Hi All
I am getting a 2013 N7 that will be mounted permanently into my car.
I'm looking for app suggestions etc to get the best experience possible out of it in this function.
I will be using it mainly for Music/Emails/Navigation and maybe the odd video etc.
- What Car App's would you all recommend? I have started trying this one IG88 Car Dock Home (sorry I can't post a link, its on google play though)
Which looks good so far (testing out on my S3), I can manage to get it looking nice with a button for navigation and a widget for my gmail. The main thing I'm looking for to make this Car app better is a large music player widget? I currently use Mixzing, but the play/forward buttons are too small on the widget for this Car app.... Does anyone know of any music players that have a massive button widget? All I really need to see is play/pause, skip and the band and song name on the widget. Nothing else really?
- I will be getting a microphone installed (hopefully in the steering wheel). So is there any decent voice control apps? For this I imagine I would love to control music, and navigation. And maybe dictate emails perhaps by voice?
- I plan to make a wifi hotspot on my phone when ever I get into the car (so the tablet can use my mobile internet for navigation/emails). Is there a way also to take my calls from my phone through the tablet (and thus through the car speakers and microphone?
- I am planning to look into Tasker to set all this up to run smoothly. Like when the car gives the tablet power, to bring it out of sleep mode, turn things on and start the car app etc. Is there a way to do this on my phone (currently S3), so that when I get in the car, my phone automatically starts a wifi hotspot?
- Would there happen to be an andriod accessory that could send play/pause/skip commands to the tablet? Like a remote control I guess. As I could gut this and mount it into the steering wheel?
Lots of questions I know, there will probably be more to. The main one is the music widget to be honest, that car app looks pretty good as long as I can get the music control widget buttons big enough for ease of use in a car. (I'd almost be willing to pay someone to develop a little music control widget if its not that hard)
Thanks in advance for all your help.
About apps.. You can try this one : http://nexus7.wonderhowto.com/how-t...ic-heads-up-display-hud-for-your-car-0148499/
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Thanks for ths suggestion. Ill check it out, though it doesn't look to be what I'm after as I dont need a speedo etc.
Have you tried Car Home Ultra? Awhile back I was following mp3car.com and he was using that on his head unit, I've used it before but you'd have to try it yourself to see if you like it.
As far as getting your phone to start tethering automatically; if your car always stayed at the same location it'd be easy, but the only thing I can think of is using an NFC tag to swipe your phone by, or lay on, when you get into your car. And use Tasker from there. There's got to be something better though with two devices knowing they're in close proximity in some instances, I don't know.
For the wireless audio controls... Sixaxis would work, but you'd have a ps3 controller floating around your ride. And your bluetooth would be tied up.
Edit : Here is a good read.
http://www.mp3car.com/blogs/146478_...e-android-head-unit-build-apps-that-rock.html
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Nexus 7 Custom Dock
heres my nexus 7 car install
GMD Gesture Control
Tablet Talk
Zooper Widget Pro
Media Utilities
Tasker
Secure Settings
Car Mode Control
Car Home Speedometer
ADWLauncher EX
No Lock
that about sums up my app list for car use
---------- Post added 28th November 2013 at 12:30 AM ---------- Previous post was 27th November 2013 at 11:56 PM ----------
follow up to my post
use zooper and media utilities to make a large widget for music metadata and cover art
use gmd gesture control to make gestures for play/pause next and previous shortcuts from media utilities
gmd gesture control will also have gestures to pop up 5 different docks that you can put whatever apps you want on, they hide as soon as you select something \
best thing about gesture control is that you can do the gesture anywhere on the screen from any app on the screen so you can play/pause skip or back track while maps is on the screen or any other app, so rather than looking for a music widget with bigger buttons just use gesture its far superior
Car Home Ultra is a great dock app for a standard dock but I find creating your environment yourself far more rewarding and more informative, standard docks rely on making big easy buttons I like having no buttons and being able to use everything i traditionally use a home screen for on any screen I am looking at whether its maps gmail pandora play music or even the play store I can launch my docks with that app open
going to make another video of my dock using gesture control and will link it here as well
I've gone the way of a full fledged car pc a few years back...
http://www.mp3car.com/show-off-your-project/150890-toyota-camry-2007-white-beauty.html
I've come out of it a fabricator, but realized what features are important in a car entertainment system and what are... fluffy.
1. Find a way to control as the driver. No one will use this system more than you.... while you drive. I had grand ideas of air mouses and fancy keyboards, but IMO nothing can replace a few well though out buttons as near to you as possible. If your car has built in steering wheel controls, but this!
http://www.rcjoycon.com/base_3/menu_10.php?com_board_basic=read_form&menu=10&com_board_idx=14
even if it doesn't buy a few resistive switch buttons and this board will still work. You can map the keys to do whatever you want them to do on your tablet.
2. audio quality.
If you're rocking stock audio basic system, bluetooth would suffice. but if you've put any money into your system then bluetooth is just such a sacrafice in fidelity. Some people are using digital to analog converters. I've always been able to get excellent quality from the 3.5mm.
3. OTG cable.
currently there is very limited support of this feature of the gen 2 nexus 7. Elemental kernal provides support, but especially with the new release of 4.4 it's working through buts. But i feel relieable otg/charging y cable is essential this provides:
a. slot for removable storage
b. periferasl (mouse, keyboard, joycon)
c. reverse camera
d. charging
4. Apps
-n7 player
-audio glow wallpaper (SOO slick)
-google experience launcher (GEL), incorperates translucent nav and status bars which adds a lot of vertical screen, excellent voice command integration (good for driving).
-nexus media importer
-Torque (need correspondingblue tooth module)
...still working on this list myself
5. Freedompop (should be number 1, can't believe i forgot this)
I bought a wireless hot spot device from them for 40$. It was a sale, it includes 1 month of free 2gb internet. BUt this is they key... after the first month you can continue to use 2gb of data for 20$ montly, or downgrade to 500mb... FOR FREEE.
Will you be streaming videos, no of course not, but this would allow ample bandwidth for the important activities in a car, namely: navigation google maps, plenty of data to browse with, and even moderate music streaming.
I did the whole create hot spot with phone thing for a bit and phone gets hot, drains battery like nuts, and i never figured out a way to automate it.
It is SOOO nice to just have one dedicated device that sits in the car and provides free internet for not just me but guests.
Wow thanks guys for the responses, seems I have a lot to work through.
I think I'll tackle one question at a time.
So it seems that I need to set up this OTG cable thing.
My questions is, I need to have the power permanently attached to the microUSB port of the Nexus (otherwise it will go flat haha). From google a OTG Y Cable is what I need as it can charge and give usb data at the same time?
I have searched and searched around NZ sites (I live in NZ) and I can't seem to find one, I can find plently of OTG cables, but not one with a USB for power and USB for devices.
So after more googling it looks like I could go down the OTG cable to Powered USB hub path? With a powered USB hub would I be able to plug the power supply into one USB port, and then a remote/memory stick etc into the others? Would this provide charging and use at the same time?
In regards to powered USB hubs, do you guys know of any well known products that I can use in a car environment? (voltage and all that)?
Thats it for now, its all quite complicated and confusing to me so I'll just ask one topic at a time
Thanks in advance
I understand what you are doing but couldn't you use a unlocked n7 (im sure you got your n7 already). And with kitkat and google always on would you have a need for a lot of the add ons. I,was thinking of doing the same thing. So I will follow this thread for a while.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Well I'm certainly keen for some physical buttons on the steering wheel. I am installing it into a Mazda Atenza dash navi compartment thing replacing the not functional japanses navi screen. Its a bit of a reach from the drivers seat so basic media controls would be awesome in the steering wheel.
And to use that thing for steering wheels I would need a spare usb port (as well as charging).
I just ordered a Y cable OTG from Ebay (that ships to NZ woo) but that might take awhile so I am going to have the car installation guys install everything so I can access it through the glove box. So I can set this up later.
About the accessories to control music play/pause/fwd/red:
I know of two options:
1. Paired Pebble watch (unfortunately it only pairs with one device so you would have to manually pair it of you also wanted top use with your phone)
2. Paired Bluetooth audio control in the car (mine only pairs with one device) like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009NLTW60/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?qid=1385907362&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70
I use 1. With my phone and 2. With my tablet and have a switch installed so I can control where the audio is generated from to my car speakers.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
kisrita said:
About the accessories to control music play/pause/fwd/red:
I know of two options:
1. Paired Pebble watch (unfortunately it only pairs with one device so you would have to manually pair it of you also wanted top use with your phone)
2. Paired Bluetooth audio control in the car (mine only pairs with one device) like this:I use 1. With my phone and 2. With my tablet and have a switch installed so I can control where the audio is generated from to my car speakers.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
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I must be missing something here lol. The 2nd option, how does that control the music player on the tablet? It looks like a bluetooth hands free kit?
stildawn said:
I must be missing something here lol. The 2nd option, how does that control the music player on the tablet? It looks like a bluetooth hands free kit?
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Click to collapse
It is, but it has controls on it. Play/pause by a push on the device itself, fwd/rwd on the top edge. It controls Google play music without any kind of set up. Though you probably have to start it on the tablet first, I'm not sure if it can start the music app too like the pebble does. They both use Bluetooth to connect and control.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
kisrita said:
It is, but it has controls on it. Play/pause by a push on the device itself, fwd/rwd on the top edge. It controls Google play music without any kind of set up. Though you probably have to start it on the tablet first, I'm not sure if it can start the music app too like the pebble does. They both use Bluetooth to connect and control.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
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Click to collapse
Ah ok didnt see the controls, so that 2nd one can connect to the tablet (which has all the music and music player on it) and can control the music? So there's no need to actually plug it into anything as the controls are all sent via bluetooth?
But I wont be able to pair it to my phone at the same time right?
This might be a good way to go as it doesn't require massive cable work.
Edit: Ah I see, no I dont think this will work... The Nexus 7 tablet sound out will be connected directly to the head unit under the dash (hard wired). What I need is something to bluetooth media controls to the tablet, and the tablet to send out sound to the head unit like normal. I think this thing takes the sound via bluetooth to the kit thing and then the kit thing plugs into the aux port on the head unit?
Would it be possible to just not plug in the kit thing? And have it just send media controls but not recieve sound?
Looking for a mount? Check this out
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In my scion, I have both my HTC One X and N7 connected. You need to disable Media Option on your phone in bluetooth.
aznrice2k4 said:
Looking for a mount?
In my scion, I have both my HTC One X and N7 connected. You need to disable Media Option on your phone in bluetooth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Nexus 7 is getting mounted into the dash professionally so I don't need a mount, I'm currently investigate ideas on how to get controls onto the steering wheel for the media part of the tablet.
You say "disable Media Option on your phone in bluetooth"
Would this mean that I could use the bluetooth handsfree kit suggested above as a controller only? With the sound still going out the tablets 3.5mm jack?
Scosche Universal Bluetooth Handsfree
a cheap bluetooth media controller, just make sure when its paired you unselect media from the bluetooth properties
stildawn said:
The Nexus 7 is getting mounted into the dash professionally so I don't need a mount, I'm currently investigate ideas on how to get controls onto the steering wheel for the media part of the tablet.
You say "disable Media Option on your phone in bluetooth"
Would this mean that I could use the bluetooth handsfree kit suggested above as a controller only? With the sound still going out the tablets 3.5mm jack?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Possible with soundabout
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
stildawn said:
Ah ok didnt see the controls, so that 2nd one can connect to the tablet (which has all the music and music player on it) and can control the music? So there's no need to actually plug it into anything as the controls are all sent via bluetooth?
But I wont be able to pair it to my phone at the same time right?
This might be a good way to go as it doesn't require massive cable work.
Edit: Ah I see, no I dont think this will work... The Nexus 7 tablet sound out will be connected directly to the head unit under the dash (hard wired). What I need is something to bluetooth media controls to the tablet, and the tablet to send out sound to the head unit like normal. I think this thing takes the sound via bluetooth to the kit thing and then the kit thing plugs into the aux port on the head unit?
Would it be possible to just not plug in the kit thing? And have it just send media controls but not recieve sound?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My tablet is not permanently installed, but needs no wires. The Bluetooth kit connects to the car's aux in jack, and the N7 connects to the Bluetooth kit wirelessly via bluetooth. So you can have sound through the car speakers whether the tablet is docked, in your coat or purse or wherever. I also have a home made version of a qi charger dock, to avoid dealing with usb charging wires when I need the display. (It barely charges so i need to improve on that). I don't know how this would change for a permanent install. I do have a switch to control input to my aux in jack, because my phone dock audio is connected to that also. You may be able to rig up something but its beyond what I know.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
kisrita said:
My tablet is not permanently installed, but needs no wires. The Bluetooth kit connects to the car's aux in jack, and the N7 connects to the Bluetooth kit wirelessly via bluetooth. So you can have sound through the car speakers whether the tablet is docked, in your coat or purse or wherever. I also have a home made version of a qi charger dock, to avoid dealing with usb charging wires when I need the display. (It barely charges so i need to improve on that). I don't know how this would change for a permanent install. I do have a switch to control input to my aux in jack, because my phone dock audio is connected to that also. You may be able to rig up something but its beyond what I know.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
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I've heard that bluetooth audio is bad though.
I sent an email to Kinivo about that product, and they replied back saying they tested my scenario in their lab and it worked, so I might be going down that route after all.
Hey all,
I have a 2012 Acura TL, it has a 720p screen from the factory. There's a mod called NavTool which adds an HDMI port to the stock screen. I just finished installing the module and I now have the new input. However, what's my best option to make a "smart car" type interface? So far I bought a chromecast and set that up, but I'm having major trouble screencasting my M8's screen using a hotspot on my phone. I have a ATT Hotspot which I used to test screen mirroring with, but it's not ideal.
The car has Bluetooth for audio and calls, and normally my phone would connect to this. I'm able to change songs using the wheel controls (forward/reverse/play/pause). With the NavTool addon, the HDMI audio gets routed through my car's AUX input, so when screen casting I need to switch inputs to AUX instead of BT. As far as I know there's no way to keep audio streamed via phone's bluetooth while screen casting.
So right now, what can I do? I have an HTC M8, but I'm thinking of upgrading to either the HTC 10, or the next larger variant of the Nexus. I don't have to stick with chromecast. I can switch to any system at all, I just need ideas as to what would be the best thing to do. I don't mind spending ~$100 to get this system working. I already spend $200 on the HDMI input. Please tell me your ideas, or if you've seen something which I can do, let me know! Thanks!
So I am trying to figure out how to turn on my back up cam from my head unit, a PX5 GS running the Malaysk Rom. I came across this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvDfev5Cv-A. I have Nova launcher prime but I do not get the TW app in the nova launcher activities widget section. The back up came work when putting it in reverse but if I go into Avin or Fcam I just get a blank screen. I have a can bus adapter wired to the head unit. I know I can run a switch if need be but I am trying to avoid that if I can. I got my power from my reverse lights, not sure if that is part of the problem or not. I am hoping someone can help me out.
If your camera is being powered by the reverse light circuit then that's your fist problem. You need to power it with an acc or ign circuit. After that, I would just use a composite (rca) "y" adaptor and split the camera signal to your back up camera input and a/v in. But keep in mind, your deck will still need a reverse trigger (I assume your canbus will still provide this?)
Thank you, I thought if it had 12v ignition it would command the camera on. I am trying to do it with software like in the video.
You cannot do it with software, if your camera is powered by reverse lights.
You've better check that first, this is the most likely reason for blank screen
woomdawg said:
So I am trying to figure out how to turn on my back up cam from my head unit, a PX5 GS running the Malaysk Rom. I came across this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvDfev5Cv-A. I have Nova launcher prime but I do not get the TW app in the nova launcher activities widget section. The back up came work when putting it in reverse but if I go into Avin or Fcam I just get a blank screen. I have a can bus adapter wired to the head unit. I know I can run a switch if need be but I am trying to avoid that if I can. I got my power from my reverse lights, not sure if that is part of the problem or not. I am hoping someone can help me out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"nova launcher" trick works for my head unit too "Joying JY-JO002N4 SC9853i",
only with different activity from that video.
finally I have reverse camera on demand.
next step would be to replace this chrysler trash "canbus" garbage and put a normal universal audio speakers with amplifier and all rca connectors.
I recently installed a Xtrons PQS90MTVL head unit in a skoda superb. I have a couple of questions on how to get it to work correctly when navigating.
1) It seems that you can set the navigation sounds to be a percentage of the radio volume but cannot set it to play at a given volume regardless. The problem is that the radio seems to be constantly on and there is no way to turn it off. The 'on/off' button simply mutes the radio - and the navigation sounds.
Often I am in an area where I cannot pick up a decent radio signal on the programme I want and just get static. In these situations I want to turn the radio off but still hear navigation sounds. I don't want to listen to loud static just so I can have the nav sounds play at a percentage of that static. Is there a way to turn the radio off but still get navigation sounds? (a workaround I have found is to play a media file instead of the radio and then pause playback. The nav sounds are then still a percentage of the - non existent - playback volume. However this should not be necessary)
2) It also seems that a Internet connection is needed for any navigation. even google maps won't do a search without it as it says I am offline. (is this true?)
I have bought the 4G wifi dongle but have a question about its use. Does the HU connect to the dongle, as far as data is concerned, via the USB socket that comes out of the back of the unit or is that socket simply powering the dongle and the HUI is actually connecting to it over wifi using the dongle as a hotspot? If so then I don't have to use the wired usb socket from the unit (which I suspect is underpowered) and can plug the dongle into an ordinary 2A USB socket that I have in the car, positioning the dongle near the roof for a better signal
Incidentally I did try using Android Auto with my phone using wired connection. That seems sort of OK but is not very reliable. Often when starting the car it hangs at the 'connected' screen, or even at the 'trying to connect' screen, although other times it seems OK
3) There is a small socket on the left hand side of the HU that looks like a slot for a small memory card or a sim card. It is labelled 'GPS'. What is that socket used for? it is not mentioned in the manual as far as I can see. - The manual is generally a bit hand waving though, excitedly telling you what you can do but not how to do it.
(I did try the xtrons forum but not only are the last posts there around January 2022 but there seems to be no way to register for it. Hence posting here)
Is it MTCx post system info including mcu version.
Mtcb is long retired
marchnz said:
Is it MTCx post system info including mcu version.
Mtcb is long retired
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I know is the model is Xtrons PQS90MTVL so maybe its MTVL (whatever that is) I'm afraid I don't know what mcu means so cannot offer any version for it. Its possible I have posted this in the wrong section and have rep[osted in 'Android Head-Units'. If that is the right place and this is the wrong place, please can you delete this post