Database Users

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 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.

Pumpkin PX6 Newbie with Questions:

Hi,
I just changed my original VW RCD510 against the Pumpkin PX6 AA0708B with MTCH_HT_V3.82_1
Now I have several Questions:
1. Can I change the App Icon symbol? There is ugly BT Symbol wich leads me to the phone function.
2. Can I remap the BND button to thje DAB Radio or even better can i integrate the DAB Band into the Radio app?
3. Dies Android Auto Wireless work?
4. Is there a better ROM fpr this head Unit?

Hi
1) As far as I know, there is no simple replacement of icons in the factory firmware. You can try, for example, the car launcher from google play and you can also use your own icons here.
car launcher - Android Apps on Google Play
Enjoy millions of the latest Android apps, games, music, movies, TV, books, magazines & more. Anytime, anywhere, across your devices.
play.google.com
2) You can try MtcdTools-Control on android 10 is the solution on the last pages.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...yers-customize-buttons-voice-control.3436789/
Unfortunately, it is not possible to integrate the DAB band into the Radio application. If you want at least a better FM radio application, I recommend NavRadio+.
[Dev] New "NavRadio+" ported to MTC devices
After releasing my NavRadio+ for Allwinner and IntelSc9853 devices in december, i finally ported it successfully to MTC/HCT based devices (PX3, PX5. PX6, PX30, Snapdragon655). I paste here the first post of my other thread as a presentation of...
forum.xda-developers.com
3) The Z-link adapter can't do it, but I managed to do it using Headunit Reloaded Emulator for Android Auto, the procedure is in the attached video:
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=Headunit Reloaded Emulator for Android Auto&c=apps
4) Alternative rom include Hal9k and Malaysk, the basic version is free and you pay for updates, it's up to you whether you go for it. Just be careful, you own a new board with MCU MTCH, which in the case of bootloop has not yet been able to be connected to the computer using OTG, so the repair is not yet possible. There is already a user here who has MTCH and after updating the firmware he has a brick and does not know how to connect the new board to the computer, it has different pins than the previous type of boards.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/f/mtcd-software-development.7379/
MTC device... has various bugs, sometimes it's better to put up with it, because mindlessly updating the firmware and MCU, may not solve your problem, on the contrary, it may bring more problems.
For example, the last error is the application crash, which is caused by the last updates of the android system webview and chrome. The solution is to uninstall and disable these updates, reboot the device and ignore any update requests. If you don't have this problem, then be happy, you have a newer rom that already fixed this problem.

Can't get Android Auto to start

Hi
Recently installed an Erisin Android head unit in my Mercedes. Unit works well. I updated the firmware also. Running C2DN firmware?
Problem is I can't get Android Auto to start on the head unit. I connect my Android phone and then go to Android Auto app. The phone recognises the head unit, but no Android Auto splash screen on the head unit. (The one with Maps, Spotify icons etc).
I installed Android Auto on the head unit via an apk file, but still no go. Is there a different version for head units compared to the one found in the Google store?
I tried a different USB cable but as I thought, that didn't fix anything.

jave808 said:
Hi
Recently installed an Erisin Android head unit in my Mercedes. Unit works well. I updated the firmware also. Running C2DN firmware?
Problem is I can't get Android Auto to start on the head unit. I connect my Android phone and then go to Android Auto app. The phone recognises the head unit, but no Android Auto splash screen on the head unit. (The one with Maps, Spotify icons etc).
I installed Android Auto on the head unit via an apk file, but still no go. Is there a different version for head units compared to the one found in the Google store?
I tried a different USB cable but as I thought, that didn't fix anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android Auto app from Google Playstore is only for the phone.
Usually the head units have pre-installed the required app. You should ask your seller how to activate.

Yeah, that's what I thought. I will look deeper. Thanks!

Android Head Unit iPod Client

Hi, on one of my old Xtrons head units there was an app called iPod Player which allowed me to plug in an iPod via USB and listen to music from it through the head unit as well as use the controls on screen to change tracks and look through playlists etc.
I recently bought a newer head unit and this app was installed on it however it closes as soon as it's opened. The old unit ran Android 8 and this one is running Android 9 so that could be why but I'm not sure.
I've extracted the APK file and uploaded it here in the hope someone might be able to get it running or if anyone has a newer version of this app it would be much appreciated if it could be shared.
Thanks!
iPod APK Download