Hardware for Alps ff-5000 - Android Head-Units

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.

Related

Android Auto Capable units + Radio Questions

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.

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.
Click to expand...
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.

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.

Chinese Head Unit - How Frustrating Can It Be

Hello All,
There is much information on this forum which has helped me so far on this android head unit journey but I am almost at the position where I might throw the damn thing out of the window and reinstall the basic manufactures head unit.
I bought the head unit from a dealer who is no longer in business and cannot contact them which closes off the normal route for enquiry.
The headhunt appears to be a generic Chinese manufacturer. The config shows as:
MCU Ver: DH200729T512188X611200805
FrameWork: 9 PQ2A.190305.002 eng.work2.20201208.100955
Android Ver: 9
App Ver: 2020120801T_1280x480_970
Tablet: rkpx6
The bluetooth function has been disabled which was originally a problem when using an iPhone as you have to hotspot every time. I overcame this with a wifi dongle and 4G card.
The GPS is terrible as well (part of the problem is the number of high rises that shadow the road). One of the main reasons for upgrading was the navigation which I generally cannot use.
So I thought a CarLinkit adapter would solve all of my problems which it did - although I get horrible screen interference that makes the unit completely unusable. The interference is completely random and CarLinkit have said that the problem is the head unit and not the adapter.
I've removed the adapter now and have to use my phone for navigation which works but doesn't solve the problem I originally tried to solve.
I seem to remember that the android version was originally ver 8 and it appears to have upgraded itself to version 9. When I play music know it takes about 2 minutes for the sound to come out of the speakers (even though the music appears to be playing). It only happens on the first boot of the head unit.
I'm currently banging my head against a wall with this technology and it appears that updating and not knowing exactly what you are doing could brick the system.
So my questions boil down to:
a) are my carlinkit issues really related to the head unit?
b) why would sound be delayed by 2 minutes after the unit has started?
c) what is the latest software I can apply to this head unit?
d) is there a better unit that I can install that will be much more reliable out of the box? there appears to be other head units available although I need a RHD option which many of the sellers on AliExpress saying isn't available.
Hopefully, I can gain some experience from others on this forum.
Thanks in advance,
DC
hk_fooey said:
Hello All,
There is much information on this forum which has helped me so far on this android head unit journey but I am almost at the position where I might throw the damn thing out of the window and reinstall the basic manufactures head unit.
I bought the head unit from a dealer who is no longer in business and cannot contact them which closes off the normal route for enquiry.
The headhunt appears to be a generic Chinese manufacturer. The config shows as:
MCU Ver: DH200729T512188X611200805
FrameWork: 9 PQ2A.190305.002 eng.work2.20201208.100955
Android Ver: 9
App Ver: 2020120801T_1280x480_970
Tablet: rkpx6
The bluetooth function has been disabled which was originally a problem when using an iPhone as you have to hotspot every time. I overcame this with a wifi dongle and 4G card.
The GPS is terrible as well (part of the problem is the number of high rises that shadow the road). One of the main reasons for upgrading was the navigation which I generally cannot use.
So I thought a CarLinkit adapter would solve all of my problems which it did - although I get horrible screen interference that makes the unit completely unusable. The interference is completely random and CarLinkit have said that the problem is the head unit and not the adapter.
I've removed the adapter now and have to use my phone for navigation which works but doesn't solve the problem I originally tried to solve.
I seem to remember that the android version was originally ver 8 and it appears to have upgraded itself to version 9. When I play music know it takes about 2 minutes for the sound to come out of the speakers (even though the music appears to be playing). It only happens on the first boot of the head unit.
I'm currently banging my head against a wall with this technology and it appears that updating and not knowing exactly what you are doing could brick the system.
So my questions boil down to:
a) are my carlinkit issues really related to the head unit?
b) why would sound be delayed by 2 minutes after the unit has started?
c) what is the latest software I can apply to this head unit?
d) is there a better unit that I can install that will be much more reliable out of the box? there appears to be other head units available although I need a RHD option which many of the sellers on AliExpress saying isn't available.
Hopefully, I can gain some experience from others on this forum.
Thanks in advance,
DC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any android head unit with less than 2GB RAM will be a dead zone to run apps or the OS. Apps crash a lot and OS doesn't perform well. I am not sure about your head unit's RAM capacity.
Alternatively, I would suggest uninstalling/disabling the apps that you don't really require through system settings >> apps

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.

Categories

Resources