Adding DAB to original car radio by Andorid Auto - Android Auto General

Hi all,
First: I used the search function, but I couldn't find a solution. So if there is one, just post the link to the topic.
And now my problem/idea: I have car that comes with a radio which supports Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Unfrotunately, it doesn't support DAB+. I was looking now for a solution to add DAB+ without any additional (visible) screen or remote control. There are some but they mostly are not really working properly.
So I had the idea to add DAB+ by Android Auto. Is there some hardware to do that (if possible without pressing 10 buttons every time I turn on the car/radio)?
Theoretical it should be:
- a USB-dongle (also powered by this)
- on which a Android system is running
- which starts DAB automaticaly
- has the hardware to receive DAB+ signals
- just have to be plugged into the USB-Port of the car
Is there something like that? If not, is it possible of did I forget something which prohibits this idea? How could this be built and what would be needed?
Thanks for your ideas/links/whatever...
PlatinCH

PlatinCH said:
Hi all,
First: I used the search function, but I couldn't find a solution. So if there is one, just post the link to the topic.
And now my problem/idea: I have car that comes with a radio which supports Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Unfrotunately, it doesn't support DAB+. I was looking now for a solution to add DAB+ without any additional (visible) screen or remote control. There are some but they mostly are not really working properly.
So I had the idea to add DAB+ by Android Auto. Is there some hardware to do that (if possible without pressing 10 buttons every time I turn on the car/radio)?
Theoretical it should be:
- a USB-dongle (also powered by this)
- on which a Android system is running
- which starts DAB automaticaly
- has the hardware to receive DAB+ signals
- just have to be plugged into the USB-Port of the car
Is there something like that? If not, is it possible of did I forget something which prohibits this idea? How could this be built and what would be needed?
Thanks for your ideas/links/whatever...
PlatinCH
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A late but working solution...
USB-Stick (working fine with Android)
Thread for working software for this device. --> latest greatest one

Hi Rigattoni,
Thank you for your reply.
If I understand it correct, the stick is only the DAB-receiver and not the "head unit" on which the android system is running? Or can I make Android running directly on this stick?

Related

Issues & Questions from an Android user

Hey guys
So I recently got the Nokia Lumia 1020 after being an android user since day one. Rooted and everything
I have couple of issues and questions that have arise since then.
1. How can I change the search button to bring up google instead of bing? I have read that you have to change your language to Russia but I would not want to do that
2. With my Note 3, HTC one and other previous android devices, I was able to use maps with speech and use the FM radio on my deck together. Android would just mute the FM radio and give me the next direction.
With WP8, it seems like I have to select bluetooth source in order for speech to work, however I can no longer listen to the radio at the same time. Is there a fix/workaround for this?
3. NFC tags.. I recently bought a bunch.. however I noticed that you can't have the nfc tags to change the settings but just launch the settings app? So I would need 3 NFC tags to turn off BT, turn off wifi and enable gps? Seems..... any fix?
Thanks
- Sashi
1: Basically not possible until we "root" the 1020. Maybe if a bootloader exploit is found. Otherwise, only devices sold in markets where Bing doesn't have much presence - such as Russia, I guess - support that option. You can install apps for other search engines, but the button is sort of "hard-coded" to the Bing app.
2: WP7 used the Headset mode of Bluetooth (Hands-Free Profile) for driving directions, but that was built into the OS. Apparently Here Drive can't or won't do that (I consider this a regression, since my car doesn't support the audio profile) so the car needs to be using BT audio (A2DP, I think) to give directions. However, as a work-around, you can of course play media *from the phone* and it should work fine (it will be muted while directions are spoken). Whether you use internally stored MP3s, streaming music from the built-in Xbox Music (formerly Zune Pass), one of many apps (such as Pandora), or the phone's built-in FM receiver (requires that headphone wires be connected, since that's what it uses as an antenna, but otherwise possible), you can have your music and directions both.
3: Yeah, for reasons of their own, Microsoft hasn't exposed any way for third-party developers to toggle various settings directly. With that said, though... There's basically no need to turn either BT or WiFi off; they draw extremely little power when not in use (and by default, WiFi turns off while the screen is off and there's no external power anyhow). As for GPS, unlike Android's incomprehensibly wasteful approach, on WP8 it is *always* inactive unless an app or OS feature is explicitly using it, so as long as you remember to close the navigation app when you're done with it, there's no need to manually turn off location services.
Hope that helps.
GoodDayToDie said:
1: Basically not possible until we "root" the 1020. Maybe if a bootloader exploit is found. Otherwise, only devices sold in markets where Bing doesn't have much presence - such as Russia, I guess - support that option. You can install apps for other search engines, but the button is sort of "hard-coded" to the Bing app.
2: WP7 used the Headset mode of Bluetooth (Hands-Free Profile) for driving directions, but that was built into the OS. Apparently Here Drive can't or won't do that (I consider this a regression, since my car doesn't support the audio profile) so the car needs to be using BT audio (A2DP, I think) to give directions. However, as a work-around, you can of course play media *from the phone* and it should work fine (it will be muted while directions are spoken). Whether you use internally stored MP3s, streaming music from the built-in Xbox Music (formerly Zune Pass), one of many apps (such as Pandora), or the phone's built-in FM receiver (requires that headphone wires be connected, since that's what it uses as an antenna, but otherwise possible), you can have your music and directions both.
3: Yeah, for reasons of their own, Microsoft hasn't exposed any way for third-party developers to toggle various settings directly. With that said, though... There's basically no need to turn either BT or WiFi off; they draw extremely little power when not in use (and by default, WiFi turns off while the screen is off and there's no external power anyhow). As for GPS, unlike Android's incomprehensibly wasteful approach, on WP8 it is *always* inactive unless an app or OS feature is explicitly using it, so as long as you remember to close the navigation app when you're done with it, there's no need to manually turn off location services.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for 1 & 3
However with #2, I would like to have my USB that is plugged into my car deck AND driving directions at the same time. With android this is possible... but not with WP8
What? I must be misunderstanding you, because there's no problem at all with having USB plugged in while getting directions. Or did you mean you're getting the music off the USB (you said radio before, which the phone is capable of doing by itself) and hence the USB is a different input that the BT?
My usual approach in my car is cigarette lighter -> USB adapter -> phone -> ripping cable (I'd use BT if my car would do it for music) -> car stereo AUX port, and that works fine for getting both music and directions. Swap out the aux port and the ripping cable for Bluetooth and it will still work fine (as I've found when I had to rent cars).
That's correct, my deck has a Bluetooth source as well as a USB source.
I have to select Bluetooth source in order to get voice directions to the car speakers but if I select USB source the voice navigation no longer works
Yeah, that's a pain. Is there some reason you can't play your music/audiobooks/podcasts/whatever through the phone, though? Yeah, it's annoying to need to change what works, but on the plus side, it's all your media on one fewer device than you're using now.
GoodDayToDie said:
Yeah, that's a pain. Is there some reason you can't play your music/audiobooks/podcasts/whatever through the phone, though? Yeah, it's annoying to need to change what works, but on the plus side, it's all your media on one fewer device than you're using now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to use USB because that way I can save the storage on my phone for pictures and stuff

Accessing SD card that is in the car from android auto

Hi all,
I'm thinking about buying a new car equipped with android auto. This car comes with an SD card slot where you can store music to use with the regular infotainment system. I was wondering if that SD card can also be accessed from android auto? I currently have a 16 GB Nexus 5X so it would be nice if I could use the SD card in the car, while driving.
I'm asking here because I'm sure the sales people don't even know what android auto is, so I don't really trust them.
Thanks.
My car stereo (Pioneer AVIC-F77DAB) has an SD card slot and I can't access it through android auto. I have to go into the stereos main screen to access music/video from SD card. Hope this helps
wallacerp said:
My car stereo (Pioneer AVIC-F77DAB) has an SD card slot and I can't access it through android auto. I have to go into the stereos main screen to access music/video from SD card. Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answer, I was kind of expecting this but I wanted to make sure. If anybody has a different experience please let me know.
wallacerp is correct.
AA has no way at present to play audio sourced from the headunit, whether CDs, SDCard or AM/FM/HD/Sat etc.
Maybe in some future release 1-3 years from now.
There are strings within the AA code indicating Google might be experimenting with this. But it's in Googles interest to have us using Google Play Music. (Though deals with auto OEMs to share car data with Google could shift that interest.)
Hi,
Peharps, in the future a new release of the AA protocol will include this., However, HU manufacturers can implement this AT TIME:
* Share the SD content using DLNA over the WiFi. Typically, you mobile and your HU can be connected by WiFi, additionally to AA USB connection. On this wireless network you can use any PLAYER App compatible with AA that can play from DLNA sources... in this case the HU.
I found this solution quite complex but viable... I do something similar in my VW.
manos78 said:
Hi,
Peharps, in the future a new release of the AA protocol will include this., However, HU manufacturers can implement this AT TIME:
* Share the SD content using DLNA over the WiFi. Typically, you mobile and your HU can be connected by WiFi, additionally to AA USB connection. On this wireless network you can use any PLAYER App compatible with AA that can play from DLNA sources... in this case the HU.
I found this solution quite complex but viable... I do something similar in my VW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, OK. But a bit complicated and potentially fragile I think.
I am not aware of any aftermarket AA HU that supports Wifi, never mind DLNA on top.
I presume your VW HU does, but I'm not sure about others.
My first thought was using flash USB connected to the phone, but I think it goes the wrong direction to use a hub to share the USB needed for AA. In theory AA over Wifi (or USB hub'd ethernet ?) could free up the USB, but it's not clear that Google will support AA over IP officially any time soon.
mikereidis said:
wallacerp is correct.
AA has no way at present to play audio sourced from the headunit, whether CDs, SDCard or AM/FM/HD/Sat etc.
Maybe in some future release 1-3 years from now.
There are strings within the AA code indicating Google might be experimenting with this. But it's in Googles interest to have us using Google Play Music. (Though deals with auto OEMs to share car data with Google could shift that interest.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it's kind of a no-brainer that people would want to listen to FM radio and use navigation at the same time. Same goes for an SD card or CD you might have in the car. As it is I'm leaning towards buying a cheaper car model and just using a mount for the phone when I need it. Especially since I have no guarantee that if Google does implement this in the future, it will work with my car.
This guy has a mode button on his device that allows him to switch between Android Auto and his normal infotainment system. That's at least an option, but I'm not sure if it works the same on the one that comes with VW cars.
https://youtu.be/Mw7BYxyC_3Q?t=13m31s
sorin7486 said:
This guy has a mode button on his device that allows him to switch between Android Auto and his normal infotainment system. That's at least an option, but I'm not sure if it works the same on the one that comes with VW cars.
https://youtu.be/Mw7BYxyC_3Q?t=13m31s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a standard Pioneer AA HU feature. I would have thought other HUs can do the same, but maybe some don't.
sorin7486 said:
Well, it's kind of a no-brainer that people would want to listen to FM radio and use navigation at the same time. Same goes for an SD card or CD you might have in the car. As it is I'm leaning towards buying a cheaper car model and just using a mount for the phone when I need it. Especially since I have no guarantee that if Google does implement this in the future, it will work with my car.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My negative reply was about not being able to control FM and other HU sourced audio from the Android Auto screen UI.
Pioneer HUs (at least) allow you to start FM (or whatever), then start AA and FM will continue playing. FM will pause or drop volume when using AA navigation, so that's a crude form of basic "integration".
But you have to leave the AA UI in order to deal with FM etc on the HU screen (buttons might work, I've never actually tried this.)
So there is no seamless integration that allows you to control FM etc on the HU screen while staying within the AA UI. And most of us find it a bit jarring to switch between UIs, so we try to stay within one UI, which effectively means the AA UI.
It may be a "no brainer" that we all want seamless integration, but that doesn't mean that Google will support it.
Google music services compete with FM radio. This is why Google has never supported FM on Nexus devices. Google also killed attempts to create standard FM radio APIs for Android (while pretending to support them).
Basically, Google wants us to use Google Play Music from within AA and purposely makes it difficult to access FM/HD/CD/etc... in a seamless manner.
Yah, I have a feeling that most HUs have AA as just another app of sorts instead of AA taking over completely. That was my impression because ever review only really shows the features of AA, not how you would use it day to day. And I get what you're saying about the radio but I think cars are a bit different: the people who listen to the radio on their phone have usually been a minority, while almost everyone uses it in the car. In any case, if AA doesn't take over completely I see no reason for them or the car companies to integrate other car functions into AA.
thanks for the reply

Headunit just to display android Auto

Hi to all,
I use Android Auto on my phone everyday. I have an old car and I would like to have a head unit that support Android auto so I only have to connect my phone, but besides the comercial ones from Pioneers and the such, the Android units like Xtron, Ownice,etc has the capability?
I have read a lot, but there is no definite answer.
Thanks in advance
ezmendriz said:
Hi to all,
I use Android Auto on my phone everyday. I have an old car and I would like to have a head unit that support Android auto so I only have to connect my phone, but besides the comercial ones from Pioneers and the such, the Android units like Xtron, Ownice,etc has the capability?
I have read a lot, but there is no definite answer.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can DIY with this https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...elease-openauto-source-androidautotm-t3748563
Yes I can, but I am not the only one using the car. I want to maintain the radio functionality and integration. That is why I prefer to replace the headunit for something better that supports androidauto when I use the car.
ezmendriz said:
Yes I can, but I am not the only one using the car. I want to maintain the radio functionality and integration. That is why I prefer to replace the headunit for something better that supports androidauto when I use the car.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The MTCD headunits can run the Headunit Reloaded app which enables Android Auto..
leonkernan said:
The MTCD headunits can run the Headunit Reloaded app which enables Android Auto..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you already have a pure android HU, what is the point of android auto? AA only makes sense on OEM or non-android-based HUs. It's very limited, unless you hack it to run AAmirror.
Hisma said:
if you already have a pure android HU, what is the point of android auto? AA only makes sense on OEM or non-android-based HUs. It's very limited, unless you hack it to run AAmirror.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is easier just to enter the car and connect a cable to obtain the integration over the same unit and configuration like calendar, contact and messages. AndroidAuto give me all that I need in a day to day.
Evidently, these units need internet in order to give must of its features, the options are to give internet to the unit somehow with the same phone with the hotspot or cable. Obviously the easier is to it have its own sim card, but that will means another line that will be underused.

Question The good old Android Auto Vivo Problem

Hey Guys,
i searched the Web for a possibility to get AA running on my X70 Pro+ with Origin OS Ocean....
Unfortunately there are only Posts and Threads about the X60 and other Vivo Phones and so on .
The issue seems to be the same.
Has anyone found a workaround to get AA running on Origin OS....?
I was hoping for Android 12 to get the Phone going, but no Idea what time we will get Android 12 and if Vivo sets permissions for AA then.
Cheers and greetings from Germany
Hi,
Right now, there is unfortunately no way to get Android Auto working. After Android 10 Android Auto only trigger car installation of it is a system application. Since there is not the case with Vivo and you couldn't mount AA as a system, you are out of options to make it work.
There is a slight, but really a slight option that it might work with the new Coolwalk version which will be available later this year.
Otherwise, the head unit direct version is also in preparation.
If you want the working AA now, the only realistic option is to buy an Android CarPlay dongle, or using a spare phone with older Android version as a buffer triggered from your phone hotspot (or with a separate sim card).
piskr said:
Hi,
Right now, there is unfortunately no way to get Android Auto working. After Android 10 Android Auto only trigger car installation of it is a system application. Since there is not the case with Vivo and you couldn't mount AA as a system, you are out of options to make it work.
There is a slight, but really a slight option that it might work with the new Coolwalk version which will be available later this year.
Otherwise, the head unit direct version is also in preparation.
If you want the working AA now, the only realistic option is to buy an Android CarPlay dongle, or using a spare phone with older Android version as a buffer triggered from your phone hotspot (or with a separate sim card).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for the detailed explanation
Im looking for an EZ solution too
But from my knowledge the only work around right now is root the phone and make AA an system app
which is not EZ for vivo since it does not allow to unlock bootloader
There is simply no chance to run AA with x70 pro+ now. The only viable solution are android dongles running on past Android versions and triggering car AA. Or even better - if you have or can buy cheap an Android 8, 9 or 10 phone with full gps and at least 4g ram (could be with broken screen or scratches), you can use it as an interface.
The only way to have android auto to work on your vehicle is to have the one with Funtouch OS (which I have), other than that, you will waste your time in trying to find a way to make it work..
piskr said:
Hi,
Right now, there is unfortunately no way to get Android Auto working. After Android 10 Android Auto only trigger car installation of it is a system application. Since there is not the case with Vivo and you couldn't mount AA as a system, you are out of options to make it work.
There is a slight, but really a slight option that it might work with the new Coolwalk version which will be available later this year.
Otherwise, the head unit direct version is also in preparation.
If you want the working AA now, the only realistic option is to buy an Android CarPlay dongle, or using a spare phone with older Android version as a buffer triggered from your phone hotspot (or with a separate sim card).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will a dongle fix the connection issue?
piskr said:
Hi,
Right now, there is unfortunately no way to get Android Auto working. After Android 10 Android Auto only trigger car installation of it is a system application. Since there is not the case with Vivo and you couldn't mount AA as a system, you are out of options to make it work.
There is a slight, but really a slight option that it might work with the new Coolwalk version which will be available later this year.
Otherwise, the head unit direct version is also in preparation.
If you want the working AA now, the only realistic option is to buy an Android CarPlay dongle, or using a spare phone with older Android version as a buffer triggered from your phone hotspot (or with a separate sim card).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My head unit is after market and supports wireless. I know that my x fold won't hook up. Are you saying if I get carplay dongle I can hook my vivo wifi to it and it will work?
Sonicsoul25 said:
My head unit is after market and supports wireless. I know that my x fold won't hook up. Are you saying if I get carplay dongle I can hook my vivo wifi to it and it will work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The head unit has to support Android Auto. Then you can choose from a variety of dongles. Even though they have more or less the same chip, they are different. Each producer tries to squeeze the most from the device, and they have a different approach.
Basically, you must avoid those, which don't clearly stated that some version of Android is installed. Without Android you gain nothing, it's only wireless connection - for IOS.
Most of them have Android 9 or 10, though in the last time 11 appears as well. That is really interesting, because with Android 11 you must have AA as a system app in order to trigger it on a head unit. It looks like producers now solve that issue.
And surprisingly, the core you get on the head unit, if everything goes ok, is not Android, it's IOS. In that core you have android apps including Google Play.
Since, as I said, every unit has a unique configuration, it's not possible to recommend any. The device that I bought is not in the market anymore, for example.
The very piece that you buy must play well with your car head unit and everything what is behind. And behind is a lot, managing systems for settings, audio and other customization.
You must be aware, when you connect AA dongle, it cuts every other setting related to its management out.
Therefore, the biggest issue might be that you'll lose calling via Bluetooth functionality. Because callings (and old style sms) goes different way than other features. My dongle does support calling but in limited way, without Assistant support and with custom made phone app, where the contact selection is rather difficult. And the next flaw is that it doesn't get along with my car audio system, therefore woofers are not engaged. The dongle doesn't have an equalizer, and I can't remedy it.
There is noticeable lag when starting apps and with commands, but otherwise there is no lag when running. Music, video and Gmaps function without glitches. Yes, you have YouTube, Netflix and any other video app you might be subscribed to. And video runs well with a decent resolution. You can load apps from store or as a sideload. And you can play local files, stored either in the dongle memory or on USB.
That's my experience, others may have different. You don't have necessary to buy a dongle, you can use an old phone with Android from 8 to 10 as a driver. Because, as you may already guess, your actual phone serves only as a hot spot (wireless and if you're lucky bluetooth too - tethering) to provide a signal for AA dongle.
If you want to buy a dedicated device, select one which has reviews from the users with as much as possible similar circumstances and priorities as you have.
piskr said:
The head unit has to support Android Auto. Then you can choose from a variety of dongles. Even though they have more or less the same chip, they are different. Each producer tries to squeeze the most from the device, and they have a different approach.
Basically, you must avoid those, which don't clearly stated that some version of Android is installed. Without Android you gain nothing, it's only wireless connection - for IOS.
Most of them have Android 9 or 10, though in the last time 11 appears as well. That is really interesting, because with Android 11 you must have AA as a system app in order to trigger it on a head unit. It looks like producers now solve that issue.
And surprisingly, the core you get on the head unit, if everything goes ok, is not Android, it's IOS. In that core you have android apps including Google Play.
Since, as I said, every unit has a unique configuration, it's not possible to recommend any. The device that I bought is not in the market anymore, for example.
The very piece that you buy must play well with your car head unit and everything what is behind. And behind is a lot, managing systems for settings, audio and other customization.
You must be aware, when you connect AA dongle, it cuts every other setting related to its management out.
Therefore, the biggest issue might be that you'll lose calling via Bluetooth functionality. Because callings (and old style sms) goes different way than other features. My dongle does support calling but in limited way, without Assistant support and with custom made phone app, where the contact selection is rather difficult. And the next flaw is that it doesn't get along with my car audio system, therefore woofers are not engaged. The dongle doesn't have an equalizer, and I can't remedy it.
There is noticeable lag when starting apps and with commands, but otherwise there is no lag when running. Music, video and Gmaps function without glitches. Yes, you have YouTube, Netflix and any other video app you might be subscribed to. And video runs well with a decent resolution. You can load apps from store or as a sideload. And you can play local files, stored either in the dongle memory or on USB.
That's my experience, others may have different. You don't have necessary to buy a dongle, you can use an old phone with Android from 8 to 10 as a driver. Because, as you may already guess, your actual phone serves only as a hot spot (wireless and if you're lucky bluetooth too - tethering) to provide a signal for AA dongle.
If you want to buy a dedicated device, select one which has reviews from the users with as much as possible similar circumstances and priorities as you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the wealth of information. I Think I will just use my spare phone to run it. Until another solution arises.

Android Auto thinks I'm driving when parked!

This one is really annoying me - with my new Dacia Jogger, I've found that Android Auto always thinks I'm driving, even when parked, with the engine off. The problem with this is some navigation apps completely disable the ability to search for a destination, so I can't progam in a route once I'm connected! Also Gameshack is disabled because AA thinks I'm driving too.
There any way to fix this or stop AA from disabling interactions?
Your headunit has a wire connected to the handbrake sensor in your car, and this way it knows if you're parked and can't restrict some activities. This information is passed from the headunit's firmware to Android Auto internally, and this way Android Auto can restrict or allow you to do some stuff like use the touchpad, use certain buttons, etc.
In order to save money (or due to a bad Android Auto implementation), some headunits don't send handbrake status information to Android Auto. This way you can use the onscreen voice button all the time (in the lower corner of Android Auto) even if the car is moving, but the downside is that some Android Features get broken, like Gamesnacks or alphabetic search in lists. They can do this for a number of reasons, like not having a dedicated voice button in the steering wheel or headunit, but it's not the ideal case.
I suggest you to find other people with the same car model and see if their cars behave in the same way. If so, then this is a headunit problem and the carmaker should release a fix. If this only happens in your car, I would check if there's a wiring issue in the handbrake or something similar is happening.
you might also want to check if there's some settings menu in your headunit with some option to check this.
You can also try to sync a new phone over bluetooth to your car headunit while parked. If it refuses because the car is moving (even if is not) then it could be a wiring issue.

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