A new alternative to Android head units...

[Skippman]

I wonder if I could just get a stand alone Android based computer to jack into this thing. Say something [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Computer-Dual-core-Android-RK3066-ownshop/dp/B009PJ3AZ4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1360415300&sr=8-2&keywords=Android+Mini+PC]like this![/ame]

For $50 it might be worth it. I don't really NEED another cellphone and honestly, my family has for iOS devices right now (2x iPhone5, 2x iPad3's) so we're not getting away from that anytime soon.

[2forme]

Originally Posted by ravenblackfrs

@2forme YOU NEVER FAIL SIR! THANKS!

If you get time, can you make a video showing full functionality. Ie. Navigation while music playing (if thats even possible) Email, text messaging, netflix, internet, movies already stored on device, you know, the full works.

Also, here's a biggie... What about quad core devices like the GN2 that can run a split screen. Do you think this HU can mirror that?

Not sure how the split screen works on the GN2, but the resolution of the head unit is still only 800x480. I don't think a split screen would work very well on that.

I can take a video showing a few things, however I try to shy away from showing my contacts and such over the internet (try to respect their privacy). Make a list of what you want to see and I'll shoot it today Navigation is out because we just had a blizzard and my car is sitting in the garage underground.

Originally Posted by Skippman

I wonder if I could just get a stand alone Android based computer to jack into this thing. Say something like this!

For $50 it might be worth it. I don't really NEED another cellphone and honestly, my family has for iOS devices right now (2x iPhone5, 2x iPad3's) so we're not getting away from that anytime soon.

I actually have that exact unit hooked up to my bedroom TV. There are a few issues with using that.

1) It doesn't always handle hard power downs, and there is no way to soft shutdown.
2) It doesn't have bluetooth, so the AR2 screen can't be used for clicks.
3) It requires a screen to do anything in it. It's not like a phone that has its own screen in the event it has trouble pairing to the head unit.

I think I'm going to try and grab an Acer A110. It has a dedicated USB OTG port and HDMI port so I can run a USB OBD2 adapter for much faster response in Torque. I'll just leave it in the glove box.

[Skippman]

But your overall opinion is you like the Pioneer unit better than any of the dedicated Android ones?

Running something like XBMC or another front end would be ideal for me. Mostly I want to be able to play MP3's, use a non-propriatary GPS solution, and have bluetooth hands free calling.

A quick search also found me [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Version-Bluetooth-Android-Google-Dongle/dp/B00A1ZTQB8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360418899&sr=8-1&keywords=android+mini+pc+quad+core]this[/ame] for $70. Claims it has Bluetooh support.

[2forme]

Originally Posted by Skippman

But your overall opinion is you like the Pioneer unit better than any of the dedicated Android ones?

Running something like XBMC or another front end would be ideal for me. Mostly I want to be able to play MP3's, use a non-propriatary GPS solution, and have bluetooth hands free calling.

A quick search also found me this for $70. Claims it has Bluetooh support.

It's a toss up. The dedicated android head units should perform better, but the functionality for bluetooth and torque, as well as the android version, is limited.

This method limits your possibilities to the android device you hook up. You can get current processing power, apps, android, etc... at the expense of a small bit of screen lag, and the hassle of hooking the device up every time.

If a decent dual core, Android 4.0+ head unit with capacitive screen came out, I would probably prefer that. But in the mean time, this is a decent solution that should get people up in running. Well, those smart enough to buy an Android phone to begin with

[Skippman]

My major concern with using a Micro Android PC would be GPS support or a possible lack there of.

[2forme]

Originally Posted by Skippman

My major concern with using a Micro Android PC would be GPS support or a possible lack there of.

The App Radio 2 comes with a GPS dongle that it shares with the guest device.

[Skippman]

I JUST read that. Well, guess I know which way I'm headed. Wonder if this would work with the Pioneer AVX-8500BHS.

[2forme]

Originally Posted by Skippman

I JUST read that. Well, guess I know which way I'm headed. Wonder if this would work with the Pioneer AVX-8500BHS.

Try it if you already have the 8500, that's a sweet deck. I don't think it's capacitive touch, though.

I think I'm going to grab an Acer A110.

[Skippman]

I don't have it yet. For me it's an issue of giving up any CD/DVD support. I have the Kenwood KIV-BT901 right now which has no media drive and I've gotten mostly used to that. Guess I'm just holding on to the past. If I can hook up a USB HD that's really all I'd need.

[JDKane527]

This looks promising. The parking brake leads could go to a momentary button mounted near the wheel to unlock the unit more easily than through the glove box. Does spotify work with the head unit?

[xjohnx]

Originally Posted by 2forme

Is there a parking brake restriction?
Yes. You can't just ground the parking brake. Pioneer has gotten smarter and makes you perform a "brake on, brake off, brake on" procedure before letting you into phone mode. To solve this, I grounded the brake wire and lead it into the glove box, attached to a switch. When that message comes up, I flick the switch on and off. It doesn't show up again until you restart the head unit.

What about using a micro bypass like shown in this video?

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWaX2uVF3ZY"]SPH-DA100 Pioneer App Radio 2 bypass Microbypass appradio2 appradio 2 - YouTube[/ame]

[ravenblackfrs]

I'm on information overload right now !

[ravenblackfrs]

Ok, so here are my questions...
1) can you run Google navigation in the background while using phone or radio is playing or Pandora or I heart radio app?
2) streaming movies like Netflix service or hulu or YouTube? Does that stream good or ok or buggy?
3) bluetooth hands free for phone calls? Mic included or does it need to be purchased?

I imagine if all it is doing is mirroring your phone then it would do those things since the phone does it. Just wanted to find out before I commit to it. I like the torque app too. Never used it but I like it.

[2forme]

Originally Posted by ravenblackfrs

Ok, so here are my questions...
1) can you run Google navigation in the background while using phone or radio is playing or Pandora or I heart radio app?
2) streaming movies like Netflix service or hulu or YouTube? Does that stream good or ok or buggy?
3) bluetooth hands free for phone calls? Mic included or does it need to be purchased?

I imagine if all it is doing is mirroring your phone then it would do those things since the phone does it. Just wanted to find out before I commit to it. I like the torque app too. Never used it but I like it.

1) Haven't tried. Not sure if it's dual zone. I would hope so, or that's a deal breaker for me.

2) Streaming netflix is the same as it would be from just using your phone.

3) Mic is included.