Hey all, I was wondering if there is something like a music dock for Android phones. Something like the Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere 2 would look great. Something that has a remote control and communicates with the device (not just headphone jack in). If it works with iProducts then even better.
Suggestions?
If i am not mistaken a new mode was have to be incorporated into android as unlike the iphone that has a dock mode using its cable all the android devices either have mini usb or propriatary jacks that use the same usb specs in a different form factor!!
The best bet would be to use the standard audio jack but sell a bluetooth remote control to go with it, then using a modded open source music player and bluetooth drivers supplied by the dock maker do the functions you have suggested!!
I would buy one!!
Bluetooth remote hey? Haven't seen any around (that would work with android). I'd still prefer a dock like I described since I would then need only one remote control, not two.
zeusalmighty said:
Bluetooth remote hey? Haven't seen any around (that would work with android). I'd still prefer a dock like I described since I would then need only one remote control, not two.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah your way sounds the best, its just getting that feature added to Android as as ASOP so the phone would be able to take commands via usb as it seems it would need to be a system level command chain! so pluggin it in and seeing it popping up saying mass storage, pc suite, charge only and also have an Audio docking option would be the ultimate goal before the docks go into the design room!
Or maybe the dock is bluetooth 2.0 and all it does is hold the phone and charge it? that would take hardly any modification!! these are the ideas that need putting to companies like creative etc!! they should have no bother making models for the HTC ranges! and maybe samsung
No bluetooth please, sound quality over AD2P sucks.
A decent solution would be a standard 3,5mm-connected remote interface, just like on corded Nokia or Apple handsfree; luckily enough SGS's sound quality is decent.
A USB connector would simply be astounding, although quite difficult to implement: remember the iphone has a line out in its bottom connector so a dock is kinda straight-forward to make; going through USB either means rerouting the line out from the DAC (impossible to realize just with software) or creating a standardized driver to connect an external DAC. Read: nobody is gonna do it, as no big company is willing to go through the trouble of making something (very) hi-end only.
*Drools while dreaming of an USB attached DAC/amp*
Considering that most Android phones can connect in USB mode, there could be an external dock that plays the mp3s' on the phone. On the other hand, this makes your phone no different than a flash disk.
Shouldn't there be a protocol for docking this kind of devices? I think phone makers are really losing the game by not creating a protocol for wired music docking, the result is that there is a TON of peripheral for iProducts (from hifi to cars) but almost none for anything else. Crying shame.
In the end a 3.5mm would be the most realistic solution but still, i'd like some sort of remote control.
i would be quite happy with a cable that has a male 3.5mm on one end and a female apple dock connector on the other.
you wouldnt have problems then when you were round at a party and all they got is an ipod dock with no line in.
cant the enterprising chinese come up with a solution?
EDIT**on closer inspection i found that cablejive are doing something called a dock input cable. i would post a link but im not allowed
it may be what im looking for
Didnt seen anything abaut a dock...
However i got this product from Belkin and it works very cool for my intentions.
**cant post since im "new user" tho, google it: "BELKIN bluetooth music receiver F8Z492"
Its just tap 1 button and play the music via bluetooth (A2DP), very nice quality.
I suppose the above are both working solutions, though I don't really like the Dock input cable. I mean, you lose the ability of remote controlling your player and you would use that only with iPod / iPhone enabled hifi systems, which I find redundant (why buy such a hifi system if you have Android? Then again if you already have one, that changes things).
to be honest it wouldnt take much to develope the librarys for the controls through a usb cable, but with no ones builds being asop and a non general development tree with the xda scene as it is, it would be virtually impossible to the get this now very fragmented market of phones to have a standard for docks! heh i might even put this to someone I have consulted for in the US about bluetooth technologys to see what he thinks!
anarchyuk said:
to be honest it wouldnt take much to develope the librarys for the controls through a usb cable, but with no ones builds being asop and a non general development tree with the xda scene as it is, it would be virtually impossible to the get this now very fragmented market of phones to have a standard for docks! heh i might even put this to someone I have consulted for in the US about bluetooth technologys to see what he thinks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the idea would best apply to "personal hifi systems". Something like boom-boxes or even small audio systems. These could provide basic functionality through their standard lcd screen and remote control, but when you add a phone on, they'd have a really nice looking screen and new features (depending on the phone itself). Bluetooth can already music-pair with other devices but I think there are better prossiblities using USB (not to mention that your phone would be charging at the same time).
I think it's time for people to stop looking at docking as gimmicky and start developing docking methods that actually add to the user experience as well as functions.
zeusalmighty said:
I think the idea would best apply to "personal hifi systems". Something like boom-boxes or even small audio systems. These could provide basic functionality through their standard lcd screen and remote control, but when you add a phone on, they'd have a really nice looking screen and new features (depending on the phone itself). Bluetooth can already music-pair with other devices but I think there are better prossiblities using USB (not to mention that your phone would be charging at the same time).
I think it's time for people to stop looking at docking as gimmicky and start developing docking methods that actually add to the user experience as well as functions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you think about how many media functions a modern smart phone has its crazy even samsung dont start shipping range specific docks for android devices!
I would love nothing more than my phone being on a dock over night charging! when i wake up to the alarm/custom song/internet radio station i press a button that keeps the music on then pops up todays appointments and meetings on my calendar! Then to top it off a text to speech engine reads out the headers from all my emails before cooking my breakfast and kissing me on the cheek goodbye
someone please make one before christmas time!
dan 6a said:
someone please make one before christmas time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I think we may have missed Christmas (!!) but I believe there is something in the pipeline from one manufacturer that is developing Android docking solutions for later this year.
Related
Hi,
I am new to the board, great that I found it.
I am planning to create some cool accessoires for th XDA2 but I neet your help.
Do you know how the O2-keyboard (foldable) works? I think it connects to the interface? Is it a "standard" keyboard with an adapter maybe PS2 -> Interface of the XDA2?
It is so expensive that I want to build a homemade one.
Next step would be to create a remote control for the MP3-Player. Pressing one button opens it, then one for play, stop etc. I think you can program the buttons like Winamp, pressing "X" is play and "C" is pause or something else. The buttons for accepting a call/ignore it may not be missed.
Third Idea is an external battery pack. The official backpack is hard to get and again really expensive! My Discman has something like that, put 2 AA-batteries into a box which can be connected to the power-supply-port. I think input is 5V, correct? Are the pins the same like the ones of the XDA1?
Thanks,
David
the problem is that unless you can get all the info here you kinda need to buy the org extre batt and keyboard to see how they work
you might also be prepared to write your own drivers for your own accessoires
making a good quality home made accessoi may end up being more expensive then buying what you can already get, same thing apply to every prototype of an accessoi
good luck though
this page is of cause a good place to start
http://xda-developers.com/connectors/
Maybe...
but I think making an adapter for PS2-Keyboards to the interface of the XDA cannot be such expensive.
We'll see...
David
Hi There
Does anyone know if there is such a thing as a mini-USB to Serial (or parallel) device on the market? Something that would provide PPCs like the K-JAM/WIZARD with a serial/parallel port.
I know they are available for desktop PCs, but what about hand-helds?
Ken
not without USB host. However you can use bluetooth to serial. I got ones of these:-
http://www.merlinbluetooth.co.uk/merlinbluetooth/promi-bluetooth-module-p-33.html
Bluetooth-serial
Thanks for that; it looks great, so I will (I imagine) need to get some software to read/write to that device.
At the device end I should be able to configure some Data Acquisition circuitry.
My problem is that I don't get access to the Vario/K-JAM until Christmas Day - it's a present from my wife - so I have no idea about writing stuff to access the bluetooth system Does it present itself as some sort of I/O?
I've just bought the NSBASIC/CE, so I was hoping to be able to write the necessary stuff with that.
The K-JAM looks a great bit of kit, but I'm never satisfied until I can get two-way interaction with the outside world in both Digital and analogue.
Thanks again,
Ken
It appears as a com port "COM5" on mine. You can open it just like normal using CreateFile / WriteFile etc
Hey I know I'm more of a leech than a seed but I want to start an open discussion / brainstorm about the limited bluetooth capabilities within Android. Specifically on the HTC Dream (G1).
I don't have a strong grasp on Linux but I've been playing with different flavors since i was 13 (11 years). I don't have the knowledge or the support to even attempt this.
HOWEVER I do have a job and I do have the money (donation) to support anyone with the ability and the time.
That being said I would like to talk to anybody who would be Seriously interested in developing additional profiles for the bluetooth stack.
Anyone who has wanted to FTP over bluetooth or for me send my phonebook to my Lexus GS350 I would appreciate donations towards a common goal.
The $ would go to the developer or team. Of course after that it would have to be open source and free to the community.
I have not created a paypal or account for pooling donations but whoever is seriously interested contact me. I've got $300 (donation) to get you started (motivated)
Au Revoir,
-Koocat
how do i make it bold lol
koocat said:
Hey I know I'm more of a leech than a seed but I want to start an open discussion / brainstorm about the limited bluetooth capabilities within Android. Specifically on the HTC Dream (G1).
I don't have a strong grasp on Linux but I've been playing with different flavors since i was 13 (11 years). I don't have the knowledge or the support to even attempt this.
HOWEVER I do have a job and I do have the money (donation) to support anyone with the ability and the time.
That being said I would like to talk to anybody who would be Seriously interested in developing additional profiles for the bluetooth stack.
Anyone who has wanted to FTP over bluetooth or for me send my phonebook to my Lexus GS350 I would appreciate donations towards a common goal.
The $ would go to the developer or team. Of course after that it would have to be open source and free to the community.
I have not created a paypal or account for pooling donations but whoever is seriously interested contact me. I've got $300 (donation) to get you started (motivated)
Au Revoir,
-Koocat
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm all about development and hard work, but with the release of blutooth 3.0, wouldn't it be better just to save the $ and put it towards the next android device that is compatible with bt3.0( which utilizes wifi for bt transfer...not to mention the improved battery life). what are your thoughts?
its not about the money. I'm using dudes cupcake rom whatever latest rom .92 and as far as i know there is no way to send my phone book to my Lexus when it prompts me to create a phonebook and because of this I can't use voice dial and nazi lexus basicly won't allow you to input anything while the car is in motion. the specs released on 1.5 only included stereo bluetooth theres still no push allowed or PBA
jaaronmoody said:
i'm all about development and hard work, but with the release of blutooth 3.0, wouldn't it be better just to save the $ and put it towards the next android device that is compatible with bt3.0( which utilizes wifi for bt transfer...not to mention the improved battery life). what are your thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would my car even work if bt is trans over wifi spectrum?
koocat said:
would my car even work if bt is trans over wifi spectrum?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, and sorry for the confusion. My point was that this android incarnation is lacking in bluetooth capabilities, and there has just been a new bluetooth technology released, not only having the wifi capability, but also all current profiles. I am sure that android will support this in the future with hardware in a new device, but for now, they are probably content with what they have, since it is an evolving technology.
jaaronmoody said:
i'm all about development and hard work, but with the release of blutooth 3.0, wouldn't it be better just to save the $ and put it towards the next android device that is compatible with bt3.0( which utilizes wifi for bt transfer...not to mention the improved battery life). what are your thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm, Bluetooth 3.0 standard was just released. We're not going to be seeing any Bluetooth 3.0 devices for another few years, one at the minimum. Not to mention that the OP's Lexus would still require a transfer via Bluetooth 2.0 technology.
I would be content if an open phone with an open platform supported bluetooth features I could actually use.
I manually added one contact into the lexus and manually set the voice rec. and then attempted to call using 'dial by name' and it will only work if the dream is unlocked and awake.
BT 3.0 will be great. but I'd have to get a new phone and depending on the backward capabilities a new car too.
but that brings the question "how long do i have to wait for bt 3.0"
"how long do i have to wait for cupcake"
I was hoping with 1.5 they would expand on the BT stack and they did but not for anything I can use. whats funny is 2 years ago when I had Verizon and a Voyager I thought I was cool to have stereo bluetooth headphones to rock out too. and they want to market stereo bt as being a great new feature but its not new
koocat said:
I would be content if an open phone with an open platform supported bluetooth features I could actually use.
I manually added one contact into the lexus and manually set the voice rec. and then attempted to call using 'dial by name' and it will only work if the dream is unlocked and awake.
BT 3.0 will be great. but I'd have to get a new phone and depending on the backward capabilities a new car too.
but that brings the question "how long do i have to wait for bt 3.0"
"how long do i have to wait for cupcake"
I was hoping with 1.5 they would expand on the BT stack and they did but not for anything I can use. whats funny is 2 years ago when I had Verizon and a Voyager I thought I was cool to have stereo bluetooth headphones to rock out too. and they want to market stereo bt as being a great new feature but its not new
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is an appropriate place to post issues with supported bt profiles already supported, but there is no guarantee that it will be addressed. i'm not speaking for anybody here, but me... butif it were my build, i probably wouldn't modify it for one make of car. There are other vehicles where this is working...am i right? i think so.
so far i think only broadcom has achieved and are planning to produce the new standard, but how long will it be till we see it??? my guess is 6mo- 1yr. Yes, stereo bluetooth is not a new thing, but i'm sure you can grasp the technology curve. "they" are only gonna release what they have to, in the time that will make sense to them, not the consumers. This
is a business, and will be treated as such. For how many years have we been scratching at the heels of EVERY advancement, just to PURCHASE it as soon as it comes around. edit...but to go along with you i was looking forward to file transfer myself, and it didn't happen.
what can i do on my car to verify the bluetooth version installed?, or bluetooth capabilities if you know what i mean
its a mazda 3 2010 sport
Thank you.
Your exactly right and thats what makes Android such a beautiful thing. Because we are longer governed by whatever corporate timeline 'they' decide. the timeline is to maximize profit. cupcake is marketed as a feature update to show dedication to their product and to their customer base but its not a dedication because they were forced to evolve it to make it compatiable with additonal hardware and minimize the media attention towards custom devleopment and end user modification. Google doesnt want to piss off Apple or HTC or T-mobile or Vodaphone ect because thats business.
Google doesnt care if you transfer over bt they dont care if you mod your phone. but when Apple says no mulitouch and vodaphone says No Bluetooth profiles they don't have much of a choice if they want Android to succeed.
and Thats why they made it open.
same with rooting your phone google had to fix it beacuse if they make it look easy they run into problems. T-mob or voda don't want you to teather your phone and use it as a modem and root allows this. so you must disable and discourage root and tell people its a security risk.
fcuk T-mobile and their G1 bs marketing. My phone is a Dream.
---btw the new radio gives me 3G in my house now wootwoot so i can actually talk on the phone with t-mobiles shi*ty service--- I only left Verizon because phones suck Donkey...Anyways..
its not just one car. go http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth to see all supported profiles
there are profiles that all cars support. most likely PBA "phone book access"
I know when the Prius 1st came out I was like 16 or 17 lol and none of VZW phones could send phone book data to the Prius only because VZW policy with phone makers demanded they crimple BT profiles even on smart phones. so you couldn't FTP a mp3 and set it as ur ringtone you had to buy the ringtone for 2.99 or what i did back them I used Bitpim but you get the idea.
-Koocat
alfmetal said:
what can i do on my car to verify the bluetooth version installed?, or bluetooth capabilities if you know what i mean
its a mazda 3 2010 sport
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would google some keywords and try and find a user forum for Mazda cars.
I know theres clublexus.com where I have learned a lot about my car.
for some Lexus (i know for sure the GS and LS models) you turn the car on, then hold down the INFO button while turning the Lights from OFF to ON four times. and the car enters a Service Diagnostic mode and you can view different settings and run diagnostics, clear error codes and rescan. I know theres a spot to view the bluetooth version and software version. You can adjust the Mic volume, send and recieve volume and adjust voice quality.
You really don't need to adjust your car (thats not what this post is about).
Depending on your car you can get updates from the dealer and you can find software mods online for some cars.
example; lexus had a override in the system menu to allow user input while the car was in motion. IN 07' that option was removed on all models so for my 07 Lexus i found a post from someone that had taken the Nav disc for the same model in 06 and he modded and issued a ISO for users burn to get that override feature back.
-Koocat
Bah! @ Bluetooth 3.0. Totally overhyped standard. Could be completely done with adhoc wifi and would be easier and more than 2x as fast.
[email protected]:
Yeah, it is... It's just a wifi coop mode, which requires both parties to have a wifi-radio free to use...
It's not really an optimization of bluetooth :/
Everyone else in here:
Well, i'm not sure you're gonna catch many devs in here (There doesn't seem to be any
[email protected] said:
Bah! @ Bluetooth 3.0. Totally overhyped standard. Could be completely done with adhoc wifi and would be easier and more than 2x as fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Power management is much better in Bluetooth. Combining the two gives the best of both worlds. BT 3.0 will be able to connect, go into low power states and only turn on WiFi if a higher speed transfer is required.
BT 3.0 is more than just BT+WiFi anyway. The ability to have an Alternate Mac-Phy (AMP) like WiFi is one feature. There are other new features as well (like better quality of service). Also, an AMP could be a Ultra Wide Band (UWB) radio, with speeds much higher than WiFi with lower power consumption. The potential for 3.0 is really interesting.
But as others have stated in the thread, it will be a while before there are any implementations. We are just starting to see 2.1 devices in the market.
paesano
I know this is only my 2nd post, but I too am looking for better BT Stack. Dont get me wrong I love that I got back my stereo BT on my Pioneer Avic-D3 but unlike my Nokia N95 and my Tilt which lets me transfer my contacts to my Headunit.
Also another thing I miss is sending contact info from one phone to another!
Waiting for the time I can ditch my ipod and be apple-free LOL
I think a total update of the bluetooth would be cool. I think the 3.0 is a bit away but besides just a specific car profile i think it should be and all around compatible bluetooth. with all the devices and allow file transfer as well something that non g1 phones can already do. I think that alone will make it feel much better until until the newer technology is intergrated. That would probably lean me more to donating
I have two old Motorola RAZR's and they transfer data over BT, it is really surprising that the Dream falls short in this area.
I just miss the very basic file transfer (obex) to move images, mp3, contacts, etc. from device to device. I know I can set up an ftp or webserver to allow phone to phone access, but quite frankly we shouldn't have to use a work around for such a standard phone option. ALso, I like to bluetooth pictures from my phone right to the Kodak picture printer in Walmart and other stores. There is no way to install an FTP server or client on that machine (without some hacking).
I would donate if we had some devs on here taking up the task.
Rick
JackD3ath said:
I have two old Motorola RAZR's and they transfer data over BT, it is really surprising that the Dream falls short in this area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I'm not surprised that the Dream falls short in Bluetooth support. My experience with Bluetooth in Linux has been very unsatisfying. I don't know if that stems from the Blue Z stack, or if no one cares enough to do things properly. The last couple of times I upgraded Ubuntu or Kubuntu, Bluetooth was totally broken, and I had to figure out my own workarounds to get some of the functionality I needed.
What I would currently like to see is DUN support, so that my Tom Tom can access the internet. Very few BT phones don't have DUN, especially on T-Mobile. Makes me wonder why T-Mobile wanted to get the Tethering apps out of the marketplace. You can tether with almost every Bluetooth phone they sell!
paesano
Well here is what’s needed by me and by general demand that I noticed:
We need an application that will enable an android device (a tablet for instance) to act as a Bluetooth headset and dialer for another phone
I have searched through the forums but with no luck, all that I found where similar questions but unanswered!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=844605
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=720397
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=905938
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=868062
So to sum it up I think we need a developer that can help us out also am willing to pay for it or buy it of the market if that’s what it takes
Cheers & thanks in advance
(PS: if this is not the proper place for something like this, please excuse the noob and redirect me to the proper thread)
Please guys. I'am looking to and is also willing to pay for it.
I'm also willing to pay for the application. Please someone help us?
bump!!
bump!!
come on guys... any thing?!?
bump
this should be a default feature for android...
I have been asking for the same thing, Moscow Desire is looking into it with LeeDroid to try and implement something by porting it from a phone I think...I'm waiting on pins and needles.
The thread on it is here, the last couple pages:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23447188&posted=1#post23447188http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23447188&posted=1#post23447188
It's not what we're looking for.
In the thread they are trying to get bluetooth headsets to work on a tablet.
We are looking for an app that can get a tablet to connect to a phone and make calls.
For example, I have my tablet built into my car and connectet to my car radio via cable. It would be nice if it could make and receive calls.
Bluetooth dialer
simonmbjornes said:
It's not what we're looking for.
In the thread they are trying to get bluetooth headsets to work on a tablet.
We are looking for an app that can get a tablet to connect to a phone and make calls.
For example, I have my tablet built into my car and connectet to my car radio via cable. It would be nice if it could make and receive calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! I have been searching for the same solution from months but the onle thing i have found is,
"dealextreme.com/p/minipad-a9-1-lcd-bluetooth-dialer-headset-white-94840"
so untill any developer work on true bluetooth applitacation which can fulfill our needs this is the only thing we can use.
I started a thread on this then discovered that it's been asked plenty of times before. After doing research I have discovered the following things:
1) It is possible to replace the Bluetooth stack on Android
2) We would have to make Android play the role of the hands free and not an audio gateway
3) This has been implemented - http://www.parrot.com/usa/products/bluetooth-hands-free-car-kits/parrot-asteroid
4) The stack on Android is BlueZ
5) The devs at Cyanogen mod have been working with the Android Bluetooth stack
From what I can see, we would have to modify the Hands-Free Profile in the Bluez stack to play the hands-free role. If we could somehow load in another profile or edit the existing one, that might do the trick. I'm not too familiar with Bluetooth, but I will be going over code tonight to see if I can come up with an idea.
touchpad webos has this capibility
I have a hp touchpad with cynogenmod 9 that dual boots to webos. In webos, i can link via bluetooth to my blackberry phone. I can call and receive via a dialer app in webos. I have not been able to figure out how to do this on the android boot. I can pair the device but haven't figured out how to do in android. Hoping since wedos went open there might be an app for android to mirror the webos capibility.
I've posted support for this development in a number of forums and in other threads here at XDA. This would be a huge deal for the 'android-as-car-stereo' idea. There are a number of suppliers that make USB-->DAC-->RCA(composite) converters, and that takes the shoddy internal DAC out of the equation for most tablets. All that is left is the need for bluetooth call transfers to the tablet.
hopefull news
people check this out:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.funkyandroid.phonelink
its to connect between tablet and android phone hopefully this might lead somewhere!!
I have a Bluetooth transmitter (B-Speech RTX1) attached to my AV-receiver and want to use my phone with headphones as a speaker system. There has to be an app that plays the stream once we can connect a transmitter via HFP profile with the phone I guess...
I don't know if my wish is related to this thread, but there is a thread explaining how to enable HFP in Android by editing the "audio.conf".
I get the new options but am not able to connect the transmitter to my phone. I guess I will have to buy BT-headphones...
I too am looking for this service to be done (using my tablet in my dash of my car connected to my amp's/speakers). Another post for this can be seen here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=844605
I just tried the method posted in the link above by hudl.. but it didn't work. My tablet still pairs with my phone like before, no way to connect them, nor the "use for phone audio" option from my phone to the tablet. :-( Still no solution as of yet.
I think this might work for ya
I haven't tried it yet, but am downloading it now. After much searching I think this is what we've been looking for.
jimbill88 said:
I haven't tried it yet, but am downloading it now. After much searching I think this is what we've been looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
???
I'd love to see this and would happily pay towards development of this. Parrot Asteroid seems to handle incoming HFP, HSP and A2DP profiles very well. I too have modified the audio.conf file and can also see the additional options.. My phone just doesn't know what to do with it!
Is there anyone who can point this thread in the right direction? It's the only piece of the puzzle left for android carpc tablet goodness.
Thanks,
MrNorm
Just reviving interest in this thread again as tablets in cars are becoming more and more common.
Checking if any developer is still willing to help out, I am sure there are plenty of willing users waiting with their wallets ready
Cheers
Mario
Parrot did it for sure. It would be an awesome feature. I wish things just worked like that by default... someone needs to re-invent a BT-like connection where everything on a device is exposed... a phone should be a BT keyboard/mouse/airmouse/headset/speaker/monitor/camera/drive/sdreader/modem/gps/serial-console/etc as well as being on the opposite end of each of those things. And without needing a separate app for each of those things that is even possible/created.
http://www.gottabemobile.com/2012/04/18/using-the-galaxy-player-3-6-as-a-bluetooth-handset/
If we could use Samsungs work in this player we could easily implement it.
There is an Android 2.2 800Mhz 256MB 8GB 6,2" TFT CAR DVD on sale (about 800 USD with delivery to door in Russia) that I have bought recently and after some software installations it does deliver what I have wanted to have in the car.
Nevertheless there are a few major complaints to its performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx53a6N7_ws
As well there are several other minor things that would be great to change if possible.
If there is someone interested and able to cook a custom ROM for this device - I can send this device for free as a gift and for experiments. We really want a good ROM for this CA-Fi Car Stereo and the guy's in China don't seem caring enough.
I will check this thread once in a while and provide contact details for anyone interested in developing this device. It is very close to being a great thing for a CAR! I have updated my email in the XDA profile so you can as well use this option to contact me.
I Have a ROM update file that came from the device vendor (dealer). I can send it out for revision.
The way to install this rom on the car stereo is to extract files to the root of a microSD card, insert it, switch off the device, then, while holding the screen tapped, power on – the device starts an install mode. When finished it asks for screen calibration and restarts with a new rom as after a hard reset (erases everything).
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I understand you if you only need to have music playing while driving, as well as some people who still prefer using monochrome cell phones. This is a matter of needs.
Regarding the sound quality of this particular CA-Fi device its surprisingly fine. I use its 4x45W out lines conneted directly to car OEM speakers (its a Chrysler PT) and the subwoofer RCA out channel connected via a 1KW Kenwood amplifier to a large Polk Audio woofer. With the available in this device GEQ and Bass/Treble settings the unit provides perfectly sharp and clear sound in the high+mid ranges for the OEM speakers that in company with the powerful sub make a really impressive rich and clear sound scene with no distortion at any volume.
This sound setup is very easy and efficient. Honestly, to my hearing it is not lacking comparing to my previous JVC Mosfet 192/24 DAC car stereo that was routed through amplifiers for all channels to Focal speakers instead of the OEM... That was too much trouble for the gained advantage. Again, depending on the needs. Trully - the sound of this Android Radio is fine, a sound of a branded Hi-Fi car stereo.
And if you had a Win7 Car PC setup that is quite complicated to arrange you should agree that this easy one-box Android PC solution is a great idea. It provides the music and all the tablet PC advantages. It's really nice after switching on the ignition to hear from your car that you have a new e-mail arrived, and enjoy other goodies like that.
---------- Post added at 08:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------
Quote:
Originally Posted by leppie
And there is the Parrot as well.
yes, I considered the Parrot, but found it limited for modifications and with a too small screen. There is as well a Clarion at present under development, but it does not appeal to me neither. It is a concept from the Clarion Malaysia division and most likely will be limited for modifications; if it will ever be released at all:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNQC56S5NFI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1TFiy2Dsdg
I really have spent some plenty of time on the web before selecting this CA-Fi device and I couldnt find anything better. To be honest I even went trough a mistake and loss of money by ordering an Android/WinCE dual OS device first. Result - I installed it into my dad's car (its better than his OEM 2003 Mercedes device anyway). But that one is wierd. My advice: be aware not to get one of those by mistake. For example, mine had GPS only in WinCE and 3G only in Android - so I couldnt have the Navigation system working along with traffic updates.... this spoiled everything for me.
PS
Important to know that CA-Fi offer a few dozens of versions of the same model with different front panels to match many of original car dashboards without the need of modifying the panels - the device fits in as a replacement for the OEM unit! As well for those who think that there are many different Android car stereos to choose from - this may be the same model with different front facing.
Like all of theese are the same device: