Samsung should make a galaxy double din head unit! - Android General

Just an idea I have but what do you guys think about a galaxy series head unit for your vehicle? I was thinking about back in the day when we had detachable face head units for security..... What if we could have let's say a detachable galaxy note 2! Upon entering your vehicle you just attach your phone to the head unit in landscape and voila it interfaces with your car speakers, rear view camera, external screens or whatever else they attach to head units now a days! Of course you would have full access to the screen and all its apps as usual. And when you exit you take your phone with you as usual. Its was just an idea I had and was wondering what others think about it?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

Related

How to enable HDMI out, if we could just find a freak'n connector

I found an app in /system/bin/ that lets you control your displays :-D
Now we just need to figure out the pin-out of the connector If somebody can find me a plug that fit the docking port correctly I could probably figure out the pinout for us and post instructions.
Code:
# nvdmmultidisplay
*******************************************************
dmmultidisplay usage:
dmmultidisplay [disp_option] [case_option] <activity_option>
<disp_option> can be one of the following (default is '--lcd'):
--off: Turn off all displays
--lcd: Test LCD Display
--hdmi: Test HDMI with no display on LCD
--crt: Test CRT Display with no display on LCD
--tvout: Test TV-Out Display with no display on LCD
--lcd_hdmi OR --lcd_crt OR --lcd_tvout: Test for dual display at the same time
<case_option> can be one of the following (default is '--case1'):
--case1: Demonstrate case #1
--case2: Demonstrate case #2
<activity_option> can be one of the following:
--ui: Show only UI without playing video
--play: Play only video without displaying UI
--uiplay: Show UI together with playing video
--file <filename>: Video file to be played (including path)
--query_displays: Query some info about all displays
--query_active: Query more info about active displays
Command-line examples:
Turn on LCD and HDMI displays and play default video; use case 1:
dmmultidisplay --lcd_hdmi --play
Turn on LCD and HDMI displays and play default video and show UI; use case 2:
dmmultidisplay --lcd_hdmi --case2 --uiplay
KinkyMunkey said:
I found an app in /system/bin/ that lets you control your displays :-D
Now we just need to figure out the pin-out of the connector If somebody can find me a plug that fit the docking port correctly I could probably figure out the pinout for us and post instructions.
Code:
# nvdmmultidisplay
*******************************************************
dmmultidisplay usage:
dmmultidisplay [disp_option] [case_option] <activity_option>
<disp_option> can be one of the following (default is '--lcd'):
--off: Turn off all displays
--lcd: Test LCD Display
--hdmi: Test HDMI with no display on LCD
--crt: Test CRT Display with no display on LCD
--tvout: Test TV-Out Display with no display on LCD
--lcd_hdmi OR --lcd_crt OR --lcd_tvout: Test for dual display at the same time
<case_option> can be one of the following (default is '--case1'):
--case1: Demonstrate case #1
--case2: Demonstrate case #2
<activity_option> can be one of the following:
--ui: Show only UI without playing video
--play: Play only video without displaying UI
--uiplay: Show UI together with playing video
--file <filename>: Video file to be played (including path)
--query_displays: Query some info about all displays
--query_active: Query more info about active displays
Command-line examples:
Turn on LCD and HDMI displays and play default video; use case 1:
dmmultidisplay --lcd_hdmi --play
Turn on LCD and HDMI displays and play default video and show UI; use case 2:
dmmultidisplay --lcd_hdmi --case2 --uiplay
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does anyone have a SandDisk Sansa device with the connector? I know you can buy breakouts of that connector (like the ipad) from Sparkfun. Maybe that one fits. It is similar to the ipad 30 pin connector
I do. The pins fit perfectly, but it's connector goes to USB. Not sure where to go from here
sledgie said:
I do. The pins fit perfectly, but it's connector goes to USB. Not sure where to go from here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow.. Ok then. I am going to order this. It is a sansa breakout plug that allows you to solder to the board. Once we get it working, we can make a cable with the plug they sell also.
http://www.kineteka.com/sansabreakout.aspx
... and see if we can figure out the pin outs!
Thanks for the update.
YOU ROCK! great find... I just ordered one too....
Does anybody know if it's safe to hook the HDMI directly into the connector? I am worried that the dock might have extra power filtering circuitry or protection we could be bypassing by hooking directly into it. (i have only heard plans for a dock, personally i would rather have an HDMI adapter, it would be AMAZING for presentations, opening up a google docs slideshows work great on this thing already)
Did you try plugging the Sansa USB cable in?
no, i just checked to see if it connected into the port. for gits and shiggles!
Yes, i did plug the USB into my computer. Nothing recognized while G Tab was running 2.04. When i reboot into CWM, i went into mounts and storage, mounted /sdcard. Computer didn't recognize. pulled USB from computer - viewsonic reset. Mounted storage in USB mode - same happened. Nothing showing up on the computer.
I know its not cost effective but wondering if something like this would do anything with the sansa usb connector attached?
http://sewelldirect.com/Sewell-HD-Deck-USB-to-HDMI.asp
KinkyMunkey said:
YOU ROCK! great find... I just ordered one too....
Does anybody know if it's safe to hook the HDMI directly into the connector? I am worried that the dock might have extra power filtering circuitry or protection we could be bypassing by hooking directly into it. (i have only heard plans for a dock, personally i would rather have an HDMI adapter, it would be AMAZING for presentations, opening up a google docs slideshows work great on this thing already)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is on its way. Tried to find a similar breakout for HDMI, but not found yet. I guess I will just cut the end off a cheap HDMI cable and wire it to the breakout. When we get it right, I will wire it to the regular plug. I bought one of those too.
Now, who is going to figure out the pinouts? I dont have a scope to read signals like these.. just a good multi meter
insight3fl said:
Mine is on its way. Tried to find a similar breakout for HDMI, but not found yet. I guess I will just cut the end off a cheap usb and wire it to the breakout. When we get it right, I will wire it to the regular plug. I bought one of those too.
Now, who is going to figure out the pinouts? I dont have an scope to read signals like these.. just a good muti meter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello guys, I am Mike from Kineteka. We noticed traffic coming from XDA and decided to investigate. We are very interested in your discovery and would like to work with you on developing an HDMI adapter.
Regards,
Mike
Kineteka Systems
Kineteka said:
Hello guys, I am Mike from Kineteka. We noticed traffic coming from XDA and decided to investigate. We are very interested in your discovery and would like to work with you on developing an HDMI adapter.
Regards,
Mike
Kineteka Systems
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Mike! Welcome. We need help! no one has an hdmi cable for the viewsonic yet. As you see, someone believes the sansa cable fits our viewsonic dock... I and others have ordered on that chance. But we do not have the pinout on the dock connector...and as I mentioned, we need a pigtail HDMI cable to connect to the sansa breakout. Can you send me a private message and we can work on this.
thanks
Dennis
Ok... got my sansa connector breakout board/connector and a spare connetor. but, I have not a clue what to do next! The breakout board connector comes with the other parts to put around it such as the locking pins and plastic cover, but there is no way that fits over the breakout pc board, it is slotted for a cable like the parts on the regular cable connnetor I got. So I assume it does not work so I am clueless why it is included. That being said, there is very little contact with the connetor and the port on the tablet (absent the locking pins to hold it in). Now the big question is while I have it "sitting in there" (connected) how do we begin to test any signals coming out of the port??
Kinkymonkey,
Did you get your plug yet and have you had any luck with the pin out?
Mike from Kineteka, can you lend any insight on the pinout for us?
Thanks
So,, What can i supply about your development??
I have received your PM. and what information need i supply?
xjarl said:
I have received your PM. and what information need i supply?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We need the schematic for the connector
Thx
I just got it, but it won't fit the plug, it looks like the metal tabs under the connector are just a little bit closer together then slots on the plug - it fits in sideways but it won't go in straight because of those metal tabs :-( Did it actually fit in yours? (i have one of the first 1000....)
Ya- that black cover in the bag is wierd.. did you notice the big holes in the side too- i think those little tiny plastic clips are meant to cover them- man would that be a pain to put together. it must have come from whatever kit the sansa connector came from, They just bought a bunch of cheap connectors and soldered on the breakout board.
On a plus note, the box also contained a cool rubber ducky robot, a christmas card, and a multipage color sales guide for the archos tablet line (LOL! ironic) so it wasn't a total loss... just a really expensive rubber ducky...
oh, btw wrap a piece of electical tape around the pins coming out the back of the connector (instead of the black plastic cover), that way you don't have to worry about touching them when you are plugging in it (sending static electricity from your fingers into the HDMI connector would probably be a bad thing)
Wrap it from the thick part of the connector back down the pc board coming out the back.
I did that so i could get a better grip - but it still won't fit
KinkyMunkey said:
I just got it, but it won't fit the plug, it looks like the metal tabs under the connector are just a little bit closer together then slots on the plug - it fits in sideways but it won't go in straight because of those metal tabs :-( Did it actually fit in yours? (i have one of the first 1000....)
Ya- that black cover in the bag is wierd.. did you notice the big holes in the side too- i think those little tiny plastic clips are meant to cover them- man would that be a pain to put together. it must have come from whatever kit the sansa connector came from, They just bought a bunch of cheap connectors and soldered on the breakout board.
On a plus note, the box also contained a cool rubber ducky robot, a christmas card, and a multipage color sales guide for the archos tablet line (LOL! ironic) so it wasn't a total loss... just a really expensive rubber ducky...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not get any of those trinkets......but my plug engages but just not very deep. I wa assuming the metal hook piece ( when it would be assembled with the cover and the black plastic " buttons" for squeezing the pins) would hold it in. But the other poster said his plug fit.....so i dont know.
I wish Mike from the vendor would chime in again.
a bit confused
XDA is no longer worth my time.
I am briefly reserecting this old thread as I got my dock today. I was all set to pull it apart, cut the end off an HDMI cable and try and trace the pinout with my Sensa Breakout plugs I bought from Kinetica. Well, after seeing the connector on the dock, and knowing the Kinetica plug did not fit and I was going to have to modify and force it on someway, it is not even close to looking like the plug on the dock. I think the poster who plugged his Sansa cable in must have forced it or something or it is completely different from the cable that Kinetica sold us as a Sensa plug. It looks so much bigger in width and it the throat is much narrower ( I know the dock plug is made for the tablet to just "sit" on it and not stay pugged in, but even though it does not have the little clips on the sides that hold this type of plug engaged, the SAnsa cable is just not going to work. So, I will not be pulling the dock apart at this time until someone can spec the dock connector and find us one that is an exact fit.
I wasted $20 bucks on those two plugs unfortunately along with a few others here.

Ingenious Car Mount

Hey everyone,
I'm not sure how many of you are aware of this product but I just found it on sale at Canadian Tire here in Canada and I'm very impressed. It's just so convenient.. I can't believe I haven't seen this before. I am amazed by it, honestly.
http://www.tetrax.com/us
Look at the XWAY and FIXWAY primarily. I purchased the XWAY at Canadian Tire for $30 (regular $50). A little expensive compared to what I am used to, but I am very happy with it so far.
The reasons I like this solution:
Works with any type of device
Sturdy and secure. Even holds me 5" GPS (though I prefer to use Google Navigation )
Allows for the keyboard to be open on most (if not all) qwerty phones
Allows for portrait and landscape rotation
Is not visible when device is on the mount
Is very small and unobtrusive when device is not on the mount
There are no clips or snaps to fiddle with, just slide off the device
You can use this with 4 devices out-of-the-box as it comes with 4 different sized magnetic pads for your devices
This does not introduce a magnetic field to yoru device (the magnet is broken into 4 and arranged intelligently)
The negative things I've discovered about this solution:
You need a magnetic pad on each device you want to use
The XWAY can be accidentally pulled off the vent if you yank the device straight off of mount instead of sliding it off
Depending on your car vents, the angle that the device is pointed might not be ideal
I will post pix tomorrow if anyone is interested! The site has quite a few to look at until then.
Here's some pix!
I don't have photos of it in the car quite yet. I'll try to get some tomorrow morning.
Today I found the FIXWAY at BestBuy and decided that I might like that better since it can be positioned in a better spot in my car. My cars vents are not ideal since the steering wheel covers part of the screen when mounted there. However, even so, the XWAY has been by far the best car mount I've ever seen or used. The FIXWAY should be even better (for my particular car).
I also discovered that the FIXWAY doesn't actually get fixed to the car itself as I thought, but instead it uses a square magnet which you fix to your car. It actually comes with 2 of these in case you want to use this in 2 cars. Like the metal button that you stick to the phone, the square metal that goes on the car has 3M adhesive on the back. It's super strong, works great.
Anyway here's some photos of both the XWAY and FIXWAY I took in my living room.
Very interesting. But, in my feeling, the lack is that we can't orientate the phone ...
I guess it depends how your car's dashboard is angled. Mine faces me just fine and the videos I've seen it seems like most work out fine
And for rotation, you can rotate it any which way before or after your phone is mounted.
I have had the xway for about 2 months now and I love it. If you are attaching it to the vents their is really no reason to have to angle the phone. I agree that if you have some weird vent configuration it may be an issue.
check this - Toyota Avensis
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9979403&postcount=74
hudy said:
check this - Toyota Avensis
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9979403&postcount=74
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow I guess I didn't so the best job at reading through that thread! I even posted a link from there to here on page 11. Good pix though! Thanks
Here are some pix of the FIXWAY in the car without the phone on it (all I had to take the pix was the phone). One of these days I'll remember to bring out the camera..
Oh, and good news... It seems that you can actually angle/tilt the phone with the FIXWAY. It must be the shape of the magnet or something, and the fact that the 'X' is rubber, I am able to tilt it and it holds in place. Not a lot, but enough that I was able to cut down on some glare on the drive home
That's pretty cool, And I actually lik the blob on the back of the phone
Seconded Mac, but I would have to take my soft shell off...........................
Did your DZ battery door come stock with the wording "With Google" on it ?
Smartenup said:
Seconded Mac, but I would have to take my soft shell off...........................
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should stick to any shell/case just fine I would think?
For some years I use some velcro (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velcro). The soft side on my phone, lighter. The hard side on the dash.
Costs almost nothing. Works very well, except in the summer when it is very hot (than the glue gets sticky)
AZ2ENVY said:
Did your DZ battery door come stock with the wording "With Google" on it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mine did
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
FINALLY took some photos.
I am still very much in love with this thing. My whole family has'em now, which is awesome because whenever I drive any of their cars I'm set
Is it weird that it reminds me of a tie fighter?
Thanks for the recommendation and all the pictures. Difficult to find a mount that doesn't interfere with the camera and/or volume buttons.

You know what my only major compaint about the inspire is?

The headphone and power jack being on the bottom.
Makes just plopping it into a cup holder or similar space not nearly as nice for prolonged, propped up viewing of the phone.
I wish there was some way to do a 180 flip of the screen, so that it's "upside down" when the phone is also in this position.
Anyway, just had to complain. Otherwise I love this phone!
magnumforce2006 said:
I wish there was some way to do a 180 flip of the screen, so that it's "upside down" when the phone is also in this position.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the CM7 rom under CyanogenMod settings > Display .... the option is there and I use it.
I agree. Still carrying my captivate for podcasts till I find a decent bluetooth headset.
On another note. Running Cognition 4.1 on it (Captivate).
It rocks.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App
One man's trash...
The funny thing is...it's one of the reasons I chose this phone over the Atrix. I use a windshield mount and hated that my iphone headphone cord would obstruct the view of the screen. I liked that the Inspire has a bottom port!
gallogj said:
The funny thing is...it's one of the reasons I chose this phone over the Atrix. I use a windshield mount and hated that my iphone headphone cord would obstruct the view of the screen. I liked that the Inspire has a bottom port!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the mount you have still available? Mind linking me to it?
It also works well for carrying in your pocket. Think about it, when you reach into your pocket to pull the phone out, you'll want to grab from the bottom to the top of the phone so that when your hand comes out with the phone, the phone is already oriented for viewing (you don't have to rotate the phone 180 degrees). The way the phone is set up, you can have the cord for headphones straight down into phone and pull the phone out ready for viewing (if you want to check and email or what not). Granted, it's a bit backwards if you want to carry your phone in your car's cup holder.

Any good car dock for road driving recording for SGS4G?

Any good car dock for road driving recording for SGS4G? I am using DailyRoads Voyager and to switch to Autoguard Blackbox.
I like to be able to jump into the car and snap my phone on the charging dock and press a button for it to record my driving. Being able to use a voice dialer is also great.
Samsung makes a OEM (good quality) one (ECS-M979BEGSTA) and even it is labelled as for Galaxy S 4G, it doesn't have an opening cut for the rear camera. I bought one and tried to cut the opening myself and almost broken the sliding mechanism. It does have excellent quality for my phone (when the case is removed) and it has a slider that you push into the phone for charging. It is also very stable when mounted. Problems I had was the arm was so long and huge and the swivel ball doesn't give much rotating angle. Finding a spot on my 2007 prius to mount so that 1, it faces the road straight, 2, it doesn't block my view for road condition, 3, the suction cup base doesn't show up on the video screen, 4, my wipers don't show on the video screen, 5, it doesn't stick to my nose or forehead, 6, it doesn't interfere the sunvisor and 7, it mounts on the windshield, not on the dash using the 3M adhesive base... is quite impossible.
Any of you using SGS4G for road driving recording? What car dock do you use?
Why are you trying to record your driving
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
You should check out these apps:
anoymonos said:
Why are you trying to record your driving
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should check out these apps:
DailyRoads Voyager
AutoGuard Blackbox
I checked them out but what are you trying to accomplish with these apps
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
anoymonos said:
I checked them out but what are you trying to accomplish with these apps
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By default if you are in a accident and hit the person from behind it is your fault. However with more people using driving cams and smart phones to record driving people are able to prove they werent necessarily at fault.
Its also good to catch road rage so you can prove the other person was the one that instigated it. There are tons of uses for driving cameras.
You can also work for Google Maps as a 2nd income...LOL
sent from me

Beastly iBolt car mount

I have been looking all over for a SOLID car mount to hold my edge. After asking and harassing every phone shop and internet site and i stumbled into a verizon store and they showed me the iBolt. I bought it right away...
The good:
*solid construction
*adjustable grips for phones with or without a case ... even otterbox.
*microsuction in the suction cup
*built-in cable management
The bad:
*No wireless charging
*No rewriteable nfc.
*Price
Worth the price actually. Best ive found
cvaria said:
I have been looking all over for a SOLID car mount to hold my edge. After asking and harassing every phone shop and internet site and i stumbled into a verizon store and they showed me the iBolt. I bought it right away...
The good:
*solid construction
*adjustable grips for phones with or without a case ... even otterbox.
*microsuction in the suction cup
*built-in cable management
The bad:
*No wireless charging
*No rewriteable nfc.
*Price
Worth the price actually. Best ive found
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Post pictures
Sir, yes sir
behold
The iBolt car mount is the best one (in my opinion) out there. I have it since I had a Galaxy S4. They one I have is universal so I had it while using the S5, Note 4 and now with the Edge. The adjustable grip arms are fantastic, makes the phone feel secure. The built-in cable for charging is also great although I'd prefer wireless charging.
le0.br4zuc4 said:
The iBolt car mount is the best one (in my opinion) out there. I have it since I had a Galaxy S4. They one I have is universal so I had it while using the S5, Note 4 and now with the Edge. The adjustable grip arms are fantastic, makes the phone feel secure. The built-in cable for charging is also great although I'd prefer wireless charging.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, i need wireless charging. i'm working on it
cvaria said:
Sir, yes sir
behold
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint carries those. That is on my list to buy.
Sent from my SM-N915P using XDA Premium HD app
I've used that model of iBolt since it came out. In fact, I was part of the early group that didn't get the USB cable because of manufacturing delays, so they shipped it separately. Got two mounts at that time. We've used it with all models from the original GS-4g, SII, SIII, and now Note Edge.
The only real problem I've had is that the ball joint crushes the resistance band in the receptacle, which then lets the dock portion rotate much too freely. I had one replaced for that early on, but when the replacement did the same thing, I didn't bother to get it fixed again. My son recently took one for his car, and the spring that keeps the top clamp down eventually popped out and it doesn't hold his phone very well any more.
Another minor niggle is that the bottom left foot sometimes presses the volume buttons, so I have to mount slightly offset so the volume-up doesn't stay pressed.
If I ever switch away from the iBolt, I will probably find a better universal dock and keep using the "magic pigtail" that enables dock mode on the Samsung phones. Love it with Car Home Ultra
troycarpenter said:
I've used that model of iBolt since it came out. In fact, I was part of the early group that didn't get the USB cable because of manufacturing delays, so they shipped it separately. Got two mounts at that time. We've used it with all models from the original GS-4g, SII, SIII, and now Note Edge.
The only real problem I've had is that the ball joint crushes the resistance band in the receptacle, which then lets the dock portion rotate much too freely. I had one replaced for that early on, but when the replacement did the same thing, I didn't bother to get it fixed again. My son recently took one for his car, and the spring that keeps the top clamp down eventually popped out and it doesn't hold his phone very well any more.
Another minor niggle is that the bottom left foot sometimes presses the volume buttons, so I have to mount slightly offset so the volume-up doesn't stay pressed.
If I ever switch away from the iBolt, I will probably find a better universal dock and keep using the "magic pigtail" that enables dock mode on the Samsung phones. Love it with Car Home Ultra
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung dock/carmode is a nightmare. But, with a tectile or rewritable nfc sticker, you can have your phone automatically do anything one you sit it on the dock.
MikaelPe said:
Hi Troy, if you fill in the form on www.ibolt.co/support and we will send you a new dock. The xProDock has a latch with less force and you will not have any issue with this. The products are covered for 2 years so no sweat
Also, if you turn the phone around (and change the position of the "magic" pigtail) the foot will not touch the volume button, it will be on top instead.
---------- Post added 1st February 2015 at 12:04 AM ---------- Previous post was 31st January 2015 at 11:58 PM ----------
If you download the two iBOLT Apps from the Google Play store, the Dock'n Drive App and the DockMode App you can turn any Android phone into "DockMode" without using an NFC tag. Just start the DockMode (orange icon) App and the Dock'n Drive will start. With this you can have Bluetooth, WiFi, Hotspots & more turned on/off automatically when you step into the car. Have a cool digital GPS enabled speedometer & much more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See! How awesome was that.... out of the clearblue sky! Good stuff.
MikaelPe said:
Hi Troy, if you fill in the form on www.ibolt.co/support and we will send you a new dock. The xProDock has a latch with less force and you will not have any issue with this. The products are covered for 2 years so no sweat
Also, if you turn the phone around (and change the position of the "magic" pigtail) the foot will not touch the volume button, it will be on top instead.
---------- Post added 1st February 2015 at 12:04 AM ---------- Previous post was 31st January 2015 at 11:58 PM ----------
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I think I'll take advantage of that.
EDIT: Oops, looks like I am slightly outside the two year window. I see an email from Kim on 1/24/2013 confirming my order via Amazon (sans cables). Looks like I had one replaced in May 2013 for the crushed resistance band where the ball joint connects.

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