Hello, my name is..... - Off-topic

Hello All!
New to Android, but not new to hacking mobiles.
Palm devices in middle school and high school. Original B&W iPods (hex editing using ipw) and every iPod through to iPhone (Including internal hardware mods like rerouting the DAC) - high school through past college.
Got sick of the Apple games they play with developers and haphazard code systems (rather than doing good drivers, just kept it to a bare minimum of working - see bluetooth section especially when it comes to "bitrate grouping" and "real time operations"). Played with Android, thought it was awesome and put in preorder for Evo when came.
One of the Best decisions I have ever made! In fact, so good that I am getting my boyfriend to buy one (we will be on the same plan - 25% Company discount ). Now my brothers and cousins and aunts and uncles want one too after playing with it for a few hours. Best part, google is never going to send me angry letters or freak out about a rooted phone, heck they might even encourage it.
4G Coverage is great by me (5-6MB) so I can kick Comcast to the curb (terrible company) and everything on the phone just works, doesn't keep crashing. Everything just works, especially hooking up to my car setup and various automation tools. Games are not as good (ChaosRings), but who buys a phone to be a PSP? It is a tool!
CURRENT TASK - IR Universal Remote for Android devices (other lossless capable players with a headphone jack can too). Hopefully will be able to make it into a learning remote, but the problem is getting it to record in at a lossless or very low loss, then cleaning the signal and modulating onto stereo at 19k/channel. If someone really knows encoding, help is appreciated and it would be a free program of course! just sick of loosing remotes....and the hardware piece can be put together for $6 worth of radio shack parts or $1 using a broken remote and a trip to the dollar store.
NEXT TASK - Get a working USBhost for EVO that allows use with USB Touchscreen (lilliput model) for the ultimate Car Docking and control station.
BTW - congrats Sven on getting a USBhost for Nexus!
So well..... Hello and Nice to meet you!

And your name is??
Welcome to forums
Read, Search, Respect and Enjoy!

Related

Direct TV or Dish network

help??????
i need info from people with these services. please tell all.
53 views and not one reply??? no one has dish or direct??
I have DirecTV now, and I have not been dissatisfied with it once. The DVR is great, albeit a little slow at times, and the regular receivers are snappy and fast. Both are easy to use. The rain rarely interferes with my signal. What other information are you looking for?
fiktion said:
I have DirecTV now, and I have not been dissatisfied with it once. The DVR is great, albeit a little slow at times, and the regular receivers are snappy and fast. Both are easy to use. The rain rarely interferes with my signal. What other information are you looking for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you. and i live in ky with comcast right now. bill is over 150 a month. so im done. but i cant find anything bad with either company (dish and direct) so it comes down to hardware. the dvr is a big deal to me. i have heard direct tv can lag some times but is the best on the market. then dish came out with their vip boxes or w/e.
whats channel selection like with direct? comedy central HD? history HD. discovery HD. i need those.
Avalaunchmods said:
thank you. and i live in ky with comcast right now. bill is over 150 a month. so im done. but i cant find anything bad with either company (dish and direct) so it comes down to hardware. the dvr is a big deal to me. i have heard direct tv can lag some times but is the best on the market. then dish came out with their vip boxes or w/e.
whats channel selection like with direct? comedy central HD? history HD. discovery HD. i need those.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, DirecTV is apparently phasing out the standard receiver to replace them all with DVR receivers. I don't know if they've all been phased out yet, or what, but I would ask them. They have all of those HD channels, and lots more.
Dish Network, on the other hand, have a 1TB hard drive in their new ViP Slingloaded DVR. You can watch TV from your computer or mobile device. The Duo DVR, from my understanding, is a DVR device that you can use in one room, but it can also be used on a TV in another room.
To me, Dish sound like they have the cool factor when it comes to DVRs. DirecTV's, speaking from experience, are easy to use, laggy *sometimes* usually when you get into the 600+ channel area (as are their standard receivers), but it's not big deal, and causes no frustration.
fiktion said:
Well, DirecTV is apparently phasing out the standard receiver to replace them all with DVR receivers. I don't know if they've all been phased out yet, or what, but I would ask them. They have all of those HD channels, and lots more.
Dish Network, on the other hand, have a 1TB hard drive in their new ViP Slingloaded DVR. You can watch TV from your computer or mobile device. The Duo DVR, from my understanding, is a DVR device that you can use in one room, but it can also be used on a TV in another room.
To me, Dish sound like they have the cool factor when it comes to DVRs. DirecTV's, speaking from experience, are easy to use, laggy *sometimes* usually when you get into the 600+ channel area (as are their standard receivers), but it's not big deal, and causes no frustration.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sadly this is the hardest decision i have had in awhile lol. that 1tb and slingbox is extremely tempting.... im leaning towards dish now because of that. i have looked into both and talked to reps from both sides. i cant go wrong either way haha. i guess ima get dish. i wish someone with dish would comment and tell me what they think.
anyways thanks alot man. you helped on a huge decision for me
No problem. Apparently, DirecTV is also saying in their commercials that they have the largest DVR capacity, although I don't know if it's 1TB or bigger. I do know, however, you can plug an external HDD into the receiver after an activation cost.
You're welcome, glad I could help.
I've had Dish for a few years now. Tried numerous times to get directTV beforehand, but they failed to install on 3 visits, techs were rude, etc. Couldn't be happier than I am with Dish.
Mi|enko said:
I've had Dish for a few years now. Tried numerous times to get directTV beforehand, but they failed to install on 3 visits, techs were rude, etc. Couldn't be happier than I am with Dish.
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Click to collapse
Upon reading this, I remembered that my install tech did a piss poor job. He used coaxial cable on my big screen HDTV, the wires hung around the house, and he took our old Dish Network dish down and left it sitting in the back yard along with boxes and litter strewn all over the yard.
I've had DTV for over 10 years now and have not had any issues with the service or DVR performance. They are a little more expensive than Verizon FIOS or Dish but those don't offer the NFL package which is a must for me. They also offer more HD channels than DISH or cable. DTV is also coming out with new DVR's later this year to compete with ATT's U-verse. Record multiple shows on a DVR and watch them on any another DVR in your house.
I say Dish. # of HD channels between the two are the same these days but the channel lineup is slightly different. Dish has the superior DVR and Sling capabilities. Dish also offers VOD 1080P and were the first to do so. (Be aware that your TV or monitor must be capaable of 1080P24. 1080P60 is not supported. Customer service is better (and that does not say much at all!) Installers are usually better (YMMV). Price is better. Only thing Direct has going for it is certain sports packages. If that is your thing that can be the dealbreaker. (I am a movie buff and Dish comes out ahead here). If you compare top line tiers in both Dish comes out cheaper and is cheaper than cable and U*verse in my area also.
Hope this helps.
Sorry for not running into this thread before...I'm a Satellite Tech and have done both...DishNetwork & DirecTV, 7 years experience...
If you're into sports (NFL Sunday Tickets, MEGA MARCH MADNESS®, CricketTicket™, MLB EXTRA INNINGS), go with DirecTV.
But if not, go with DishNetwork...
Also keep in mind special features that both carriers have to offer, I like the WholeHome of directv and their receivers are nicer looking...
International channels that may be of your interest is also something to consider cause both have different international channels.
DirecTV on the Tech side has a better signal strength than DishNetwork, but it all depends on the install...it's all about luck when it comes down to getting a professional experience tech or not.
Just my 2¢s
spinsat74 said:
Sorry for not running into this thread before...I'm a Satellite Tech and have done both...DishNetwork & DirecTV, 7 years experience...
If you're into sports (NFL Sunday Tickets, MEGA MARCH MADNESS®, CricketTicket™, MLB EXTRA INNINGS), go with DirecTV.
But if not, go with DishNetwork...
Also keep in mind special features that both carriers have to offer, I like the WholeHome of directv and their receivers are nicer looking...
International channels that may be of your interest is also something to consider cause both have different international channels.
DirecTV on the Tech side has a better signal strength than DishNetwork, but it all depends on the install...it's all about luck when it comes down to getting a professional experience tech or not.
Just my 2¢s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you didn't run into it because it's from twenty чертов ten.
I have had both. And I have dish now and have for the lastseveral years. I switched to them when they bought VOOM! satellite network. Their dvrs are the bomb. I recently upgraded to the 922k sling loaded box. I love it. You can record 4 shows at one time .. Two over the air and two satellite feeds. And watch a prior recording while that is going on.
You have the 1tb hard drive but a considerable amount of that is reserved for streaming and not usable for recording your shows to. But then you have the option of hooking up an external drive for extra space.
My brotherhas DirecTV. His dvr is slow, clunky, and has a very unappealing interface. You need laser sights for the remote. My 922 has two rf remotes so that is not a problem.
I am real excited to see dish's new Hopper series dvrs. Viewing recorded shows from any room and the ability to record 6 shows at once. Nobody really need to record that much but it comes in real handy if you have conflicting programs in your schedule or multiple users.
Dish is cheaper and and i feel has a superior picture. My brother gets a lot of macro blocking in action scenes due to the compression that direct uses. Dish can still have that but not near as bad. I wish the satellite companies would use more of the available bandwidth without compression like over the air broadcasters.
spinsat74 said:
If you're into sports (NFL Sunday Tickets, MEGA MARCH MADNESS®, CricketTicket™, MLB EXTRA INNINGS), go with DirecTV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like sports spam to me. Have you been in the general forum a lot lately, offering streaming services?
I've had both.
DISH gets my money.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
I did not like customer service at direct at all but dish cut out ALOT of good channels from their lineup back home
Archer said:
Sounds like sports spam to me. Have you been in the general forum a lot lately, offering streaming services?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not at all, just trying to be useful that's all.
Neither. Comcast all the way
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium
I had both. Around here, satellite goes out every time it rains, the wind blows, someone farts.....ect.
I got rid of satellite and went with FiOS.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using Tapatalk

Android Cars

How come we haven't seen a wave of aftermarket double DIN android based radio replacements yet? Android seems like the obvious platform for a new head unit. Foxconn should be able to hack the Moto Xoom's guts in to something within a week. Its even called the Xoom! Come on Mazda. All it needs is some custom sound processing and maybe an external GPS hook up and your car would be a million times more awesome. Forget an extra $2k for Sync or OnStar, you could buy a $5 app to steer your car with your phone!
Sorry that got a little rant-y there but does anyone know of any manufacturers working on this?
TunaCanyon said:
How come we haven't seen a wave of aftermarket double DIN android based radio replacements yet? Android seems like the obvious platform for a new head unit. Foxconn should be able to hack the Moto Xoom's guts in to something within a week. Its even called the Xoom! Come on Mazda. All it needs is some custom sound processing and maybe an external GPS hook up and your car would be a million times more awesome. Forget an extra $2k for Sync or OnStar, you could buy a $5 app to steer your car with your phone!
Sorry that got a little rant-y there but does anyone know of any manufacturers working on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You sir, have just earned your first thanks for posting this. We seldom see noobs posting something useful as a first topic, and here is proof that you are not all bad.
Back on topic:
I've been thinking about the same thing, maybe we can just hack it in like a car XBMC? Any car nut think that this will be possible?
Ya this would be awesome. I seriously wish everything I use ran android, including my toaster
Swyped via my cyanogenized and gingerbreaded EVO
twiz0r said:
Ya this would be awesome. I seriously wish everything I use ran android, including my toaster
Swyped via my cyanogenized and gingerbreaded EVO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One day, I'm gonna retire and build an entire networked house. The moment I stop snoozing my alarm, the toaster will start, the coffee machine will start, and everything else will start.
Then I'd bang my wife and drink sucky coffee, but it'll be worth it.
This could in theroy be VERY possible. Id work on it for my truck but i dont have near enoughbfunds, time, or equipment.
Sent from my ADR6300 with the power of BUNGHOLIO!!!!!!!
Hmm... maybe with a discarded tab, a bluetooth controller/keyboard, and plugged into your car battery?
I'm liking these ideas. Integration is good and we could have Android in almost anything, controlled by our phones. Keep the ideas coming
DirkGently1 said:
I'm liking these ideas. Integration is good and we could have Android in almost anything, controlled by our phones. Keep the ideas coming
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Erm... I would think that only certain non-safety-critical stuff be controlled via Android. Like the entertainment system. I don't want my Android to FC the braking application, nor would I like the Accelerator app to have a memory overflow.
sakai4eva said:
Hmm... maybe with a discarded tab, a bluetooth controller/keyboard, and plugged into your car battery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With some kind of regulator/switch to keep from raping the battery when you turn the car off
Sent from my ADR6300 with the power of BUNGHOLIO!!!!!!!
in most countries it is illegal to even watch a dvd or TOUCH your GPS now...
android in the back seat maybe... but then just get a tablet and bluetooth the sound....
I have been wondering the same thing and had searched Google extensively a few weeks ago. There is one really simple single-DIN with a tiny teeny screen that runs Android, but I want a double-DIN with 7" LCD and built-in navigation.
Perhaps the problem is the open-source nature of Android? Big companies like Pioneer, JVC, Sony, Kenwood, etc. very much want to keep their products as closed as possible. I know Pioneer is kind of like Apple, they use custom chips for everything. I have an AVIC-Z3 navigation HU, and I think the only way anyone knew it uses a Hitachi SH4 processor is by disassembling the code. All the chips are Pioneer branded with Pioneer part numbers on them.
Of course, that begs the question of why no Chinese company has come up with an Android HU. After all, it's free and far cheaper for them to use than having to write a crappy proprietary OS or using Windows CE as many do.
It's too bad there aren't any hackers in the car navigation scene. If people can figure out how to boot Android on WinMo devices, I'm pretty sure the same skill set would work on car navigation as most run Windows Automotive (WinCE).
Oh, and there do exist a few double-DIN Car PCs that normally run XP. I don't know where to actually buy one, but something like that could easily run Android. The fact that they will use an x86 processor is no biggie considering Android apps all run in the Dalvik VM.
Thanks for the thanks...I think?
Anyway I'm working on this project for my BMW. BMW's from the mid 90's to the mid 00's have a serial bus that controls all entertainment functions (volume control, mode, HVAC). It's been throughly hacked with most of the codes available around the internet. I'm designing a hardware interface based on the sparkfun IOIO (which isn't actually in production yet) to talk to the bus with samsung tab. It should replicate all stock functionality plus all of what can be done with android. And the tab fits in the stock location! Of course, it'll only work with the previous generation of BMWs so there is still room for an all purpose solution...
As for stock stereos, Chevrolet is supposed to partner with google to put android in the new Volt. Maybe that will spurr a wave of awsomeness.
Just spotted these when sourcing for an double din player.
Here you go people:
http :// cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GPS-CAR-TRUCK-ANDROID-INTERNET-REMOVABLE-Tablet-RADIO-/280686274902?pt=Car_Audio_Video&hash=item415a34a956
TunaCanyon said:
How come we haven't seen a wave of aftermarket double DIN android based radio replacements yet? Android seems like the obvious platform for a new head unit. Foxconn should be able to hack the Moto Xoom's guts in to something within a week. Its even called the Xoom! Come on Mazda. All it needs is some custom sound processing and maybe an external GPS hook up and your car would be a million times more awesome. Forget an extra $2k for Sync or OnStar, you could buy a $5 app to steer your car with your phone!
Sorry that got a little rant-y there but does anyone know of any manufacturers working on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well seems like someone has come up with something. If you have a BMW/Audi/Merc you can get a Dynavin replacement head unit that runs android
http://www.dynavin.com/index.php
I'm not sure how customizeable it is but its out there.
TunaCanyon said:
Well seems like someone has come up with something. If you have a BMW/Audi/Merc you can get a Dynavin replacement head unit that runs android
http://www.dynavin.com/index.php
I'm not sure how customizeable it is but its out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, nice find! Would be nice to have this in an old Fiat Panda!!!
TRusselo said:
in most countries it is illegal to even watch a dvd or TOUCH your GPS now...
android in the back seat maybe... but then just get a tablet and bluetooth the sound....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's legal in the great free America
boborone said:
It's legal in the great free America
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although texting is (and should be) illegal.
I used to work with a girl and she used to drive me home at night and she had one of the first gps units... it looked like a little tv and sat on the dashboard. A cop stopped us and yelled at her for "watching tv" while driving....
TunaCanyon said:
Well seems like someone has come up with something. If you have a BMW/Audi/Merc you can get a Dynavin replacement head unit that runs android
http://www.dynavin.com/index.php
I'm not sure how customizeable it is but its out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
damm, i want one of these. awesome find!
Been looking for something like this myself for the past 2 months. I've found a similar product (pretty much the same dynavin unit, only this one is for sale ) and it's mounted on a Rover 75 which kinda' gives me a bit of hope that it's not BMW/Merc/Audi only (I own a 2004 Passat). It's a bit too expensive for me atm but maybe someone else is interested (and has the funds to actually get it). You can also add a rear view camera and it integrates nicely with the steering wheel controls (at least that's what they say).
http :// autogpsdvds.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=135
I am very tempted to buy it but this would be my first head unit and I really want it to be an Android one (I've been really pleased with my Android phone so far). Any advice would be really appreciated. Also, how much does it usually cost to have it installed?

Android Phone - Is it viable as a dedicated PMP? YES!

Well was going to share my stuff but unfortunately......
"To prevent spam on the XDA forums, ALL new users prevented from posting outside links in their messages. After approximately 10 posts, you will be able to post outside links. Thank you for understanding!"
Either way I wrote a little mini review come rambling about the O2X and its suitablitly as my now new dedicated PMP. This leaves me with a 32GB iPod Touch 4th Gen I need to sell haha
Head here to read what I thought, it's better than me spamming ten posts. I will post it here properly if I end up replying to you guys enough that I meet the quota to be able to post outside links. (remove the spaces aroud the dot in dot com
forums.overclockersclub . com/index.php?showtopic=194168&st=0&gopid=2058890&#entry2058890
Stoner
nice read.
i agree that o2x is quite the killer pmp. only small downside is the damned stereo cross talk, but quite frankly i dont feel any absence of it, and gsmarena only rated the audio as "average" pff.
about voodoo though, its still not done, still.... so we have no features basically, just the amp, but it gets the job done.
PS i aproove your nickname
xilw3r said:
nice read.
i agree that o2x is quite the killer pmp. only small downside is the damned stereo cross talk, but quite frankly i dont feel any absence of it, and gsmarena only rated the audio as "average" pff.
about voodoo though, its still not done, still.... so we have no features basically, just the amp, but it gets the job done.
PS i aproove your nickname
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
In all honesty I don't mind a little stereo crosstalk because in all seriousness you never in any other situation but headphones have two such isolated stereo channels. Also with gsmarena you need to keep in mind they've reviewed only the stock kernel I am going to see about getting some graphs and measurements of the O2X with voodoo.
It may not be done but its all I need/want I don't need to set bass boosts etc as its sound signiture is already close to that of my D1 I don't see myself ever wanting to use eq as it is I still haven't installed dsp pack for player pro.
The only things to be added here in the future is video playback with the HDMI out, scientific tests if I find a nice bit of free ware I can use to test range, accuracy etc, and possibly HDMI to coax splitter to steal the digital audio out for use with high end DACs. Right now in my eyes the O2X is the perfect platform for a high quality and very customized pmp.
An interesting read, We've got an old HTC hero and Tattoo and damaged advent vega kicking about that need a use, I'm also planning to get a nexus 4 so my o2x will need a use in 2 weeks. I've not used it much but the HDMI drinks battery so saying you might as well plug in the usb is a good idea. I might plug mine in to a TV in the bedroom and use it as a dlna and VOD player in there, it's a lot cheaper than buying a new dedicated device to do what could already do, may even see about a bluetooth media keyboard for it to control. I do still have my ipod classic that is easier to use but thats lasted 3 whole years so it's due a failure, at least with my o2x i could wipe it stick 32gb of memory in and load it with most of my music, could even make an adhoc network with my n4 when i get it to share the files on the memory card with it.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using Tapatalk 2
everett_psycho said:
An interesting read, We've got an old HTC hero and Tattoo and damaged advent vega kicking about that need a use, I'm also planning to get a nexus 4 so my o2x will need a use in 2 weeks. I've not used it much but the HDMI drinks battery so saying you might as well plug in the usb is a good idea. I might plug mine in to a TV in the bedroom and use it as a dlna and VOD player in there, it's a lot cheaper than buying a new dedicated device to do what could already do, may even see about a bluetooth media keyboard for it to control. I do still have my ipod classic that is easier to use but thats lasted 3 whole years so it's due a failure, at least with my o2x i could wipe it stick 32gb of memory in and load it with most of my music, could even make an adhoc network with my n4 when i get it to share the files on the memory card with it.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely dedicate the O2X to media duties come upgrade then. I bought my O2X purely for media it is technically still functioning as a phone at the moment. But that is till I make my mind up on what phone I am going to next (my Xperia X10i got far to long in the tooth and a year at 20% OC has finally killed it haha). My rec is to use the Chuck Norris CM7 ROM because of the aroma installer which makes it really easy to remove everything that is not needed and if you remove the google apps suite too you can later add back google play from taesmaks CM7 rom.
Today I also discovered that the mic port on my laptop is **** ahaha went to run the rmaa tests but the amount of noise and distortion introduced by my mic port has rendered the tests useless. I will test again with my auzentech x-fi fote later on.
Stonerboy779 said:
Definitely dedicate the O2X to media duties come upgrade then. I bought my O2X purely for media it is technically still functioning as a phone at the moment. But that is till I make my mind up on what phone I am going to next (my Xperia X10i got far to long in the tooth and a year at 20% OC has finally killed it haha). My rec is to use the Chuck Norris CM7 ROM because of the aroma installer which makes it really easy to remove everything that is not needed and if you remove the google apps suite too you can later add back google play from taesmaks CM7 rom.
Today I also discovered that the mic port on my laptop is **** ahaha went to run the rmaa tests but the amount of noise and distortion introduced by my mic port has rendered the tests useless. I will test again with my auzentech x-fi fote later on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's OT but whatever---
OC killing your X10i.
That is fairly interesting. I used Motorola Milestone as my personal phone since it came out till past november - roughly two and half yrs - and I had it OC'ed by some 45-50% most of the time [email protected],1GHz. But that was very okay. Yet as the end of lovely Milestone (heck I want qwerty CURRENT hi-end!) phone turned out damaged. It was the heat coming from CPU that damaged digitizer and screen.
I replaced digitizer but screen was too pricey for way old phone, so I did buy O2X... oh, well.
That said, Milestone still serves well as PMP for it has great music output and DLNA/remotecontroll (by app) capabilites. To be honest... actually... it serves the purpose here, as rather overkill alarm clock of sorts...
Thanks stonerboy, I'll give that ROM a look when the time comes. Could make an interesting at thing when it doesn't matter if it has some down time while i inevitably brick it. A simple ROM with good battery life that can take a 32 or 64gb sd card is all I'll want instead of forking out £200 on an iPod. Between my squeezeboxes at home and mw600 j don't think I'll be needing iPod docks anymore
Sent from my LG-P990 using Tapatalk 2
Stonerboy779 said:
Well was going to share my stuff but unfortunately......
"To prevent spam on the XDA forums, ALL new users prevented from posting outside links in their messages. After approximately 10 posts, you will be able to post outside links. Thank you for understanding!"
Either way I wrote a little mini review come rambling about the O2X and its suitablitly as my now new dedicated PMP. This leaves me with a 32GB iPod Touch 4th Gen I need to sell haha
Head here to read what I thought, it's better than me spamming ten posts. I will post it here properly if I end up replying to you guys enough that I meet the quota to be able to post outside links. (remove the spaces aroud the dot in dot com
forums.overclockersclub . com/index.php?showtopic=194168&st=0&gopid=2058890&#entry2058890
Stoner
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aren't you annoyed by the noise the phone generates? You can clearly notice it when a small notification sound is played: it's mute, than the sound is played, you hear a static noise, than it goes mute again (turns off amplificaiton, I guess).
This is not present on the iPod (which I also own a 32gb 4th gen). Also, the overall quality is way better, there's no "extra bass or loudness" that I can notice with the 2X. Not to mention the battery drain... in airplane mode, no wifi, bluetooth, whatsoever, it spends battery like crazy, by just playing music. The iPod in the other hand...
dark_sat said:
Aren't you annoyed by the noise the phone generates? You can clearly notice it when a small notification sound is played: it's mute, than the sound is played, you hear a static noise, than it goes mute again (turns off amplificaiton, I guess).
This is not present on the iPod (which I also own a 32gb 4th gen). Also, the overall quality is way better, there's no "extra bass or loudness" that I can notice with the 2X. Not to mention the battery drain... in airplane mode, no wifi, bluetooth, whatsoever, it spends battery like crazy, by just playing music. The iPod in the other hand...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what is up with your phone but I have not experienced any noises, have even played a flat track with no sound at all that I made. When played and ampped to the max i have to strain to hear any static or hum. Battery wise its doing damn well and has plenty of battery life for me definitely at a level comparable or even better than my iPod. Guess i could do a side by side and just play music at the same listening level once on loudspeaker and once on headphones just to see which goes longer in each situation.
I haven't noticed anything specifically about sound and notifications but with voodoo sound you can turn of the sound focus setting which alter playback when notifications come through. My notifications are also set to play through the loudspeaker and never the headphones but i'll change it to headphones and see if i can recreate your issue but as for you battery drain issue i have no idea why its so bad for you.
Hell i was streaming spotify for a few hours yesterday and used very little battery and that was even with extreme quality streaming on, bluetooth left on from when i had the radio on and i even have an oc and uv going. Further more I have limits set and when my screen is of my cpu speed can only go so high and will only be using one core so that may be another reason why my battery is good.
Just throwing things out there at the moment.
everett_psycho said:
Thanks stonerboy, I'll give that ROM a look when the time comes. Could make an interesting at thing when it doesn't matter if it has some down time while i inevitably brick it. A simple ROM with good battery life that can take a 32 or 64gb sd card is all I'll want instead of forking out £200 on an iPod. Between my squeezeboxes at home and mw600 j don't think I'll be needing iPod docks anymore
Sent from my LG-P990 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I could inspire some people to do the same
I am unsure about 64GB sdcard compatibility though, has anyone ever tried any 64GB micro sd cards with the O2X? I do remember looking when I was still deciding which phone I wanted to turn into a pmp.
Well this is insane.... as usual got the music going at work but this time I have headphones going with the FM radio in the O2X not using the loudspeaker. And after a nice hour and a half of use my battery has depleted only 1% yes 1% I didn't miss a zero or anything its quite literally insane. The class W headphone amp in the Wilson dac is beyond insanely efficient coupled with the fact my phone is probably ideling at 215mhz undervolted 50mv....
Wasted another 1-2% battery in the 5 mins I have been using cell data to write this up.
Either way I think tonight I will charge to 100% andthen leave the radio on all night so I can get a proper estimate of how efficient it is. The night after I will play a flac album on repeat with the music app. Will play another album on repeat in my iPod too as comparison. Day after that will compare spotify streaming for the night over wifi and extreme quality.
You can find tread about 64gb sdcard in general tread
Well just before Christmas my iPod died and i git a nexus 4, well timed upgrade and the perfect chance to do this so I've finally erased my o2x and reverted it to the stable cm 7.2. So far so good. I couldn't get the recommended chuck Norris rom to work so have just gone with normal cm and either uninstalled or disabled everything I don't want, the phone is so much nicer with nothing on it, it's the first time in 13 months the thing actually works.
Any suggestions for windows software to manage the music? I've always just used iTunes as I had an iPod, I looked the simplicity of it but now I can't copy everything only most of my music so need something to keep track of it
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

REVIEW samDock the Apple to Android converter cable with VIDEO SLIDESHOW!

Today we’re looking at the samDock
Click here to see the original review and you'll also find links to purchase.
The samDock is an adapter cable that let's you use Samsung's latest Android phones like the Note 2 with Apple's 30 pin connector to charge or play audio.
Main advantage: affordable, long length, works by simply plugging it in
Main concern: NONE
Unique features: You can use android devices on Apple docks!!!
I've personally wanted a product like this for years, but it just didn't exist. It seems so simple, there are adapters for everything why not one that adapts Apple's useless proprietary connector to work with the much more universal micro USB standard? The good news is that the wait is over, the bad news is that most people don't care at this point unfortunately. We've seen the wide scale adoption of Bluetooth and things like DLNA, Wifi Direct, and mirrorlink. That means that Apple's stranglehold on the accessory market gets weaker and weaker by the day. For a time, it was the law of the land that all of the coolest docking solutions were Apple exclusive. That's just where the money was, so that's where the effort went.
Nowadays wires are a nuisance and wireless is nearly standard. Bluetooth is everywhere and it's in everything. The great news for those of you that dropped your hard earned money on some sort of Apple capable dock is that this is an extremely affordable solution. If you need to use your Note 2 or most any other Galaxy device with an Apple 30 pin dock it's as simple as plugging this wire in. For some phones that's all it takes and you're done. Others will have to go into your settings and enable Audio Output Mode. You'll just check the box that says, "use external speakers when device is docked.” That's all it takes though. Docks big and small, portable or built in. You'll pass through high quality audio and you even retain the ability to charge your devices.
The cable itself is 24” long, 2 feet is long enough to do plenty without feeling tethered to a dock. It comes in black instead of the apple standard white which is a nice little touch of defiance. It worked with every dock that I tested as well as simply attaching it to an apple charging cable. It will work with the Galaxy S 3 and 4 as well as the Note 1 and 2.
Thank you again to CableJive for supplying their product for review.
Alternatives: none that I've seen
How much: 24.95 each at CableJive.com
Is it worth buying: For under thirty dollars, it's worth buying it to just throw it in your bag on the off chance that you find yourself at a friend's house and you need to arrange some last minute karaoke with an iPod alarm clock.
Click here to see some angles of the cable in a video slideshow
ENJOY YOUR GADGETS!
snapz54 said:
Today we’re looking at the samDock
...Condensed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, please take this as useful constructive advice. Ditch that music that seems to be your trademark.
It's awful and annoying. 10 seconds in on both of your videos and I'm rushing to close the window.
The product isn't getting seen if I'm closing the window because of the 'cute' music.
apallohadas said:
man, please take this as useful constructive advice. Ditch that music that seems to be your trademark.
It's awful and annoying. 10 seconds in on both of your videos and i'm rushing to close the window.
The product isn't getting seen if i'm closing the window because of the 'cute' music.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agreed! 100%!
Another point, people have invested a lot of money into Apple accessories and can take advantage of using it with android phone. But the whole beauty of apple gadgets was docking integration without any need for cables or devices laying on the side. This solution does work, but you kill the look of the setup by not being able to dock your smartphone.
apallohadas said:
Man, please take this as useful constructive advice. Ditch that music that seems to be your trademark.
It's awful and annoying. 10 seconds in on both of your videos and I'm rushing to close the window.
The product isn't getting seen if I'm closing the window because of the 'cute' music.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS!!!!!
SwiftKey'ed from my White Sprint Note 2 using XDA Premium
are you guys talking about the very start of every video? The opening with the choir type voices? That's from an everclear song.
Otherwise, for every product reviewed, I pick a song that has something to do with the product or it's name. It's just a fun little touch. So this is the samDOCK so the song is hickory dickory DOCK, which is a child's nursery rhyme. It's just a goofy little added touch and you can always mute and just look at the pictures if the music is bugging you. I was this close to doing a death metal cover of hickory dickory dock but I couldn't find a clear enough recording.
now that I think of it there were a bit of children's songs, they just fit really well. I reviewed a wireless charging dock the other day and I used the song, "I've got no strings" from Pinocchio. "I've got no strings, to hold me down" no wires, wireless charging, you get it. Just a fun little touch.
They aren't always kids songs.
Lol I really think everyone is giving you a hard time because that zip thing you reviewed was just stupid.
I mean really guys no one is forcing you to watch the slideshow, you can always mute and listen to whatever you want if you want to setethe pictures.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
I'm interested at this. Can you still use the remote on Bose sound dock to skip and control volumes?
Sent from my SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
Not trying to give you a hard time by any means, it's honestly meant as constructive criticism! I am truthfully trying to be helpful, nothing else! You may not care though, and if what your doing is working for you then I suppose there's no need to change it. I just think your videos would be more professional without some of the music in them, that's all. I did watch many of your YouTube videos! Trying to help out because the more views the better for you. Like the NeatDesk Scanner, that song is just awful! Whether it goes with the product being reviewed or not, I find it very annoying. For the video showing the Otterbox Defender and Seidio Convert cases for the Note 2, I actually really like the song choice! That said though, I still think the video would appear more professional with out the song. Now for the Phillips Hue video, that's a great song choice!! No, not something that I would listen to in my car, but it's like elevator music, simple music with no lyrics. That is very fitting for your videos, and doesn't distract attention from the video whatsoever!! See, I'm not basing this off of what I like or want to hear, just telling you what I think comes off as being more professional. Of course, this is just my opinion. You may not even care what I think or what I have to say. I'm just trying to give you a viewer's perspective, that's all.
Now on to this product! This is something I really need!! My tool chest/box has a CD player and 2 6x9 speakers built in to it! This was one of the selling points to me, not the only one as this tool chest has many unique features not found in any other tool chest, but one of the selling points nonetheless. Coming out of a little slot in the top area of the tool chest/box once the lid has been opened, there is a cable that is tied in to the stereo system in the tool chest. It has an Apple connection on the end of it . Isn't that big of deal, as the CD player also has a 3.5 mm auxiliary jack on it, so I can just use that. I would like to be able to shut the little door that covers the CD player while I'm working though (also has a remote for it), and can't do that with an auxiliary cable sticking out. I do have a 4th Gen iPod Touch 32GB. The remote also allows me to skip songs when it's hooked up through the Apple cable, which is a very nice function!! Obviously the remote can't do anything with my phone, except adjust volume, when it's hooked up through the auxiliary cable. With this adapter/converter you posted here, it would give me the same functionality of my phone as I currently have with my iPod!!
Honestly, using my iPod in the tool chest is basically the only reason I haven't sold it yet! Getting this adapter would be awesome for me! Thank you for taking the time to make this review, and especially for sharing it with this community!! It's greatly appreciated!!
SwiftKey'ed from my White Sprint Note 2 using XDA Premium
Glad I dont own any Apple docks!
Well,
Got one today and I've now tried 3 docks and it works on none. I've flashed back to stock ROM in case it wasn't compatible with ProBAM.
Not having a bit of it. Money down the drain.
snapz54 said:
...So this is the samDOCK so the song is hickory dickory DOCK, which is a child's nursery rhyme. It's just a goofy little added touch...
the other day and I used the song, "I've got no strings" from Pinocchio. "I've got no strings, to hold me down" ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You had me cracking up reading your defense of your videos. I didn't watch it because I don't have a need of the product, and honestly I don't know why I clicked on your thread.... but I say be you, because there aren't enough of you in the world. You are trying to help people out, raise awareness of a product and putting work and effort into stylizing it a bit for peoples enjoyment. BE YOU BROTHER!! When people are hating your doing something right.
"...hi-ho the me-ri-o, that's the only life I know..."
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
harajyuks said:
You had me cracking up reading your defense of your videos. I didn't watch it because I don't have a need of the product, and honestly I don't know why I clicked on your thread.... but I say be you, because there aren't enough of you in the world. You are trying to help people out, raise awareness of a product and putting work and effort into stylizing it a bit for peoples enjoyment. BE YOU BROTHER!! When people are hating your doing something right.
"...hi-ho the me-ri-o, that's the only life I know..."
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the kind words, I'm going to keep it up and hopefully people that enjoy the info will keep reading.
harajyuks said:
You had me cracking up reading your defense of your videos. I didn't watch it because I don't have a need of the product, and honestly I don't know why I clicked on your thread.... but I say be you, because there aren't enough of you in the world. You are trying to help people out, raise awareness of a product and putting work and effort into stylizing it a bit for peoples enjoyment. BE YOU BROTHER!! When people are hating your doing something right.
"...hi-ho the me-ri-o, that's the only life I know..."
+1
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sent from my t-mo note 2
snapz54 said:
I appreciate the kind words, I'm going to keep it up and hopefully people that enjoy the info will keep reading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We gave feedback to hopefully help you improve the reception of your videos.
If you don't want the feedback or use it in anyway, don't expect fanfare and trumpets for future works.
But nah, listen to the guy that didn't bother to watch or even attempt to watch your work.
Best of luck amigo.
apallohadas said:
We gave feedback to hopefully help you improve the reception of your videos.
If you don't want the feedback or use it in anyway, don't expect fanfare and trumpets for future works.
But nah, listen to the guy that didn't bother to watch or even attempt to watch your work.
Best of luck amigo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like to pick out a song that hints to the product in a some way. I don't give hints in the description and sometimes it's harder to figure out why I'd choose a certain song. It's a little side game and people have contacted me saying that it makes them happy to figure it out. I could just find generic background music, but I'm trying to put in a bit more effort than that. Please mute it if it upsets you.
I've seen some adapters similar to this on ebay for cheap. Not sure if they'll allow data(music is the only thing I want) to pass through though. Anyone try one of the adaptors from ebay or similar? Less than $10, so they're super cheap, but even still I don't wanna through ANY money at them if they'll only charge...
SwiftKey'ed from my White Sprint Note 2 using XDA Premium
Hi
I'm thinking about creating something along the lines of Grace Digital GDI GSD8200 - in my option would be - (Bose sounddock => cablejive /samDock/ => iGRIP Universal Micro USB Charging Dock ) - mounted on the top of my Bose and use it for my Samsung Galaxy phone
My question is - if micro usb plug from samDock will work with the iGRIP charging dock ? (charging and sound signal) or any micro usb charging dock
Wysłane z mojego GT-N7100 przy użyciu Tapatalka
Or any charging docs ?
Wysłane z mojego GT-N7100 przy użyciu Tapatalka

Android Auto vs Android Head Unit?

I have seen some threads where people are talking about porting android auto to an android head unit. I have also seen some threads where people are talking about putting android auto on a tablet or phone that they plan to mount in their car. Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't understand the rationale for either of these. If you have an android head unit, don't you already have all of the capabilities of android auto built into your head unit? Similarly if you are going to mount a phone or tablet on your dash then why not use those apps that are already native to your phone/tablet?
The reason I ask is because I'm in the market for a new car stereo and the differences in cost between an aftermarket head unit with android auto and an android head unit (i.e. no-name chinese brand, etc) seem quite large. I've seen the reviews on here, Youtube and other places for some of the Chinese units and they seem very feature rich. Please help me make a list of pros and cons to buying a head unit with Android Auto and an Android Head Unit. Here are just a few that I can come up with.
Android Auto Pros:
- brand name likely with superior product support
- likely better stock stereo features (HD radio, RDS, Sirius XM, etc
- it is "safer" because it doesn't allow searching long music lists, etc while driving
- As long as the firmware can be updated to include later Android versions, when you want to update your Android phone its a lot easier than updating an entire stereo when a newer version of Android on Android HUs become available.
Android Auto Cons:
- Not all phones are supported from what I understand
- Some popular apps are not supported (i.e. Pandora
- Requires phone to be connected via USB. I'm not sure if this is necessarily a con however, because I'm assuming if you are using your phone as a hotspot you may need to have it plugged in regardless.
- While I'm not sure about this (correct me if I'm wrong), but I assume since you're mirroring your phone apps to a non-android device there is another layer of technology that can have bugs in and of itself
- Requires additional apps on your phone eating up space and resources
- relatively expensive
Android Head Unit Pros:
- No need for specific phone support
- Any app you can download on the app store you can use in your dash. Not that I'm going to be watching netflix driving down the road, but maybe my passenger wants to look up a good mexican restaurant on Yelp while we're driving.
- You can use a wifi hotspot other than your phone to provide the wireless signal if you want
- You can root these if they are not already rooted and run custom rom
- You can run Torque
- relatively cheap for what you get
Android Head Unit Cons:
- It seems like most of these are Chinese brands with little product support from the [unkknown] manufacture
- many complaints about internal mics and whatnot (although thanks to sites like this there are some workarounds for that)
- I'm guessing the quality of the stereo itself is probably not as good as when you purchase US brand name deck.
I can understand why the general public (mom, dad included) might see a benefit in having a car with an OEM-included Android Auto stereo if they're already using an Android phone and they like it. However for people who frequent this site, barring intellectual curiosity or being an audiophile who needs a top-of-the-line Pioneer deck and wants to be able to make hands-free calls or use Google Maps, I want to know why you all would choose a stereo with Android Auto vs an Android Head Unit. Thanks in advance for discussing this.
For me, I have yet to see an Android head unit without deal breaking issues. Crappy in-call experience, radio, music setup and performance, Bluetooth, etc.
I just don't need that when I'm driving. I do miss not having Torque on AA, but it's just not worth putting up with all the other issues in order to have it.
Trust me, if someone made an Android head unit that was like a Nexus with a decent audio section, I'd be all over it, but it doesn't exist. I have thought about putting a tablet in my truck with a good preamp and amps, but there are too many issues, not the least of which is not being able to see it with polarized shades on.
Solutions Etcetera said:
For me, I have yet to see an Android head unit without deal breaking issues. Crappy in-call experience, radio, music setup and performance, Bluetooth, etc.
I just don't need that when I'm driving. I do miss not having Torque on AA, but it's just not worth putting up with all the other issues in order to have it.
Trust me, if someone made an Android head unit that was like a Nexus with a decent audio section, I'd be all over it, but it doesn't exist. I have thought about putting a tablet in my truck with a good preamp and amps, but there are too many issues, not the least of which is not being able to see it with polarized shades on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all you can probably mount your Nexus tablet in landscape - as long as the screen is perpendicular to your shades than the polarized lens' wont matter.
But please expand on "all the other issues." Since you talk about putting a good preamp and amps in your car I assume that the sound quality is a big factor for you. Are the Android HUs that bad? What if you wire one line-out to an amp? Are the signals so much worse than a factory or name-brand aftermarket stereo that if you had a high quality amplifier it would still be very poor? I'm being serious here because I've never used one of these chinese HUs... I just saw some video reviews on YouTube of a couple of them and they looked pretty awesome. What AA stereo do you currently have, and how do you like it? Thanks
Having installed another "Hui Fei"-style 4.4 head unit on a Ford Ranger XLT (2000) as a replacement for the aging stock radio, it's not bad at all. Google Maps, Pandora, Radio (via MCU), and Bluetooth all worked out of the box, even with an iPhone in hotspot mode. Touchscreen was rather accurate and snappy, the slightly larger DPI mode helped when sitting afar; it may be annoying with some apps, but tools allow you to change the DPI mode.
Build quality is usually fine, buttons are solid and knobs aren't loose. Sometimes used/eBay units have non-working buttons, so be wary about that.
The particular unit I got had an external Mic input (phono 3.5mm), so calls worked just fine over BT after mounting a nicer PC mic. Many units also have line-level outputs if you hate the built-in tech and want to use some aftermarket amps/speakers.
I do have to say that the 20-30 second boot time might be offputting to some, but I don't find it to be too bad, specially since backup camera works via MCU, and therefore during boot.
kjdBonez said:
First of all you can probably mount your Nexus tablet in landscape - as long as the screen is perpendicular to your shades than the polarized lens' wont matter.
But please expand on "all the other issues." Since you talk about putting a good preamp and amps in your car I assume that the sound quality is a big factor for you. Are the Android HUs that bad? What if you wire one line-out to an amp? Are the signals so much worse than a factory or name-brand aftermarket stereo that if you had a high quality amplifier it would still be very poor? I'm being serious here because I've never used one of these chinese HUs... I just saw some video reviews on YouTube of a couple of them and they looked pretty awesome. What AA stereo do you currently have, and how do you like it? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In landscape, with Drivewears (what I wear), you can't see it at all.
There is also the fact that a tablet is not designed to withstand being in a locked up car when it is 100 degrees outside. Not interested in coming out of work seeing my car on fire because the battery exploded. Not good for the screen either.
Could remove the battery for a straight power connection, but boot time is too long, and there are still screen issues.
And touch targets can be very small with a lot of apps interfaces, making it a real distraction when driving, and no interface with steering wheel controls.
As for 'other' issues with Android clone units; bugs. They're all over the place and you never know what issue will crop up when you're driving; no thanks.
I have a pioneer 4100 nex. And even it isn't perfect on AA. Occasionally there are issues with audio feeds and or controls, but for the most part it's solid.
kjdBonez said:
I want to know why you all would choose a stereo with Android Auto vs an Android Head Unit. Thanks in advance for discussing this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about a "best of all worlds" solution ?
I haven't tried it myself yet, but the paid ($30 ?) AppRadio Unchained Reloaded app allows HDMI+USB mirroring on many Pioneer HUs: http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/paid-software/android-4-0-root-appradio-unchained-t2955966
Run it with a Pioneer Android Auto (AA) HU and you can choose between AA and true/full mirroring of any Android phone (or tablet/other device) you use. Requires a plugged phone for AA or Android mirroring however, but with the option of AM/FM/HD/CD/MP3 etc. standalone.
I have a 4100 NEX and it seems competent for USD $550 or so these days.
kjdBonez said:
I have seen some threads where people are talking about porting android auto to an android head unit. I have also seen some threads where people are talking about putting android auto on a tablet or phone that they plan to mount in their car. Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't understand the rationale for either of these. If you have an android head unit, don't you already have all of the capabilities of android auto built into your head unit? Similarly if you are going to mount a phone or tablet on your dash then why not use those apps that are already native to your phone/tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android enthusiasts with a budget consider MANY details and tradeoffs before deciding on a new phone or tablet. Do I NEED NFC ? Can I make do without an SDCard and only 32 GB ? What size is best ?...
Similarly, those of us looking for automotive infotainment solutions have a complex set of needs and desires, and many different solutions all with their own pros and cons, as your post shows...
A person running my Headunit app for Android Auto (AA) on a phone or tablet, with or without another connected phone/tablet/device can get the integrated Android Auto experience at low, or no cost.
Run the app on your existing Android 5+ device in standalone mode and you've got AA for no additional cost. Or buy a Nexus 7 2013 for $150 new, run it standalone, or USB (or Wifi) connect to your phone. Quick, simple, cheap and upgradeable/hackable. Add a $20 car mount and a cheap cigar lighter outlet charger and plug it in.
Want better sound than crappy small speakers ? Plug headphone jack or do BT connect to an existing amp or HU.
Worried about theft or frying by cold or hot temperatures ? Remove phone/tablet from mount and take it with you when parked. $150 tablet breaks ? Buy a new one...
With my Headunit app for AA, you can "Recent Apps" away to home-screen and any other app. Then go back to the AA environment. Yes, some issues like sound require stopping and later restarting my app, but that's not so bad.
Some people will like the integrated, low distraction environment of AA.
Many Android enthusiasts will prefer the ability to easily run any Android app. Some of those apps may be very distracting, and WILL get you ticketed in many jurisdictions. Youtube is going to be "frowned on" at best by almost any cop.
kjdBonez said:
The reason I ask is because I'm in the market for a new car stereo and the differences in cost between an aftermarket head unit with android auto and an android head unit (i.e. no-name chinese brand, etc) seem quite large. I've seen the reviews on here, Youtube and other places for some of the Chinese units and they seem very feature rich. Please help me make a list of pros and cons to buying a head unit with Android Auto and an Android Head Unit. Here are just a few that I can come up with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a current thread wherein the OP feels he wasted his money on the Chinese HU (can we call them CHUs ?), and is wondering whether to get a different one or just go for a more expensive HU.
Many users seem to be happy with the CHUs, but I think many are unhappy as well. IMO many people get blocked by "gotcha's" and there are many annoying things in the software that nobody anywhere seems to be interested in fixing.
To me, Android 4.4.4 (at best) is almost an insult in late 2015 when Android 6.0 is about to be released (and has been running pretty well on my Nexus9 and other's 5's and 6's for months now.)
For those who like to tinker on the "bleeding edge" there are boards that run Android that can be hooked to touch-screens. I'm looking at this with a "96boards" project someone has started. $75 board designed by, and runs the latest Android from Qualcomm.
I think one dynamic here is that respected HU manufacturers don't want to provide full mirroring of smartphones, or an internal Android OS, lest they be sued into oblivion by distracted driving deaths and maimings.
The CHU OEMs are in China and would laugh if someone threatened to sue them.
And yeah, tablet in a car will have issues with temp/humidity and reliability, and USB connections are not "auto grade" and Wifi has issues too.
So, no perfect solution. Same as no perfect phone, tablet or person...
kjdBonez said:
Android Auto Pros:
- brand name likely with superior product support
- likely better stock stereo features (HD radio, RDS, Sirius XM, etc
- it is "safer" because it doesn't allow searching long music lists, etc while driving
- As long as the firmware can be updated to include later Android versions, when you want to update your Android phone its a lot easier than updating an entire stereo when a newer version of Android on Android HUs become available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Yes, Pioneer or the other company I forget. I don't expect much support from Pioneer, but their products are supported by other companies, and there's a good critical mass of users to allow Google searches for issues. Firmware v1.03 seems good and may never be updated. Next years HUs will have new features (Wifi ?) which won't (or can't) be ported to this years HUs.
- Yes. HD and Sirius are pretty US specific.
- Yes. At least somewhat. Worlds better than watching videos at least.
- Note that custom ROM project for some Pioneer HUs is just started. No guarantees of course. In theory the stock HU firmware can forever stay at v1.03 and new versions of AA on the phone will breathe new life into it, as/if Google updates features. I think Google will have to support "old" 2016 HUs for a "good number" of years, or people driving 2016 cars with 2016 HU firmware will be hopping mad before their leases or loans are finished.
kjdBonez said:
Android Auto Cons:
- Not all phones are supported from what I understand
- Some popular apps are not supported (i.e. Pandora
- Requires phone to be connected via USB. I'm not sure if this is necessarily a con however, because I'm assuming if you are using your phone as a hotspot you may need to have it plugged in regardless.
- While I'm not sure about this (correct me if I'm wrong), but I assume since you're mirroring your phone apps to a non-android device there is another layer of technology that can have bugs in and of itself
- Requires additional apps on your phone eating up space and resources
- relatively expensive
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Stock Android 5.0+ devices that pass Google's Compatibility Test Suites should generally work, but there have been some "beta" type issues on some popular Samsung devices at least.
- MANY popular apps are not supported by AA. Or rather some app categories aren't supported by AA and many popular audio and messaging app developers have not added specific support for AA. Some developers have felt "burned" by making special Wearable or TV apps and finding there's little demand for those features. Also, advertising is not allowed in AA compatible apps and most Android users do not pay for apps.
- Yes, there is a layer there much bigger than mere mirroring of video and touch. It's Google's framework and APIs specifically tuned and restricted for automotive infotainment functions. HU may or may not run Android, but it's easier and faster to run it on Android: example: Keycodes match and video decoder and encoder are symmetric. Pioneer runs Android underneath and that helped them put out AA HUs faster than the other guys.
- Android Auto APK is about 30 megabytes. Apps that support AA are the same size whether you use AA or not.
- $500 something for Pioneer 4100NEX.
kjdBonez said:
Android Head Unit Pros:
- No need for specific phone support
- Any app you can download on the app store you can use in your dash. Not that I'm going to be watching netflix driving down the road, but maybe my passenger wants to look up a good mexican restaurant on Yelp while we're driving.
- You can use a wifi hotspot other than your phone to provide the wireless signal if you want
- You can root these if they are not already rooted and run custom rom
- You can run Torque
- relatively cheap for what you get
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Yes, runs standalone.
- Yes, any app runs, but landscape mode for apps is important. And there are "Car Mode" like apps such as Automate that try to provide something similar to AA.
- I guess.
- Root, sure.
- Torque, of course.
- $300 or so ? Some made for specific cars can be much more.
kjdBonez said:
Android Head Unit Cons:
- It seems like most of these are Chinese brands with little product support from the [unkknown] manufacture
- many complaints about internal mics and whatnot (although thanks to sites like this there are some workarounds for that)
- I'm guessing the quality of the stereo itself is probably not as good as when you purchase US brand name deck.
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Click to collapse
- Yes, no support. More tolerable if source code is available.
- Many "gotchas" I guess. Pioneer comes with external mic and it works well for me.
- Yes, I expect average lifespan of CHUs to be lower than "Western World" major brandname HUs. Who knows though, and maybe we'll want to upgrade our HUs every few years anyway, regardless of quality.
kjdBonez said:
I want to know why you all would choose a stereo with Android Auto vs an Android Head Unit. Thanks in advance for discussing this.
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Android Head Unit would be a wonderful option IMO if an "automotive grade quality" HU was available for a decent price. Make it last at least 2-3 years, running new Android versions within 6 months of Nexus devices, be able to run common tasks quickly, and price it from $500-$1000. AFAICT no such device exists, or has even been announced at any price (Parrot is old vaporware).
So if you need real Android in the car, your options are: mounted phone or tablet or CHU, with all their pros and cons. Or maybe the Appradio Unchained Reloaded app and a Pioneer HU.
If AA and "classic stereo" functionality are all you need, Pioneer AA HUs' start around $550 USD or so.
If you "got no money" you mount your existing phone or tablet. If you want AA you can run my Headunit app, or you can get something similar with apps like Automate.
For what its worth I got the Pioneer AVH 4100NEX and I love it. I have a Subaru Outback with automatic dual HVAC controls so that was a pain in the ass because I had to purchase an aftermarket fascia from Japan (the only place I could find one) which essentially disconnects the HVAC controls which are integrated into the stock HU and makes it a separate part. Then i had to get harnesses from somewhere else which are only available from one seller again haha..
But it looks good and the Android Auto seems to be pretty awesome from what I can tell. The main things I wanted was google maps and google music. I'll probably use Pandora and/or spotify as well but with this HU I also installed SiriusXM and since it has an HDMI input I can basically use a Chromecast for all of the other applications that a Chinese Android head unit would give me.
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Gửi từ IM-A760S của tôi bằng cách sử dụng Tapatalk
I vote for Android Auto due to the fact it is set up to make thing safer and to distract the driver less.
Voice activation works great.
It's still in it's infancy stage, so I assume it'll get much better as time goes on - and more apps are created to accommodate it.
It's simplistic, and does exactly what it is supposed to do.
I don't buy the 'android auto is safer' argument - does self control not exist anymore? You can configure an android head unit to just have 5 icons & hide the status bar if you want.
For me, Android auto is far too limiting. On my Android head unit I can customise everything exactly to my taste & what I want to see.
I agree in wishing that there was a 'premium grade' option of android HU & not just Chinese no name built to the lowest cost options & would gladly pay a bit more for quality DACs, regular software updates etc, but the latest models really aren't that bad.
Kenwood exelon ddx9902s and i LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!! Had a top of the line Kenwood before that and it actually increased sound quality by far. I did the replacement to get AA (and ditch the IPOD) and did not even think i would end up with better sound. Starting to think maybe that the lack of a Apple product in the car has led to the quality increase. Before all the Apple heads jump on me just remember you or anyone else has no idea what apple did to the music sent to another device besides tell you it was DIGITAL and GREAT and the BEST THERE IS
kjdBonez said:
First of all you can probably mount your Nexus tablet in landscape - as long as the screen is perpendicular to your shades than the polarized lens' wont matter.
But please expand on "all the other issues." Since you talk about putting a good preamp and amps in your car I assume that the sound quality is a big factor for you. Are the Android HUs that bad? What if you wire one line-out to an amp? Are the signals so much worse than a factory or name-brand aftermarket stereo that if you had a high quality amplifier it would still be very poor? I'm being serious here because I've never used one of these chinese HUs... I just saw some video reviews on YouTube of a couple of them and they looked pretty awesome. What AA stereo do you currently have, and how do you like it? Thanks
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BPryde said:
Before all the Apple heads jump on me just remember you or anyone else has no idea what apple did to the music sent to another device besides tell you it was DIGITAL and GREAT and the BEST THERE IS
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Click to collapse
I've never seen a single Apple bigot on this site, in 5 years. Maybe a few Android bigots here and there, but mostly just "fans".
The "worst" we have are reasonable people who understand that different mobile OS's have different pros and cons.
Excellent. I am used to getting jumped all over for ditching apple so was just being proactive
BPryde said:
Kenwood exelon ddx9902s and i LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!! Had a top of the line Kenwood before that and it actually increased sound quality by far. I did the replacement to get AA (and ditch the IPOD) and did not even think i would end up with better sound. Starting to think maybe that the lack of a Apple product in the car has led to the quality increase. Before all the Apple heads jump on me just remember you or anyone else has no idea what apple did to the music sent to another device besides tell you it was DIGITAL and GREAT and the BEST THERE IS
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Click to collapse
"Starting to think maybe that the lack of a Apple product in the car has led to the quality increase" so what is Apple Car Play ?
I would buy an Android Auto Head Unit as it just works I spend all day at work fixing IT problems the last thing I want to do is have them at home or in my car to deal with.
I think Apples implementation of Car Play looks great however I don't and never will buy an over priced Iphone funny thing is though the Andriod Auto Head Units are over priced so IPhone now looks great value! :laugh:
slinkydonkey said:
"Starting to think maybe that the lack of a Apple product in the car has led to the quality increase" so what is Apple Car Play ?
I would buy an Android Auto Head Unit as it just works I spend all day at work fixing IT problems the last thing I want to do is have them at home or in my car to deal with.
I think Apples implementation of Car Play looks great however I don't and never will buy an over priced Iphone funny thing is though the Andriod Auto Head Units are over priced so IPhone now looks great value! :laugh:
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Click to collapse
Apple car play is about the same as android auto but different. Auto gives you an interface on your head unit screen but gets its data and stuff it needs from the phone. Car play dumps a bunch of icons on your head unit and makes your car look like an apple product. Auto is very slimmed down to the things you can do but it is for safety! You should be driving. This will piss you off at first thought but after learning the voice commands (it's really good) you will not only understand but you will be a better driver I can set reminders and Google calendar events while diving down the road. I can also send google hangouts messages (and reply) by voice as well. Having google maps in the dash is awesome as well. People will say that "sirri" does all that but I would rather have google looking up answers to my questions. Google is the data company.
---------- Post added at 11:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:05 AM ----------
asdrewq said:
I don't buy the 'android auto is safer' argument - does self control not exist anymore? You can configure an android head unit to just have 5 icons & hide the status bar if you want.
For me, Android auto is far too limiting. On my Android head unit I can customise everything exactly to my taste & what I want to see.
I agree in wishing that there was a 'premium grade' option of android HU & not just Chinese no name built to the lowest cost options & would gladly pay a bit more for quality DACs, regular software updates etc, but the latest models really aren't that bad.
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Probably the same words spoken by the guy that ran over a 2 year old while he was reaching for an icon to press!
---------- Post added at 11:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:07 AM ----------
mikereidis said:
I've never seen a single Apple bigot on this site, in 5 years. Maybe a few Android bigots here and there, but mostly just "fans".
The "worst" we have are reasonable people who understand that different mobile OS's have different pros and cons.
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Click to collapse
Missed this message.. Excellent that is good to hear
We all use Android because it allows us to do what we want, when we want. It's for that reason I am for the Head Units rather than Android Auto.
I'm all for safety, but I feel the driver should bear that responsibility. Everyone already has a phone in their pocket that they can infinitely distract themselves with, it's no different than an Android Head Unit. You are behind the wheel of your car, you know what's right and wrong.
I've racked up over 15,000 miles of commuter stop and go (3 hours a day) with my head unit and I've been nothing short of a safe driver. I don't drive around town downloading apps and configuring them on the fly. It's not hard to set up your unit the way you like while your car is stationary at home.
slinkydonkey said:
I think Apples implementation of Car Play looks great however I don't and never will buy an over priced Iphone funny thing is though the Andriod Auto Head Units are over priced so IPhone now looks great value! :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pioneer 4100NEX is as cheap as $500 US on EBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-PIONEER...032177?hash=item1c5c43cf71:g:qxUAAOSwAYtWOqyj
Supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Appradio Unchained Reloaded, and works stand-alone too.
"Pioneer 4100NEX is as cheap as $500 US on EBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-PIONEER-...UAAOSwAYtWOqyj"
I'm in UK but serious even $500 isn't cheap there is no way I would want to put a £500 car stereo in my car so someone can just break in and steal it.
I've see this Car Play one for http://www.carsoundsandsecurity.co.uk/store/sph-da120/ for £274.95
Most people on this thread seem to like Android Head Units which one is the most reliable one at the moment?

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