Develop Bugs

[Q] Car infotainment device

I would like to build an Android car infotainment device to replace all my gadgets inside the car. One option would be a micro PC with USB touchscreen and a lot of devices connected via USB. The other one would be an Android gadget, either small tablet or TV box.
The biggest question I have is: what Android devices support 5.1 audio? This is a must, though I actually can use only 4 channels. What audio formats are supported for this?
The other question would be TMC - the FM kind, not online.
Are there any embedded platforms out there (except PC and Android) which support multi-channel audio?
Has anyone done this before? I might be reinventing the wheel.

No updates? Either nobody knows about Android 5.1 sound output or they are working under NDAs.

Are you planning on keeping a headunit to control volume, do you want am/fm radio, etc....
without a headunit you will need an amp where you can use the headphone to rca adapter and usually its the amp that would add front and rear to the left/right output of your android device so you would still get the 4 chan output effect. to go for the 5.1 chan you will need another device that actually controls the 5 speakers plus the subwoofer which might be tricky but I'm sure its not impossible.
the setup I was going to go with was a amp that I can mount its power controls (left right front back and volume) (or amp/eq combo) to where I can reach it and build a mount for a 7in (possibly diff size not sure depends on how it will look) and use the heaphone to rca adapter to power the audio and put the usb inside the dash possibly with a little hub if they make it (that way not only is it getting power from it, if it allows, the addition of say a thumb drive with added music/movies. some tablets/phones have fm radios built in as long as something is plugged into the headphone jack (my new phone doesn't seem to have it but thats a feature I will be looking for in a tablet)
4chan amp
eq that would allow 2 chan in and 4 chan out plus sub out (if you have a separate sub amp)

I just want to know if there are any android devices that are able to stream 5.1, I can take it from there. Same question about TMC support.
Some details:
My car is already fitted from the factory with 4 channel preamp and 12 speakers including subwoofer low-pass. It has low-level input for those channels, worst case I would buy a preamp.
FM is pretty much given on most Android devices, probably excluding some tablets, but I won't actually miss it if it's not there.
TMC would be nice since all Androids usually have a GPS sensor and sometimes compass.
Anyway, it was mostly a request for suggestions or even a rant - I'm surprised that something like this doesn't exist yet. With the exception of dedicated units going >$$$-$$$$, an alternative set-up would be a medium-range blueray player coupled with an Android tablet. Music control could be set up with DLNA, bluetooth streaming or mixing player and android audio would be a bit harder but not impossible.

hey friends
this is a nice thought and you are absolutely great.
this is wonderful thread
........................

Great Idea

Hi,
Currently I'm also thinking about installing an android tablet in my car to have music, navigation, movie player, speed camera warning, etc. But the biggest problem is the sound. I want to connect tablet with car audio using jack-jack cable. Everything is fine till the AUX source is selected in car audio device, but when I switch it to Tuner or CD - the sound from tablet is cutted off, so e.g. navigation announcement are not heard.
Any suggestions for this issue?

audio rom
its a shame that there are many many roms but none fur special purposes like this.
we need a car rom

[email protected] said:
Hi,
Currently I'm also thinking about installing an android tablet in my car to have music, navigation, movie player, speed camera warning, etc. But the biggest problem is the sound. I want to connect tablet with car audio using jack-jack cable. Everything is fine till the AUX source is selected in car audio device, but when I switch it to Tuner or CD - the sound from tablet is cutted off, so e.g. navigation announcement are not heard.
Any suggestions for this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only solution can see is to run the audio from the tablet alone. I.e. use the tablet to provide both radio tuner AND navigation. You will end up using the car system purely as an amplifier.

Cris123 said:
Only solution can see is to run the audio from the tablet alone. I.e. use the tablet to provide both radio tuner AND navigation. You will end up using the car system purely as an amplifier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This would be what I would do in this situation. Or just unplug the audio cable from the tablet when using other radio options so the navigation will come through the tablet's speakers.

I want to do something similar but rather than purchase a new device I want to use my Note2. No head unit at all. The Note2 would likely be dedicated to this use and I'd get a different phone to use as, well, a phone.
For sound I was hoping I could use USB OTG to connect a USB sound card with 5.1 output but I'm not sure if this would work. I want to use the sound card instead of audio direct out of the headphone jack because that reduces my connected cables to just one (easier) and should provide at least 4 channel output which eliminates the need for another device to control volume, fader, and balance.
For radio I was going to use SDR for AM/FM (and more) via a cheap USB TV tuner.
http://sdrtouch.com/
Where I'm stuck now is that I'd like to be able to connect an iProduct (iPhone/iPod) like you can to most car radios and control/stream music from the iProduct, via the Android Note2 using USB OTG again. I cannot find how to do this but the Parrot Asteroid Smart runs Android and it seems to be able to do it so it must be possible.
http://www.parrot.com/usa/products/asteroid-range/parrot-asteroid-smart/
Any info anyone can provide regarding the sound card and iPod integration would be highly appreciated.

You can go wireless and use some AirPlay receiver for Android.
I don't know about wired solutions, the classic iPod connector has ~30 pins and some of them are used for audio and some of them are used for serial-like playlist control plus current track information.

brainwash123 said:
You can go wireless and use some AirPlay receiver for Android.
I don't know about wired solutions, the classic iPod connector has ~30 pins and some of them are used for audio and some of them are used for serial-like playlist control plus current track information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's just a USB to iPod cable that they use for everything else... Parrot Asteroid Smart that I linked to has it as do most modern stock head units.

Did a little more googling and it seems several companies sell android head units that support iPod.

Why don't you use a USB DAC? There are a few out there that are surround sound capable.
Out from the DAC into an eq preamp and out to your existing amplifier. The eq preamp has main volume controls as well as sub control with dedicated output.
Also there are head units out there that are just "receivers" capable of accepting a digital inputs and outputting 5.1 signal via RCA.
I installed a nexus 7 2013 in my VW, currently using Bluetooth to connect to a receiver where it the outputs to an rca input on my deck that was relocated to my glovebox. I am planning on replacing the Bluetooth adaptor with a USB DAC in order to achieve a higher quality sound.
I am currently doing a similar install in a 2010 charger, a deck will not be used however as I will be using the DAC method with an eq and output to the factory amp. I considered going the android TV box route as I have a MINIX box, but there is some work involved in getting the touchscreen to function properly as it is not set up for this out of the box.
You can purchase a double din deck from eBay (I stumbled across it a few days ago but didn't write the link down) it has a dual os system. It uses android for the car audio function and windows for the car PC function. Not sure how well it works but it got reasonable reviews.
Edit: ...and once again I answer without reading the whole thread...:silly:

Is it somehow easier to get all the various apps on the phone to output audio to a DAC than a USB sound card?

unL33T said:
Is it somehow easier to get all the various apps on the phone to output audio to a DAC than a USB sound card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe when the device detects a DAC (must use an otg cable BTW) it automatically re routes all audio out the USB. You can disable automatic USB audio routing in developer settings.

k.s.deviate said:
I believe when the device detects a DAC (must use an otg cable BTW) it automatically re routes all audio out the USB. You can disable automatic USB audio routing in developer settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds easier. Thanks for the tip.

Well I can't find any information regarding the iPod integration and I've found next to nothing for DVD video and audio CD playback and radio and backup camera functionality would also take some mucking about so it looks like I'd probably be better off buying something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-Android-4...621?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a31320af5
Which has it all sorted out already. So much for that fun idea. No idea what apps they use for all that stuff.

Which has it all sorted out already. So much for that fun idea. No idea what apps they use for all that stuff.[/QUOTE]
That unit looks slow at only dual-core. It will probably be sluggish when multi-tasking.
The main chip probably supports several I2S devices (aux in/adc, tuner/adc, DVD) and routing plus demuxing is done via linux hardware control.
The DVD player and tuner probably support the i2c or spi protocol to control seeking and other functions. This is again controllable via the linux devices.
Usually the consumer devices don't have these easily exposed and it's probably a non-trivial task to piggyback on existing hardware, assuming the needed connections are broken out on the board. As far as I can see the only Android devices with CD or DVD are the car players like above.
Another option would be to take the sound from the HDMI signal. A DVD player/tuner can be wired in parallel with an HDMI switcher. However controlling the tracks would not be easy, it would require emulating the remote with an IR transmitter.

Car Stereos with USB

Does anyone have a car stereo with a USB port? If so can you elaborate on what that is like to use? I am purchasing a new unit and that feature is one I do not truly understand. A few questions I have are listed below, but feel free to add anything else you think might be useful in making this decision.
1: Does the phone charge while connected to a USB port on a stereo?
2: Can you use the file system and player controls through your stereo or do you have to control the music and other audio through the phone itself?
3: Does the audio work from all sources with a USB connection(for example phone calls or turn by turn), or will it only play music player audio?
4: If you do have access to the file system from your stereo, will it display song titles and artist info etc? How cumbersome is it do control this way?

Landara said:
Does anyone have a car stereo with a USB port? If so can you elaborate on what that is like to use? I am purchasing a new unit and that feature is one I do not truly understand. A few questions I have are listed below, but feel free to add anything else you think might be useful in making this decision.
1: Does the phone charge while connected to a USB port on a stereo?
2: Can you use the file system and player controls through your stereo or do you have to control the music and other audio through the phone itself?
3: Does the audio work from all sources with a USB connection(for example phone calls or turn by turn), or will it only play music player audio?
4: If you do have access to the file system from your stereo, will it display song titles and artist info etc? How cumbersome is it do control this way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would be helpful to know what actual head unit you're getting. But I will try to answer most of the questions as best I can since I have a fairly new Pioneer HU.
1. Yes, but it only charges on "USB" mode, not "AC".
2. Yes and no. The Pioneer HU that I have does NOT support MTP mode (which is what Jelly Bean, and I believe ICS) uses. Basically MTP is the protocol for storage on the Galaxy Nexus. If you can find a ROM or Kernel or any way to change the mode to "Mass Storage", then you'll be able to browse the file system.
3. Only music (or whatever else is inside your MP3 file). When you connect to your HU through USB, your phone basically turns into a flash drive. From there you have to navigate to your "Music" folder and tell it what to play. The only way to do calls, navigation and music at the same time is to use Bluetooth or a 3.5mm cable with an inline mic.
4. It displays what is inside your ID3 tag inside the MP3 file. So basically, if you have all the info filled in, then yes, it will display it. As far as how cumbersome it is, it takes some getting used to, but not to bad (on Pioneer, I have no idea on any other brand).
Short answer: Unless your stereo support MTP or you can find a way to force "Mass Storage" (which I'm not familiar with a way how), your stereo will only charge your phone. It sucks, but that's the way it is.

Pioneer has the app radio which will control your phone and also allows you to use Pandora on the actual H/U. That said I have never used it nor do I plan on it as its a dual din and I am just happy using bluetooth.

I have a JVC unit that works great with my nexus running linaro aokp jelly bean. The unit is x50bt. It will not play through USB only charge. However it is Bluetooth enabled so it can play anything including you phone calls through your car stereo. I have it setup so that my phone auto connects and plays Pandora automatically. The head unit displays song title and artist and also allows u to thumb up or down using the remote conyrol. I also have playlists set up in power amp for my MP3s. The built in equalizer in power amp along with the equalizer in the head unit work well together. I have the USB cable in the rear USB port so it is hidden in my CRZ. The tiny Bluetooth adapter is in the front and does not look out of place.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

nastystang05 said:
I have a JVC unit that works great with my nexus running linaro aokp jelly bean. The unit is x50bt. It will not play through USB only charge. However it is Bluetooth enabled so it can play anything including you phone calls through your car stereo. I have it setup so that my phone auto connects and plays Pandora automatically. The head unit displays song title and artist and also allows u to thumb up or down using the remote conyrol. I also have playlists set up in power amp for my MP3s. The built in equalizer in power amp along with the equalizer in the head unit work well together. I have the USB cable in the rear USB port so it is hidden in my CRZ. The tiny Bluetooth adapter is in the front and does not look out of place.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Per your suggestion, I purchased the X50BT. I am not disappointed. As you said, it does not support MTP, however I have a tiny 32gb Flash Drive(about the size of the Bluetooth Dongle) inserted in the front and the audio quality is simply breathtaking. I have my phone set to auto-connect via Bluetooth, which it does seamlessly. It even connects for audio however the BT audio stream sounds terrible when compared to the USB audio from the flash drive. I don't know if that's a limitation of my phone, the technology or the unit but it hardly matters since I can fit all of my music on the USB drive anyway. I just have to use Bluetooth or the 3.5mm jack for Pandora. Thanks for the suggestion, I really love this head unit!

Landara said:
Per your suggestion, I purchased the X50BT. I am not disappointed. As you said, it does not support MTP, however I have a tiny 32gb Flash Drive(about the size of the Bluetooth Dongle) inserted in the front and the audio quality is simply breathtaking. I have my phone set to auto-connect via Bluetooth, which it does seamlessly. It even connects for audio however the BT audio stream sounds terrible when compared to the USB audio from the flash drive. I don't know if that's a limitation of my phone, the technology or the unit but it hardly matters since I can fit all of my music on the USB drive anyway. I just have to use Bluetooth or the 3.5mm jack for Pandora. Thanks for the suggestion, I really love this head unit!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're rooted, you have to tweak the Bluetooth sound profile using voodoo or DSP manager for example (which one your kernel allows).
You could add some "gain" amp or reduce the "Mids" and raise the "Bass"..
I have a different sound presets for the:
-Phone speaker (added some mids)
-Headphones (optimized for my Sony headset)
-Blueooth (lots of bass and "Rock" setting, sound is pretty good)

Possible Helpful Info on UMS & MTP
Landara said:
Does anyone have a car stereo with a USB port? If so can you elaborate on what that is like to use? I am purchasing a new unit and that feature is one I do not truly understand. A few questions I have are listed below, but feel free to add anything else you think might be useful in making this decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread might have some helpful info. (especially if the OP dev actually wrote the code for it).
(just tryin to help

danielsaenz said:
2. Yes and no. The Pioneer HU that I have does NOT support MTP mode (which is what Jelly Bean, and I believe ICS) uses. Basically MTP is the protocol for storage on the Galaxy Nexus. If you can find a ROM or Kernel or any way to change the mode to "Mass Storage", then you'll be able to browse the file system.
Short answer: Unless your stereo support MTP or you can find a way to force "Mass Storage" (which I'm not familiar with a way how), your stereo will only charge your phone. It sucks, but that's the way it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just wanted to point out that even if you found a way to force USB Mass Storage, it is unlikely that your radio would be able to read the filesystem. Most radios will only read FAT file systems, while the Nexus uses EXT3 (I think, could be 4). So Bluetooth/AUX are really your only options.

Gnex to HU
Landara said:
Does anyone have a car stereo with a USB port? If so can you elaborate on what that is like to use? I am purchasing a new unit and that feature is one I do not truly understand. A few questions I have are listed below, but feel free to add anything else you think might be useful in making this decision.
1: Does the phone charge while connected to a USB port on a stereo?
2: Can you use the file system and player controls through your stereo or do you have to control the music and other audio through the phone itself?
3: Does the audio work from all sources with a USB connection(for example phone calls or turn by turn), or will it only play music player audio?
4: If you do have access to the file system from your stereo, will it display song titles and artist info etc? How cumbersome is it do control this way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just installed an Alpine HU, It is also does not support MTP. I really like using the Bluetooth but have found that I have to reboot my Gnex and or restart my car to get the Bluetooth to sync correctly. USB does charge but it is slow. One thing to look for is Bluetooth Parrot.

gkaurin said:
I just installed an Alpine HU, It is also does not support MTP. I really like using the Bluetooth but have found that I have to reboot my Gnex and or restart my car to get the Bluetooth to sync correctly. USB does charge but it is slow. One thing to look for is Bluetooth Parrot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have found if you just toggle the Bluetooth on and off on your phone it should sync.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

I am finding that it is more of how my HU looks at my blue tooth. Thus restart car. I am wondering if it has something to do with Android BT. My gnex has worked this way with multiple roms and BT enabled HU.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I bought a cheap stereo from Wal-Mart a Dual stereo with Bluetooth, takes a SD card, front and back inputs and satellite compatible. It has the USB plug that charges but like the others, doesn't read the memory on the phone. I stream through Bluetooth all of the time with Spotify. My son's Galaxy SIII can connect too if I turn mine off without changing anything. It was a great investment. It is a convertible and the microphone works great at 70mph with the top down. For $118 I am very happy.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I don't believe the Galaxy Nexus will work with the USB of many head units since the Nexus uses MTP instead of UMS.
Hopefully someone can come up with a UMS for the Nexus.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

infazzdar said:
I don't believe the Galaxy Nexus will work with the USB of many head units since the Nexus uses MTP instead of UMS.
Hopefully someone can come up with a UMS for the Nexus.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the better way would for HU to be able to connect like they do to Apple products and have MTP support.

HU
I know that JVC / Ken-wood have apps for android. Looked more like a HU controller rather then playing from android. Never tested.

I think I figured why my USB isn't connecting from the AVH 4000 NEX to my galaxy note 3 SM-N900. It's possibly due to the MTP mode. I believe if the was a mass storage mode that will work, kinda like a USB stick. I don't think the firmware in my HU is properly picking up MTP, all it does is charge the phone. You need a kennel that has UMS enable for mass storage however the international note 3 SM-N900 currently does not have such kernels. There is only 3.... To my surprise. Maybe the last time I ever go with international models again. If anyone finds away around this let me know thanks.

My car does not have USB or card reader, but aux line!.
So I decided to go cheap and buy a Vieta FM Car Transmitter and BT Handsfree unit, and I does a decent job.
Perhaps in a future I'll go for a Parrot...

[Q] Car Stereo Unrecognized By S4 When Connecting Via USB

O-for-two...<grumble-grumble> :crying:
Upgraded my factory cassette car stereo to a new one with usb port (no bluetooth), thinking I could both stream the phone's audio and charge the battery via usb.
Well, the battery's levels actually decrease when plugged in, and more to the point, the phone isn't recognized in usb mode in the stereo and quickly goes to radio mode and the phone displays the following message (please see attached screenshot)...
...my phone is stock, not rooted. Stereo is not bluetooth-enabled, and I would prefer to stream via usb than the aux port.
-> Can anyone advise any tweaks or apps that would enable the phone's streaming audio to be played via the stereo's USB mode?
Thanks in advance!

What kind of car? I used to have problems in my Saab.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

mrbmg said:
What kind of car? I used to have problems in my Saab.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply.
It's a 4Runner.
Hoping to focus here on how to get the devices to recognize one another...

That's weird. Maybe a driver issue with the stereo? Does it have a hard drive? Never used stereo with usb port. I think my wife's suv has one.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 09:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:39 PM ----------
What stereo is it?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

mrbmg said:
That's weird. Maybe a driver issue with the stereo? Does it have a hard drive? Never used stereo with usb port. I think my wife's suv has one.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stereo is very basic, no hd.
Anyone know of any tweaks/downloads I can make to the phone in order to get the audio properly streamed via usb?

4umexdeeay said:
The stereo is very basic, no hd.
Anyone know of any tweaks/downloads I can make to the phone in order to get the audio properly streamed via usb?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a similiar radio. No bluetooth but a usb on the front and an audio input on the front. As I understand it the stereo itself can't access the phone this way. It doesn't have drivers to recognize the Samsung phone. Think about it. you plug your phone into your computer by usb but you have to download and install drivers for the two to work together. Mine from the looks of it has Iphone drivers built in but nothing for android. You can probably plug a thumb drive in loaded with music and it'll play. What I do is use a stereo cable from headphone output on the phone to the audio in on the stereo. If I need to charge it I have the standard car charger for that.

4umexdeeay said:
Upgraded my factory cassette car stereo to a new one with usb port (no bluetooth), thinking I could both stream the phone's audio and charge the battery via usb.
Well, the battery's levels actually decrease when plugged in, and more to the point, the phone isn't recognized in usb mode in the stereo and quickly goes to radio mode and the phone displays the following message (please see attached screenshot)... [/B]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Youre doing it wrong
The reason the battery is decreasing is the amount of current drawn from the device. Either the radio is not strong enough to supply the right current or the phone is recognizing it as a computer and limiting the draw to 500ma. My rough estimates show that the phone uses closer to 750ma while in use just to run. You can verify how much power it is drawing with this simple application https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.abmantis.galaxychargingcurrent.free
You could try to install a kernel that allows you to override the amount of power drawn from the port. I was the first to request the feature and Ktoonsez was nice enough to implement it into his kernel. Now you can set the AC and Computer USB draw to any amount you like.
Secondly, why did you think you could play audio through USB in the first place? I guess it would be possible if the radio supports MTP but then the phone would be acting more like a USB stick and you would have to choose the files manually on the radio itself.
If you really don't want to use an Aux cable then I suggest buying a bluetooth dongle and connecting it to the rear AUX inputs on the radio. They are relatively cheap and you can install it inside the dash never to be seen again.

braschlosan said:
Youre doing it wrong
The reason the battery is decreasing is the amount of current drawn from the device. Either the radio is not strong enough to supply the right current or the phone is recognizing it as a computer and limiting the draw to 500ma. My rough estimates show that the phone uses closer to 750ma while in use just to run. You can verify how much power it is drawing with this simple application https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.abmantis.galaxychargingcurrent.free
You could try to install a kernel that allows you to override the amount of power drawn from the port. I was the first to request the feature and Ktoonsez was nice enough to implement it into his kernel. Now you can set the AC and Computer USB draw to any amount you like.
Secondly, why did you think you could play audio through USB in the first place? I guess it would be possible if the radio supports MTP but then the phone would be acting more like a USB stick and you would have to choose the files manually on the radio itself.
If you really don't want to use an Aux cable then I suggest buying a bluetooth dongle and connecting it to the rear AUX inputs on the radio. They are relatively cheap and you can install it inside the dash never to be seen again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is all really helpful info, thanks
Yeah, not sure why I thought I could stream via usb either, must've been mixing up the functions of that and the aux cable.
-> So I'm familiar with a bluetooth dongle that connects via usb (...think that would work properly in a car stereo too?) - but you're recommending a dongle that connects internally? Know where I'd find that for sale?

1st, my assumption is you're rooted...?
If no=Boohoo... Root or buy stereo with Bluetooth.
If yes= install this app... https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mohammadag.samsungusbmassstorageenabler
Open it, grant it root privileges, click the "mass usb" (I think its called), and profit!
*Music must be on external card.
<-- my thank you is over there

Do you have an auxillary input option on the stereo? 3.5mm jack...
The advantage is that it's guarenteed to work.
The disadvantage is that you can't control the song selection from the stereo. You have to do it from the phone.
Also, could it be there you store the music? If it's on an external SD card I can see where that would fail. Maybe if it was on the internal memory? Remember the car stereo probably isn't real bright. If it doesn't find what it's looking for where it expects to find it, it won't keep looking.
You might have to have it stored in a specificly named directory on the phone too.

4umexdeeay said:
So I'm familiar with a bluetooth dongle that connects via usb (...think that would work properly in a car stereo too?) - but you're recommending a dongle that connects internally? Know where I'd find that for sale?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Internally" meaning it goes inside the dash, behind the radio. Its just a bluetooth receiver with an audio output (either a headphone jack or RCA cables)
If you want listen to music over "USB" you can get certain touch screen radios that will mirror your phones display

4umexdeeay said:
O-for-two...<grumble-grumble> :crying:
Upgraded my factory cassette car stereo to a new one with usb port (no bluetooth), thinking I could both stream the phone's audio and charge the battery via usb.
Well, the battery's levels actually decrease when plugged in, and more to the point, the phone isn't recognized in usb mode in the stereo and quickly goes to radio mode and the phone displays the following message (please see attached screenshot)...
...my phone is stock, not rooted. Stereo is not bluetooth-enabled, and I would prefer to stream via usb than the aux port.
On the bench after testing all the functions and ready to install....
[/URL[/IMG]
-> Can anyone advise any tweaks or apps that would enable the phone's streaming audio to be played via the stereo's USB mode?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a mod that allows your phone to emulate a usb storage device that would allow you to play music stored on the phone through the stereo you installed, however there would be no controlling any of the sounds, etc via the phone. All the controlling has to come from the stereo itself. Volume, tone, selection, etc. You also need to check the format that the stereo "expects" to see in order for it to be able to function.... Such as Folder size, (files within the folder - how many) How deep the folders are allowed to be set as like in subfolders, etc. What the storage media format is able to be accessed, etc. It gets a little technical and the results are a bit disappointing in the end...
The best I can recommend is a display screen unit that supports using the phone in the USB input. I just installed a Pioneer AVH-X4600BT that works with my (GS4 rooted 4.2.2 Stock ) in my Wife's Subaru Outback. We can plug the phone's USB cable into the stereo (via a Mirrorlink add-on) and run the PHONE using the touch screen of the stereo. You'd be able to run Pandora, answer/make calls, answer/create e-mail and Texting, listen to the music on the phone, watch video that is stored on the phone or DVD's, and most important, NAVIGATION on a 7 inch screen!. All of that though, is dependent on the phone you have. As of yet, the Mirrorlink supports the iPhone, GS3, GS5, and with a hacked app in the phone, it also supports GS4. There is a free app on the market that is called Drivelink which interfaces your phone and the stereo.
You might want to research other stereo devices that have the Mirrorlink application support. I believe Sony has some, but I didn't go past the Pioneer unit. Bottom line, BE SURE TO DO THOROUGH INVESTIGATION ON WHAT YOU WANT TO DO AND THE CONNECTABILITY OF YOUR DEVICES. I know you just bought the unit recently so you just might be having to live with your setup for a while. That's o.k. though, next time you purchase something like that, you will be armed to the gills with knowledge and get something you'll really enjoy.
On my test bench after testing, and was ready to be installed....
Good Luck, and Aloha!

4umexdeeay said:
O-for-two...<grumble-grumble> :crying:
Upgraded my factory cassette car stereo to a new one with usb port (no bluetooth), thinking I could both stream the phone's audio and charge the battery via usb.
Well, the battery's levels actually decrease when plugged in, and more to the point, the phone isn't recognized in usb mode in the stereo and quickly goes to radio mode and the phone displays the following message (please see attached screenshot)...
...my phone is stock, not rooted. Stereo is not bluetooth-enabled, and I would prefer to stream via usb than the aux port.
-> Can anyone advise any tweaks or apps that would enable the phone's streaming audio to be played via the stereo's USB mode?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's doing that because your phone uses MTP as the Media Transfer Protocol. Basically, it kind of mounts like an MP3 player or camera and the new DIN you installed doesn't know what to do with it. The real trick is to get your phone into UMS, USB Mass Storage mode. There's a UMS app in the play store, BUT you have to be rooted to use it. It basically mounts your phone like a regular old thumb drive. Do that and your new DIN will see it no problem. Only thing is, like a USB drive you'll have to navigate into your folders to play your music. This was what I threw in my car and it's been awesome!
http://www.amazon.com/VicTsing-Blue...=UTF8&qid=1397676105&sr=1-1&keywords=victsing
---------- Post added at 04:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:22 PM ----------
4umexdeeay said:
This is all really helpful info, thanks
Yeah, not sure why I thought I could stream via usb either, must've been mixing up the functions of that and the aux cable.
-> So I'm familiar with a bluetooth dongle that connects via usb (...think that would work properly in a car stereo too?) - but you're recommending a dongle that connects internally? Know where I'd find that for sale?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bet I know why you thought you could play audio through USB. It's because Apple products can do it. One of the things that drives me nuts is that most cars with USB ports have audio playback support for Apple devices because of Apple's dock interface that let's the docking component control and navigate the audio. Unfortunately (and it drives me crazy) Google hasn't created a similar interface for Android so there are no Android Docks. Android devices like the S4 in your car rely on on AUX to send audio. It really sucks and Google has committed to addressing it this year in the car but I don't know if they're fixing the underlying problem of a uniform audio interface in android; meaning one where you plug in a dock and it recognizes your phone and how to access your music and playlists. Again, Take a look at this if you need a quick fix. I know you were hoping your new stereo would do it, but you could easily hide this:
http://www.amazon.com/VicTsing-Blue...=UTF8&qid=1397676105&sr=1-1&keywords=victsing

abovenbeyond said:
1st, my assumption is you're rooted...?
If no=Boohoo... Root or buy stereo with Bluetooth.
If yes= install this app... https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mohammadag.samsungusbmassstorageenabler
Open it, grant it root privileges, click the "mass usb" (I think its called), and profit!
*Music must be on external card.
<-- my thank you is over there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand, am I missing the post where u said u did this and it didn't work?
This is what u need to do... period. If this app won't work with your rom, find an app or place in the settings to enable "mass storage". The above linked app works for me and many others.

Dragonfly red USB-DAC loudness issue / 5x / Stock ROM

Hey guys,
I just bought a nice USB-OTG DAC for Hi-Fi sound, the Audioquest Dragonfly Red. I really like the augmented sound it delivers - although I noticed a major drawback:
The maximum sound is strongly limited due to a false recognition of the true max volume by the phone. Loudness is controlled by the phone digitally, there're no buttons on the device itself.
According to my research, it is a known issue that the device is always started with level 22 of possible 64 levels of volume. This is intended to prevent harm to one's ears. But Android phones mistake level 22 as the total maximum and don't allow to go any louder. The manufacturer says that this can only be corrected over the ROM. There IS a workaround by using 'USB audio player pro', because this app directly controls the sound output. BUT, I want to listen to Spotify and Tidal, and these apps do NOT allow sound output control.
Any ideas?

I think the problem can be fixed by disabling safe headphone volume (can be done via GravityBox, not sure if there is another method) or redictering audio using SoundAbout app.
Both methods require root privileges and in my opinion this isn't a solution you're looking for.
Just sharing my ideas.

Yeah, redirecting sound output is about what I would have guessed. I just wanted to check if there's already a working solution for non-rooted devices before rooting mine.
The thing is, that I tried a couple of USB-OTG DACs, and only the Dragonfly red is having this issue. Unfortunately it's also the best sounding one...

you can find poll on reddit.

Alright, it's working with USB audio player pro. But - one major drawback:
Although Tidal is supported, this workaround does not allow for playback of offline Tidal tracks... So still no solution that'll work in everyday life...

I spent last few hours to look for options for making the Dragonfly Red work with my Z3C. This post on Pixel 2 https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/themes/pixel-2-usb-audio-control-t3704024 works perfectly to significantly increase the Red's volume, however, its interface doesn't fit properly on smaller screens (HD on Z3C).

Question USB DAC issues

I'd like to reach out to anyone still having issues with USB DACs on the 6 and 6 Pro
The 6 and 6 Pro still have a bug where they don't properly pass on original audio streams to connected DACs. Depending on the DAC, you'll hear screeching, no audio at all, or severely reduced audio quality due to resampling by the OS. Apps like UAPP and Tidal don't work properly because they can't directly access connected DACs (so true MQA playback is impossible)
If you are affected by this bug, please star and comment on the buganizer tickets here, here and here. It would be worth our while to use the Send Feedback option within settings, and/or contact support to raise a ticket and submit bug reports (I realize this does take some time investment)
Hopefully I'm not the only crazy one using a DAC with a P6 screaming out into the ether. Help
More on what I'm talking about here, here, and here

yeah - something weird is going on. I love this phone so much. my Hidisz Sonata USBC DAC is completely hit or miss, sometimes it works, other times it won't. And the BTR5 can't play LDAC at full Audio quality only Adaptive - but both devices work on the 3 XL no problem, since day one. really weird.

That's weird, do you mean DAC connected via usb? I ask because my BT DAC is working great via LDAC codec.

A.Priori said:
That's weird, do you mean DAC connected via usb? I ask because my BT DAC is working great via LDAC codec.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
USB DACs like the Sonata from Hidisz, or the BTR3/BTR5/Qudelix etc

I have the same problem, and sometimes it stops the music itself, pretty annoying

Guess I was one of the first guys to report this issue. December update did not fix it. Google removed the headphone jack and forces people to use DACs and Dongles, but they did not do any test to ensure all STANDARD products are working correctly. You can use those DACs with 100$ phones and get better audio than with a pixel 6 or 6 pro. It's a joke and impedance from Google and definitely the last phone I bought.
And just to mention, I have some experience with android audio. I was working with the guys from sauron audio port and did a lot of other stuff. The DAC which seem to work are just playing with native/android software processed sampling rates. This is ****ty low quality. Any app, which tries to connect directly to the external DAC to play high res and bypass Android audio processing crashes. So buy a 10 dollar DAC, as any more expensive better solution won't work or gives you same crappy audio.

Nemuritor01 said:
Guess I was one of the first guys to report this issue. December update did not fix it. Google removed the headphone jack and forces people to use DACs and Dongles, but on they did not do any tests to ensure all STANDARD products are working correctly. You can use those DACa on 100$ phones and get better audio than with a pixel 6 or 6 pro. It's a joke and impedance from Google and definitely the last phone I bought.
And just to mention, I have some experience with android audio. I was working with the guys from sauron audio port and did a lot of other stuff. The DAC which seem to work are just playing with native/android software processed sampling rates. This is ****ty low quality. Any app, which tries to connect directly to the external DAC to play high res and bypass Android audio processing crashes. So buy a 10 dollar DAC, as any more expensive better solution won't work or gives you same crappy audio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciated seeing your thread about this and I've quoted it while contacting support. Best we can do is star and comment on those issuetracker pages linked above, and in settings, Send Feedback and contact support to submit bug reports
It's frustrating because DACs work fine on literally every other Android or iOS device (my Note 3 from 2013 still has no issues with this)
Even more frustrating is that if you try to use a Bluetooth LDAC DAC, you can't force 990 kbps. That's a separate issue

A.Priori said:
That's weird, do you mean DAC connected via usb? I ask because my BT DAC is working great via LDAC codec.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you able to force it to run at 990 kbps without stuttering? Different common issue it seems, equally frustrating

Google Pixel 6 bug is preventing audiophiles from using external DAC to listen to music

there's a few things wrong here. #1 is regular $15 DACs in many cases don't work (let alone $100-$300 ones). #2 you can't force 990kbps most of the time (in the 3 Bluetooth DACs I've tried and many others also, it constantly studders). so there's a few things wrong here that need to be looked at and resolved by Google.

I haven't experienced any of the "major" issues - mainly connectivity related. But I'm expecting things to go south once I receive my A.Q. Dragonfly Cobalt DAC/AMP. I have some nice Bluetooth phones that sound very nice, buy nowhere near the sound quality I receive through my LG G-7.
The G-7 has a pair of ESS DACs, and a more powerful amp setup. I found Qobuz's MQA files and the Tidal Masters that sound phenomenal. Especially ultra-high quality remasters of late 80's-90's albums.
The V-60 had a similar setup, but I traded that in for the P6 Pro, 256GB model. Qobuz and Tidal let you download MQA files while your subscription is active.

mpjune69 said:
I haven't experienced any of the "major" issues - mainly connectivity related. But I'm expecting things to go south once I receive my A.Q. Dragonfly Cobalt DAC/AMP. I have some nice Bluetooth phones that sound very nice, buy nowhere near the sound quality I receive through my LG G-7.
The G-7 has a pair of ESS DACs, and a more powerful amp setup. I found Qobuz's MQA files and the Tidal Masters that sound phenomenal. Especially ultra-high quality remasters of late 80's-90's albums.
The V-60 had a similar setup, but I traded that in for the P6 Pro, 256GB model. Qobuz and Tidal let you download MQA files while your subscription is active.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was hoping against hope that someone has a P6/Pro with the same DAC to learn of the their experiences so far.

Tried that DAC; all audio gets resampled to 48 kHz I believe (so no direct access/true MQA playback). Patiently waiting to see if the January update fixes this

My Hidizs DAC works fine on the November .036 OS. About to reboot with January and expect it to work so I hope....
Havent tried my older DragonFly. Now just wish USB Audio Player Pro gets updated for the 6....

I reached out to the developers of USB Audio Player Pro as it has been removed from the Play Store for the 6 and 6 Pro. Here is their reply:
"Dear Robert,
True. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have a kernel bug that prevents third party USB audio driver from working, that's why we excluded it from the Play Store. We reported the issue to Google but we do not know when or whether they will fix it. You can track it here:
https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/210687963
We have verified all other apps that utilize their own USB audio driver and they do not work either, or fallback to the low quality Android driver. You can write that all apps that use the USB host API to play audio to a USB DAC do not work on the Pixel 6, including USB Audio Player PRO, Tidal, Neutron, Hiby, etc.
You can install this apk if you really want to run the app:
https://www.audio-evolution.com/priv_downloads/USBAudioPlayerPRO_6032c_pixel6.apk
Then you can turn off 'Use USB DAC' in the app's USB audio tweaks if you want to use the Android USB audio driver."
Kind regards,
Davy
eXtream Software Development
https://www.extreamsd.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AudioEvolutionMobile
Twitter: https://twitter.com/extreamsd
If anyone finds out that Google has fixed the issue, please let us know. Someone on Reddit said XDA has a workaround? If so, please provide a link to the thread or sub-thread.

rmc6901 said:
I reached out to the developers of USB Audio Player Pro as it has been removed from the Play Store for the 6 and 6 Pro. Here is there reply:
"Dear Robert,
True. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have a kernel bug that prevents third party USB audio driver from working, that's why we excluded it from the Play Store. We reported the issue to Google but we do not know when or whether they will fix it. You can track it here:
https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/210687963
We have verified all other apps that utilize their own USB audio driver and they do not work either, or fallback to the low quality Android driver. You can write that all apps that use the USB host API to play audio to a USB DAC do not work on the Pixel 6, including USB Audio Player PRO, Tidal, Neutron, Hiby, etc.
You can install this apk if you really want to run the app:
https://www.audio-evolution.com/priv_downloads/USBAudioPlayerPRO_6032c_pixel6.apk
Then you can turn off 'Use USB DAC' in the app's USB audio tweaks if you want to use the Android USB audio driver."
Kind regards,
Davy
eXtream Software Development
https://www.extreamsd.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AudioEvolutionMobile
Twitter: https://twitter.com/extreamsd
If anyone finds out that Google has fixed the issue, please let us know. Someone on Reddit said XDA has a workaround? If so, please provide a link to the thread or sub-thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everyone should star (*) that issue.

cmh714 said:
My Hidizs DAC works fine on the November .036 OS. About to reboot with January and expect it to work so I hope....
Havent tried my older DragonFly. Now just wish USB Audio Player Pro gets updated for the 6....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would have a special Pixel 6, if your DAC really works in bit perfect mode... Like tidal MQA, USB Audio Player Pro and others.
I would state, it's impossible. Neither November, December or January Update fixes this issue.
You are playing low quality resampled music. Most DACs are capable of way more.

Nemuritor01 said:
You would have a special Pixel 6, if your DAC really works in bit perfect mode... Like tidal MQA, USB Audio Player Pro and others.
I would state, it's impossible. Neither November, December or January Update fixes this issue.
You are playing low quality resampled music. Most DACs are capable of way more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You Are CORRECT!!! I miswrote previously....I concur, external DAC does NOT work!!

Can confirm that the January update does not fix this issue.
Everyone, please star comment on the issuetracker threads in the OP, and continue to Send Feedback and Contact support from the Settings app

I don't know whether this magisk module would help you or not:
GitHub - Magisk-Modules-Alt-Repo/usb-samplerate-unlocker: USB (HAL) Audio Class drivers on Android have a limiter of sample rates at 96kHz. This magisk module unlocks the limiter.
USB (HAL) Audio Class drivers on Android have a limiter of sample rates at 96kHz. This magisk module unlocks the limiter. - GitHub - Magisk-Modules-Alt-Repo/usb-samplerate-unlocker: USB (HAL) Audi...
github.com