?

chammock said:
Yes, I can understand why a standard ipod 30 pins usb connector may not work. Can anyone share there experiences with a hui fei unit with dedicated ipod port and cable. Does it work as expected?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I have researched so far :- (Feel free to add or correct me) -
Standard IPOD Classic 6th gen works fine with the current Honda head units, which are still in the dark ages and running a Honda version of Android 6. !! (heavily LOCKED down so that nothing can be added with rooting)
Same device does NOT run on a Eonon GA2170B, running Android 8, even though the IPOD app is pre-installed, even when IPOD support that is turned off by default in Factory setting, is turned back on.
Turning on Ipod support still does allow Ipod Classic 6th gen to communicate with the installed Ipod App.
From what I have read, this is because the Eonon GA2170B is Android 8, and the "old" Ipod firmware is not compatible with the later Android versions.
There are Firmware alternatives for the Ipod (either permanent of via a dual boot), that claim to make the Ipods work with Android 8, with varying success, depending on the Model Ipod.
I have chosen to not mess with my Ipod, but rather to copy all its music onto a Mico SD card (or USB stick), and then use that in the Eonon unit with a suitable player, that can select Title, Album, Song, Artist from the Mp3's meta data.
Some many advantages of this are:
(a) Music is always in the Car,
(b) Ipod is NOT in the Car, getting HOT (or stolen)
(c) No need to worry about charging the Ipod.
(d) Far easier to add additional music (ITunes sucks )
I did find an OLD IPOD emulation Player app, that had a user Interface looking like the Classic Apple Ipod UI, but it was no longer on the Play Store, and when I got it from the author's website (5+ year old ), it also did not run on the Eonon Androis 8 unit.
BTW: My Eonon GA2170B is advertised as having 3 USB ports, but in fact it has 4 !
1 standard USB Port on the Back = USB 1
2 additional ports on a plug in cable to back = USB 2 & USB 3
1 Port on the front ( next to the front Mini SD port) USB 4
So, plenty of Ports to add USB storage devices with Music on them !!

Is it possible to connect a Shield to a set of old 7.1 computer speakers?

Hi!
I'm thinking of buying a Shield to centralise my Plex/Netflix/emulators/etc on one device. One thing I'd like to do though is use a set of old Inspire T7900 speakers (7.1, powered) that I have lying around. I don't have a dedicated receiver (and the speakers wouldn't work with it anyway unless they had pre-amp outs), so I'm thinking I might figure out a way of hooking the Shield directly to them -- perhaps through a USB sound card.
Is this possible? Do you know of any usb sound cards that work with the Shield *and* support 7.1? No need for amplification as the speaker set does it itself (because it was originally designed to work with PC sound cards).
I've been poking around and I've come across a lot of people doing stuff with optical USB adapters and even just pulling sound off the USB port because of reasons, but not this kind of setup. Any help will be welcome thanks!
PS: just in case it comes up, yes, I do plan on getting a proper AV receiver at some point, which I will pair with an adequate set of speakers (not these). However, my living room is quite cramped for AV gear as it is; we expect to move to a bigger house sometime in the next 1-2 years and I figure I'll do it then. For now, the T7900 is good enough.