Serious Debate Question: Run OpenAuto Pro on RasPi or LineageOS on RasPi as Car Head unit? - Android Auto General

So I am stuck in a dilemma. Ive switched roms so many times I still don't know which way to go.
I want to us Android Auto. But I want to natively run my Uber/Lyft driver apps on the main screen. I dont want to involve the use of a typical phone or tablet. I have 2 Raspberry Pi's. An 8gb and a 2gb. I have a Sim7600G-H cell/gps module. I have 2 mcp2515 can modules on the spi bus.
I have 10" screen and a 4" screen.
Ah, but it gets better. I also have a number of arduinos in the equation too. These will control lights and servos. All custom programmed in python to operate over i2c.
I think im sticking with the Open Auto Pro method as my main screen. But i'm not sure. I love the car launcher apps that are available on android so they would look cool as the main screen too. Not sold on Kodi as a launcher option.
So I open the floor to debate. Android as a main app and run linux as secondary? Or run Open Auto Pro (linux) as main and android (LineageOS or OmniRom) as secondary?

same question in my head because of another reason:
I have a carplay-dongle and bought Pi4 to use it. I can use it with LineageOS or openauto pro. I tried with an android-tablet but had some problems and decided to do it with raspberry.
Both of them has similar functions:
Integrated music player
Display OBD-II data
Plugin CarPlay Autobox for OpenAuto Pro
Navigation with Android Auto™ head unit emulation
Multi-langugage support
Benefits of LineageOS:
is free and you will get free updates all time.
Your android-apk will also updated all time.
Android developed and optimised for light hardware. A PI4 4GB will a really good hardware-base.
Openauto Pro:
It is developed as a car head unit. User interface, community, supports... All of them for same purpose. If you have a specific problem like wheel-controller or power on-off etc... It is easier than only-android. You can run not only apk's, also linux packages.
You get free-updates only one year. You have to buy Carplay-Plugin separately. Maybe this plugin will not works next year with IOS-16. I don't know, if I get a free update or not.
Other issue of it cpu-memory usage: Debian-OS is developed for a Desktop-PC and a Pi4-4GB is a thin hardware for this os.
My Wish-List:
DAB-Radio support
TSR (Traffic sign recognisition)
Lane Assistant
Both system does not have a built in solution for FM-Radio, TSR or Lane Assistent. But you can use Android-Apps on both systems.
I will try first with LineageOS and maybe some android-apps too. If it is not enought, I can buy Openauto and use bought apps on it too.

Related

[Q] raspberry pi with android

hi guys looking for android os thats runs on raspberry pi please..
None, that are usable
Why do you want to install Android on the Raspberry Pi ? There are a lot of applications that works well on the Raspberry Pi.
However in this section there are some interesting threads like this one : http://forum.xda-developers.com/hardware-hacking/raspberry-pi/rd-android-4-4-4-t2816952
It would be great if we can install Android on Raspberry Pi
efkawe said:
It would be great if we can install Android on Raspberry Pi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not in a near future... maybe never. Read the existing threads.
Well with ARM 7 they might be a chance for Android with RPI 2
davcri91 said:
Why do you want to install Android on the Raspberry Pi ? There are a lot of applications that works well on the Raspberry Pi.
However in this section there are some interesting threads like this one : http://forum.xda-developers.com/hardware-hacking/raspberry-pi/rd-android-4-4-4-t2816952
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally I'm more interested in the upcoming Android Auto. Android is nice because it can be easily adapted as a Car PC and there are already great navigation apps, and other apps which are all designed for the touch screen interface.
I could do linux with XBMC, which I may just do, but the Android system just seems more of a fit.
NickS VR4 said:
Personally I'm more interested in the upcoming Android Auto. Android is nice because it can be easily adapted as a Car PC and there are already great navigation apps, and other apps which are all designed for the touch screen interface.
I could do linux with XBMC, which I may just do, but the Android system just seems more of a fit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is exactly what I am looking to do for my car. It already have the Microsoft Sync system in it, but I think Android auto would work better for the most part. I am thinking about installing it in a way where I could have both systems and have the output from Android auto run through the speakers, and also adding a bluetooth OBD2 adapter to monitor the cars internal systems. Sync does a poor job at that. If everything is running smoothly it only says that, without going into any detail.
Get the new Pi 2 model B. Microsoft is going to be releasing a port of Windows 10 for it... Hopefully have some apps to take advantage of Microsoft Sync
5ft24 said:
Get the new Pi 2 model B. Microsoft is going to be releasing a port of Windows 10 for it... Hopefully have some apps to take advantage of Microsoft Sync
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already ordered mine. Hopefully the 2 systems will tie together but I heard Ford is going with Blackberry for its new Sync systems and dropping Microsoft. http://microsoft-news.com/ford-substitutes-microsoft-for-blackberry-for-the-new-sync/

Linux head unit

Hi, this is probably in the wrong section.
Does anyone manufacture a head unit running Linux, something for which I can just download a debian ARM iso and install from a usb stick/sd card? From what I can find it seems not to be the case. Why not? Why is android so prevalent?
I also have a question. I just bought an E46 with an eonon GA5150 which is MTCB-KLD-v2.30. I updated from 4.2.2 to 4.4.4 with Malaysk's ROM, but not the MCU, and now audio doesn't work at all. How should I begin to troubleshoot this issue?
Thanks, to a community I should have joined many years ago.
Answer to the first question is...um...well Android is running a Linux kernal...so...you can make the case it's running Linux (or a forky version at least).
As far as running Debian ARM on the typical SoC in these head units, I think it's very likely possible...if you are willing to write the drivers or chase them down (if they exist). And configure the system...it's not a super mountain to climb, but I doubt it's something that already exist. At least in binary format that you could put on an a USB key and install.
In fact, you would have to create a custom Debian build, most likely, and use a bootloader that is normally setup for Android (guessing on that one) to install it. There is no technical reason it should not work, just no one has bothered to do it. We already have Android, what does Debian Linux buy us?
Why run Android? Well, it's because that's where the focus of the development effort is for the kinds of apps you would most likely want to use in a car. My opinion is that's why these head units exist in the first place. The vast number of really good (and admittedly incredible number of poor) apps already exist...let's tap into them!
If you really want to run Linux in the car for some reason or another, there are other options out there...might look for "carputers" or "car PCs". I think a lot of folks who are determined to run Open Source car computers are now running Raspberry Pi (or similar) SBCs..seems to be a lot of that type of projects on Google, when you do a search.
On the second question...about your head unit's ROM issues, I defer to the experts on here.
fortune80211 said:
Hi, this is probably in the wrong section.
Does anyone manufacture a head unit running Linux, something for which I can just download a debian ARM iso and install from a usb stick/sd card? From what I can find it seems not to be the case. Why not? Why is android so prevalent?
I also have a question. I just bought an E46 with an eonon GA5150 which is MTCB-KLD-v2.30. I updated from 4.2.2 to 4.4.4 with Malaysk's ROM, but not the MCU, and now audio doesn't work at all. How should I begin to troubleshoot this issue?
Thanks, to a community I should have joined many years ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, @tbd2k2 is right - Android IS Linux, albeit one that uses a very old Linux kernel (google is trying to rectify this but its gonna take years).
There are versions of Ubuntu (Debian based) that run on RK3188 devices, so I m sure someone who is experienced enough could make an Ubuntu ROM for MTCB/C units, but it would involve making all the MTC apps work with it too.
Thank you
What exactly are the mtc apps? What are they needed for? (Do you have a link I can read?) What kind of drivers would I need to write and how would I find what they are if I were to attempt something like this myself?
The reason I ask is that it seems to me that it's very difficult to update software on these head units. It takes a very specialised piece of software and it's impossible to keep up to date.
If these head units were just generic arm PCs then people could install whatever they wanted. I agree that most people would want to install android, but even then the situation would be simpler. Aren't these head units just 12V DC in, audio and video out with additional drivers for GPS, WiFi etc?.
fortune80211 said:
Thank you
What exactly are the mtc apps? What are they needed for? (Do you have a link I can read?) What kind of drivers would I need to write and how would I find what they are if I were to attempt something like this myself?
The reason I ask is that it seems to me that it's very difficult to update software on these head units. It takes a very specialised piece of software and it's impossible to keep up to date.
If these head units were just generic arm PCs then people could install whatever they wanted. I agree that most people would want to install android, but even then the situation would be simpler. Aren't these head units just 12V DC in, audio and video out with additional drivers for GPS, WiFi etc?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the wiki in my signature, it will answer all your questions.
"Very difficult to update" ? - what makes you think that ? - its as easy as you like - put update on sd card go to settings/updates hit "update", or hold down power and reset, release reset, release power to get into recovery and install update by clicking on it, very easy.
Sorry, I didn't mean in that sense.
I mean that if you want to run something obscure, it's not possible. If you want to run an app that only runs on later versions of android, it's not possible. The actual installation is as easy as can be, but you are limited to a small selection of android ROMs.
I realise that it's the way it is for a reason and I'm very grateful to the community of developers here who have contributed so much. I'm just looking for something different and wouldn't mind a project for myself.
Thanks
EDIT: Also, recently Linux operating systems (Ubuntu), and even windows are moving toward touchscreens. There's a huge amount of present and future development effort we could tap into if our hardware was compatible.
I have been a Unix/Linux IT professional for more than 25 years, and it also happens that electronics is my hobby, and I have build many things in recent years powered by Linux using the great new small boards such as Rasbperry Pi's, Beaglebone, Orange, etc.. including weather stations, wall clocks/electronic displays, radio receivers, etc.
BUT, Even I would not use a generic Linux system in place of these purpose built android devices. Using android which has a wealth of high quality apps dedicated to mobile device use for GPS, Maps, media, etc is infinitely more practical.
fortune80211 said:
Sorry, I didn't mean in that sense.
I mean that if you want to run something obscure, it's not possible. If you want to run an app that only runs on later versions of android, it's not possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you talking about apps not showing up in the Playstore or not installing when sideloaded ?
fortune80211 said:
The actual installation is as easy as can be, but you are limited to a small selection of android ROMs.
I realise that it's the way it is for a reason and I'm very grateful to the community of developers here who have contributed so much. I'm just looking for something different and wouldn't mind a project for myself.
EDIT: Also, recently Linux operating systems (Ubuntu), and even windows are moving toward touchscreens. There's a huge amount of present and future development effort we could tap into if our hardware was compatible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nixfu said:
I have been a Unix/Linux IT professional for more than 25 years, and it also happens that electronics is my hobby, and I have build many things in recent years powered by Linux using the great new small boards such as Rasbperry Pi's, Beaglebone, Orange, etc.. including weather stations, wall clocks/electronic displays, radio receivers, etc.
BUT, Even I would not use a generic Linux system in place of these purpose built android devices. Using android which has a wealth of high quality apps dedicated to mobile device use for GPS, Maps, media, etc is infinitely more practical.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ve been using Ubuntu since 2009 and I ve been following the development of Ubuntu Touch for phones/tablets for a while as well - I d love it but until someone gets ART running on Ubuntu Touch so you can use Touch apps (which can also run on Ubuntu desktops) AND Android apps, I wont be using it (and I dont think many others will either) for precisely the reason that @nixfu says - I dont wanna loose access to all the apps available for android.
nixfu said:
I have been a Unix/Linux IT professional for more than 25 years, and it also happens that electronics is my hobby, and I have build many things in recent years powered by Linux using the great new small boards such as Rasbperry Pi's, Beaglebone, Orange, etc.. including weather stations, wall clocks/electronic displays, radio receivers, etc.
BUT, Even I would not use a generic Linux system in place of these purpose built android devices. Using android which has a wealth of high quality apps dedicated to mobile device use for GPS, Maps, media, etc is infinitely more practical.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at this one: https://www.stepstone.de/stellenang...d-Unit-f-m-Ulm-BMW-Group--4333376-inline.html
BMW is obviously trying to work on exactly that; trying to professionally use Linux for Car Entertainment
I've pulled apart the system image for the 2016 and 2017 Kenwood units and it's just a QT app on top of the Linux kernel.
Sony's XAV-AX100 is the same and i'm pretty sure the new Pioneers are the same now they've dumped Android.
Once you stop them booting into the GUI app and get a console, you've got a Linux system with good enough hardware to play with.
All three also have sites where you can get the code for things like the kernel that they have to make available.
leonkernan said:
I've pulled apart the system image for the 2016 and 2017 Kenwood units and it's just a QT app on top of the Linux kernel.
Sony's XAV-AX100 is the same and i'm pretty sure the new Pioneers are the same now they've dumped Android.
Once you stop them booting into the GUI app and get a console, you've got a Linux system with good enough hardware to play with.
All three also have sites where you can get the code for things like the kernel that they have to make available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds great, I guess you could even run Android apps on them as you can do that on a Linux desktop.
Google search i-carus (raspberry pi based)
Give that a go

AA Rom for motorbike user

Hi guys!
I m new here and i ve been searching for it mostly here and in web researches, but cannot find a clear answer.
Does anyone know a ROM suitable for a tablet (i have a xiaomi clover that i could use for it) that i could mount on my motorbike for gpx navigation, maybe weather and music also ( getting real time machine data via the ECU, as speed, revs, temperature etc would be awesome too! )
It ll be great if a tablet could actually (replace, or) complete the dashboard informations,
Does anyone has a clue about which way i should dig around ?
thanks you all
I have a nexus 5x always in car, for android auto. I have rooted the phone and Uninstall most of android. Including phone app, sms, etc. I have only keep the core of android and gaps so to run android auto and evey app i wanted. This is the way..
I guess you are not looking for a ROM but for some apps to be installed in your tablet or phone.
You can test some Car Launchers you can find in the Store.
To get real-time parameters you will need an ODB connected to your bike and for the software, with any ODB you buy there will be a basic app to obtain real-time data. Specifically for motorbikes you have MOTOSCAN.

Android Auto alternative

Hi,
I'm disappointed with AA. I think there is some space for an open source alternative to this system which is so closed.
Moreover the end of life of the standalone version makes me feel that Google doesn't care much about their customer experience.
I tried the Google Assistant driving mode and it's... a disaster for now.
I think it would be easy to create a great AA like launcher. But to make it succesfull there must be a community and an ecosystem around that. Apps are important even in automotive context.
Typically Waze is a key app that many drivers want.
At this time I'm wondering what is the best approach to start this kind of project. I see few show stoppers and I'm interested to get some thought from you about that.
1/ Head unit integration : long time ago I worked on the reverse engineering of the AA protocol. I discovered that the protocol is using SSL certificates. Head units holds a public key and mobile use a private key provided by Google Play Services. The problem is that these certificates have very short lifetime (about 6 months) and if I remember fine the root cerificate will expire in 2030 or something. I don't think that head unit s check the expiration date anyway (because many of them don't have system time). But for sure you need a Google private key in order to initiate communication with a head unit. The key could be captured decompiling code few years ago, don't know if it's still as simple as that.
If head unit really don't check the expiration date then it could be possible to replace the whole AA stack with an independent one.
But even if this work I'm not sure it's possible to disable the native AA protocol and take control of the USB port without rooting.
2/ Apps integration. There are 2 categories of Automotive apps : media apps and navigation apps. I think there are also a category for messaging apps.
Navigations apps are apps that provides an automotive friendly display. Waze does this for example.
Media apps are easy to integrate becaase they rely on the legacy mediabrowser APIs.
Integrating the navigation apps is tough. Because these apps are exposing a special AA service that only privileged apps can invoke (by default).
However apps dev can also allow a third party app to connect their dispkay service. This won't ever happen except if the car launcher become mainstream.
Good point is that would not require any change in implementations : it's just an access right problem.
I have seen a lot of car launchers in Play store. They all display the apps on native mode which is not what you want while driving.
Any comments to this ?
I would also like to see an alternative way...but unfortunately I did not find anything yet.
I'm also not happy with everything on Android Auto.
For example:
- I have apps (e.g. navigation) that are not compatible with Android Auto
- I can't accept Whatsapp calls on Android Auto
- The navgation of media apps is not the best way (if you want to change the playlists, there are way too many inputs necessary)
- I can't turn off Google Maps (GPS) to preserve battery and reduce heat on the phone
- I need internet (I live in a rural area...therefore sometimes I don't have internet and then in a lot of times, Android Auto just crashes...)
- I don't like Google's update policy (it's just good luck if a new version of Android Auto works stable). I want to have a working version and leave it on the phone.
From a user standpoint I definately would like to see an AA alternative. I don't need to watch videos or anything like that but there are a few necessary apps for me that AA doesn't allow.
SOFO888 said:
- I don't like Google's update policy (it's just good luck if a new version of Android Auto works stable). I want to have a working version and leave it on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can achieve that by disabling Android Auto automatic updates on Play Store app.
CaioTheBrain said:
You can achieve that by disabling Android Auto automatic updates on Play Store app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, unfortunately not. Every Google app has an expiration date, also Android Auto. This expiration date then forces you to update your app. Otherwise it will not start.
There are a few Android dongles that trick the car's headunit into thinking it is connected via Android Auto. However, most of the devices are CarPlay AI units that trick the headunit into thinking is is connected to a CarPlay device and then display the Android system through the headunit. But they are all buggy.
Perhaps something can be learned from how they do that. An app that mimics Android Auto but allows full user control would be great.
I am by no means an expert but I want to help do this! I liked using rooted devices for AA and having AA tweaker but I always felt like it was just the start of something not a finished product so I'm definitely down with this. What I feel like would be the simplest approach would be making an Android auto app that (it communicates with your phone and doesn't need data) runs on a cheap tablet that you put on your dash or wherever in the car and from there you have full control over the app and device. Just my thoughts
Did someone tried sreen2auto? Its mirroring your phone to your android auto. Search it on XDA forum.
drnightshadow said:
Did someone tried sreen2auto? Its mirroring your phone to your android auto. Search it on XDA forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to use Screen2Auto but it required too much upkeep every time Google made changes to Android Auto. The last time it broke I couldn't get it working again.

Touch screen on Mazda's

I have a 2016 Mazda CX-5. It has a touch screen if you use it in the default way (touch only when the car is stopped, otherwise the knob selector must be used). But immediately after you connect an Android Auto, it disables the touch screen even if the car is stopped. This isn't very pleasant because many functions are much faster with using a touch screen (entering an address for example). I'm talking about when a car doesn't move.
AFAIK, Mazda made this decision because Android Auto doesn't allow BOTH the touch screen and physical controls (knob selector) to work. They decide on physical controls and the touch screen is then disabled.
Do some of you guys have any idea if this (theoretically) can be overridden? Is this the reason why Coolwalk (beta) doesn't work on cars with knob selectors (Mazda, BMW, Audi ...)?
Is this limitation coded in Mazda's infotainment firmware?
I have the same car. The default Mazda entertainment software with original USB hub allowed touchscreen with hacked Android Auto tips from Mazda forums. But when I decided to use my iphone with the car which interface much more useful and beautiful, the tech guy upgrade the software on the car & replace the hub, then Android Auto disable the touchscreen. I try several times but the ugly interface and the dead touchscreen force me to prefer Apple Carplay. Even the latest beta AA cannot use touchscreen.
Tnx.
AFAIK, the touch screen is disabled only on Android Auto? Can you confirm that the touch screen works while using Apple CarPlay?
I've got a mazda 3 2018, I've installed AA with MZDAIO. As it was possible in the tweak to remove this restriction, i've done it, so the touch screen always work. But still, I never use it.
Honestly, learn to play with the knob. Except for the keyboard, I love controling AA with the center knob, bottons do exactly what they are supposed to, no missclick while driving, easy and fast to control. Bonus point, the screen stay clean loll
When I need the keyboard, I use my cellphone anyway.
I think with AAWireless there is an option to remove this restriction too.
Tnx.
You are right. MZDAIO is a firmware for infotainment and it can remove this restriction.
I have the official firmware (MDZAIO installation is more complex with the latest version of official firmware) and looking for a solution there.
Don't get me wrong - I also love the knob and Mazda really made a great job there. But when using Android Auto, many actions are slower and inconvenient.
I'm using Carsifi (AA Wireless competitor) and it can't remove this restriction. Can someone confirm that AA Wireless can remove it?
tuncan said:
Tnx.
You are right. MZDAIO is a firmware for infotainment and it can remove this restriction.
I have the official firmware (MDZAIO installation is more complex with the latest version of official firmware) and looking for a solution there.
Don't get me wrong - I also love the knob and Mazda really made a great job there. But when using Android Auto, many actions are slower and inconvenient.
I'm using Carsifi (AA Wireless competitor) and it can't remove this restriction. Can someone confirm that AA Wireless can remove it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can see the option in the print screen
Tnx, but I don't understand (I tried with a dictionary to translate at least some words).
In your opinion, which option can disable touch screen restriction?
I know that there are Android Auto limitations on how many touches/clicks are allowed. Maybe you have this on your mind?
tuncan said:
Tnx, but I don't understand (I tried with a dictionary to translate at least some words).
In your opinion, which option can disable touch screen restriction?
I know that there are Android Auto limitations on how many touches/clicks are allowed. Maybe you have this on your mind?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, i haven't think to change my device language ^^
Well, i remember before having aawireless, when i was looking for music in vlc, aa force to stop scrolling every...20 rows? And i do not have that anymore
tuncan said:
Tnx.
AFAIK, the touch screen is disabled only on Android Auto? Can you confirm that the touch screen works while using Apple CarPlay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's work with Apple Carplay and the Mazda entertainment system
Tnx for confirmation.
ShadowJP88 said:
View attachment 5784301
Sorry, i haven't think to change my device language ^^
Well, i remember before having aawireless, when i was looking for music in vlc, aa force to stop scrolling every...20 rows? And i do not have that anymore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tnx, now I understand what is on your phone's screen
The option "Remove tap restriction" (probably) removes Google's restriction for "too much clicking/touching on the screen". What I want is to enable a touch screen. It is disabled on Mazda's infotainment when Android Auto is connected.
hix same problem. native AA on Mazde can't touch. need use custom AA install by Mazda AIO but it' not stable.
but i upgrade fw to 74+, AIO Tweak not compatible. i think should be familiar with the knob
I too have a hard time using apps with that stupid knob. Some functions are slow using knob, that I can still tolerate. However, some function just must use touch. For eg, when using Waze, sometimes I need to scroll the map to see my route. There is no way to do this with knob other than to zoom in/out. I just want to move the map at the zoom level I am at.
AIO is also not an option. I need to buy special connector to get it working and it's quite complicated.
Why can't Mazda just allow touch!??!
i connected to mazda connect SSH. can edit android auto source code to active touch?
I am the same, the central control is very comfortable but there are some options of applications that would be easier to use the touch ... hopefully someone finds the solution

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