This app was mentioned in 134 comments, with an average of 3.25 upvotes
Hi AJ126,
I have the following setup:
Bedside NFC tag = Silence notification, Enable Power saving mode, Enable DnD, Switch off Wifi, BT, GPS.
Leave home (Location based) = Enable Ringer, Disable DnD mode, Enable Vibration, Location, BT (pair with my smartwatch), Increase brightness to 50%.
NFC tag on car holder= Launch AutoMate, Play my billboard playlist, Pair to the audio system of car, Silence notification (to avoid interference with music)
NFC tag in office 1 = Reduce ringer volume to 30%, Disable vibration, reduce Brightness to 30%, Set notification volume to 20%, Open Wifi and connect to office network.
NFC tag in office 2 = Meeting tag - Set all audio to 0% and enable vibration beep alert for calls and text.
Other than all above, I have various rules/profiles in Tasker to automate certain actions. It's a pretty nifty tool. You should give it a try.
Recommending, Automate - Car dashboard
It's a really nice looking and well featured car dashboard app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
Edit, recommending not reconditioning stupid keyboard.
Automate - I've been using this since i saw it posted here like 2 days ago. It's the best/only android car dashboard app I've ever used.
I just bought myself a magnetic car mount for my nexus 6p and found out about this at the perfect time.
brb buying premium
Yeah i had a few reasons:
Originally, I was planning on not even having the Pi and just mirroring my phone up to it while using something like AutoMate (Which I may still end up doing): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate&hl=en_US
Not a problem on the dashboard version of AA, but I've never seen any settings or features to control that. AA is very limited in what you can customize or change.
You should try AutoMate, at a glance it looks like a better standalone option than AA:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
This should cover all of your bases. For the lockscreen part, you want lollipop smart lock or a tasker/securesettings profile, I think.
In Google Assistant: "OK Google. Let's drive."
I don't know if that's working at the moment, but that's what they're replacing standalone AA with. https://www.google.com/search?q="google+assistant"+"driving+mode"
I've also seen people mention a third party alternative called AutoMate, but I haven't tried it myself.
How about AutoMate? It mimics android auto, but currently in beta.
Join the Google+ Beta Group in order to apply for becoming a beta tester, and download the app.
AutoMate will, if you set it to leverage Google for voice recognition. It also has a really beautiful interface, resemblant of Android Auto.
~~Linkme: AutoMate~~ Edit: AutoMate
From what I understand, instead of displaying the Android Auto UI, you want to use the phone <- -> headunit communication protocol to show something else on your headunit's screen.
As far as I know, this is not possible. There are open source software solutions that let you (more or less) show any Android App on your headunit screen "a la Mirrorlink" by adding a homebrew app to the AA menu, but the development is stall and there are problems making the phone recogize the touches in the car's screen.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto
IMO, a Mirrorlink-enabled headunit provides a better solution for you. You could mirror your phone's screen and make an AndroidAuto-like app (or use something Like AutoMate) with more customizable stuff.
I got excited when they released the Android auto app but I ended up going back to Auto-Mate. It has more features than Android auto.
I'm currently in the process of doing this. I'd recommend Timurs Kernel with the 2013 Nexus 7 (kernel is currently free until 21st january https://timur.mobi/timurs-kernel-v4/) and the App AutoMate (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate&hl=de) as the user interface. You could also use Android Auto since it's standalone now as well, but I like the features of AutoMate more.
Since my car does not have Android Auto:
1.) Tasker is set up to enable car mode when I connect to my car's Bluetooth.
2.) AutoMate will set itself as my launcher when car mode is enabled and set my original launcher as the main when car mode is disabled.
Look into the android app AutoMate: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
I use it on my phone, but you could probably mount up a 6-7 inch tablet to nice effect. The full version (~$5) even lets the app replace your home screen launcher.
Download AutoMate. It apes android auto. ~~If you're rooted~~ If you go premium, you can even have it replace your launcher which would be perfect for a dedicated infotainment system.
Oh i'm familiar with that, and Torque, i had a setup for all of that in my last vehicle. AutoMate is a personal favorite: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate&hl=en_US
If i were to mount the screen in front of the vent so that i could hide the wire there, then it would block the air. If i put the screen behind the vent, then the wire would definitely be visible, which i don't want. Also, i've gotten really used to not having anything in my view except for the road while driving. It's great at night.
I'd be curious to hear you experience with AutoMate: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate ? The interface is, from what I remember, an Android Auto-clone. It's been a while since I used it. When I learned that the handset version of Android Auto was being sunsetted, I immediately recalled the app. Have you tried it before?
I used to just run Spotify when I was driving, then they also came out with a Car Mode, but it looks like a 3rd grader designed it. I used to use an Android Auto clone a while back called AutoMate, and it was nice. Might try going back to it. Had lots more customization options anyway. Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate&hl=en_US
I had debated that as well, but I much prefer a wired solution if possible. Sometimes wireless gets weird when driving and can cut out (not often but i'd rather eliminate the possibility if i can). Plus with this setup, i only have one cable going to my phone. I also installed a touch "overlay" in the factory head unit (the car doesn't have a touch screen normally) that feeds back the touch info to the phone via bluetooth. Couple all of that with google assistant and an app like AutoMate and you've got a really flexible info system that doesn't require you touching your phone at all.
Automate: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
Android Auto: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.projection.gearhead
Check each to see what it's actually compatible with. I don't think anything reads emails aloud, leave those for when you land.
I'd highly suggest looking into AutoMate, it's a full blown launcher that works extremely well with Spotify and all sorts of other! I love it on my tab 4. Also, I had a profile setup similar so it turns the tablet screen on but automate actually handles all that too!
I have the same problem. It was annoying enough to make me try an alternative app. I'm using AutoMate with better success, until they fix this issue.
Thanks a lot! I think that's exactly what I was looking for.
I may not need that second part, which looks to turn off BT on connection disconnect. The car app I'm using (Automate, which I'm liking the best out of the several I've tried) has a few built in exit tasks (disable BT, enable wifi, etc), but I'll test thsi out too.
Thanks again!
It's been a while since I've looked into alternatives.
It looks like Automate and Drivemode are worth looking into as well.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drivemode.android
It's been a while since I've looked into alternatives. It looks like Automate and Drivemode are worth looking into as well.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drivemode.android
As long as it's a quad core, HD screen ~1024*600, these things are great. Nice and snappy. Good clear screen. Touch screen works very well. I have one of these http://www.aliexpress.com/item/7inch-Android-4-4-Car-DVD-GPS-Navigation-2DIN-Car-Stereo-Radio-Car-GPS-Bluetooth-USB/32309112789.html.
I run Automate as a launcher (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate&hl=en). I have mine connected to a 4g wifi dongle on a data plan that's shared with my phone. As soon as it boots, it's hooked up to the net.
Only bad thing is the boot time & internal storage. But there is slots of your micro sd's. Boot time is less than a minute.
Ordered. Thanks for the suggestion! I've heard AutoMate is pretty useful and I'm looking forward to trying it out. Here's a play store link.
Ugh, came on here to see if there was a way to continue to use Android Auto as well. I tried downloading older APKS (back to 2021) and that didn't work (I didn't realize it was a server thing) I've tried the "Driving Mode" and it's just not the same, I've also tried installing a few "Driving" apps, the best of which seems to be AutoMate - Car Dashboard but still not loving it. It may be an alternative for you if you want to check it out. I can't figure out how to get it to "load up" when I put it in the car dock though, I'm guessing its because the incipio software was set to work with Android Auto specifically, but really have no idea. I really liked the podcast interface on Android Auto, I use "Pocketcast" for my podcasts and it seems most want to force you to Googles Podcast player, which I do NOT like.
If this is a solution for you, there are still apps doing this, for example this one
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
I used to use AutoMate occasionally before Android Auto existed, or maybe before you could use it stand alone? I can't really remember. But it's the closest to AA I remember using. Not sure how it stacks up today.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
Sorry, I was referring to AutoMate the Car Dashboard app, not the automation app. It makes common quick interactions with your phone while driving easier and safer, and has some neat features like variable audio volume based on car speed. May or may not be of value to you depending on your lifestyle.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
If you remember your passwords, they probable aren't secure enough, or unique for each account, which is the recommended practice (unless you're exceptionally good at remembering lots of randomized strings of letters, numbers, and punctuation).
iirc, side loading wont solve the problem. It will allow you to install the app, but wont allow you to run it. Theres an app called automate that looks and acts the same way as AA. It should be compatible with your tablet as well. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate&hl=en
I installed a Nexus 7 as my head unit. Does that count?
There an app called AutoMate or something. I haven't used it yet because I forgot until just now. I'll install it today and play around with it and report back.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
While looking at that I also discovered an Android auto app that I'll play around with as well.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.projection.gearhead
I know none of this is carhacking, but I had already written this up when I realized what sub this was and I don't want to remove it. I apologize.
EDIT:
Turns out the Android Auto app isn't available on the play store for the Nexus 7. I'm running Android 6.0.1 vanilla with timur's kernel
The AutoMate app works like a dream though. I may even pay for the full version because after using it for 5 minutes it became my default interface. It's perfect and I can't believe I'd forgotten about it.
10/10 will use a Nexus 7 as a head unit in all my cars.
Very good companion for the road. It's has maps, contacts, messages, app shortcuts, music , notifications, voice commands etc. Great material UI, faster than Car Dashdroid.
Also, if you're checking Android Auto give AutoMate a try. It looks more like the actual Android Auto interface and has way more features, it's been around long before Google released the stand alone Android Auto app and is thus much more refined. Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
I was actually having this exact same issue and I literally just figured it out. As it would turn out, Tasker was disabled and I'm an idiot.
I have a far more simple setup though, man. You've got Tasker doing a bunch of stuff it doesn't necessarily need to be doing.
I use an app called AutoMate in my car which handles my music, maps and calls/texts.
This is my setup:
Step 1: Tasker Profile - Enable BT.
Power ON > Enable BT
Step 2: Tasker Profile - Auto BT Off (downloaded from here)
BT Not Connected to CARBLUETOOTH > Wait 5 seconds, Disable BT.
Step 3: AutoMate On (in AutoMate's settings)
Launch AutoMate on Power + CARBLUETOOTH. AutoMate cranks media volume and disables wifi, then plays music from Google Music.
Step 4: Automate Off (in AutoMate's settings)
Disconnect on Power Off or BT Disconnect (which are the same, as turning off my car naturally disconnects it's BT connection). Disable BT. Enable Wifi.
Great work OP! I've been trying to do this in my VW Rabbit for ever now. Except I don't have time or money. So I haven't been trying at all. Heh.
Anyways, if you want the appearance and near functionality of Android Auto, give AutoMate beta a try. I had it running on my first gen Kindle Fire for a bit and I just velcroed it over my CD deck and radio controls. It worked fine but it was hella ghetto.
I use AutoMate for driving. It can automatically turn on by Bluetooth and if you want to use Google voice you can set it to open up by placing your hand in front of the phone. It can also turn off Wifi automatically as well as many other options. Check it out:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
I actually use this one.
I forgot that there was another app out there for automating phone functions with a similar name.
Has anyone tried using Automate and see if it plays with the Mzd Connect system?
I would try it but delivery of my Mazda was delayed from this week until the 20th.
AutoMate was in beta, and I was about to link you to the Google+ community, but it was just updated to 1.0 and is now in the play store.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
You could give AutoMate a try. It's an Android Auto alternative that allows it to be set as the launcher and has an option to keep the screen on.
I just want an app that mimicks Android auto onto my phone. There's an app called automate that's a good copycat of Android auto but I feel it could be better, so I'm hoping there's another app out there that also tried to copy Android auto. To help this post make more sense, here's the app itself https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
Here's the link to the proper app,
AutoMate is better imo, in terms of interface and function.
edit: screenshot
Join the Beta Group
Then become a tester
Then wait a little bit, then you can download the app.
I just use Automate and a cheap mount, are there advantages to spending the money to upgrade the headunit?
AutoMate is a knock off app that was just released. You would have to Bluetooth it. There is a great free version.
You should give this a try, which looks very similar to android auto
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
It's not perfect, but automate works pretty well. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
Wow that's expensive. I'd recommend just using AutoMate
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
Install AutoMate and have a close representation of Android Auto without replacing the headunit in your vehicle.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate&hl=en
I had success with AutoMate: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
One I use is called AutoMate: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
Not sure of all the replacements, but I do use AutoMate, wonder if there's any other alternatives...?
AUTOMATE!! use on my lg gpad 7 In my car for years.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
I use AutoMate - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
Wrong Automate. Try this one OP.
This is what you need : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate&hl=en\_CA&gl=US
Ever tried AutoMate? I believe it does that too, but I've never used the function. I like the design.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
I believe AutoMate Premium can do that, but don't quote on it as I don't have premium (just read the description)
I recently switched from Car Home Ultra to Automate https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
I'm not sure if this works or not but I would try to use the screen with a ODROID running Android of course. Then either try Automate or the Android Auto port. As far as using your S5 with the screen your probably shit out of luck. You could try to mount the s5 somewhere else maybe serving a different purpose like dedicated Bluetooth OBD odometer.
Try Auto Mate. It simulates Android Auto, works really well.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
AutoMate includes Maps, and the tolls, highways, and ferries toggles are persistent. I love it.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
I've just begun using Automate. I like having the android auto experience in the car without having to buy a new car!
Install a car mount in your car and have the phone act as a navigator/media player (a la Android Auto) using AutoMate.
As well as the Samsung one there is Automate ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate ) which mimics android auto.
Have you tried AutoMate ?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
Used to be awesome, haven't had a car for a bit so I haven't used it in a while but ratings have definitely dropped.
You can try AutoMate
Android Go doesn't support Android Auto. See here under the "Android vs Android Go" section:
>A few other things in Android Go have been disabled for performance reasons—or at least, don't work on our ZTE Tempo Go. Most of these are flagship-centric features you would not expect to get on a low-end device.
>
>Split-screen support. Side-by-side apps are apparently too much for 1GB of memory.
>
>Daydream VR. Totally reasonable.
>
>The "Android for Work" work profile.
>
>Android Wear. No smartwatches allowed.
>
>Android Auto.
>
>No on-by-default storage encryption. You can manually enable it though.
There are several apps that build and improve upon Android Auto's phone screen interface. My favorite is AutoMate, which is what I used until I got a headunit that supported Android Auto. It looks like the older Android Auto design and has a few issues but is still an excellent app. A newer option is AutoZen. It has a modern design based on the new Android Auto and is more polished than AutoMate. Unfortunately to unlock a lot of useful features it requires an ongoing subscription of $10/year or a one-time purchase of $31.99. The developer says this is due to costs of map integration through mapbox, but I feel there should be a cheaper option to unlock all of the other settings without navigation. Even so it is an excellent app.
I know it's not what you wanted to hear, but hopefully one of these apps can do most of what Android Auto would do for you.
There is this, but I have not used it and do know how well it works.
I wonder if Automate still works on Android 10 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
I'll probably go back to AutoMate, which is what I was using before AA had the ability to use it in "phone only" mode.
AutoMate was created before Android Auto was released for phones. It does what you're asking and more.
Cast your whole screen and use AA or something like:
Automate https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
Or
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=spinninghead.carhome
Or
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=altergames.carlauncher
Or just set up a home screen with widgets and shortcuts.
When I turn on ignition (tablet recieves power is the "trigger" here) the screen turns on and plays a startup animation (I shortened this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK3E9QWrF5Y). And the Tablet uses AutoMate as a Launcher (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate It's like AndroidAuto but in my opinion better). If ignition is turned off (tablet looses power) there's a picture of my NA fading out and screen is turned off. Also the tablet is then in deep sleep with all alarms turned off. Supposedly it has a veeeery long battery life this way. I did all this with Timur's Kernel https://timur.mobi/timurs-kernel-n7-2013/
I use automate, much better: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate&hl=en_GB
Maybe consider a dedicated app like AutoMate or ReadItToMe
It's called the Anker SoundSync. It's a Bluetooth device that takes power by USB and has AUX output. It lets you stream music + has a built in mic to take calls and the buttons let you answer/end calls as well as pause and skip music. So much better than buying a Bluetooth headunit. Has also held up well against rain - it's not rated for it but it has sat in my uncovered YJ in lots of rain this year and never skipped a beat. If you want Bluetooth and have AUX in, I couldn't recommend this thing more. Only downside is you have to power it on every time you get in but that doesn't bother me personally.
I use the SoundSync for music (calls kinda work but you gotta remember it's still a YJ) and then AutoMate on my S7 Edge to put music + other useful info (missed calls/texts, weather, speed) all on 1 screen. And I mount the phone in an iOttie Easy One Touch Car Mount which has managed to survive the brutal attacks of leaf springs and poly motor mounts on a 2.5L for over 8 months now.
/endadvertisements
You could try Automate which gives a UI and features similar to Android Auto.
Not hands free, but easier than your klwp option is Automate - car dashboard
I've seen this too. Seems quite popular, especially in combination with Automate https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
Edit: I don't know how to link anymore.
For themes and such, Android is so customizable it's crazy, I would head over to /r/AndroidThemes and check out all of that, keep themes are crazy and once tweaked to your liking they're amazing and to see in the wild is pretty unique.
Launchers? You listed my favorites so far, apex, nova, action, buzz, theres many though, theres also things like automate - car dashboard that can totally replace the launcher for a specific use case, and integrate with your vehicles obd for real world statistics on your vehicle as you drive, theres also launchers that kind of simplify everything a lot, which I would say give to someone whonisnt too tech savvy that wears glasses and is over 50+.
Also, icon packs are awesome, and also you may have access to the system ui tuner which allows you to add custom quick setting tiles, and if you have root access you can install layers theme nmanager and install layers themes which is how many vendors implement different themes on android, the method was originally developed by Sony :) layers can change the layout resources for anything on your device weather it be in your system (like changing your notification shade color, or rounding the corners of your notification cards, or using a dark night like theme that turns most apps and your settings menus dark.
In terms of there being less text or information on screen or your keyboard seeming too large, you may just want to adjust your DPI, this can be done with or without root, but without root a PC is necessary
And about google play, youre right here's a link
Just hit that download button and youllbe good, and your ISP doesn't care how much you upload or download trust me, unless your service says you have a data cap (which it shouldn't) then they can't say a thing, so no worries
Also there's been some threads along the lines of "What is the coolest thing you do with your phone that you never realized was possible?" so I'd give some of that stuff a peak and see what this you'd like to try out, plus theres things like tasker, ifttt, emulators for practically anything including ps2 (not that anything can really run it), except anything newer than ps2 except the Wii, and ds, the Wii and GameCube can be hard to run but I find most ds stuff runs fine, plus USB peripherals work just fine, so a wired Xbox controller, or if you're rooted you can have full functionality of the ps3 controller, motion tracking on the Wii mote, and even use the ps4 controller, and its touchpad.
The advantage of Android is at its core it's pretty damn similar to your PC, you can even boot Linux distros on your phone if your device has loopback support, or things like drivedroid to boot Linux or Windows onto a PC over USB from your phone, with root and xposed you can then use xposed mods to do practically anything imaginable.
Have fun
I think he doesnt like the Design. Maybe try AutoMate. Its like Android Auto on your Phone.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
AutoMate + Torque Pro. Grab yourself a Bluetooh-compatible OBDII sensor to plug into your car, and then you'll be able to log various stats such as MPG (which can update with your GPS location to show you what your MPG is in traffic vs on the highway.) You also have navigation (via gMaps) and music control(compatible with most music player apps,) and audible alerts for when you are speeding or approaching a speed/red light cam. You can also automate a few little things without having to pull out Tasker, such as being able to launch AutoMate when you connect to the car Bluetooth, and set the media volume. I've been using this whole combination for about a week now and I've gotta say I honestly kinda feel like I upgraded to a smart-car since I started.
Before this, I was using Tasker to automate things when connecting to my car's bluetooth; launch a menu that lets me quickly pick between my most-used apps in the car (Google Maps, Shuttle, SoundCloud,) set my media volume to high, disable WiFi, and lock orientation to portrait.
Macally mGrip with a NFC sticker on it and AutoMate.
You can use this app for it, to make it similar to android auto: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
The "design concept" is actually just AutoMate from the PlayStore.
Play Store Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
Try this
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
Are you in the g+ beta community?
I personally use automate for when I'm not using AA.
There's Automate that comes close feature wise but isn't FOSS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitspice.automate
My car doesn't have a head unit that supports AA/CP either, but there are some key issues that make the current iteration of AA less than ideal for me even if my head unit did support it. One of the bigger issues (whether you use AA or CP) is that you have to connect your phone via the USB port instead of a dedicated charger, which pretty much guarantees that your phone will charge at a snail's pace (I've even read about people whose phones didn't charge at all or went down in charge while using AA/CP).
What I do now is use a CD slot mount for my phone above the display and I orient the phone in landscape so that it doesn't block the display. I have an Android phone, so I run AutoMate, which mimics Android Auto, and I have my phone set up to automatically launch AutoMate when my phone is connected to the car's Bluetooth and power.
Automate has you covered.
Seriously, I use it and it works pretty well.