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HTC Touch TV-Out Car Nav Integration.

I posted this over at the other ppc site. I just want to thank everyone on this site. I got a neutered Verizon Touch Pro and have been able to download all the necessary fixes and cabs to get
GPS, youtube working on my HTC TP.
I finally set up my phone to do all my gps, web, and music in my car, a Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
It is connected to a bypass switch that overrides the built-in car OEM nav unit.
I had a carputer (see my other youtube videos) but the HTC Touch Pro kicks ***.
I was dealing with Road Runner and no album art. The bluetooth GPS always needed to be re-paired. IGo does not run in Windows XP, etc.....
With the HTC TP, I have everything I want. I even use W.V.D to download youtube music videos in mp4 and play them on my phone while I drive.
I wanted a HTC TP because of the miniSD, the GPS, the video out and I can run iGo8, Iguidance and Garmin XT.
Here is the youtube video of it in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjnABOFkJZw
Cables and hookup
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Picts

pretty cool. I'm quite jealous!

How much did that screen cost?

systematicdecline said:
How much did that screen cost?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's a range rover sport.. I'm pretty sure he says it's his stock screen.
I wonder if it's possible to bluetooth all that data?

I like the charging lights on the Verizon touch pro! The GSM ones just have the glow around the center button.

This solution ROCKS! Great idea and implementation!!!
Try that with an iPhone hahahaha

Looks very nice! I agree with you, these devices are so versatile. The TP is the best pocket pc ever ; )
This is exactly what I want to do in my wife's G35x once I install a double din touchscreen.

mrbkkt1 said:
it's a range rover sport.. I'm pretty sure he says it's his stock screen.
I wonder if it's possible to bluetooth all that data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is the stock factory nav screen that comes with the car. Car has bluetooth built in for telephony and address book.
You can't transfer video data via bluetooth.

Nice!
im waiting for a RCA switch, as i have my ipod hooked up to play vids though my car screen, cant wait to be able to display them both!

mrspeedmaster,
Do you use the Official HTC TV Out Dongle? If so, do you charge your TP at the same time. I don't have the TV Out Dongle but the Audio/Charger one that came with my Fuze. I noticed when I play music in my car thru an Aux. Input and Charge at the same time I hear feedback.
Just wondering if you hear feedback while you charge at the same time?
Dwight2001
btw, your set up Kick A$$

Quick question.. Which converter did you use to get the signal from USB to RCA NTSC/PAL? I bought a box from converters.tv, and the signal is not grounding right.. Now that I paid up, i'm sure there is no rush to get my problem resolved, lol

norkoastal said:
Quick question.. Which converter did you use to get the signal from USB to RCA NTSC/PAL? I bought a box from converters.tv, and the signal is not grounding right.. Now that I paid up, i'm sure there is no rush to get my problem resolved, lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using the OEM HTC video cable hooked up to a GVIF adaptor that is made for LandRover, Lexus, and the same one use for the Prius. It is a converter box with 4 AV inputs that overrides the factory navigation unit. GVIF is a connection like HDMI for cars.
As to the other question, there is a bit of a background buzz. I drown it out with the volume. I'll try to shield it better.

mrspeedmaster said:
I am using the OEM HTC video cable hooked up to a GVIF adaptor that is made for LandRover, Lexus, and the same one use for the Prius. It is a converter box with 4 AV inputs that overrides the factory navigation unit. GVIF is a connection like HDMI for cars.
As to the other question, there is a bit of a background buzz. I drown it out with the volume. I'll try to shield it better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks... I had a feeling it was proprietary equipment, but just wanted to check... I own a Nissan, so i'm not in luck, RGB nav screen FTL. Thanks.

norkoastal said:
Thanks... I had a feeling it was proprietary equipment, but just wanted to check... I own a Nissan, so i'm not in luck, RGB nav screen FTL. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They have a R-G-B adaptor. Check gnet canada website (google) or search mp3car.com . I've read some people doing stuff with the Nissan 350z and Infiniti G35 so I know it is possible.

Is it not slower then just on the Raphael? TomTom is not the fastest anyway. I mean TV-OUT would be slower as CPU/GPU is working harder?
Cheers
Chris

speaking of in car computers...since my road computer has only some basic functions and a minimal screen i am using my Athena (bought it second hand) and and it's big, touch VGA screen. i can even read and answer SMS when i am catching a red light or even send an e-mail while parking near a hot-spot. no wires. just a simple stand and a hook, and the possibility to hide it when i am living the car. when i wanted to install the original on board computer i was asked for 2000$! so, in my car i am using my Athena with a BT and out of the car my HD.

Sweet setup for both of you! I have a Jensen the one that has built-in Bluetooth and a hookup for RGB. I had the same idea... Use my touch pro as the nav and what ever else I can! Just ordered my TV out cable and now it's a waiting game. It's awesome to know it's going to work.
In the second picture in mrspeedmaster's post it doesn't look like you have the dongle plugged in but you gave both images on the LCD and on the phone... Am I just not seeing it?

You know, I actually feel stupid for wanting a carputer up until i saw this. It just occurred to me, that I HAVE one now, I just need decent video. Only thing missing is touch screen support, but that's not a huge deal.
Thanks for the inspiration!!

Mrspeedmaster...I'm sure you have bluetooth integration for phone calls, but if your TP was only connected via the video out cable could you still send/recv phone calls? I'm wondering if the TP mic would pick up your voice while the cable would carry the caller's voice through your stereo system. Thanks and nice setup!

thedocrn said:
Mrspeedmaster...I'm sure you have bluetooth integration for phone calls, but if your TP was only connected via the video out cable could you still send/recv phone calls? I'm wondering if the TP mic would pick up your voice while the cable would carry the caller's voice through your stereo system. Thanks and nice setup!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see what you are saying. My car's bluetooth takes precedent over everything. I had an iPhone hooked up to one of the AV jacks and when I had a call, the car's phone bluetooth system over-rode everything GPS, CD, Aux input. I'll have to try it with the HTC Pro.

Review: Nexus One and Pioneer FH-P8000BT

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FH-P8000BT with integrated Bluetooth/external microphone. No Bluetooth adapters to buy. Mine was $230.00 delivered, prices have gone up slightly since I purchased.
Amazon Link
I am posting this because I know there are lots of people having big trouble with certain Bluetooth devices and the Nexus One. While this setup isn't perfect, it's seems to be working better for me than many people are experiencing with factory car Bluetooth installations, particularly in Nissans.
I installed a new head unit in my car today. I didn't have any way to play MP3's in the car, and I wanted to remedy that, and figured why not get something with an integrated bluetooth solution for phone and audio as well while I'm at it.
I picked a double-din Pioneer FH-P8000BT (with built in Bluetooth, but with an external microphone). It's no high end unit, but it has a decent amount of features for the price, and gets good reviews.
Amazon had it for $230ish, delivered.
Pros:
Pioneer syncs bluetooth for both music and phone with Nexus one.
Once paired initially, the Bluetooth connects automatically when the vehicle is started.
Bluetooth audio quality is much better than I expected for Bluetooth.
GPS NAV voice directions work well over car speakers with Bluetooth connection. This is welcome, as the Nexus One's built in speakerphone is not the greatest.
Phone has priority - incoming call switches to phone mode automatically, muting whatever else is playing.
Pioneer microphone for hands free works reasonably well. Typical muffling of outgoing phone audio.
The PAC adapter for steering wheel controls works reasonably well.
It's rated at 50W RMS, which I am sure is bull, but it's still punchier than the stock radio.
Being able to place the external microphone is a real plus compared to having a microphone built into the head unit. It allows for better placement, and since the mic uses a standard mono mini audio plug, it would be a cinch to replace with another to try to improve the sound. But it's unnecessary because the supplied mic works acceptably.
Cons:
Edit: I was able to finally sync the address book - with lots of persistance. Once synced, it retains the info and you don't normally need to resync each time you connect. Syncs fail most of the time.
No Radio preset buttons. You can scan between presets, but nothing resembling an old fasioned push me and go directly to this channel button.
The menus are less than intuitive - for example you have to read the manual to figure out how to set the clock unless you venture a very lucky guess.
There doesn't appear to be a way to shut the radio completely off. Edit: There is, by pressing and holding a multifunction button. There is no dedicated on/off button that is illuminated, which was the source of my initial confusion.
No bluetooth or radio voice dial capability.
Sometimes playback control through the head unit is lost, even if streaming is still working. If I reconnect, it comes back most of the time.
As I said, this is a lower end unit, so maqny of the cons are really a lack of features because I cheaped out. My biggest beef is the address book not syncing reliably - that really should just work. Most of my other complaints are about lack of controls, but what's there works pretty well. I've gained a lot of good functionality, it sounds good and overall, I am happy to have it. Hands free phone and music with plenty of volume and no cords is very nice. I have a car charger in the event I need the NAV. Now all I need is a good bracket to car mount the phone, and it will be a pretty complete solution for travel.
Note: I am using cyanogenmod 5.0.5.3, and have tested with stock ROM. You're BT experience may vary, especially if you're running something else.

attn1 said:
[*]So far, I haven't figured out how to get the address book to sync to make outgoing calls from the radio. This means that although it's a great hands free setup, you're still fiddling with the phone for outgoing calls.
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Click to collapse
Hi, on my car I have a pionner CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Adapter and I also had problems with the contacts. What I did was, create a vcard ( I think i did this vcard with microsoft outlook) with my top contacts, then I installed 2 programs in the nexus, the Astro file manager and the Bluetooth file manager.
Then with the astro I searched for my vcard and I send it to my car radio by bluetooth ( I had to put on the transfer mode on the radio first).
Now if someone calls me and if that person is on that list the name will apear on the radio, if not only the number.
Hope that can help you and sorry for my bad english.

VivendaLab said:
Hi, on my car I have a pionner CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Adapter and I also had problems with the contacts. What I did was, create a vcard ( I think i did this vcard with microsoft outlook) with my top contacts, then I installed 2 programs in the nexus, the Astro file manager and the Bluetooth file manager.
Then with the astro I searched for my vcard and I send it to my car radio by bluetooth ( I had to put on the transfer mode on the radio first).
Now if someone calls me and if that person is on that list the name will apear on the radio, if not only the number.
Hope that can help you and sorry for my bad english.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your english is fine for this purpose. Thanks for the tip. I'll give that a try.

Wel, I managed to sync my phonebook with it today, so now I can make calls without touching the phone. Sweet.

It's great to see that you got everything working properly. I have a Pionner headunit that's not too old, DEH-P710BT (last year's model) but I can't seem to get the a2dp audio working. It'll try to connect the audio and then fail. Phone works though. I figure it'd be pretty similar to your deck in terms of the bluetooth hardware and software that Pioneer uses. If you ever happen to go back to stock firmware on your N1, it'd be great if you could try again and let me know. I wonder if it's just a problem with my N1 using stock firmware. Just not sure if I want to root it yet and install cyanogenmod.

metical said:
It's great to see that you got everything working properly. I have a Pionner headunit that's not too old, DEH-P710BT (last year's model) but I can't seem to get the a2dp audio working. It'll try to connect the audio and then fail. Phone works though. I figure it'd be pretty similar to your deck in terms of the bluetooth hardware and software that Pioneer uses. If you ever happen to go back to stock firmware on your N1, it'd be great if you could try again and let me know. I wonder if it's just a problem with my N1 using stock firmware. Just not sure if I want to root it yet and install cyanogenmod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am back to stock firmware at the moment. It works fine for the most part. Getting the address book to sync took several attempts and sometimes I can't control a2dp playback properly from the head unit. Most of the time it works fine. I haven't really noticed any difference between the stock firmware and Cyanogen 5.0.5.3 that I can put my finger on with regard to interoperability of Bluetooth and this head unit.
Maybe there is a firmware update from Pioneer for your unit?

Thanks for the awesome review and adding it to the Nexus One radio compatability list
For those curious check it out HERE
-Charlie

Hi everyone. I'm new here. Great review attn1! I am very satisfied with it as well. I have this same exact head-unit and a2dp & phone calls worked perfectly. For example, I could be listening to a podcast on Google Listen, then a phone call would come in. I could then answer it, talk for a bit, hang up, then I Google Listen would resume.
Within the past few days however, I've been having some trouble. Not sure if you've experienced this or not. My BT connection would break. (It doesn't break with other phones) I can't determine what's causing the disconnect because I can't consistently get it to break. Sometimes it breaks in the middle of listening to some music. Sometimes it breaks just before I receive a call which bad because of the laws here in Cali.
The only thing that I did recently was install wifi fixer, but I later removed it. I felt like wifi fixer was messing with my bt... but I'm not completely sure.
On a side note, has anyone been able to get sound to stream over the BT connection? I'm not referring to having the head unit read and play music off the microsd, i can do that just fine. I'm interested if it can tap into the phone's main volume out so that I can hear everything (music, notifications, navigation directions). I could only get this to work a2dp but not through usb.
I'm running the stock 2.1 update 1 firmware.

No trouble with maintaining blue tooth connections on mine, and audio and NAV streaming works fine as well.

Parrot MKi9000, or an alternative?

Ok - I've got the Desire, and I'm liking it.
I've also got Spotify, and it's excellent.
But Spotify in the car would be amazing.
So, question is, would the above kit be a useful purchase?
This particular Parrot comes in 3 flavours, the bog standrd MKi9000, but there's another two which also have a small screen accompaniement.
Question is, which should I get?
Or should I get something else entirely?
I like the idea of FM transmitters, but pretty much across the board, they are meant to perform poorly. I also don't like the idea of being restricted by having to instal some of them in the cigarette lighter - I'd rather the stero component was hard wired if possible (and easy to fit myself as I'm on a budget).
So, any advice peeps?

I have a parrot SK4000 and it's terrible.

I've got a Parrot Mki9200 and it's great. It's a Parrot device so you have to expect the occasional oddity but I just get in the car and I have bluetooth handsfree and A2DP streaming from my Desire. I'm even contemplating changing my earlier Parrot 3400GPS in another car.
Haven't tried it with Spotify but I can't see why it wouldn't work. Works fine with Google Maps Navigation, although occasionally the A2DP streaming takes a second to kick in which means you miss the very first part of the voice instruction.
Edited to add that you can plug the Desire into the USB connector which both charges it and allows you full onscreen browsing of the media on your Desire. Select songs by album, artist, playlist, folder, etc.
Ian A.

Thing is, do you need the small screen that comes with the 9200, if you only use it with a Desire? I mean, what exactly would you use the screen for, assuming you've already got your Desire on a dashboard mount anyway?
I'm clueless about in car bluetooth connectivity and suchlike, so any advice is great. You can get the mki9000 quite cheap if you look around, but with the screens, you add a fair bit to the cost.
So - any other advice?

I had a MKi9100 Parrot which had to be returned as it had a fault. However, i was really disppointed with the quality of the music, as it uses its own inbuilt amp, not the car stereo amp. Quality suffers as a result.
With the MKI9200, I believe that there is a way to wire the kit, so the music plays through the car stereo, but you then have to have a separate speaker for phone calls, else you won't hear calls when the stereo is off. A good source of info can be found at the Parrot forums.
The benefit of the Parrot gear is that you can integrate it with your stearing wheel controls (if fitted), although you will need the additional control module.
Given my rather unreliable experience of Parrot gear, I'm looking to ditch my present Parrot CK3000 unit in favour of the Bury cc9060 kit. Not only does this kit have A2DP (music via bluetooth) and the ability I believe to route music via the stereo (please check to confirm), but most impressively it has multipoint - the ability to connect 2 bluetooth phones at the same time. A real bonus for those of us with 2 mobiles....
Hope this helps.

Parrot
I have the LS3200 and there is a lot of problems with the Desire sync of contacts from phone

This is exactly the kind of info we need.
I hadn't even heard of Bury kits, so cheers for the heads up...

crazybones said:
With the MKI9200, I believe that there is a way to wire the kit, so the music plays through the car stereo, but you then have to have a separate speaker for phone calls, else you won't hear calls when the stereo is off. A good source of info can be found at the Parrot forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Parrot instruction manual is wrong on this. If you have a decent car stereo, you can wire a line-out from the Parrot to the Line-In from the car stereo and use the car hi-fi amp for streaming music. You still connect the speaker bypass which kicks in if you get/make a voice call. I've confirmed this with Parrot tech support.
As for the screen, if you've got (or are getting) the Desire car dock and you only listen to music from the phone, I guess you don't need the screen. However I find that I use the SD card & USB connection to listen to music as well so the screen is pretty essential. The 9200 is only around £20 more than the 9100 so it was a no brainer for me.
However I did look at the Bury devices as well. I do expect the Bury ones are slightly more reliable (although the 9200 is better than expected) but I found them lacking in some features.
Ian A.

ray4438 said:
I have the LS3200 and there is a lot of problems with the Desire sync of contacts from phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've also got a 3400 (same thing but with GPS, not the most reliable of devices!) and the best way is to delete all contacts, re-pair the phone and then send a multi-contact VCF file to the Parrot. You can create a multi-contact VCF from MS Outlook if you have that.
I've managed to get multi-number contacts (so you can do voice dialling with "Call... Alex... Home"), contact pictures and all features working correctly with the Desire. It did take some fiddling though, especially compared to the 9200 which was pretty seemless.
Ian A.

Just got an MKi9200 and installed in my 2008 Civic. I am loving it so far!!
I have paired my Desire which I plan to use for calls and sat-nav using the bluetooth audio feature.
I also plugged in a 32Gb USB stick which I will be using for playing music.
All this works well so far, except for a few little niggles.... I am hoping someone can help
1. When the phone sync's with the Parrot I get a message "File format not supported" which appears, disappears and appears again during the sync. Its possibly contact related (either pictures or the contact themselves) - can anyone advise??
2. When the sat nav (Copilot) gives directions, the sound comes out of the Desire AND the cars speakers. This is fine but the phone sounds up first, then after a 1/2 second delay the same instruction comes through the cars speakers. Any ideas on how to get them to play at the same time or mute the phones instruction but still hear the car speakers?
Any help gratefully received!
Thanks
zippyioa

I use the venturi mini on mine and it works flawlessly the only problem is it does plug into the lighter socket, I did end up buying a 3 way extension plug for the socket though off ebay so it is now mounted elsewhere and i still have 2 spare lighter sockets and a usb charging port on it as well as on the bluetooth car kit.
the kit was about £20 off of ebay of £50 in the shops, phonebook dl all ok even transmits it on the head unit if it has RDS on it.

ray4438 said:
I have the LS3200 and there is a lot of problems with the Desire sync of contacts from phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the exact same model, had the exact same problems but cured it.
I wrote a post about my experiences http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=668042 , but I think the upshot is actually to break all the "links" in your contacts.
My LS3200 works flawlessly now.

advice please
I'd like to get Bluetooth handsfree set up with my Desire in my Toyota Rav4 (2005). Am looking at the following:
1. Brodit active cradle (hardwired to car, avoiding cigarette charger)
2. Parrot BT kit
So, my questions are: which Parrot kit am I best getting (dont want to spend a fortune, but would be nice to stream music from Desire through stereo speakers), & can anyone recommend a company to do the installation professionally in London? (as much as I'd love to do it all myself, probably not a good idea to open up the dashboard etc?)

Its a no brainer to go wth the MKi series, thebosh, but it depends if you want clutter on your dash or keep it clean and minimalistic.
But following the parrot forums loosely, its seems that more and more people are having difficulties with the 9100 and 9200 than the 9000 due to the added screens and with displaying what they wantr and how they want it, especially with software updates, changes to phonebook layouts and intergrations with social feeds etc.
For me, it had to be the 9000 with just the remote, which I mounted on a spring clip and then to a face vent.
I also got a brodit active charger (the one with the hardwired charging lead) for sat nav purposes, so I saw no need for an extra bluetooth screen you have to mount somewhere.
I too am planning to cut the cigar charger plug off and hardwire it, just need to get around to it.
The sound quality from the desire to the parrot 9000/9100/9200 BT is exceptional, and the music bass/treble is well balanced.

As for installation, register on the parrot forums and ask there.
You'll be surprised how many installers are registered for troubleshooting and can give you some sort of price/advice on whos doing it in that area.
I put mine into my 206, and its no sweat.

Thanks for the really helpful advice Touch Graphite. The 9000 seems perfect for my needs.
Had my first quote this week for professional installation - £244 for the lot. No idea if that's any good or not!
Will do as you suggest re. Parrot forum, as it would be awesome if I could do it all myself!
(For info, the quote came from avrmobiles.co.uk, & guy I spoke to warned me to rather go for the Bury 'Music' as he had experienced issues with Android & Parrot devices...)
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

Zippy,
There are alot of bugs when it comes to the screened versions of the Mki series, hence my recommendation of the 9000.
I have no such problems with any sort of delay in sat nav commands, music quality or phone sync from my desire.
Only niggle I get is blipping when im canning the music at full chat from my desire on fuller vocal songs,
but using the Mix-zing app, and turning up the buffer size does help.
Keep It Simple.

IPAddis said:
The Parrot instruction manual is wrong on this. If you have a decent car stereo, you can wire a line-out from the Parrot to the Line-In from the car stereo and use the car hi-fi amp for streaming music. You still connect the speaker bypass which kicks in if you get/make a voice call. I've confirmed this with Parrot tech support.
Ian A.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
This is exactly the kind of solution I am looking for! I just got my MKI9000 installed and unfortunately the installer routed all 4 speaker output through the cutoff and not through the line-in.
I have a Skoda (part of the VAG family) and I am now trying to cross information so I can come back to the installer and get him to fix the installation (he will learn a thing or two from the infinite internet wisdom )
Any more information you can share on this option?
Moshe

Car audio integration (charge and play via USB)

I needed to get an AUX adapter for my car and came across this package from GROM Audio, that has lots of options, and some additional support for Android and GS/GSII phones:
http://gromaudio.com/store/usb_adap...sb_ipod_adapter_direct_digital_interface.html
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It has ports for USB to hook up thumb drives, ipod/iphone cable, blutooth dongle for blutooth playback, Mini Din to 3.5mm cable to connect any MP3/Audio player via headphone jack. Granted, that one is made for my model/year vehicle, but they have wide range of products for different makes/models.
Additionally, in the description they have a section called Samsung Galaxy S and S II play and charge which is a Mini Din to microusb cable that can be used to connect to the Skyrocket and charge the phone as well as playback through the microUSB, with head unit and steering wheel control integration.
http://gromaudio.com/store/accessories/cable-sg1.html
I ordered it a few days ago and it came in the mail yesterday. I'll probably have to wait until the weekend before I can install it. I also received an email from them yesterday about an upcoming announcement regarding additional Android support :
http://gromaudio.com/newsletter/march2012/letter_spring.html
April 4th: Android Support!
Dear Android users - stay tuned to our announcement on April 4th! We will start beta-testing for our groundbreaking Android integration. Those who have USB2 modules will be able to use any Android phone as an advanced media center. There is no extra hardware needed - simply install our AALinQ application from Play Store, upgrade the USB2 firmware and enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't seen much of anything available yet from anyone else like this, so I though I would share.
Also, here's some more info on the Android Open Accessory Protocol for USB interaction:
http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/usb/accessory.html
http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/usb/adk.html

Any luck getting it going? I ordered and installed, but no luck with GSII cable hookup.

I have the USB GROM installed in my car. And I've been happy with it. I have it with one regular aux cable (1.5mm or something???), an USB entry and I also ordered their Bluetooth extension (sorry, I can't post links yet). It took me half a day to install the whole thing, it depends on your particular car.
In general I've been happy with it. I really don't use the USB nor the AUX entry (My sons can connect their MP3 players using the AUX or bringing their usb stick). I only connect to it through BT and it works fine. I can play the music in my phone or pandora or whatever and control everything with the steering wheel controls. Also, when you get a phone call the music stops and you can talk hands free. Completely integrated.
I donwloaded their android app this morning but I'm not planning on using it since you have to listen to your music through that app, so, I guess you don't get pandora, amazon cloud, etc. But I can see that if you don't have the BT conexion thing, it can be useful. Anyway, I'll try it out tomorrow and report back.
Cheers!

Make sure you upgrade the firmware. They released new firmware today, which requires you do stick it on a usbstick, disconnect the adapter from the harness at the back of the head unit and then plug it in to update the adapter's firmware.

I have a 2006 Acura MDX with nav and all that fancy stuff. How is the stuff on the USB drives exposed? How do you pick with song or folder you want to play and how is it displayed? I've been looking for something like this, but I'm always worried about the interface.
tk

I sent an email to GROM this morning about whether USB Accessory mode is in fact required, and if not, what the specific requirements are (I did make sure to note that it was a Skyrocket on ICS 4.0.3 and provided some additional SoC details). Here's the response:
[email protected] said:
In order for SG1 cable to work you need special audio profile installed.
Try also this small app attached.
If you want to use in USB mode you can try AALinQ application and connect via USB cable, but you will need to update your box to the latest firmware:
http://gromaudio.com/software-usb2.html
No special support in kernel is needed.
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Click to collapse
I reuploaded the app he mentioned here. http://d-h.st/JH4
It's just a tiny app called SGS Dock Speaker. There's only one menu with two options which says
Code:
Switch external audio output when the phone is placed in the:
☑ Home Dock
☑ Car dock
I have not had an opportunity to flash the new firmware yet as that requires me to remove a few things from my car (like the plate around the shifter, DC outlet connection, storage bin in the dash below the head unit, etc) in order to get to the back of the head unit and disconnect the adapter from the harness to flash the firmware. I might get around to it today, but if not, I'll do it tomorrow.
Edit: Shot him another message for clarification on the audio profile and got a response already. He's fast.
There is a special audio profile that needs to be turned on when car dock mode is detected.
AALinQ and SGSDockSpeaker11 do that upon launching
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

ToddKlindt said:
I have a 2006 Acura MDX with nav and all that fancy stuff. How is the stuff on the USB drives exposed? How do you pick with song or folder you want to play and how is it displayed? I've been looking for something like this, but I'm always worried about the interface.
tk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by exposed? Are you talking about USB as in a USB thumb drive? If so, for me I have a 6-disc CD player so you would set up 6 playlists with whatever you want and name them 1-whatever, 2-blah,...,6-stuff and then you can switch between them by just hitting the 1-6 disc buttons. Stuff like that. The display for the AUX rather than USB stick is essentially the same. It will display track names, the min/sec of the track, etc.
They have a some videos up on youtube you can check out to get a better idea of how the interface might work for you. Here's one:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7S-I63UGiA

Sorry for bringing this back to life, but how's this accesory working out? I currently have a USASpec adapter but want to be able to charge and play at the the same time through my factory head unit (which USASpec does not support at last check)

gunthernsons said:
Sorry for bringing this back to life, but how's this accesory working out? I currently have a USASpec adapter but want to be able to charge and play at the the same time through my factory head unit (which USASpec does not support at last check)
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Click to collapse
I was just mentioning this in another thread and just saw your post. I guess I'll just restate what I stated there. It worked on my phone and my friend's GSII (Epic 4G Touch) on stock gingerbread, but I was never able to get it to work with any other ROM. Even with stock based ROMs like Sky ICS it wasn't working, but I haven't tested it on Sky ICS since well before the official ICS update/source was out for our phone and all we had was one or two ICS leaks (around the time I created this thread). I never got an opportunity to test it on stock ICS or Sky ICS after the official ICS release. I would assume that on stock ICS it should work. I don't know if seanz removed something from the kernel for Sky ICS that's needed for this to work or if it just wasn't present in the kernel in the ICS leaks. I think my friend finally got the Official ICS release for his Epic 4G Touch. If I have a chance, I'll see if it works on his phone on stock ICS (which I'm pretty sure it will).

dock and usb
hello, i know this is an old thread but im still hoping someone can help me. I purchased the samsung car dock for my infuse and the Grom-USB2, the grom works fine with the usb cable connected directly to the phone but id like to get it to work when the usb cable is connected to the car dock and then connected to the phone. Is this even possible?
thanks

kabuki-joe said:
hello, i know this is an old thread but im still hoping someone can help me. I purchased the samsung car dock for my infuse and the Grom-USB2, the grom works fine with the usb cable connected directly to the phone but id like to get it to work when the usb cable is connected to the car dock and then connected to the phone. Is this even possible?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would entirely depend on the dock connentions and how the 4 pins for the microUSB are wired.

[Q] Using in my car?

With my iPhone I just had a kensington dock connector that charged + had an AUX out - so I got power + audio through the dock.
With Android it's clearly not nearly as easy
My car does not have native bluetooth but it WOULD be nice to take this opportunity (if it makes sense) to be able to effectively use my android phone for audio, gps nav (spoken directions) and handsfree calling (or at the very least, receiving calls)
What would be the best way to accomplish this? My AUX-in is in my center console, covered... so I could stick a bluetooth->3.5mm adapter there..
This SHOULD work for audio, GPS and hearing calls - but what about speaking on the phone? Phone might be in pocket - but even if in a holder mounted on windshield would mic be positioned properly to speak into it?
One thing i would really love is to be able to use GPS navigation while listening to radio, but I'm not sure this is possible. When using GPS I either have to ignore voice prompts or switch to AUX and be music-less or restricted to music from phone...
FYI I have a 2007 Accord - the AUX port was added in after

I have an aux port and I don't think you are going to be able to do all the things you want through the Aux port. I use the aux port with a HTC Stereo clip and that streams just music to the aux port from any bt device (I have a N7 as well). That is all the Aux port will do and all I want it to do. However saying that I also have a Parrot minikit neo which connects automatically when I have my llama profile to switch on bt when disconnecting from any wifi, which usually means home or work. Using the Parrot or anything like that, you will be able to use navi for voice prompts and answer calls at the same time.
No not ideal, but works for me. No it's not seamless, but it works bottom line. lol
If anyone else has a setup, please post up!

I don't think there's a seamless way to accomplish what you're trying to do. I've got a 2010 Accord and use a windshield mount and AUX for music/GPS. Works well for me. I don't think there's a way to listen to the radio and GPS nav unless you're just using the N4 speakers.

I've been using this in my car.
http://www.amazon.com/XtremeMac-InCharge-Auto-Bluetooth-iPhone/dp/B005UKLW0W/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_2_1
The mic is located on the huge male end of the 3.5mm plug and if placed or mounted properly(somewhere near the driver's mouth), you may be able to talk clearly as well.
I don't talk on the phone while I drive, so I disabled that function and have never used it.
This item was on sale a couple of weeks ago for $20 on one of those deal sites.
Also bought a 3.5mm extension cable to plug into the aux port on the stereo.
I haven't figured out how to have the radio and GPS directions come out the same speakers either.

I just got this yesterday:
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Blueto...56633664&sr=1-1&keywords=belkin+bluetooth+car
It mounts on the dash and has a microphone built in. It is powered (and the power cable includes an extra USB port so you can charge your phone while this thing is plugged in). I am in love with this thing, it works beautifully. I paired it once and since then, when I get in my car and push the button on this device, it automatically connects to my phone. If I'm talking on the phone or listening to music, the audio is automatically redirected to my speakers (if you're on a call and don't want it on your speakers yet, just don't push the button on the bluetooth adapter yet).
It works to control the phone too, I can push twice to go to the next song (works in google music and pandora, haven't tested others), click once to pause, hold for 2 seconds and release to pull up voice dailer.
Sound actually seems a bit improved as well compared to the AUX out on the phone. I find the AUX out volume to be extremely low, and this seems to be a bit louder, although I haven't done any actual tests to confirm.
I built a custom dock that has a charging cable built in, so I get in my car, set it on the dock, hit the bluetooth button on the adapter, and I'm listening to music and making calls. No wires to plug in, no hassle. It's great.
A couple of things I still need to test though. I haven't tried GPS while listening to music yet, so I can't confirm that functionality. I also have not tried other voice functions from the voice dialer to see if I can have it play a certain song or other voice commands.

Kaitlyn2004 said:
With Android it's clearly not nearly as easy
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Click to collapse
No... its not. But if you want easy... this is the way I recommend you go.
Unless your current in-dash stereo is an expensive aftermarket unit, just replace it with a new bluetooth enabled model. They are dirt cheap now-a-days and can be had for around $100-150.
While you may save "a little" money going with some crippled add on solution, a new unit will give you all that you are after plus a USB port for charging, all in a simple, single interface. Also, with add ons you may run into ground loops issues and other nonsense (which will take more money and time to address).
just my 2¢... but I have considerable experience with a variety of add on bluetooth stuff, and if my head unit wasn't a $1500, double DIN, standalone GPS/DVD unit, I'd have yanked it and put in a cheap, new bluetooth capable unit in a heartbeat. I was talking to my brother on Christmas... he was in Starbucks getting his daily fix. Then walked out to his car where his new $150 Sony automatically picked up the conversation upon starting the engine, and I didn't miss a syllable.

Radiocore said:
I just got this yesterday:
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Blueto...56633664&sr=1-1&keywords=belkin+bluetooth+car
It mounts on the dash and has a microphone built in. It is powered (and the power cable includes an extra USB port so you can charge your phone while this thing is plugged in). I am in love with this thing, it works beautifully.
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Click to collapse
I've had one of these for a month or so. It works quite well, though I have some audio/volume issues due to my aux input being a soldered hack into my old Saab's radio. Not Belkin's fault. It works well for calls, pauses Spotify when Google Gnav is announcing turns, can pause or skip songs in Spotify, etc. $30 well spent.
Though after reading this thread, I'm thinking of changing out the car radio head unit for one that has integrated Bluetooth to do away with my hack. Found a well reviewed Pioneer on Crutchfield and Amazon for around $100.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Check out JVC as well. They have good support for Android, with Pandora, and a dedicated remote app too.

Yeah, I don't seem to have any of those volume issues, and I get now grounding feedback or anything.
A new headunit of course is the ideal solution, but I didn't want to give up my setup quite yet for that option, and right now the Belkin has treated me great.
I did test navigation while music is playing (google music app), it just lowers the volume of the music while she talks over it. Works just fine in my opinion.
Holding down the button on the Belkin brings up the voice caller, and it strictly only lets me do call commands. Anyone know how to change this so that holding the button on the bluetooth device will open a different app on my phone? Specifically, Google Now.

For those with the belkin, does it automatically connect when you get into your car?

Kaitlyn2004 said:
For those with the belkin, does it automatically connect when you get into your car?
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Click to collapse
I've been using the Jabra freeway Bluetooth speaker. Works great with excellent battery life. Auto connects when you get in car.