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.
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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?
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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.
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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

What is Z-Link with Joying?

Hi, I've had a Joying HU with Intel Sofia CPU for a few months .
Now looking at their site, they say that their new Octa Core systems are "Z-Link" compatible. Apparently something to do with iPhone voice commands etc.
They also sell a USB dongle for Z-Link on their site at joyingauto.com
Anyone tried this or have an idea what this Z-Link actually is good for?
Cheers, Harri

Z-Link enables two options: Android Auto *and* Apple Car Play. For Intel units it needs a hardware adapter to work.

ste2002 said:
Z-Link enables two options: Android Auto *and* Apple Car Play. For Intel units it needs a hardware adapter to work.
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Click to collapse
I looked a lot to see if it's really compatible with Android Auto and I could not find anything.... lots of videos on Youtube presenting ONLY the CarPlay functionality so I guess it's only for CarPlay ?

edit said:
I looked a lot to see if it's really compatible with Android Auto and I could not find anything.... lots of videos on Youtube presenting ONLY the CarPlay functionality so I guess it's only for CarPlay ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right: now only Iphone is mentioned on their Z-Link accessories page. On a video I've seen last month they also mentioned Android Auto and tried to connect some Samsung phone for it but failed.

@CadillacMike posted a video:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=75745846&postcount=117

Yeah, I posted a video where I tried both Android Auto and CarPlay on a Seicane S18JP25, which is a MTCD PX3 with Android 7.1.2
Android Auto did not work very well, but CarPlay seemed great

The ZLink adapter when used for Android Auto automates the steps when you connect your phone to the car radio to get Android Auto running. It will automatically launch Android Auto on your phone when you plug it into the head unit via USB, turn the brightness to on your phone to minimum, and mirror your phone screen (running Android Auto) on the head unit screen.
I was successful at getting the ZLink adapter to work fairly well. But considering that EasyConnect is free and essentially provides the same functionality for Android phones with the Joying head unit it isn't really worth the extra cost for the adapter. Apparently the newer octacore Joying units come with the capability of the ZLink adapter built in already.

You can also use Headunit reloaded if youre running an android phone. You will get Android auto without using the Zbox.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ge...ndroid-4-1-headunit-reloaded-android-t3432348

I am using the white dongle by Joying with zBox 4.1.1. The app connects to the dongle, but then sits on "Phone Not Found"
I have tried using a power USB hub.
Any ideas?

bersercci said:
Hi, I've had a Joying HU with Intel Sofia CPU for a few months .
Now looking at their site, they say that their new Octa Core systems are "Z-Link" compatible. Apparently something to do with iPhone voice commands etc.
They also sell a USB dongle for Z-Link on their site at joyingauto.com
Anyone tried this or have an idea what this Z-Link actually is good for?
Cheers, Harri
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI, I have their latest HU after upgrading from an older Joying unit. The Z-Link built in now with the latest firmware they just released this week works quite well. Apple Carplay works, and is actually impressive considering you don't need the USB dongle.

Sorry to reopen this thread, but I'm having some issues with my joying head unit and Android auto. When I connect my phone, it automatically opens the Android auto app on my phone, but then the zlink app says that "androidauto is closed". Any ideas?

Hi my friend, i found a joying multimedia unit from my friend and for z-link it requires activation code so but i couldnt get the code from joying because i dont have a order number. so how can you help me? can you give me your order number to get activation code

TheCleaner said:
FYI, I have their latest HU after upgrading from an older Joying unit. The Z-Link built in now with the latest firmware they just released this week works quite well. Apple Carplay works, and is actually impressive considering you don't need the USB dongle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi my friend, i found a joying multimedia unit from my friend and for z-link it requires activation code so but i couldnt get the code from joying because i dont have a order number. so how can you help me? can you give me your order number to get activation code??

alexx2208 said:
Sorry to reopen this thread, but I'm having some issues with my joying head unit and Android auto. When I connect my phone, it automatically opens the Android auto app on my phone, but then the zlink app says that "androidauto is closed". Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you may use android 8.0 version mobile phone,the android auto function on Joying head unit can't support android 8.0 phone

Why was this never disclosed before? I wouldn't have bought the head unit if I knew that. Especially how almost every Android phone to be purchased today comes with Oreo preinstalled.

alexx2208 said:
Why was this never disclosed before? I wouldn't have bought the head unit if I knew that. Especially how almost every Android phone to be purchased today comes with Oreo preinstalled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alex, unfortunately Joying (Summer above) has a habit of telling you what doesn't work AFTER you've purchased. It's pretty crappy. Unfortunately, there isn't a Joying forum anymore that also does the proper vetting and issues lists.

alexx2208 said:
Why was this never disclosed before? I wouldn't have bought the head unit if I knew that. Especially how almost every Android phone to be purchased today comes with Oreo preinstalled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TheCleaner said:
Alex, unfortunately Joying (Summer above) has a habit of telling you what doesn't work AFTER you've purchased. It's pretty crappy. Unfortunately, there isn't a Joying forum anymore that also does the proper vetting and issues lists.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is in the top of every webpage of every 8.0 model that android auto only works on android phones up to version 7.0. I do not know if it was there from the start, but it is at least on each page for more than a month.
Note:The android auto function only tested on iOS11.3 and android 7.0 mobile phone,can not support android 8.0 mobile phone.
Did you buy it more than a month ago?

surfer63 said:
It is in the top of every webpage of every 8.0 model that android auto only works on android phones up to version 7.0. I do not know if it was there from the start, but it is at least on each page for more than a month.
Note:The android auto function only tested on iOS11.3 and android 7.0 mobile phone,can not support android 8.0 mobile phone.
Did you buy it more than a month ago?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did purchase it over a month ago. I've been looking at joying units for years now, and just decided to take the plunge. It was probably my continuous emails to them essentially saying "NOTE THIS ON YOUR LISTINGS" that got them to update the pages....

alexx2208 said:
I did purchase it over a month ago. I've been looking at joying units for years now, and just decided to take the plunge. It was probably my continuous emails to them essentially saying "NOTE THIS ON YOUR LISTINGS" that got them to update the pages....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then that's very annoying indeed.

surfer63 said:
It is in the top of every webpage of every 8.0 model that android auto only works on android phones up to version 7.0. I do not know if it was there from the start, but it is at least on each page for more than a month.
Note:The android auto function only tested on iOS11.3 and android 7.0 mobile phone,can not support android 8.0 mobile phone.
Did you buy it more than a month ago?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My comment was in general.
For instance, Joying hasn't disclosed that the amp cont cable doesn't supply power on the *PX5 units despite myself and others having to prove it. They also don't disclose little things like not being able to change the radio station labels, no fast boot, etc.
I'm not saying they have to disclose every little nuance, but it gets confusing trying to find the right HU with the features you want. Most consumers are more accustomed to Iphone/Android standards where you know what you are getting regardless of phone manufacturer. With Joying and Android HU's in general you have to really dig into the details to know which units support which features, etc.
Again, that's why I say always buy from Amazon so that you can get the unit in, immediately install and test all features you were hoping for, and if required return it within 30 days. Joying's return policy direct from their site is horrible.

Advice about android head units

Hi,
I'm going to be buying a 2nd car (2013 VW Tiguan) but one thing I know I will miss from my current car is android auto. I have looked into various head units but the most cost effective head with a large display is an android head unit. The joying 10.1" looks good. I have a question about internet connectivity though. When I plug my phone in via USB does it automaticlly use that as a data source or do I have to set it as a hotspot for the unit? Equally can I use android auto on the head unit or do I have to use Google maps that's already installed and Google Play Music apps on the actually unit?
Many thanks

Some Android head units are Android Auto compatible. Look for that in the item description. If it doesn't say it is then assume it's not.
For me, I have to use my phone as a hotspot to get data connectivity.
My unit is not Android Auto compatible (Android 9). I get along with it ok but wish I had done more research prior to purchasing.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

[Android Head Unit] [CarPlay] [Chinese] [8227L]

hello guys.
I've ordered a long time ago this android head unit: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/329..._list.0.0.2bc4586aWLTEcq&gatewayAdapt=glo2isr
I have the 2GB + 32GB.
of course, the fake 8.1, and all that crap.
anyway, I've already installed some other firmwares over time .
for now. I have some firmware i've installed from here, 10 android version without HIFI.
my main question is: can I make this device support apple car play? in any way? that works great (really not fine but great, without any lags ).
after many times that I used apple car play in other cars, I just feel that is a very big gadget that I must have!
I've tried to download some "Car play" apps online, but my iphone don't recognize anything..
if someone have some firmware / update or something that works with it ,with any other cool stuffs like DSP/split screen, that will be amazing!
thank you very much!!

Meir69 said:
hello guys.
I've ordered a long time ago this android head unit: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/329..._list.0.0.2bc4586aWLTEcq&gatewayAdapt=glo2isr
I have the 2GB + 32GB.
of course, the fake 8.1, and all that crap.
anyway, I've already installed some other firmwares over time .
for now. I have some firmware i've installed from here, 10 android version without HIFI.
my main question is: can I make this device support apple car play? in any way? that works great (really not fine but great, without any lags ).
after many times that I used apple car play in other cars, I just feel that is a very big gadget that I must have!
I've tried to download some "Car play" apps online, but my iphone don't recognize anything..
if someone have some firmware / update or something that works with it ,with any other cool stuffs like DSP/split screen, that will be amazing!
thank you very much!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, you have easyconnect app from google store which mirrors screen, for car play app you can install it onto head unit, but in order to work must activate siri on your mobile phone in order to work with head unit or connect via USB cable to head unit.

Anton TNT said:
Hi, you have easyconnect app from google store which mirrors screen, for car play app you can install it onto head unit, but in order to work must activate siri on your mobile phone in order to work with head unit or connect via USB cable to head unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, thanks for the respond.
I’ve tried the mirror link app but it’s a little bit laggy and not maximize the options for you and not a very good UI.
siri is always work on my iphone but I couldn’t make the car play to work.

Meir69 said:
Hey, thanks for the respond.
I’ve tried the mirror link app but it’s a little bit laggy and not maximize the options for you and not a very good UI.
siri is always work on my iphone but I couldn’t make the car play to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then it's some stupidity making problems, like Google play has its own thrid party apps not installing if you don't allow them to. For iphone I don't know, it is something , something is preventing in Store to deny access or installment.

Anton TNT said:
Then it's some stupidity making problems, like Google play has its own thrid party apps not installing if you don't allow them to. For iphone I don't know, it is something , something is preventing in Store to deny access or installment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is there any way to make an external car play with some dongle even if I dont have wired carplay on my head unit?

There are some dongles to buy in Ali Express but I'm not certain about quality of Chinese stuff.

Anton TNT said:
There are some dongles to buy in Ali Express but I'm not certain about quality of Chinese stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using old one Ownice 8227L unit with Android 6.0. Put Carlinkit usb adapter like this https://a.aliexpress.com/_vsVSiR from aliexpress and it works as Wireless CarPlay with no hassle. A lot better than wired CarPlay android 10 on my other car.

orlincho said:
Using old one Ownice 8227L unit with Android 6.0. Put Carlinkit usb adapter like this https://a.aliexpress.com/_vsVSiR from aliexpress and it works as Wireless CarPlay with no hassle. A lot better than wired CarPlay android 10 on my other car.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It’s working even if my android screen don’t support apple car play?

Meir69 said:
It’s working even if my android screen don’t support apple car play?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly. makes any android support wireless/wired Carplay -depending on model of Carlinkit. Well al least androids older than 6.0. for older you should ask Carlinkit support. Product is reliable and that's why not too cheap. mine was bit less than 60$ for wireless CarPlay

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!
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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)
Click to expand...
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.