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Best car integration kit?

For years I've been handling all the music in my car via a first-gen iPod mini under the passenger seat connected to a Harman/Kardon Drive+Play. It's got its flaws, but it works great. I turn on the car and it picks right up where it left off. The control is mounted right where my hand expects it to be and the screen is easily visible. No fuss, no muss.
I'm wondering if I can accomplish something similar with my Nexus One. What I DON'T want to do is have some complex setup where every time I get in the car I have to connect three cables and put the phone in some gawdy clamp mount, then be awkwardly trying to use the touch screen while driving, then having to stop playback and disconnect everything when I get out of the car.
I'm looking for a solution that is either one cable or automatic bluetooth. Preferably there would be an external monitor screen. I'd like a manual control that I could mount by the arm rest or steering wheel and use without looking at it. At minimum, I could do music and calls. Navigation would be a plus.
Does anything like this currently exist?

Sounds like your after any number of car headunits that support AD2P (audio over bluetooth), bluetooth voice, and navigation. Alpine, Eclipse and Kenwood all make good units that should do what you want. You should be able to leave your phone in your pocket and just have it connect via bluetooth when your in range.
I've had minimal success with the various Pioneer headunits due to them not supporting AD2P without additional controllers = more money.

I hadn't thought of just replacing the head unit but I suppose I'm due. I browsed Crutchfield but there's no filter for A2DP capability. Anyone have any suggestions for a DIN head unit with integrated A2DP and a color LCD screen?

I'm currently using a jvc kd-r900. It comes with a little Bluetooth adapter that you can plug into the rear USB port. I have it setup to auto start car home when it connects to the bluetooth. Usually by the time I get in, start the car and put my seat belt on, my phone is connected and ready to play music/calls/GPS/etc. I can start music either from my phone or just pressing the play/pause button on the head unit. Works really great. I can switch songs pause/play and make calls directly frm the head unit without having to touch my phone. My wife had her phone in her purse in the back seat and was still able to play music without touching the phone
Overall pretty pleased with the unit and it works great with my n1.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

Can you browse/navigate Artist, Album, Track, etc. from the head unit? If so, this is probably exactly what I'm after.

I can't browse using the headunit. It only allows my to play/pause and skip tracks.

Ah, okay. Thanks for the tip. This looks like a good unit.
Anyone else have experiences with A2DP headunits?

This might be dumb. But do all android phones have this a2dp feature? Isn't it just the same as a Bluetooth headset sort of, so they ALL must have it? If so I'm definitely getting a new stereo! I just want to make sure that after my nexus I can still use this feature!

A2DP is a software thing. So as long as the phone has a Bluetooth 2.0 chip (the G1 does) and the operating system supports A2DP (At minimum, Froyo does) then you're good to go.

I use a THB BURY CC9060 Music. Full Bluetooth kit with full music control from a remote dash mounted screen and call handling.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

Wifi kind of sucks, but BT is great!

Wifi connectivity seems to not recover well when waking the device. In fact, i have to keep it from going to sleep when it's mounted on my dash in the car so i don't lose the wifi link from either my RAZR or MiFi while driving. i have WiFi sleep policy set to never and it still does it.
In regards to Bluetooth it's much better than my original Galaxy Tab, where when i tried to do music via BT to the car's stereo (BT FIPO adapter to 30-pin ipod dock adapter on car's cd changer input), plus connection to an OBDII Bluetooth adapter (Torque app) - it would have frequent stutters.
With this 7 Plus, i can be SIMULTANEOUSLY connected to both BT devices and switch between Spotify, Mortplayer, Navigation, Torque w/ no stuttering or lag. Also nice that now my car's steering wheel controls actually work better going through the BT on the FIPO to the ipod adapter (only track next/last toggle).
I wish Navigon and CoPilot didn't crash/lag so much, though.
Also the Stowaway folding bluetooth keyboard i used to use with my old UMPCs works well with this tablet.

My wifi would disconnect constantly when I was in a different room than the router. I used a wifi analyzer to view the channels and had the router use a channel that wasn't as busy. Works a lot better now. But I had no issues before hand with any other device.

I've turned off the power save due to the Linux kernel bug and dealing with the sleep of death bug. Helps wifi too you might want to try it out.

[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
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
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.

Enonon G2110 with android 4.2 double DIN car stereo

I have an Enonon G2110 with android 4.2. It has RK3066 1.6Ghz cortex A9 Dual core, DDR3 1GB. I am overall happy with the unit but I do have a couple questions for you all with this stereo.
1, The SWC controls randomly stop working and will stay not working until I reboot the unit. It is hooked up using the SWC1 wire through the SWC board on my steering wheel and hooked back to ground. It is the resistance type where every button has a different resistance. It programs correctly in the SWC program on the unit. I also have the canbus set to none in the "factory settings" area.
Any fix for this?
2, Bluetooth. When connected to my phone (LG G3) and making or receiving a phone call, the volume is super low through the unit. I have the unit hooked up using RCAs only through an amp in my car. The bluetooth connection for music works fine and is the correct volume. Is there anyway to turn up this volume on the unit? Or another program for bluetooth connection?
Also I can't get my PLX devices bluetooth KIWI to connect to this unit. I have the program TORQUE to obd2 monitoring. Not sure if its just an issue with the bluetooth program or something I am missing. The KIWI connects and works fine on my G3.
3, Screen flicker. My car has auto headlights. I have the headlight input wire hooked to the unit to change the brightness depending on day/night. When it switches modes from day to night the screen flickers for about 3 seconds. Is this normal? Any fix for this?
4, Google services stopped error. If i happen to kill the car and have to restart the engine, the unit says shutting down and the screen turns off for a moment and then back on. When it comes back on the error "google services has stopped" and I hit OK. Is there away around this? (besides not killing the car of course) It's not a big issue or anything but its something I have noticed.
I tired asking these questions on someones post but it got lost in the shuffle. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated!

Bluetooth device to only let my phone know I'm in the car?

I want to find a way for my phone to automatically know when I turn on or off my car while I'm in it. I will use tasker to turn on and off my mobile hotspot when I'm in the car, so my echo dot ,connected to aux-in, can play music.
tl;dnr: looking for a usb-powered-only bluetooth device that can connect to phones and doesn't involve the aux-in of my car audio. eg: usb-powered bluetooth speaker/speakerphone/input-device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My car doesn't have bluetooth, so I have been looking for some sort of bluetooth device that will turn on and off with the car.
I don't want to use any type of bluetooth receiver since:
I'm already using my aux-in for my echo.
FM transmitter is also out since I'm switched to aux-in.
If I have the bluetooth receiver audio go nowhere, then I won't be able to hear my phone's GPS navigation.
I thought about bluetooth hands-free calling speakerphone devices, but the ones I've seen all use batteries, meaning it'll not turn off immediately when I turn off my car and will also probably need me to manually turn them on when I start my car. Anyone seen a batteryless version?
Are there any other bluetooth devices that run purely off usb power or off the car charger port?
I just tried the nonda zua smart charger that is suppose to connect to your phone when you turn it on. Only problem is that despite it showing up in the bluetooth device list, it doesn't seem to be a device that you can normally connect to. You have to install their app and the app somehow connects to it, even though the phone's bluetooth icon shows no active connections. Maybe the phone will only show a connection to devices it has supported profiles for. I can't even get tasker or android's smart lock to sense that the device is near.
Anything else out there? Is there a bluetooth input device that runs purely on usb? I have a selfie stick with a usb component that charges over usb and has an on/off switch, and I'm tempted to test if I can power it with the internal battery and have it turn on automatically when power is supplied. But I don't want to break my only selfie stick yet.
I suppose I can pair some usb-powered speakers to a bluetooth receiver so that I hear my phone over the speakers. Any recommendations? Of course, the speakers must not have batteries.

Found this:
It's actually a bluetooth speaker that doesn't have a battery. No idea if it will auto-pair when usb power is on or if the lamp can be turned off.

Can't you use an NFC tag on your car mount? When you mount your phone it hits the NFC tag and since you use Tasker you can set it to do what you want when you touch the NFC tag.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

biggiestuff said:
Can't you use an NFC tag on your car mount? When you mount your phone it hits the NFC tag and since you use Tasker you can set it to do what you want when you touch the NFC tag.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may not always mount my phone and it may just stay in my pocket. And I would need to remember to hit the NFC again when I leave my car to 'automatically' turn off the hotspot. I also sometimes forget to take my phone with me and was going to have the phone alert me when the car is off.

badbob001 said:
I may not always mount my phone and it may just stay in my pocket. And I would need to remember to hit the NFC again when I leave my car to 'automatically' turn off the hotspot. I also sometimes forget to take my phone with me and was going to have the phone alert me when the car is off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about an obdii car adapter? No audio and you get vehicle stats
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

biggiestuff said:
How about an obdii car adapter? No audio and you get vehicle stats
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll look into that. I need it automatically connect to my phone without the need to install an app. I don't want to face the same issue as with the nonda car charger, which requires the app to be running constantly to connect and it somehow can connect without android showing a bluetooth connection to it.

I've decided against obdii adapter because I am unsure if android has a built-in profile to automatically connect to it without the aid of a third party app to constantly monitor bluetooth. And they are rather expensive, especially for the ones that are smart enough to go to sleep and not constantly be powered on and drain the car's battery.
There are some speakerphone adapters that don't use batteries so I'm going to try one of them and connect them to usb-powered speakers. Going from a Nexus 6P to a Pixel XL, I'm finding the speakers are now rather weak and adding external speakers will help with GPS navigation.

It seems to me the easiest thing to do would be to upgrade your car stereo. By the time you're done with all of these workarounds, it might be cheaper, too.

Either that or ditch the echo dot and use the phone to replace it's functionality. I'd go to an auto audio shop and see if they could install an ignition switch controlled power source running a proper Bluetooth to aux adapter and compare that to the cost of a new head unit.

badbob001 said:
I want to find a way for my phone to automatically know when I turn on or off my car while I'm in it. I will use tasker to turn on and off my mobile hotspot when I'm in the car, so my echo dot ,connected to aux-in, can play music.
My car doesn't have bluetooth, so I have been looking for some sort of bluetooth device that will turn on and off with the car.
I don't want to use any type of bluetooth receiver since:
I'm already using my aux-in for my echo.
FM transmitter is also out since I'm switched to aux-in.
If I have the bluetooth receiver audio go nowhere, then I won't be able to hear my phone's GPS navigation.
I thought about bluetooth hands-free calling speakerphone devices, but the ones I've seen all use batteries, meaning it'll not turn off immediately when I turn off my car and will also probably need me to manually turn them on when I start my car. Anyone seen a batteryless version?
Are there any other bluetooth devices that run purely off usb power or off the car charger port?
I just tried the nonda zua smart charger that is suppose to connect to your phone when you turn it on. Only problem is that despite it showing up in the bluetooth device list, it doesn't seem to be a device that you can normally connect to. You have to install their app and the app somehow connects to it, even though the phone's bluetooth icon shows no active connections. Maybe the phone will only show a connection to devices it has supported profiles for. I can't even get tasker or android's smart lock to sense that the device is near.
Anything else out there? Is there a bluetooth input device that runs purely on usb? I have a selfie stick with a usb component that charges over usb and has an on/off switch, and I'm tempted to test if I can power it with the internal battery and have it turn on automatically when power is supplied. But I don't want to break my only selfie stick yet.
I suppose I can pair some usb-powered speakers to a bluetooth receiver so that I hear my phone over the speakers. Any recommendations? Of course, the speakers must not have batteries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to use a Bluetooth ODB2 adapter (and Tasker) for this exact purpose.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Weudel said:
It seems to me the easiest thing to do would be to upgrade your car stereo. By the time you're done with all of these workarounds, it might be cheaper, too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
W
This guy has the right idea, get an android auto head unit.

Weudel said:
It seems to me the easiest thing to do would be to upgrade your car stereo. By the time you're done with all of these workarounds, it might be cheaper, too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do they make car stereo units that can mix multiple sources like aux-in and bluetooth?

I've had a cheap ODBII scanner in multiple cars for years and never had a battery drain issue. I honestly can't remember if my phone auto connects to it or not, last time I tried to read from it I couldn't because the latest Android beta update broke the connection.

badbob001 said:
Do they make car stereo units that can mix multiple sources like aux-in and bluetooth?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're missing the point, android auto will do your music and satnav prompts over usb. No need for the echo dot at all.

Rockford fosgate "rfbtaux" cheap reliable and will do what you need

You can use an OBDII adapter for detection
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kanetik.bluetooth_profile_condition&hl=en
You can set the condition to activate your task when its near the adapter
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kanetik.movement_detection&hl=en
I just learned they also have this app that should bypass the need for the hardware.
These apps are not free, $1.49 each. I can vouch for the bluetooth detection app, might try the movement one.

I bought this for my car and it turns on when there is no key in the ignition and off automatically when the key is pulled out.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009OBCAW2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1