Hi
I have an old (>5 years) android 4.4 chinese head unit
The main problem with the unit is the slow (~30 seconds or more) startup time, and the limited memory and slow cpu.
I am thinking of upgrading, and most manufacturers offer similar specs with newer Android versions.
Do any of these chinese units offer true Apple CarPlay and Google AndroidAuto support (preferably with wireless phone connection). that is, the ability to operate the apps and the units with voice (Siri / Google assistant) including reading and dictating messages, and making calls using the phone's dialer rather than a specific app?
Can anyone recommend a specific unit based on personal experience?
Android is open source, so it is up to the operator in question (in this case the head unit designer) to ensure proper operation. You don't really need AA on an android head unit anyway. Anything which AA can offer can be had directly on the head unit itself. Auto phone hotspots are also possible with android phones, so your head unit can connect to the internet easily.
Apple does not now, nor will it EVER officially support any of these Chinese head units. Apple has a strict set of regulations which must be followed by head unit manufacturers in order to gain official support (certain operations locked out while driving for example).
Soooo... in either case its kind of touch and go, but more so with Apple though since Apple unlike android, does not allow 3rd party tasker apps and such to change any internal phone settings, which makes things like auto hotspots quite difficult to do.
thanks
I have contacted a few Chinese head unit manufacturers and indeed their "CarPlay" solution does not support voice based / Siri control
I have found, however, a product (link) which provides full CarPlay operation, including Siri interface on generic Android based head units.
The box offers both wired and wireless interface to the iPhone, and uses an internal microphone for voice operation.
I have not tested the box myself, but I am considering purchasing it (relatively not pricey...)
I know there is a risk that future iOS upgrades will render this interface useless, but if it works for the meantime - it might be worth it if I can keep my current Android head unit
Has anyone tested this (or similar interface box)?
I don't have an iphone so I can't tell you for sure but I think there was something about the head unit not being able to get wifi while the system is in carplay mode. You should do a search on that anyway.
As I said, carplay/AA is touch and go with these head units because they are not officially supported.
Related
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.
alright, So for the first part of the Title, I am hoping to Create a list of all of the Current Android Radio Head units that are capable of running Android Auto.
So far this is what i have:
- InDashNet Octa Core Lollipop Head unit.
*LIST WILL BE UPDATED WITH THREAD PROGRESSION*
For the Second part, im looking for a radio that has all of these Features
*android 5
*RCA 4v Outs
*android Auto Capabilities
*Capacitive touch screen
*good Call quality
*external Microphone
I enjoy Tinkering With the Chinese radios to make them work, but i would also like something that would actually work!
Thanks guys!
lbus9168 said:
So for the first part of the Title, I am hoping to Create a list of all of the Current Android Radio Head units that are capable of running Android Auto.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android Auto head units are devices that runs the Android Auto platform (and generally the Apple Carplay too) and these systems come already preinstalled from the manufacturers. Almost all the app installations and configurations are performed through the connected smartphone as the head units don't have their own Internet connection.
The Android Auto platform is pretty different from the standard Android OS (Kitkat, Lollipop, Marshmallow).
Therefore standard Android devices aren't capable to natively run Android Auto OS and very likely they will never be.
If you are looking for Android Auto head units you can already find some models from Pioneer and some announced from JBL and Kenwood.
Almost all car makers are providing stock or optional Android Auto units in their latest 2016 car models or are going to do so in the near future.
See the current models and manufacturer lists on:
https://www.android.com/intl/en_us/auto/
Currently no chinese manufacturers of standard Android units have yet announced Android Auto models.
So, about the first part of your question, the correct forum section for posting would be the Android Auto specific section...
themissionimpossible said:
Android Auto head units are devices that runs the Android Auto platform (and generally the Apple Carplay too) and these systems come already preinstalled from the manufacturers. Almost all the app installations and configurations are performed through the connected smartphone as the head units don't have their own Internet connection.
The Android Auto platform is pretty different from the standard Android OS (Kitkat, Lollipop, Marshmallow).
Therefore standard Android devices aren't capable to natively run Android Auto OS and very likely they will never be.
If you are looking for Android Auto head units you can already find some models from Pioneer and some announced from JBL and Kenwood.
Almost all car makers are providing stock or optional Android Auto units in their latest 2016 car models or are going to do so in the near future.
See the current models and manufacturer lists on:
https://www.android.com/intl/en_us/auto/
Currently no chinese manufacturers of standard Android units have yet announced Android Auto models.
So, about the first part of your question, the correct forum section for posting would be the Android Auto specific section...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry about posting Incorrectly, i wasnt quite sure which place was best. my mistake.
Now i do understand roughly how android auto works, but according to this thread, it does run on what appears to be a generic chinese headunit, and if thats the case, I wanted to take that and run it on a seperate device. i understand Android auto =/= android, but this unit seems to do it, so why cant others? let me know what you think.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...ashnet-octa-core-lollipop-head-units-t3353188
indashnet does not appear to be on the list of google approved Manufactures, which makes me think its possible to bring it to other devices.
lbus9168 said:
i understand Android auto =/= android, but this unit seems to do it, so why cant others? let me know what you think.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...ashnet-octa-core-lollipop-head-units-t3353188
indashnet does not appear to be on the list of google approved Manufactures, which makes me think its possible to bring it to other devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That InDashNet head unit is running standard Android Kitkat (and Lollipop in 2016) and won't be able to run Android Auto in any way...
As a general info, no standard Android head unit will probably ever be able to run Google's Android Auto platform (along with Apple's Carplay) as it requires a specific hardware configuration.
themissionimpossible said:
That InDashNet head unit is running standard Android Kitkat (and Lollipop in 2016) and won't be able to run Android Auto in any way...
As a general info, no standard Android head unit will probably ever be able to run Google's Android Auto platform (along with Apple's Carplay) as it requires a specific hardware configuration.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose it's just not at the general release stage yet. Here's a video on the InDashnet YouTube page showing one of their source units running Android Auto:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1CPZSmcw7c&list=PLAzMTknakXeO7muHqKEsEGRXO5WlG0igf&index=4
I saw some news a few weeks ago that Google is opening up android auto to run on any android phone. So I guess it should probably also work on some/many Chinese android head units in the near future. The question is what the requirements will be...
Edit:
Here is a reference
http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/18/11698274/android-auto-app-update-phone-dash-google-io-2016
The android auto app requires Android 5.0+. So probably all lollipop head units will be able to run it.
Sent from my SM-N910F using XDA-Developers mobile app
nomailing said:
Here is a reference
http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/18/11698274/android-auto-app-update-phone-dash-google-io-2016
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From the above article it looks like there will be an app for a smartphone to be used as a car head unit, with functionalities very similar to those of the true Android Auto platform, but IMHO the difference is that all the app managed data (music, maps, destinations, contacts, etc.) have apparently to reside on the smartphone where the app is installed.
On a true Android Auto head unit all these data come from the connected smartphone, not from the head unit itself.
So installing that future Android Auto-like app on a standard Lollipop head unit won't probably provide a full interfacing with the smartphone, therefore the Internet connectivity, music files, maps, destinations, contacts, etc. should reside on the head unit itself: this partly defeats the advantage of the true Android Auto platform to automatically adapt to different car drivers or passengers simply loading their data and preferences from their connected smartphones.
We'll see what functionality and connectivity features will be available in that Android Auto-like app when it will be available for testing on a standard Android head unit.
themissionimpossible said:
So installing that future Android Auto-like app on a standard Lollipop head unit won't probably provide a full interfacing with the smartphone, therefore the Internet connectivity, music files, maps, destinations, contacts, etc. should reside on the head unit itself: this partly defeats the advantage of the true Android Auto platform to automatically adapt to different car drivers or passengers simply loading their data and preferences from their connected smartphones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, that is true. I for myself, would not consider the necessity to pair with my smartphone as a feature but as a huge drawback. So I would say with the chinese head units we would have an improved Android Auto experience where you have the nice interface with large buttons, which does not distract from driving, and at the same time we do not have to pair with a smartphone. But sure, you are right, it is not exactly the same as a true Android Auto head unit.
Hi guys,
New to android headunits so have a few questions:
1) What is MTCB? Is it same as android auto or a fork in the os?
2) why are android versions so prominent in adverts? Like phones can you not just upgrade the os?
3) do people mod the rims or does android auto allow freedom to install say YouTube and play videos whilst in motion? I don’t like restrictions.
4) As an iPhone user what functionality would I lose with an android auto head unit?
5) do I need to get a unit sold as matching my motor to keep functionality of controller stalk etc?
6) what is the huge price range for? Faster processor and ram?
7) any recommended brands to go for?
Thanks
2. Marketing!
4. You may lose some ease of use but gain greater functionality.
5. You are more likely to get a better experience
6. Higher specs, and in some cases more profit for the seller (it is a competitive market)
7. Hizpo, Joying, Eonon, Sony etc etc
1. Refers to the interface board (MCU) that allows the Android "tablet" to run the typical car stereo hardware (radio, DVD, CANbus messages ...) also provides external ports. The letters are what you see in the Android system info under MCU. There's also CSN and FYT and others.
2. As Pxdev says for the reason that there's more support here for them and the Hal9k and Malaysk firmware only work on them.
3. Android Auto is a specification and software that turns a car head unit into a dumb terminal for your phone. Everything you do on the screen is sent to the phone for processing. Not every app is compatible with AA. Not to be confused with a Android head unit. The HU is basically an Android tablet that's connected to a MCU that's connects to the car.
4. Some units have Carplay built in or you can add a USB dongle. Carplay is the same as AA.
5. Depends on what your car's factory radio does. If the climate control displays on the radio you would lose that without a matching CANbus decoder...
6. Better processor and more RAM, added CANbus decoder. Low end processors from Mediatek and Allwinner are cheaper and slower making the HU unpleasant to use.
I purchased a Mazda that has a Eonon in it. Which from what I can tell is a rebranded Alps FF-5000. But is only has the bare minimum to work connected to it. It there anyway I can get the wires for the USB ports and the backup camera and I want Android Auto too. Is there anyway to just get the parts or is my best option just to upgrade from Android 10 and just buy the entire new Android 11 unit?
First be aware that the Android version on the FF5000 will be 8.1 or 9 at best, the Chinese have modified the properties file to display a fake Android version number, this will apply to many of the new units too. Download 'Fake Device Test' from the play store and see what you actually have.
Many of the vendors have the cord sets available as a spare part but you may need to ask as they may not have them listed on their sale sites.
Despite what one certain member here says, I think the FF5000 is a reasonably capable unit but the various software apps let them down. Alps is the parent company of the well-known Alpine car audio, they've been around for a very long time.
Why do you want Android Auto? Why not run the apps directly on the head unit and put your phone away?
Mr.TT_NZ said:
First be aware that the Android version on the FF5000 will be 8.1 or 9 at best, the Chinese have modified the properties file to display a fake Android version number, this will apply to many of the new units too. Download 'Fake Device Test' from the play store and see what you actually have.
Many of the vendors have the cord sets available as a spare part but you may need to ask as they may not have them listed on their sale sites.
Despite what one certain member here says, I think the FF5000 is a reasonably capable unit but the various software apps let them down. Alps is the parent company of the well-known Alpine car audio, they've been around for a very long time.
Why do you want Android Auto? Why not run the apps directly on the head unit and put your phone away?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The current radio I have is crazy slow when running off my hotspot on my phone and I have problems with apps force closing after running a while. The whole thing is just laggy in general on the android side. I end up just bluetoothing my music to it anyway most the time. I put a wireless Android Auto radio in my other car and love it but I also really like being able to run android natively on the unit is why I was thinking about upgrading to the newest unit that claims to run android 11. Even if it doesn't actually run Android 11 it has a better chipset and I was hoping that would fix my lag issue, slow wifi connection, and force closing. Plus wireless Android Auto would just be a added bonus.
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.