Database Users

New Android Head Units from Pyle

Pyle has recently released a few head units running 4.4.4 Kitkat. From the Amazon description:
Android OS Computer:
Touchscreen 'Tablet-Style' Functionality
Smart Device MirrorLink/AirPlay Support
Processor: Quad Core 1.6 Ghz Cortex A9
OS Version: Android 4.4.4 (KitKat)
It also indicates "Unlock Tablet-Style functionality." I'm assuming this means it comes rooted.
While Pyle is not known as the paragon of quality, they appear to be the first brand with a US presence offering an Android HU. Since their other HUs appear to follow the US DIN standard these could have the advantage of fitting in one of the readily available dash kits.
Here are the two I found on Amazon:
[amazon dot com]/dp/B01BECUOTE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=S75ZYKYU5U3C&coliid=I25LAEC05MZLFW
[amazon dot com]/Pyle-PLDNAND621-Touchscreen-Navigation-Bluetooth/dp/B01BECUKD4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_422_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51uMnRpESgL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1A4EM6W90HKY19XFNMQA_

how much RAM? I wonder where/how it was engineered? The biggest issue w/ these chinese HUs is the poor engineering standards. One of the biggest examples being the internal/external mic wired in parallel on joying/pumpkin HUs. This issue has been around for well over a year now, and despite pumping out new models they still haven't fixed this glaring issue.
To add to that, the whole MCU concept, and the fact that the BT is effectively de-coupled from the core system.
What I'd gladly pay $500 or so for (possibly more) -
- high quality DAC/pre-outs
- no MCU
- parrot BT FULLY INTEGRATED into the OS
- proper internal/external mic interaction
- octacore
- 2GB RAM
- android 5.0. Honestly not that big of a deal if the OS is stable and runs all the standard apps
- fully mappable/customizeable hotkeys for launching custom apps from SWC/physical buttons
That would be nice. I'd sacrifice my car custom plug & play HU with a standard double din w/ those features in a heartbeat. The glaring engineering flaws in all of these current android HUs is frustrating. But I live w/ it b/c it's still a nice upgrade over stock.

Hisma said:
how much RAM? I wonder where/how it was engineered? The biggest issue w/ these chinese HUs is the poor engineering standards. One of the biggest examples being the internal/external mic wired in parallel on joying/pumpkin HUs. This issue has been around for well over a year now, and despite pumping out new models they still haven't fixed this glaring issue.
To add to that, the whole MCU concept, and the fact that the BT is effectively de-coupled from the core system.
What I'd gladly pay $500 or so for (possibly more) -
- high quality DAC/pre-outs
- no MCU
- parrot BT FULLY INTEGRATED into the OS
- proper internal/external mic interaction
- octacore
- 2GB RAM
- android 5.0. Honestly not that big of a deal if the OS is stable and runs all the standard apps
- fully mappable/customizeable hotkeys for launching custom apps from SWC/physical buttons
That would be nice. I'd sacrifice my car custom plug & play HU with a standard double din w/ those features in a heartbeat. The glaring engineering flaws in all of these current android HUs is frustrating. But I live w/ it b/c it's still a nice upgrade over stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Closest I've seen is the in-dash.net unit which is octacore with android 5.1 coming sometime this year, (allegedly). The MCU issue is unfortunately unavoidable at least until Google adds native bluetooth HFP into AOSP, which isn't likely to happen. And even then you still need something to be the go-between control of the amplifiers, LCD brightness control, etc.
I have the octacore in-dash.net unit and it's pretty good. My biggest beef is with the bluetooth handling. The interface is fairly basic. I think one thing that these units need is their own 'contacts' and 'dialer' apps that can dial via the bluetooth service but that also interacts with my google contacts, google maps, phone links, etc so that I don't have to do the contacts sharing, or copy and paste phone numbers from web searches or maps searches. I've got the feeling that that is easier said than done but it is key in my mind.
This is my first android HU so I'm not super familiar with the mic issues that seem to plague them. My external mic seems to just be really quiet pickup. I was thinking of getting a little pre-amp for it to put in between the plug and the HU. Perhaps I should do some more research first?
I have just been using the built in amp so far. Was thinking about testing the pre-outs on this unit. I suppose I could just break it down and take a look at the components to see if I can determine what DAC is being used.
Oh, also I don't have SWC in my car but this unit is setup for them. Not sure the physical interface specifically as I didn't purchase that option but the mapping is all in the "vehicle interface settings" app on the unit.

Not all of these head units have the mic problem. But joying & pumpkin, which are two of the most popular models, do have this problem. I used to have a joying, now I have a 2nd gen AN-21U, and it doesn't have the mic problem.
Yes the ability to fully integrate our phones with google now via the HU would be perfect. Google now has all my contacts as I have an android phone and save my contacts to google. But trying to call a number this way goes nowhere. Really a way to make the whole experience as hands free as possible would be great. Ford has sync, mazda has gracenote, and there are others I'm sure that attempt to implement a fully hands free system.
Other users have already examined the DAC in these units. One made an audio mod that integrates the DAC directly with the unit instead of passing it through the MCU, which significantly improves the unit's audio capabilities. It's just another example of the head sctatching engineering decisions on these things.
more info here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/mtcb-hardware-development/mtc-sound-controlling-bd37xxx-sound-t3234660
Btw I am not sure if there is a universal pre-out configuration for these, but my AN-21U has 1V unshielded pre-outs. Pretty frustrating. I get some "white noise" in the background when I up the volume thanks to the high noise floor. Considering putting in some high quality RCA cables to see if that helps, but obviously if the pre-out voltage was higher this would be less of an issue.

Pyle PLDNAND621
I 've bought and been using one of these for about a week now and had a couple questions for you guys. This radio seems to have an app for controlling the Bluetooth function and is not controlled within the settings menus. Do you think think the app could be changed as a Bluetooth obd2 module I use with other Android device works fine with the same car. I have the same question for the radio tuner app, I don't like the layout and it won't tell me the song titles . I search but can't find a "local station" radio tuner app.
Thanks for any ideas, Doug

I've got it and rooted it on 4.4.4 su etc ...flash fire enabled.....anyone point me to someone that could walk me thru dumping the rom on this unit and someone that can then make a custom recovery we would be in the game for this unit ..it has a recovery ..all I can say for right now .....v4a apk will not work on this unit due to some busy box error I cant stop ..I have it correct in the system ....so we need custom.rom.for it .....any one still wanna rip this thing?

lokisyn said:
I've got it and rooted it on 4.4.4 su etc ...flash fire enabled.....anyone point me to someone that could walk me thru dumping the rom on this unit and someone that can then make a custom recovery we would be in the game for this unit ..it has a recovery ..all I can say for right now .....v4a apk will not work on this unit due to some busy box error I cant stop ..I have it correct in the system ....so we need custom.rom.for it .....any one still wanna rip this thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please help. I upgraded my PYLE PLDNANDVR 695 and lost bluetooth. Pyle wants me to send it in for repair. I much rather fixing this myself.

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

Joying JY-UM135N2PX5 Custom Rom

Hi
Happy new year
I was given the following unit:
Joying JY-UM135N2PX5
MODEL PX5
PROCESSOR 8 Core 64bit CPU Cortex-A53Q1.5G
MEMORY 2.0GB
RESOLUTION 1024x600
MACHINE CODE 0600114C0000AA55
ANDROID VERSION 6.0.1
ANDROID SECURITY PATCH LEVEL October 1, 2016
BASEBAND VERSION Unknown
KERNEL VERSION 3.10.0,
BUILD NUMBER MXC89L-release-keys-20171207-V7.3
APP VERSION TP6735 0.0.57
MCU VERSION TP6735 4.33
From CPU X
CPU Model Octa Core 1.2 Ghz rockchip px5
System
Manufacturer rockchip
Model PX5
Board rk30sdk
Hardware rk30board
OS 6.0.1
I have been unable to find any info on "MCU Version TP6735".
Would any one know if there is a custom ROM for this unit?
Thanks
Ian

i dont have an answer, but how do you like the joying PX5? have you had any other android head units? if so, how does it compare?

IanHarwood said:
I have been unable to find any info on "MCU Version TP6735".
Would any one know if there is a custom ROM for this unit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check this thread and ask for help there. They might know.

Joying PX5
CadillacMike said:
i dont have an answer, but how do you like the joying PX5? have you had any other android head units? if so, how does it compare?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
This is my second HU I had a Xtrons PF75Q5FA, the Joying is better than the Xtrons.
All the basic functions work well. No problems with the bluetooth or radio that sum people have had.
The WiFi seems very slow, connection signal strength OK just slow.
The display suffers from reflection making it hard to read at times, I fitted an anti-glare protector which helps.
The stock launcher is OK.
Tried using "Carwebguru" which I prefer, unfortunately when you press the physical 'Home' button the unit goes back to the default launcher,
using the soft 'Home' button works fine.
Generally I am happy with what is a basic unit.
If you would like some pictures I have had the unit apart (soldering of BT/WiFi cables is bad)
Ian

Tried there
surfer63 said:
Check this thread and ask for help there. They might know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply.
I tried there first, no luck.
The default ROM has no major problems looking around just for fun.
Ian

IanHarwood said:
Hi
This is my second HU I had a Xtrons PF75Q5FA, the Joying is better than the Xtrons.
All the basic functions work well. No problems with the bluetooth or radio that sum people have had.
The WiFi seems very slow, connection signal strength OK just slow.
The display suffers from reflection making it hard to read at times, I fitted an anti-glare protector which helps.
The stock launcher is OK.
Tried using "Carwebguru" which I prefer, unfortunately when you press the physical 'Home' button the unit goes back to the default launcher,
using the soft 'Home' button works fine.
Generally I am happy with what is a basic unit.
If you would like some pictures I have had the unit apart (soldering of BT/WiFi cables is bad)
Ian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, please pics of the internals would be great!

Joying pics
marchnz said:
Yes, please pics of the internals would be great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope this works
https://1drv.ms/f/s!Ai7Pz5r5MSacoT1L1C7fgxx4Uyj9
All the best
Ian

UM135N4PX5 owners - how are you liking your head units? I'm inching closer to buying one...

IanHarwood said:
Hi
This is my second HU I had a Xtrons PF75Q5FA, the Joying is better than the Xtrons.
All the basic functions work well. No problems with the bluetooth or radio that sum people have had.
The WiFi seems very slow, connection signal strength OK just slow.
The display suffers from reflection making it hard to read at times, I fitted an anti-glare protector which helps.
The stock launcher is OK.
Tried using "Carwebguru" which I prefer, unfortunately when you press the physical 'Home' button the unit goes back to the default launcher,
using the soft 'Home' button works fine.
Generally I am happy with what is a basic unit.
If you would like some pictures I have had the unit apart (soldering of BT/WiFi cables is bad)
Ian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you set Carwebguru as the defalt launcher in settings? The new one wont be able to do it on its own.
Soldering a legit SMA and antenna does wonders, did on my MTCB. My Joying PX5 wifi was ok, nothing to bother with changing.
---------- Post added at 01:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:34 AM ----------
chrispitude said:
UM135N4PX5 owners - how are you liking your head units? I'm inching closer to buying one...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My I ask what all you would like to do with this unit? What apps, music, nav, other? Listen to mp3s or streaming music? Your desired functions of the wheel controls?

carter.w.jason said:
My I ask what all you would like to do with this unit? What apps, music, nav, other? Listen to mp3s or streaming music? Your desired functions of the wheel controls?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's what I'm hoping for:
Run a custom launcher
Run a few useful travel apps (GasBuddy, TPMS monitoring, trailer leveling app)
Be able to control what the source button on the front rotates through (AM, FM, SD card files, perhaps IHeartRadio, perhaps Spotify, etc.)
Backup camera
Video output (for GM's rear headrest displays)
I plan to use my phone as a wifi hotspot for any apps (i.e., GasBuddy) that require data.

chrispitude said:
Here's what I'm hoping for:
Run a custom launcher
Run a few useful travel apps (GasBuddy, TPMS monitoring, trailer leveling app)
Be able to control what the source button on the front rotates through (AM, FM, SD card files, perhaps IHeartRadio, perhaps Spotify, etc.)
Backup camera
Video output (for GM's rear headrest displays)
I plan to use my phone as a wifi hotspot for any apps (i.e., GasBuddy) that require data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Custom launcher: good to go
Travel apps: sleep may break functions, don't know.
Custom Source: This will require root, xposed, tasker, I only have ideas in theory in how this would work.
Backup camera:gtg
Video output: I believe video output will only happen from stock video app, it may be picky on formats, aspect ratio, etc..
About root, and xposed; Its not really fully tested yet. I've been able to do it over USB, other(s) has not. Even then my root is only temporary, it is lost on reboot. If your HU ever looses power (change car battery) you will have to re-root. I'm lucky that I can do it from my tablet, but it relies on the cloud (kingoroot), that does not make me comfortable in trying to future proof my head unit. Granted, you only need root once for xposed but there could be a feature or a work around that would suck to loose on reboot.
Issues with non stock music players. Spoitfy, for example will continue to play for 5mins after you turn off the car. There are workarounds, it's easier with xposed, tasker. Without root you have to trigger tasker off of wifi, or a ACC powered USB device to pause the music.
If you really like to tinker, I recommend the android headunits. Anticipate bench testing for some time before you install into auto.
I've posted about it before, but I'll again share my favorite piece of hardware.
RcJoyCon - Steering wheel interface
http://www.exinterface.com/cpjexc/
Works with CANBUS, IBUS, Restive controls, converts them to USB keyboard. When used with Xposed Additions, gives you crazy amount of SWC power. Single, double, triple clicks, double taps, triple taps, tap and hold, can all be task assignments in Android. It also allows to change button layout depending on app being used. I could't live without it, I "could" do "everything" from just my steering wheel controls.

carter.w.jason said:
About root, and xposed; Its not really fully tested yet. I've been able to do it over USB, other(s) has not. Even then my root is only temporary, it is lost on reboot. If your HU ever looses power (change car battery) you will have to re-root. I'm lucky that I can do it from my tablet, but it relies on the cloud (kingoroot), that does not make me comfortable in trying to future proof my head unit. Granted, you only need root once for xposed but there could be a feature or a work around that would suck to loose on reboot.
Issues with non stock music players. Spoitfy, for example will continue to play for 5mins after you turn off the car. There are workarounds, it's easier with xposed, tasker. Without root you have to trigger tasker off of wifi, or a ACC powered USB device to pause the music.
If you really like to tinker, I recommend the android headunits. Anticipate bench testing for some time before you install into auto.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, thank you for taking the time to type this all up! Lots of extremely useful detail aimed exactly at my planned usage.
I definitely plan on a solid amount of bench time configuring whatever I choose before installation - this is part of the reason I'd like to order sooner than later!
If I get lucky and my unit can root over USB, then I'm okay with the power-loss behavior because I can reroot without having to remove the unit from the vehicle (I think?).
The Spotify behavior sounds pretty annoying. Is this a Spotify issue that I'll face no matter which unit I choose, or is it something specific to the UM135N4PX5?

chrispitude said:
The Spotify behavior sounds pretty annoying. Is this a Spotify issue that I'll face no matter which unit I choose, or is it something specific to the UM135N4PX5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Common bug of these android head units. Can't really recommend PX5 right now.
Look into Joying sofia 3gr, Intel, still learning alot, but its the best option right now.

Does Sygic Navigation& Spotify work with this Unit?
I just need Auto dashdroid Launcher, Sygic & Spotify

carter.w.jason said:
Soldering a legit SMA and antenna does wonders, did on my MTCB. My Joying PX5 wifi was ok, nothing to bother with changing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered their new 4GB PX5 unit, but currently have an older rk3188 unit they sold 2 years ago. I've loved it, minus the horrible radio reception despite the powered antenna in the car wired correctly and turning on.
Anything that can be done on these units to improve radio reception?

TheCleaner said:
I ordered their new 4GB PX5 unit, but currently have an older rk3188 unit they sold 2 years ago. I've loved it, minus the horrible radio reception despite the powered antenna in the car wired correctly and turning on.
Anything that can be done on these units to improve radio reception?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know if its even a issue, have not read anything about it. My units are still on my desk. Hope for the best so I can give my data use a bit of rest.
---------- Post added at 12:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:26 AM ----------
peregrines said:
Does Sygic Navigation& Spotify work with this Unit?
I just need Auto dashdroid Launcher, Sygic & Spotify
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know nothing on Sygic
Spotify will work. You will have to come up with your own method to pause and resume playback, on car start

@carter.w.jason
You have a PX5 and a Sofia. The Sofia units have a bug in their GPS HAL since the October ROM or so. It uses integers to calculate the m/s instead of floats. It means that the speed steps are going in 4 km/hr step up and down, instead of 1 km/hr steps. The GPSSpeedFix xposed module corrects this.
Does the PX5 have this same GPS HAL integer/float bug or is it functioning correctly?

surfer63 said:
@carter.w.jason
You have a PX5 and a Sofia. The Sofia units have a bug in their GPS HAL since the October ROM or so. It uses integers to calculate the m/s instead of floats. It means that the speed steps are going in 4 km/hr step up and down, instead of 1 km/hr steps. The GPSSpeedFix xposed module corrects this.
Does the PX5 have this same GPS HAL integer/float bug or is it functioning correctly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait...you mean the GPS problem is not present before October??

gtxaspec said:
Wait...you mean the GPS problem is not present before October??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIR I had this both in July (shipped from Joying) and Sept FWs.

gtxaspec said:
Wait...you mean the GPS problem is not present before October??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the original July ROM on my Joying when I bought it and the bug was there from the start.

China headunit flash Android Auto.

Hi all,
Some time ago I found a thread on here that directed people how to reimage the head unit with an Android Auto. Is this possible for all head units, or are there things to watch out for? I tried searching but could not find the relevant info(Could be on me).
If I go into About Device of the Head Unit all it shows me RK3368 as name, no more info. All I can find is a thread how to update a headunit with the PX5 to Android 10, which it is already running. If possible I'd really like to flash Android Auto on it, as the current solution feels a bit like a bandaid solution.

Bump

Found some more info. It's a S32F0 MCU, with a PX5 board.
Still trying to figure out if it's MTCB or MTCD and if I can flash Android Auto on it. Any help would be appreciated

DragonSlayer3X6 said:
Found some more info. It's a S32F0 MCU, with a PX5 board.
Still trying to figure out if it's MTCB or MTCD and if I can flash Android Auto on it. Any help would be appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay so here is an obvious question - why on earth would you put Android Auto on a real Android device? Android Auto is a scaled down version of true Android with some "lite" functionality and support for some basic apps. Android Auto is for those who (for some reason) can't install a proper Android Head Unit.
To put it simply, you can do everything on your Android that you can on Android Auto but not the other way around.
You have S32F0 as MCU, meaning it's not MTCx. Luckily for you, you can still use the only mod that matters - Malaysk. Forget anything else. With Malaysk you can customize your head unit with nearly no limitations to make it fast, user friendly and overall just awesome.
Go to this thread and follow it's instructions.

iceblue1980 said:
Okay so here is an obvious question - why on earth would you put Android Auto on a real Android device? Android Auto is a scaled down version of true Android with some "lite" functionality and support for some basic apps. Android Auto is for those who (for some reason) can't install a proper Android Head Unit.
To put it simply, you can do everything on your Android that you can on Android Auto but not the other way around.
You have S32F0 as MCU, meaning it's not MTCx. Luckily for you, you can still use the only mod that matters - Malaysk. Forget anything else. With Malaysk you can customize your head unit with nearly no limitations to make it fast, user friendly and overall just awesome.
Go to this thread and follow it's instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Ice,
Thank you for you answer!
My main reason is the ability to mirror screen. I don't have a 4G dongle attached to my radio, as that is quite expensive over here. So I was thinking to be able to use my own phone as mirror onto the radio to navigate, play spotify etcetera.
For example I can copy my phonebook to the head unit, unfortunately both me and my wife use the car, which causes a very long contact list with duplicates etc.
What I've seen with friends is that Android Auto fixes some of those issues, as you don't run a seperate instance of the phonebook or whatever, but it's a mirror from your phone.
I've seen Malaysk's post, but also read in the thread there are quite some issues and support is flaky at best. Are those posts stirring sh*t for no reason, or do they have a point?
Finally, the seller claims my headunit is real Android 10, with build number 205150. I cannot find anywhere if this is real Android 10, or the so called fake android 10.

DragonSlayer3X6 said:
Hi Ice,
Thank you for you answer!
My main reason is the ability to mirror screen. I don't have a 4G dongle attached to my radio, as that is quite expensive over here. So I was thinking to be able to use my own phone as mirror onto the radio to navigate, play spotify etcetera.
For example I can copy my phonebook to the head unit, unfortunately both me and my wife use the car, which causes a very long contact list with duplicates etc.
What I've seen with friends is that Android Auto fixes some of those issues, as you don't run a seperate instance of the phonebook or whatever, but it's a mirror from your phone.
I've seen Malaysk's post, but also read in the thread there are quite some issues and support is flaky at best. Are those posts stirring sh*t for no reason, or do they have a point?
Finally, the seller claims my headunit is real Android 10, with build number 205150. I cannot find anywhere if this is real Android 10, or the so called fake android 10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mirror screen functionality on Android Head Units is shaky at best.
You don't need 4G dongle - hotspot from your phone to give access to the Internet on your head unit - that way you can run any Android app on the head unit, Spotify, YouTube, Internet Radio etc etc. Make sure to give full permissions to your phone
Use BlueTooth on your phone to use handsfree calling. Use Google Voice to dial any number (no need to mess with Contact Books), your wife can do the same and your Android Head Unit will not sync contacts back to your phone
I know Malaysk developer as I'm also a Russian-speaker and his work is exemplary. If anything, his firmware is by far more stable and effective compared to anything you get from factory. People who complain about it, simply do not have the right skills of installing it and using it. Spend some time with Malaysk tutorials - well worth it. Malaysk also offers ROOT natively and Viper4Android which means you can tweak most parameters on your head unit and considerably improve the sound in your car.
Doesn't matter what Android version you have. You should go with Malaysk firmware for Android 9 (most stable). You will need to get a "rollback" software to successfully install it if your Android is anything but version 9. For that you'll need to purchase MOD Installer Pro 2 for €10
Whatever is possible to do your Android Head Unit will only be possible with Malaysk. If Malaysk can't support it, then it's simply not doable.
You can also look into "profiles" on your Head Unit. I.e one profile will have your stuff, and the other one will have your wife's.

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.