Develop Bugs

[Q] Use Xperia Play as a PC USB Controller?

Hey guys, I posted this in the general section but I think it would be better to post it here. Could the Xperia Play controls be used with PC games? Even with Xpadder or something similar? What would we need to make this happen?

As I already said, you need new kernel or kernel module to enable sharing of phone's PS controls via USB.

Why via USB and not bluetooth or Wifi?
Blagus said:
As I already said, you need new kernel or kernel module to enable sharing of phone's PS controls via USB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what that does mean? xD

Miles Wolf said:
Why via USB and not bluetooth or Wifi?
And what that does mean? xD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the original poster wanted to do this via USB to have it function as a standard gamepad, like a HID compliant device. This would require new kernel modules and thereby a new kernel to use on the device (and probably an app as well).
If you wanted to generate gamepad HID codes via communications over BT or WiFi (or over USB Debug channels) data streams, you could likely do so, but would need computer side drivers and programs, as well as the program to use on the device.
This is totally do-able. However the want for doing so is up to the individual. I personally don't have much want of it, as I already have good controllers for my PC.

I think it would be possible to make such app as well, which would log keypresses and send them via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. But additional software would be needed on PC side too. But that's an option too, which isn't bad at all. Actually, USB HID method would be, IMO, more advanced...

I've used software that lets me use my phone as a touchpad, mouse, and media playback controller for my pc. So i dont' see why it couldn't be done. that software used wifi.

ace518 said:
I've used software that lets me use my phone as a touchpad, mouse, and media playback controller for my pc. So i dont' see why it couldn't be done. that software used wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a few reasons off the start. A game controller would require nearly instantaneous reaction time to work properly. Secondly, people would expect it to work nearly flawlessly with next to no work or reading on their part.
Yes, it is _TOTALLY_ do-able. However, doing it just to do it, I don't see the benefit, as I personally wouldn't use it, and I certainly wouldn't receive pay nor even praise from the community. So it fails all the tests for me to engage myself in a project. The "Benefits Me", "Benefits the larger community", and "Benefits my ego" issues. If it benefitted the larger community, maybe. However it seems the consensus is that most people have dedicated controllers already that are low cost. I don't intend to use my phone as a PC controller, as I have several game controllers (from a 360 pad, to flightsticks, to a nostromo speedpad) for my PC. I also don't currently have a need to learn the Bluetooth or WiFi stacks so this wouldn't benefit me. Lastly, any product I were to produce would have limited market, and most of the market it would be presented to would be more likely to bash it than to even click a button to say 'Thanks' for it as they download.
If somebody is interested in doing this, go for it! It would be a nice little experiment project to learn the coding requirements for using the BT stack as a HID device or forwarder, or the WiFi stack and how to coordinate with a client side device driver and program as well. Just personally I won't be doing this.

i remember on my old sony ericsson phone w810i i could control my mouse on my pc with my fone via bluetooth with a built in app called desktop remote
so now wouldnt it be better to have the control pad on the play, use BT
to play pc games etc?

ace518 said:
I've used software that lets me use my phone as a touchpad, mouse, and media playback controller for my pc. So i dont' see why it couldn't be done. that software used wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe GRemote does something similar. you can use your phone as a wifi mouse and keyboard or joystick or media controller. unfortunately, its fairly expensive so not really worth it. no way i'm paying $5.00 for it.

It would be cool to see this working.

crispyduckling said:
i remember on my old sony ericsson phone w810i i could control my mouse on my pc with my fone via bluetooth with a built in app called desktop remote
so now wouldnt it be better to have the control pad on the play, use BT
to play pc games etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember that, haha. Unfortunately it wouldn't work very well as a gamepad, there was like a half second delay between each button press.

I doubt BT or Wi-Fi would be good, because of the mentioned delay. SE kernel sources do have USB HID driver but I don't know is it used for USB OTG or to be used as HID on PC.

Another question.
Is any App out there where i can use the Xperia Play Gamepad for another Android Devices like my HTC Flyer?
->
Start an Emulator in my Flyer and use the Xperia Play Gamepad over Bluetooth or wifi to play the Games on the Flyer.
For iOS with Jailbreak i can use a SNES Emulator on ipad and a iPhone or iPod Touch as Gamepad/Controller.
Thanks for help and answer!

Waqas said:
I believe GRemote does something similar. you can use your phone as a wifi mouse and keyboard or joystick or media controller. unfortunately, its fairly expensive so not really worth it. no way i'm paying $5.00 for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gPad does this and there is a free version which I haven't been able to discern much difference between it and the paid version.

German-Guy said:
Another question.
Is any App out there where i can use the Xperia Play Gamepad for another Android Devices like my HTC Flyer?
->
Start an Emulator in my Flyer and use the Xperia Play Gamepad over Bluetooth or wifi to play the Games on the Flyer.
For iOS with Jailbreak i can use a SNES Emulator on ipad and a iPhone or iPod Touch as Gamepad/Controller.
Thanks for help and answer!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes that is what I'm wondering as well really hope it is possible.

Blagus said:
I doubt BT or Wi-Fi would be good, because of the mentioned delay. SE kernel sources do have USB HID driver but I don't know is it used for USB OTG or to be used as HID on PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The PS3 and Wii controllers use Bluetooth.

benoitb85 said:
The PS3 and Wii controllers use Bluetooth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Way to necro a thread.
_YES_ they use WiFi, but they aren't multi-purpose processing devices that have other priorities and background processes. They also are dedicated to doing such actions, and are engineered with that in mind.
To get it to work on the Play, as a BT controller (or WiFi, which would be even laggier), would require a kernel module to be created and installed (meaning new ROM/Kernel and likely an app as well). Then you would need a machine that has the proper HID profile enabled via BT, or a separate app to mimic a HID USB controller via WiFi.
As said before, since this thing tends to have other priorities than _JUST_ its gamepad (data synch, OS/VM GC, memory mgmt, etc), there are times when it will lag out even with a high priority on the module and associated game-controller app.
This _IS_ possible, just nobody is as excited by the idea who would be willing to code it. Honestly, if you wanted to do it as a starter coding project for via WiFi, it would be interesting to see your take on it. If you want to get your hands dirty with coding a kernel module to offer a HID profile via BT, that would be an even more elegant solution. However, it would require a bit more advanced knowledge. I haven't written any kernel modules by hand, ever. I've only adapted existing ones and patched a few on my own machines, so I'm certainly not a candidate to go after this myself.
We are not saying it isn't possible. It is. Via WiFi it just isn't a good idea (lag), and via BT would require some more involved and in-depth modifications and coding. Getting coding to set it up as a USB attached controller would probably be a bit easier and possibly even easier to code than the BT HID stack inclusions. I encourage those who think this is a good idea to try coding it themselves. I'm sure others would be interested in it (based upon this thread).

https://play.google.com/store/apps/...rch_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImFwcC5wY29uIl0.
I did not try it yet.

benoitb85 said:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...rch_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImFwcC5wY29uIl0.
I did not try it yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Darn it. Missed this thread before making my own. Now I feel kinda dumb. But if anybody tried this app and got it working, could you please upload the devs windows drivers/programs. Because the devs site is unavailable in my country.
Sent from my PLAYSTATION PHONE using tapatalk

Dilemina said:
Darn it. Missed this thread before making my own. Now I feel kinda dumb. But if anybody tried this app and got it working, could you please upload the devs windows drivers/programs. Because the devs site is unavailable in my country.
Sent from my PLAYSTATION PHONE using tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This app is amazing. But the only problems are that the X button does not work properly (you have to hold it) and the buttons can't be mapped to some keys for example SHIFT. Otherwise It helped me finish Sonic Generations

[APP] BT Tag Writer

BT Tag Writer is application that offers you way to add NFC pairing to your old Bluetooth speakers. NFC pairing allows you to pair, connect and disconnect the device just by tapping the NFC tag with your phone. This application is still under development and this thread can be used to request changes and new features for this application.
Market: https://market.android.com/details?id=fi.siika.bttagwriter
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbuLGsXIvKI
--- original first post ---
Hello everybody.
I have been now writing application for Android devices with NFC capabilities. It basically offers wizard interface for writing new NFC connectivity tags for your Bluetooth speaker(s)/headset(s)/etc. And software that will take care of the actual pairing/connecting, when you tap the tag with your phone. NFC pairing is something Nokia does with N9 and it's Bluetooth speakers, but it looks like Android still doesn't handle this well out-of-the-box. Also I still haven't found easy to use connectivity tag writers for any devices.
Sort demo of application in it's current state: Check youtube video kzoG5VM6VcU (can't have this as a proper link, as I only have less than 8 posts to this forum, sorry)
Before I release this software to market, I would like have some people testing it with their speakers and devices. I really hate alpha level software in market. If you have Galaxy Nexus, some sort of Bluetooth speaker(s)/headset(s) and hopefully some writable NFC tags, and you would like to help me to get this software tested: Please tell it here. I still have some small things to resolve before this is ready for closed testing. If you like to help me to get this tested please also tell what sort of Bluetooth device you have and what NFC tags you have available.
I will most likely release this software as free (gratis) and probably in open source (don't know the license yet). So I am not planning stealing your time and then making money out of it. Only thing I can offer to you is to add your name to application's thanks list.
Also if you know software that already does all this, please tell. If my software does not bring anything new, I have to redesign it little bit.
Thanks.

I'd like to test your app.
Got the same NFC-Chip like you (mi(d)fire or something like that I've bought for my old Nexus S) and a Nokia BH-504 Bluetooth Headset and for sure a Galaxy Nexus and a Galaxy S, too
Just tell me how I can help testing...

i would test as well buddy!

s60mike said:
I'd like to test your app.
Got the same NFC-Chip like you (mi(d)fire or something like that I've bought for my old Nexus S) and a Nokia BH-504 Bluetooth Headset and for sure a Galaxy Nexus and a Galaxy S, too
Just tell me how I can help testing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For now this is ICS software, do you happen to have some unofficial 4.0 image in those? I kinda would like to make this 4.0 only software, as all NFC devices most likely will get that update.
S suxeN said:
i would test as well buddy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone is Nexus S? What sort of Bluetooth devices you have, and NFC tags...

I'd love to test this. I've been using NFC Task Launcher to do something similar but it doesn't currently support connecting to a specific device. I'm running ICS on a GSM Galaxy Nexus and have several A2DP speakers I could test with.

Northernmost said:
I'd love to test this. I've been using NFC Task Launcher to do something similar but it doesn't currently support connecting to a specific device. I'm running ICS on a GSM Galaxy Nexus and have several A2DP speakers I could test with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will fix few annoying things and then will put link to debug apk-file here (maybe Wednesday). I will try to see if I can make it run in 2.3.5+ too. Anyhow software will be limited to Mifare Ultralight tags (original and C versions). I have to buy other type tags to see what I can do with those, but that's later. Common Ndef writer classes does not work at all with Android or then I'm doing something wrong.
Android also really limits clean ways to do intents for more complex tags. So these tags software now writes are not proper connectivity handover tags. Just the core part of those is used and stored as single NDEF mime item and then this app is marked to handle those NDEF messages/records. Positive side with that is of course that information fits to smaller tags. Also PIN code storing will be probably done little hacky way to the first version.

alump said:
For now this is ICS software, do you happen to have some unofficial 4.0 image in those? I kinda would like to make this 4.0 only software, as all NFC devices most likely will get that update.
Your phone is Nexus S? What sort of Bluetooth devices you have, and NFC tags...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like said above. Both devices got ICS and NFC and I've got Midfire NFC Tags...

s60mike said:
Like said above. Both devices got ICS and NFC and I've got Midfire NFC Tags...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So many different Mifare tags out there. Mifare Classics will not work (for now).
Anyway, pushed software to market after all. In few hours you should be able to find it from there. Offer still stays, if you can try it out and report issues here it would help. I had to drop headset support for now as it didn't work as well as I hoped.

Great! Will try it out today. Here's the market link https://market.android.com/details?id=fi.siika.bttagwriter
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

alump said:
Mifare Classics will not work (for now).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Missed that bit. I really must learn to read All the Mifare tags I have are Classic ones.
A couple of initial thoughts after myfirst use of the app...
1) Back when I was on 2.3.7 there was a Bluetooth A2DP widget I used (can't remember the exact name now) that, when you created the widget, would display a list of already paired devices that supported the A2DP profile. Once you'd picked one the widget would attempt to connect to it automatically.
I'd like to see your app do something similar rather than having to go through a pairing process with a device I've already paired with. It's a small thing to do I know, but I'd imagine most users will have already paired with their speakers before ever finding your app. I don't know if you can enumerate paired devices supporting the A2DP profile in ICS though.
2) When your app was scanning for BT devices it would find my speakers but would only display the BT address. It didn't display the BT device name after waiting for several seconds. This may be a BT stack problem though.
3) It looks very nice!

Northernmost said:
Missed that bit. I really must learn to read All the Mifare tags I have are Classic ones.
A couple of initial thoughts after myfirst use of the app...
1) ....I'd like to see your app do something similar rather than having to go through a pairing process with a device I've already paired with...
2) When your app was scanning for BT devices it would find my speakers but would only display the BT address. It didn't display the BT device name after waiting for several seconds. This may be a BT stack problem though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes my app does not trust the already known devices list. Have to see if I can get that too. Anyway my application does not pair devices that have been paired already. It simply is stupid to not offer those. I have to check if I can used paired devices list too. I have to add some indicator to list what devices are then old known and what are just found with discovery.
2. I have seen "no name" issue only once. But yes, that's "stack problem"... I hope
Anyway I think I have to try to add Mifare Classic support first.

alump said:
1. Yes my app does not trust the already known devices list. Have to see if I can get that too. Anyway my application does not pair devices that have been paired already. It simply is stupid to not offer those. I have to check if I can used paired devices list too. I have to add some indicator to list what devices are then old known and what are just found with discovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for spam, but finally this will be mine 8th post
Request to list already paired devices is now added to Market version (0.3). So no need to turn already paired devices to pairing mode when writing tags.
Support for other than ultralight Mifare tags might take some time. Thanks to keys etc those tags are not ideal for this use. I think I will try to add headset support first.

Just to confirm that 0.3 is listing my paired A2DP devices

alump said:
Your phone is Nexus S? What sort of Bluetooth devices you have, and NFC tags...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus S, running Brainmasters ICS 4.0.3
Bluetooth devices:
2 headsets
another Xperia ArcS
NFC Tag:
dont have a tag yet, but could get some. Dunno what kind they are!

S suxeN said:
NFC Tag:
dont have a tag yet, but could get some. Dunno what kind they are!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My unofficial NFC tag type list (from memory, might have mistakes)
Mifare Ultralight C is my recommendation. If you plan to use this for this, or for example: storing your contact information, storing some url, storing application starter information etc.... Simple, cheap and easy to use alternative.
Mifare Ultralight (non C) is too small for almost anything. You can use it anyhow with my software (limited features) and you can fit sort URL to it.
Mifare 1K, Classic, etc... these are for more secure needs. Or if you really want to store a lot more information to the tag. For non secure usage (e.g. my app) the secure features are just annoying extra that makes things more complex. Key based security so if you mess up with key, then you can't read or replace that data anymore. Also kinda "proprietary alternative".
Felicas are Sony's alternative for all these. Probably not easy to find outside Japan. Topaz is good alternative for Ultralights, but I don't know how well Android supports those currently (haven't tested). And if Broascom/Innovision still makes these? Not too easy to find anyway. And then there are many more... it's a total mess and maybe the main reason why it's so hard for NFC to break big time.
But for the most of use cases: I assume Mifare Ultralight C is the best alternative.
NFC Tag store examples:
TagAge - I'm using this, but mainly because I live in Finland.
NFCDog - is one UK alternative.
And many more, Google search is your friend. And this message has't been paid by either of these stores

alump said:
My unofficial NFC tag type list (from memory, might have mistakes)
Mifare Ultralight C is my recommendation. If you plan to use this for this, or for example: storing your contact information, storing some url, storing application starter information etc.... Simple, cheap and easy to use alternative.
Mifare Ultralight (non C) is too small for almost anything. You can use it anyhow with my software (limited features) and you can fit sort URL to it.
Mifare 1K, Classic, etc... these are for more secure needs. Or if you really want to store a lot more information to the tag. For non secure usage (e.g. my app) the secure features are just annoying extra that makes things more complex. Key based security so if you mess up with key, then you can't read or replace that data anymore. Also kinda "proprietary alternative".
Felicas are Sony's alternative for all these. Probably not easy to find outside Japan. Topaz is good alternative for Ultralights, but I don't know how well Android supports those currently (haven't tested). And if Broascom/Innovision still makes these? Not too easy to find anyway. And then there are many more... it's a total mess and maybe the main reason why it's so hard for NFC to break big time.
But for the most of use cases: I assume Mifare Ultralight C is the best alternative.
NFC Tag store examples:
TagAge - I'm using this, but mainly because I live in Finland.
NFCDog - is one UK alternative.
And many more, Google search is your friend. And this message has't been paid by either of these stores
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, ima gonna order some and report back to u

music auto start
is there a way to make it so that my music app doesn't auto play my most recently played track when the BT connection is made ... id like for it to simply open the app

Card Emulation in general

Hi there,
right now I am researching for a possibility to emulate a smartcard with a smartphone. As we all know, the standard os and api won't let us do this. What I want to achieve is create a way to use the smartphone for physical access without the need to change the existing infrastructure. o achieve that, the smart phones gets a localy and time limited informationtoken it should present to the reader. In other words, I actually dont realy need access to the secure element, as any data would be temporary.
Right now I am a bit confused about this. Is there a way to use card emulation, without the need of a secure element? I have searched for different ways to acchieve this, but on many ends, I can't seem to find a definitv answer.
For example I stumbled on OpenNFC. They praise that they can acchieve card emulation. Yet, they don't provide any examples on this and fail to actualy deliver some sort of information on the requirements of this. As I understand it, it seems like this method only works when the smartphone uses Inside Secures Chips MicroRead or SecuRead. Anyone knows more about this?
I'm realy open to ideas on this one, as it seems theres little to no documentation or examples to go on.
I'd realy be happy to read about what you guys found out on this issue as of yet.

I've been looking into it too. This is what I have found:
EddieLeeDefcon20.pdf
nfcproxy
(Google them, I can't post links)
So, yeah, it can be done, but you have to modify android to be able to.

I ended up to OpenNFC too, but no sample code!
I have a good background on Mifare Classic 1K and 4K programming using RFM130 under linux and win.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

Ok, so after browsing the mailinglist like a maniac I found this answer from one of OpenNFCs developers:
Hello,
The OpenNFC stack porting on Android complies to the Google API, as far as the applications are concerned.
Since these API do not allow an APK to do card emulation, it is not possible to use this mode on the Nexus,
nor on any Android phone, with or without OpenNFC.
However, OpenNFC provides card emulation feature for other porting (Win32, linux), depending on the hardware capabilities.
Kind regards,
Stephane
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source is on their mailing list on sourceforge, cant post link....
So seems we can forget this one... Only option would be using the Cyanogenmod patch that is used by NFCProxy.

When this message has been posted? I think things has changed (not sure)
Anyway, I posted a message yesterday to have more informations about their projects on Android

The Message is from March 29th, 2012.
Again as I said, if that has changed, they really have to work on their communication to the outside. There seems to be noone but the devs that can say anything about this. And that means quite a lot.

When there is no API for something, we can use native code and directly communicate to NFC hardware. Agree?
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

Well, the way I understand it is, that we could take a build of android and tinker with it to get it to work. We would have to change the NFC softwarestack and its interaction with the rest of the system in order to make software emulation possible. That is quite some pile of nontrivial work to do if you ask me.

Sorry for doing a new reply instead of editing the old one, but I think this is interesting enoug to not get overread.
I got an answer from the OpenNFC Developerteam regarding my question. Part of my question was also if it was possible to emulate for example a Mifare Tag through their NFC Stack. Here is the answer:
Hello XXXXX,
The Open NFC stack is designed to be largely hardware-independent, with a small adaptation module (NAL) for each hardware chipset. However, currently we only provide the NAL module for the MicroRead / Securead chipsets; therefore out of the box we are only compatible with these chipsets.
It is possible to emulate ISO 14443-4A and -4B cards and Type 4 tags from the Open NFC stack; for emulation of MiFare Tag, you’d indeed need to use a Secure Element.
Best regards,
Sebastien.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope this clears some questions regarding OpenNFC.

External Touchscreen Development

Hello,
Currently i'm working on a personal project to integrate my GS3 into my car display and audio. Well this was easy with the help of a MHL or Allshare Cast Dongle.
My next goal was to install a 4 wire resistive touchscreen on my car display and use it as an external touchscreen control. I bought a 7" 4 wire resistive touchscreen with a USB module build around the CYPRESS CY7C63723C chip. I hooked up the touchscreen with OTG to test if there any initial reactions from my GS3, needless to say there wasn't any (no surprise there).
After a little digging around I came up with the conclusion that I need to create a custom "Input Device Configuration Files" for my touchscreen based on the following links
http://source.android.com/tech/input/touch-devices.html
http://source.android.com/tech/input/input-device-configuration-files.html
My initial question before I start plugging away with some codes is how would I name the files, the documents states "Input device configuration files are located by USB vendor, product (and optionally version) id or by input device name." How would I find the product ID or the input device name for the touchscreen? I'm sure this can be done thru terminal or something but I am new to android development so cut me a little slack here
Also if you know of any Input device configuration files dealing with touchscreen please post it.

Anyone?

hechen said:
Anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would probably be better served asking this on one of the more general hacking sub forums. Here, you're just going to get people who are familiar with the S3. There, you may find someone who has done something similar on another phone.

hechen said:
Anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any resolution with this?
I have been pondering the idea as well, but have no coding or hacking experience to go off of.
Would love to hear about the progress for this project and maybe a writeup of parts and procedures so far.

2 Questions, Want to design my own launcher, and trying to find a decent HU

Hi guys, been a while since i posted on these forums so bare with me...
But lately as I'm soon going to be restoring a Z3 ive been looking into the headunits going around.
And truth be told i prefer the Chinese ones to the international branded ones like pioneer.
But i have a few questions so I hope this is the right forum.
My coding experience is limited but not non-existent. I've grabbed android studio and had a nice look around at it. Going to try come test projects on it to get the hang of it before I start any serious work.
My plan is to build a new homescreen launcher with a built in radio/music player. As I feel when looking at the android launcher they put on just doesnt sit right with the main function of this device... IE its a radio and music player...
So Im going to build a new front end with all the controls available to the driver in a safe easy to use way.
So now the questions
Are there any tips on building launchers for these units?
The USB DAB+ stick thats been mentioned many times here. How do you access the steams and communicate to change frequencies and such with it? (I realise thats likely an indeph question and is probably detailed in an SDK somewhere if you can point me to that SDK or detail that would be great)
The CD/DVD unit built into the headunits. how is the audio stream handled? Does it bypass android completely and go to the preamp in the unit? Or is there some sort of interface with android? Even to only provide software controls?
Also can the CD/DVD drive be used for data? I guess if it bypasses android thats a no
Now for the Units.
Theres many nice ones with decent facades, but im having trouble finding the right one. Joying seem good but being in the UK, where can i order it without being charged duty. Is there any UK/EU distributors?
Also im looking for ones with the higher res screen and 2gb ram... That seems very hard to find together along with a nice facade... There are ones that have touch sensitive controls and no CD/DVD drive, but that defeats the purpose and tbh make the unit less safe to use. This is for a car remember...
So any tips?
Sorry if this is a bit rambling... Its been a while

Either no one knows or my questions too disjointed....
Lets try to simplify it.
1) Are there any tips of guides to building your own launcher?
2) Is there any kind of SDK for the realteck DAB+ stick, how do you read streams and manipulate frequency ect...?
3) How do the Units handle the DVD/CD drive, does it bypass android and go straight to the amp or is there some sort of interface with android?
4) Do the drives read data? Such as MP3 cds that android can pick up? (my assumption is no, im not sure android supports optical drives)
5) Are there any confirmed decent UK or EU distributors for the headunits we see from joying/ownice......?
Hope that helps

Not to discourage you but your plans about a new launcher might not be worth it as you can already replace the launcher in these units with any Android launcher. There's even some that are already geared towards driving.
If you want to go full-on custom you could use something like Lightning Launcher and pretty much customize every little thing.
For the music and radio controls there are some re-skinned widgets in the Software forum. Without source code I don't believe you are going to be able to go much further than this. I prefer Poweramp over the stock music player so I just use one of its widgets, would be nice to have something similar for the radio though (although internet-based radio apps are always an option).
The other questions I don't have answers for.

Thanks for getting back... Not discouraged. I probably will still have a go though ill look into the other ones available though