What are /r/AndroidAuto's favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

For phone-only users, there are a couple ways to keep using the app's features:

• Open Google Maps and then start Navigation. The phone will automatically show an overlay at the bottom of the screen with a home button, the mic button for voice control, and an "app drawer" button wich will show apps compatible with phone navigation (in my case Spotify or YT Music). This overlay acts and loos better than the current AA for phone implementation

​

• Install Headunit Reloaded Emulator and use "self mode", wich starts full blown Android Auto on the phone's screen. You can change settings to adjust video quality, layout and compatibility, even autostart.

You could install an older version of Android Auto by manually installing the APK.

I would recommend getting the APK from APKMirror if you decide to do so.

Since it's release, you need Maps and the Search app to be able to use Android Auto, and at least one compatible music player (in my case Spotify). You pay for Android Auto by providing your data, that's where all Google Services are monetized.

​

If your headunit supports Mirrorlink or runs Android you may try AutoZen or AutoMate, they look a lot like Google Maps but work directly on your phone.

Install Headunit Reloaded onto the tablet - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gb.xxy.hr&hl=en_US&gl=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

This head unit is a generic Chinese stereo that runs a version of Android between 4.0-8.0. I have had a few of these units. The first one was a dualcore unit running 4.1. My current head unit is a quadcore running 6.0.

Now, you can run andoid apps natively on these devices, BUT there is an app called Head Unit Reloaded that emulates AndroidAuto. It's works fairly well and the developer seems active and responds quickly to questions. There are a couple of quirks here and there. But overall I have a great AndroidAuto experience in my car and it cost me less than 200 bucks.

On the S10 I just have AA installed and updated.

On the Atoto I have HeadUnit Reloaded installed. First I downloaded the trial version to make sure it worked. Once confirmed I bought the paid app. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gb.xxy.hr&hl=en_US

Install HeadUnit Reloaded onto your Head Unit, plug in the phone and it should prompt a set up. I think you might need USB debugging on both the phone and headunit enabled.

If you have other questions, I can try to answer them.

I looked up my Amazon order history it's this one:

Cable Matters Ultra Slim Series USB-C Cable (USB C Cable) in Black 3.3 Feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S8GU2OC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uOO7Ab4QXB7N0

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.

I’ve been experiencing the same in my Hyundai Kona. FWIW, there is a new AA release that hasn’t shown up for me in the play store but is on APK Mirror. I haven’t had a chance to test it.

https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/android-auto-3-5-5830-release/android-auto-maps-media-messaging-voice-3-5-583024-release-android-apk-download/

>I know the car can do it as I have checked on googles compatibility site.

Google's compatibility site says nothing about AA wireless compatibility. It just says your car is compatible with Android Auto. Android Auto Wireless came out in 2018. Your 2018 car came out in 2017, and the design would have been done in 2016. No, it doesn't support AA Wireless.

I use this one. You hardwire it in to your garage door opener where your wall switches are wired in and plug it in. It's pretty simple as long as you can work a screwdriver.

It comes with a wireless sensor you stick on the door that tells the app whether it's open or closed.

I denied for the longest time that the cable would matter, but I finally caved out of frustration with AA disconnects that I bought this Amazon cable: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GGKYR2O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Have not had one. single. disconnect.

In about 2 months. Used to happen every time I would move the phone or touch the cord. Nope, it is stable as a rock now. (Pixel 4a)

I used the Parked Car app to achieve this, as the Google Assistant's automatic feature became less and less reliable, then was removed, and I'm not entirely sure its status anymore as it's very tricky to even find.

There's an Android app that emulates the functionality you're looking for. It's called Headunit Reloaded

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gb.xxy.hr&hl=en

Check this thread and use the trial APK to see if your device is compatible. If you can make it work, then buy the full version and you'll be good to go. If you have question ask in the XDA Thread, the developer is a nice person and often posts here in the sub.

Good luck!

1. It works just fine for me without saying "Please". Using Pixel 3, Android 9, whatever the most recent updates are. My flow is:
   • Send a text to (person)
   • "There are two people with that name, (person) (lastname) and (person) (otherlastname), who do you want to send it to?"
   • (person) (lastname)
   • "Work, Home, or Mobile?"
   • "Mobile"
   • "What's the message?"
   • "This is a test, part 2"
   • "I got, 'This is a test part 2' do you want to send it or change it?""
   • "Send it."
   • "Okay. Message sent."
2. That's a Assistant issue, not an Android Auto issue.
3. Replacing the developers never makes the app better. It just makes for a rewrite with fewer features than before.
   

Out of curiosity, why is your assistant BritishLady? And related, what happens if you change the locale / voice to something else? It may be as simple as an accent thing not recognizing what you're saying.

You might have some luck troubleshooting that issue by playing around with what "Live Transcribe" (play store link) gets when you're talking. The "Please" may be enough to make the voice recognition kick in. For fun, try being incredibly rude and say things like "bitch, send it"

I've been using these (Netdot Gen7 Nylon Braided USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable Compatible with Type-C Smartphone(3.3ft USB-C/3 Pack Gray) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071PBR95J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_inNJCb7T303KQ) for about a week, and it works... But the magnet doesn't hold super-tight, so it's too easy to break the connection while driving. I'm still playing with various phone placements to help solve that, but in the end, I'll probably go back to a regular cable.

Not free, but for $1.50 the Listen Audiobook Player has been my goto after trying quite a few of the free ones. I use it with AA every day and it works great, has lots of features https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.acmeandroid.listen

If you insist on something free, the Material Audiobook Player (now apparently called "Voice Audiobook Player") was a close second for me https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.ph1b.audiobook&hl=en

I have been having the same issue.

I just uninstalled AA and installed what I believe to be the previous version from APK Mirror:

https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/android-auto-3-0-5705-release/android-auto-maps-media-messaging-voice-3-0-570554-release-android-apk-download/download/

You may need to change the variant that you download (arm, arm64, etc.) depending on your phone.

I'm going to try this out over the next couple days and see if this version fixes the problem.

Are you testing it with actual head unit or DHU?

I used to use Lockito together with HUR in self mode to test Waze. Iirc, I have to only use device only (no other location providers) in Lockito settings for it to work.

Do a search for "Bluetooth media remote control" wherever you like to shop. You pair such a device with your phone (not the car). For the lazy, I found this one on Amazon for $13.99 (actually, $16.99, but there's a $3 coupon that applies at checkout): https://smile.amazon.com/Wireless-Bluetooth-Control-Motorcycle-Steering/dp/B081RLWSTL (this one even comes with a handy little ring mount to clip it to your steering wheel or handlebars on a bike, or you can just use a heavy-duty temperature resistant double-sided adhesive strip to stick it wherever you want it).

I have a 2021 Kia Seltos with the same exact head unit and a S21 Ultra. I had similar problems at first. Tried bunch of cables too. It only worked after I switched to a "good" cable. Ever since, I didn't had any crashes. Before that cable, it was crashing every few minutes and was very slow. So, maybe try this cable if you have Amazon Prime and can return the cable if it doesn't work for you.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07213D35X?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072152BWQ/

That is the exact cable I'm using in my Genesis and it works great, plus this is the exact cable that I've recommended to everyone having issues, and as I said sometimes that's all it takes. Samsung phones seem to be particularly troublesome. My buddy has the same model and year Genesis G80, and I never had issues with my One plus or LG, he's however had issues nonstop with his s20 until we updated his head unit since Hyundai puts out free updates each year for all their cars including Genesis. New cable made it better, but it would still disconnect from time to time until we updated his head unit, and then it stopped completely, even with the old cable.

This should work.

I used a light sensor. Let me see if I can find it. Here you go. It's no longer available but should be newer models

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PFPU9K6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabt1_HkETFb6WF59SE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Yes. Note 8 and S8 apparently has a bad update that broke their GPS. Likely won't be fixed forever by Samsung as it's EOL.

The only known workaround is to install GPS Status & Toolbox and install it's proxy upon initial launch or via the provided link.

One from Amazon if you would rather buy from there. Great idea though!!

HIGHROCK 30cm USB 2.0 a Power Enhancer Y 1 Female to 2 Male Data Charge Cable Extension Cord(1pc) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NIGO4NM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_5wwFzb1SRNQH8

You could try this parking bypass off amazon but I think you may still have the interaction limit.

Try Headunit Reloaded app on the tablet to have android auto on your biggest screen (with a Y OTG cable connected to your phone or via wifi direct).
Check if you can send the phones audio through bluetooth to the Sony headunit by going to Headunit Reloaded and in its settings unchecking the option "sink audio" so that your phones audio doesn't go to the tablet.

The connection should be:
Phone -> Tablet with Headunit Reloaded (via OTG cable) to display Android Auto. Phone -> Sony (via bluetooth) to play sound.

This is only for headunit where Android is their OS. If your HR-V has Android Auto, then all you need to do is download the Android Auto app on your phone and plug it in.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.projection.gearhead

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.

Before I had the ability to swipe out of the Android Auto screen I installed Tile Extension and added a shortcut above the notifications (where wifi and other controls are) to open Nova Launcher (my launcher).

I use Smart Audiobook Player. Works great with AA. Free is good enough. I appreciated it enough and wanted the extra features enough that I went ahead and paid for the full version. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ak.alizandro.smartaudiobookplayer

A couple more are Rocket player And MD player

Yes!!! I use a setup like that!

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gb.xxy.hr

It's called Headunit Reloaded. Still some bugs, but it's worth the $8 and there is a trial version as well. Test it first. Googling Headunit Reloaded will give you some xda threads that should help with set-up.

Good luck!

I found that you can get around the updated screen block by using Now On Tap, hitting the Google icon on the bottom left, then swiping left to go to the first homescreen containing icons. Alternatively, a notification drawer icon app, such as this one will get you to the homescreen if you add the Google app as a shortcut. Neither of these are great unfortunately and I miss the old trick. :(

I just uninstalled Google maps from the play store, then downloaded and installed this version ( universal for Android 5.0+) and it's back to the tuning knob zooming!!! https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/maps/maps-10-10-1-release/

I have found a fix for myself, after changing cables, fiddling around in the settings and resting the cache that did nothing. I decided to downgraded to a older version of Android auto and it is working perfectly, I haven't ran into any issues so far. hope it works for you guys heres the link https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/android-auto-4-1-5909-release/android-auto-google-maps-media-messaging-4-1-590934-release-android-apk-download/

i have a pioneer 4100nex and it's great. the 4200nex regularly goes on sale at newegg (not in stock atm)

https://slickdeals.net/f/10408224-pioneer-avh-4200nex-7-motorized-touchscreen-dvd-receiver-337-after-100-rebate-free-s-h?src=SiteSearchV2_SearchBarV2Algo1

sure it's a resistive screen but that means you can use it with gloves on, and pinch to zoom still works fine.

More corporate icon "branded pins". It provides an amazing look at just how many McDonald's and Starbucks there are around you. Not so good if you want to actually see the map, though.

Uhh pain to navigate? Go to https://www.android.com/auto/ and scroll down to the list of manufacturers. At the top of the list there are two tabs, "Brands" and "Models". Tap models and see a list of what you're looking for.

There is a list of compatible vehicles on the Android auto home page.

https://www.android.com/auto/

All of the cars offered by these manufacturers may or may not have Android auto so you will have to ask the dealer.

Wireless AA came out this year and there are a limited number of phones that actually support it. I doubt that they will be including it in cars until wireless AA is more mainstream.

Here's a good resource for ya - https://www.android.com/auto/ go down to the section with the header "Hit the road with Android Auto" and expand it, it provides a listing of car companies and what year/models offer Android Auto.

From the same screenshot as shared below by u/nullx, if you scroll down, do you see Phone screen settings? If so, click on auto-launch and disable it in the next screen.

If you can't see it, it could be you don't have Android Auto for Phone Screens installed.

Might be worth it checking out how QC4.0 and PD charging works for a next revision. Check with an app such as Ampere if your phone actually draws close to 3A (while being pretty empty of course, otherwise it will draw less by design!).

Yea I signed up for mine on dec 2nd 2020 and finally got it on may 29 2021.. definitely was a long wait but well worth it. If you have an extra Android Phone you can check out Headunit Reloaded which is made by the same developers and essentially does the same thing the dongle does but requires the extra phone.. I've never used this though so I have no experience with it, I've just seen it come up in other topics.

For me, I HATE AA running on the phone itself and I don't know why anyone would want to do this... It DOES render the phone useless. To fix it, open Android Auto on your phone, tap the menu icon in the top left, go to settings>Car Settings> and change "Turn on Automatically" to Never. I turned off everything aside from "Turn BT on automatically". This prevents AA from taking over your phone but leaves AA functioning in your car...

that one did not work for me, had to get this one for my Telluride

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0936PJC2J?psc=1&amp;ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

I think because the first one wasnt 3.0, my only guess, luckily I got a refund

I unplug and plug them in like 10 times a day... plus I use one with a right angle end and rest the phone on the connector, like these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BC6FZ3X/

Not to mention that the temps here can run from -30F in the winter to +110F in the summer.

Been that way since I got my first car with AA in 2017, about 3 months and the cable starts giving me trouble... This is why I am eagerly awaiting my AA Wireless unit.

Sounds like a connection issue to me if it works intermittently. Have you cleaned out the USB connectors and cleaned the contacts?

Hate to bring up the cable again, but I'm curious if the newer phone needs a stronger connection than your existing cables can provide.

Are you using a 3.1 (or better) speed cable? How long is it? Longer ones don't work as well when it needs a fast dedicated connection and speed.

I've had success with this cable on my Note 20 Ultra and previous Galaxy S8:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07D7S5CH7

This one has always worked for me. It is very beefy and doesn't break the bank.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.aawireless

You'll need to buy the dongle from indiegogo for it to work though!

Pixel 4 or newer won't work with this solution or your Y cable using a PD charger, however using a 5v3a USB C charger will work, it won't charge as fast as a PD charger but still better than charging using a USB A port. Here is the charger I used before I got my wireless android auto module https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01GUVNHY8/

If anything, it's more worth it in older cars, because it's usually less effort and money to install (many times significantly). If you can install a double-DIN or even a single-DIN aftermarket stereo, and your car doesn't control any car functions with the infotainment screen, you're good to go without complex stuff like a Maestro, though if your car has wheel media controls you might need a harness.

For an even easier install you can also get something like a Coral Vision screen which is just placed externally like an old timey GPS device and connects to your infotainment via AUX (recommended) or even has its own FM transmitter (only last resort). Although if you don't mind splurging, I'd probably install one of the newer Pioneer or Kenwood units with higher resolution 9-inch screens.

I use these magnetic connectors which completely protect the USB port from plugging up. That particular version may be cancelled but if you look around you should find the new generation. [edited to add: that link is the new generation. My generation was discontinued] Works well with AA in our Subaru Outback.

I don't usually have much issues with AA but the few times when GA misbehaved were usually after Google app updates. I'm able to know because I use App Update History to monitor. Most times, the usual clearing of Google app cache fixed it. Sometimes, the same was needed for Play Services. It's seldom the fault of AA at least for me so even if doing the same or more (i.e. clear data, clean reinstall etc) for AA too doesn't help, it's usually a server-side issue or a real bug with the current Google app version. Sometimes, Google app beta may already have the fix but more often than not also have other bugs since it's beta so waiting it out might be a better option for such case. If opting for beta resolve the issue, be aware continuing subscribing to beta would also mean always updating to subsequent beta versions and encountering new bugs. So often users forgot about using beta and/or didn't disclose this important detail only to discover after my advice that reverting back to production version resolved it.

It uses local media (no uploading). Works great with Android Auto. I tried many apps and settled on JetAudio for local media (I have 60+GB of music on my phone). I haven't found a good cloud solution since they shut down Google Play Music.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jetappfactory.jetaudio

Not without replacing the head unit with a custom aftermarket, something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/MekedeTech-Android-Navigation-Bluetooth-Supports/dp/B083K57937

Try this one it's very good: Replaio radio

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hv.replaio&amp;hl=en_AU&amp;gl=US

The cost is much higher rolling your own unless your don't care about your time. Running internet services on your home network opens your network to hackers who might snoop. Make sure your keep the system up to date and understand his to set up the security.

If possible keep us on a separate vlan or at least a guest network. You really to minimize what someone has access to it they get control of your server.

https://www.routersecurity.org/vlan.php

Personally I value my time over the small problems of YouTube music.

If you really want to just play your own music, then just store it on your device. Put it on Google drive, one drive, drop box, etc and sync to the phone. You can also use a usb cable to connect to your pc to copy it.

I have not used this app, but it's another option which can stream from services like drop box:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.doubleTwist.cloudPlayerPro

Much cheaper than Plex and you don't need to worry about running a server.

I don't have AA, but I use Bluetooth in my car so I also looked for a dock. I have a vehicle specific base from Proclip, then got an iBolt clamp from Amazon.

iBOLT xProDock holder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KAJOSZO/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_EL4hxbSPFS76S

The iBolt connects to a ball mount which screws into the Proclip:

iBOLT AMPS Adapter Plate https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009AYLYWA/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_wM4hxb5G0NVCF

Boss Audio BVCP9675A Double Din, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, 6.75" Capacitive Touchscreen Mech-Less (No CD/DVD) AM/FM Receiver, MP3/USB https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CLM81B3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_xkYBBb2N80DPK

It's sold by Best buy and crutchfield as well though Amazon has the best price.

I have no idea if this would work, but it seems like a possible solution: https://www.amazon.com/Splitter-HiMusic-Charging-Converter-Compatible/dp/B07KXWD22Q

phone-> dongle dongle -> power dongle-> car USB

Not sure if you're using USB-C but ... the Amazon ad at least lists 9v 2A charging.

The workaround for now is to use GPS Status and install it's proxy app when prompted. The proxy app will launch GPS Status and you have to keep it running. This will not let GMaps use the car's GPS though while Waze remains status quo i.e still not using car's GPS.

I understand your use case is similar to Brazil and Sweden where it's required by law to drive with headlights on all the time. For such use case, car-control cannot be used, else it's night mode even during the day. You did right to select phone control but it won't work on its own. Neither do auto day/night in Waze and GMaps settings work in head unit mode.

Some head unit dimmer settings can be set to GPS sync (day/night time depending on GPS location) so no further settings on the phone is required.

Otherwise, as already mentioned by u/shmykelsa, use the phone dark mode scheduler. If it does not work, you may want to try this app which was created specially for such use case when phones didn't have dark mode but I'm not sure if it's still working.

Bear in mind you cannot have it the other way too, i.e. in tunnel or extremely overcast sky during the day, the head unit will still be in day mode and may be blinding to the eyes.

So GPS Status do help as expected but that of course mask the issue of not using the car's GPS. This is exactly like the Android 9 issues. I bet it would be the same with Waze. FYI late last year, similar bug hit Android 9 en masse but was resolved by AA, Play Services, GMaps and Waze updates but it took them quite a long time.

The compass issue in AA was also observed for that bug occurrence. It's likely not the compass messing up if it works standalone but rather some code between AA and Play Services is broken or incompatible so AA can't use it just like it can't use the car's GPS. GPS alone does not tell direction when stationery.

Since AA has dependencies on Play Services so which versions for either to roll back it hard to know without trial and error. If you had installed an app like App Update History you might be able to correlate when the bug started with which update. However, though the app tracks Play Services updates too, it does not track pushed update without version change in the background that may have caused this bug. If you don't have such app, you may have to use APKMirror dates to arrive at a best estimate you can remember to roll back to the versions before it started.

If you're really on a budget you may consider a single-SIN Android headunit. There's an app called Headunit Reloaded Emulator on the Play Store, that you can install on any Android device and it will act as an Android Auto headunit screen. It will work as long as the headunit supports connecting your phone via USB (otg).

&#x200B;

I use this on an Android tablet, connecting my phone using a USB OTG adpter, the tablet works as the Android Auto on newer cars. This is the cheapest alternative without using an AA-capable headunit.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gb.xxy.hr&amp;hl=es_MX

&#x200B;

Anything easier will be more expensive, as other users already stated. Good luck.

If your car doesn't suppprt it, then I highly recommend an app called DriveMode, which I use every day. If you try it, take the time to go through all the options, including the ones being tested. You can really customize your in-car experience far more than with Android Auto. And you can use it in conjunction with AA too if you're ever in a car with it.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drivemode.android

I use a mail app on my phone called Aqua Mail instead of Outlook. It seamlessly syncs my calendar for me. AA displays my appointments just fine.

Use https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ext.ui

Can give this site a try since apkmirror uploads have to be reviewed before they are available for download.

Another option that I feel works far better than Android Auto (particularly when mounting your phone as the display) is the Drivemode: Handsfree Messages And Call For Driving app. This is especially true if you use Android Auto for navigation, as apps like Waze are very crippled when run through AA than when run on the phone itself. I spent quite a bit of time when I moved to Android from Windows Phone trying to mimic the simple hands-free messaging experience that AA just didn't deliver, and Drivemode beats all the other similar apps in the Play Store hands down. Drivemode can read incoming messages from all major messaging providers (SMS, Messenger, WhatsApp, Signal, Skype, etc.) and allows you to respond entirely by voice (it mentions itself in responses by default, but if you like how it works, it's a ridiculously cheap in-app purchase to make that go away). Oh, and if you like the Android Auto experience, you can still use Drivemode in conjunction with AA to let you respond to messages and answer calls hands-free.

I've always had great luck with Anker brand cables. I don't even open the oem anymore except when I'm traveling I toss them into my bag.

Both micro USB (with my Galaxy S7) and USBC (with my wife's S8) have worked well and are durable. I use the 3ft size in the vehicles and 6ft at home. My wife uses her devices so much she needs to be plugged in while using... Looks like the price has gone up some since I last bought, but even at this price it's quality.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019Q3T7YG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2e-PBb462B10P

I've been using BeyondPod for years and works great for me! Started using it when Google killed off Google Reader. Anyway, it works w/ AndroidAuto too! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.beyondpod

Could you try this and upload the APK to Google Drive? It's usually quite easy with an app like this. I'd be very grateful!

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tutorialsface.apkextractorlite

I'm not sure if this will work for you, but it worked for me (i used the headunitreloaded app for android auto)

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gb.aahelper.hr&amp;hl=en

when I don't use this, my androidauto default to nights. When I launch the app, it normally fixes the issue.

I installed Tile Extension for Nougat and added a shortcut to Nova Launcher which takes me to my home screen to get around AA blacking out the screen.

Haven't had any spotify issues but for the old menu "work around" I use what another user here recommended. Meteor Swipe. It's basically replaces your "edge swipe" feature (disable the in-built one) and gives you the option to "go home", which works with android auto. Piece of advice though if your using this method, don't give the app accessibility service permission (other any app that permission) it can make your phone really slow and laggy. It works just fine without it.

1) Probably, since Google Maps has on-screen controls

2) Yes, you can have a data-only SIM on an Android device or set up your iPhone as a hotspot and connect through WiFi. IIRC the Pioneer 4200 has two USB ports in the back, one of which is for AA and another for CP.

3) I don't think you can do both USB ports at the same time. You could use AUX in for sure. Not sure about Bluetooth either, since AA uses it. HOWEVER, Android Auto supports a variety of music players one of which can play SubSonic directly, so you could just play from the Android phone on AA directly.

I use an Out Loud profile to read out selected app notifications in the car over the media stream. Play store NB: there is no facility to reply with voice.

Link me: Out Loud.

*Corrected linking, added manual link

• Not free but DoggCatcher works well on Android Auto.

• Really like Amazon Music. If you have Prime you get a metric ton of "stations" and music to listen to.

Google maps is getting a bit annoying under Android auto. They've plastered an obnoxious (and redundant) "destinations" widget on the map that you have to manually close -every- time you start maps. It doesn't fade like the other map controls and you can't fully get rid of it.

It used to pick a random destination and, disregarding mute, start shouting about traffic. Muting your music, car radio or more annoyingly any phone call you were on. I think they've fixed that, though.

Overdrive (getting audiobooks from your library through the app) works great. The other audiobook app I use is Smart AudioBook Player. It works great!

Smart Audiobook Player

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ak.alizandro.smartaudiobookplayer&amp;hl=en

More info:

First 30 days Full version. Later - Basic version.

Features:

• Playback speed control.

• Classification of books (new, started, finished).

• Download cover from the Internet.

• List of characters. You can manually create a list of characters to easier follow the story.

• Automatic pause in case you fall asleep. To continue playback just shake your phone.

• Playback history.

• Application Widget. Allows you to control the player from the home screen.

• By specifying a root folder containing all your audiobook, you can exclude your folders which contains music and other audio files.

• You don't have to finish one book to start another. The progress is saved independently for all books.

• NO ADS!

On my 3rd visit back to the VW dealership and after threats of using the lemon laws to force VW to buy back the car at full price, they finally replaced the head unit (apparently it cost them $1,100). Freaking boo-hoo! It works now. Hopefully when I get my s7 next month, I won't have the same problem.

Also check out the Android Auto app comments:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.projection.gearhead

There are 100+ comments on how VW Android Auto does not work with some Samsung phone so it is a well-known problem. Scumbags at VW are hiding yet another embarrassment......at least this one doesn't kill the environment.

I've noticed the BT on my 2020 Forester is a bit finicky as well. I don't know if this is the issue you're experiencing but I can't plug my phone in to the head unit until the BT connects to the vehicle. If I plug it in beforehand the BT does not want to connect. As for the wires, I've recently switched to this Anker cable and it's worked pretty well.

Cable: https://www.amazon.ca/Charger-Anker-PowerLine-Pull-up-Resistor/dp/B01A6F3WHG?ref_=ast_sto_dp&amp;th=1

I'm running an S21 FE, with the 8 inch head unit on the premier trim if that helps.

So, I can confirm this works:

Download AA 4.5 apk from apkmirror

Install it, then go into app settings, wipe cache and user data for AA, then Force Stop AA

Launch AA anew, go into its settings, and enable "Try the New Android Auto"

Let AA finish setup and resync with your car (you may not need to resync, I didn't)

Done - you should new see the new interface on your head unit

All I did was grab the latest APK from apk mirror and the setting showed up instantly. Located in PA running on Sony AX5000

https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/android-auto-4-5-5928-release/android-auto-google-maps-media-messaging-4-5-592854-release-android-apk-download/download/

Mine had a few different steps than others. Let me know if it works for you. This is the only scenario that worked for me. A step or two different than the other instructions here. It wouldn't work when i installed 4.5 over 4.4, even if i cleared data/cache afterwards. I had to uninstall 4.4 first. After uninstalling 4.4, installed the new 4.5.5928 version from apk mirror https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/android-auto-4-5-5928-release/ and it still had old look. I cleared cache and data again then I checked settings in android auto on phone, it was there. Top one is General. Under that it says "Try the New android Auto for car screen only - Update Now. Or wait for automatic update coming soon.'" On mine the "try the new android auto" box wasn't checked. After checking that box it came right up. Galaxy s10+ and '17 Dodge Scat Pack W/Uconnect 8.4

Here is my instructions with direct download link to 4.5 on APK mirror. Never trust having to install one app in order to install another. This worked for me. I had to do mine a little different . It wouldn't work when i installed 4.5 over 4.4, even if i cleared data/cache afterwards. I had to uninstall 4.4 first. After uninstalling 4.4, installed the new 4.5.5928 version from apk mirror https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/android-auto-4-5-5928-release/ and it still had old look. I cleared cache and data still didn't work. I checked settings in android auto on phone, Top one is General. Under that it says "Try the New android Auto for car screen only - Update Now. Or wait for automatic update coming soon.'" On mine the "try the new android auto" box wasn't checked. After checking that box it came right up.

Keep your plans, try this. This worked for me. I had to do mine a little different . It wouldn't work when i installed 4.5 over 4.4, even if i cleared data/cache afterwards. I had to uninstall 4.4 first. After uninstalling 4.4, installed the new 4.5.5928 version from apk mirror https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/android-auto-4-5-5928-release/ and it still had old look. I cleared cache and data still didn't work. I checked settings in android auto on phone, Top one is General. Under that it says "Try the New android Auto for car screen only - Update Now. Or wait for automatic update coming soon.'" On mine the "try the new android auto" box wasn't checked. After checking that box it came right up.

This did it for me.

It'll work. It wouldn't when i installed 4.5 over 4.4. After uninstalling 4.4, installed the new 4.5.5928 version from apk mirror https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/android-auto-4-5-5928-release/ and it still had old look. I cleared cache and data still didn't work. I checked settings in android auto on phone, Top one is General. Under that it says "Try the New android Auto for car screen only - Update Now. Or wait for automatic update coming soon.'" On mine the box wasn't checked to "try the new android auto" after checking that box it came right up.

I had to do mine a little different. After 2 hours of playing i figured it out. Installing 4.5 over 4.4 wouldn't work for me. This is what made it work for me.

It wouldn't when i installed 4.5 over 4.4. After uninstalling 4.4, installed the new 4.5.5928 version from apk mirror https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/android-auto-4-5-5928-release/ and it still had old look. I cleared cache and data still didn't work. I checked settings in android auto on phone, Top one is General. Under that it says "Try the New android Auto for car screen only - Update Now. Or wait for automatic update coming soon.'" On mine the box wasn't checked to "try the new android auto" after checking that box it came right up. Galaxy s10+ Android Pie. Uconnect 8.4 in a '17 Dodge challenger.

It'll work. I uninstalled the old version, installed the new 4.5.5928 version from apk mirror https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/android-auto-4-5-5928-release/ and it still had old look in the car. I cleared cache and data still didn't work. I checked settings in android auto on phone, Top one is General. Under that it says "Try the New android Auto for car screen only - Update Now. Or wait for automatic update coming soon.'" On mine the box wasn't checked to "try the new android auto." After checking that box it came right up.

It'll work. It wouldn't when i installed 4.5 over 4.4. After uninstalling 4.4, installed the new 4.5.5928 version from apk mirror https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/android-auto-4-5-5928-release/ and it still had old look. I cleared cache and data still didn't work. I checked settings in android auto on phone, Top one is General. Under that it says "Try the New android Auto for car screen only - Update Now. Or wait for automatic update coming soon.'" On mine the box wasn't checked to "try the new android auto" after checking that box it came right up..

It'll work. It wouldn't when i installed 4.5 over 4.4. After uninstalling 4.4, installed the new 4.5.5928 version from apk mirror https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/android-auto-4-5-5928-release/ and it still had old look. I cleared cache and data still didn't work. I checked settings in android auto on phone, Top one is General. Under that it says "Try the New android Auto for car screen only - Update Now. Or wait for automatic update coming soon.'" On mine the box wasn't checked to "try the new android auto" after checking that box it came right up.

It'll work. I uninstalled the old version, installed the new 4.5.5928 version from apk mirror https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/android-auto-4-5-5928-release/ and it still had old look. I cleared cache and data still didn't work. I checked settings in android auto on phone, Top one is General. Under that it says "Try the New android Auto for car screen only Update Now. Or wait for automatic update coming soon.'" On mine the box wasn't checked to "try the new android auto" after checking that box it came right up.

I don't understand why people are clearing cache on play services etc... I literally downloaded the APK from APK Mirror here

https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/android-auto-4-5-5928-release/

Then I reset cache and storage on Android Auto, installed the downloaded APK, walked thru set up and it was there. I do not think it is server side based by the way I installed and had it immediately. And I have the Pixel 3xl

Try updating Google Play Services to latest version. I had to do that before the new UI setting showed up.

https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-services/google-play-services-18-7-14-release/

did you try the newest Version from apkmirror? I uninstalled Android Auto.. installed this Version and cleared the cache but still no luck for me but maybe you'll be luckier. https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/android-auto-4-5-5928-release/

wasn't for me at first (Pixel 2), i uninstalled then installed this APK then enable, New AA

I uploaded both files for arrmabi-v7a and arm64-v8a to Apkmirror, so better link to grab it depending what 's needed https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/android-auto-4-4-5923-release/

https://slickdeals.net/f/11269967-pioneer-avh-2300nex-249-99-fs-and-no-tax-newegg-flash

They claimed it was a 2300, but sent a 2330.

It's certainly not the fastest thing ever, but you only notice it when switching between functions. I mainly use if for Bluetooth music, and for AA when I'm in the car for more then 10 minutes, which is more and more rare these days.

The AAWireless dongle costs more than the screen I got (though I suppose you get what you pay for). If you have any recommendations for a ~7" standalone screen type device that can do Carplay and Android Auto over wireless, please let me know. The most important thing to me is that the audio doesn't sound like crap and that it can connect via either AUX or Bluetooth.

If I have to spend >$300 total on this project, I might just replace the entire head unit with an aftermarket Android one like I did in my other car. I've been resisting doing that since this car has Subaru Starlink (remote unlock/lock, tracking, etc) which I'd like to retain, and apparently its a huge pain to keep that with aftermarket audio. That's why I was hoping to get an easy inexpensive solution where I can just have a little screen for Android Auto.

This is the one I have which has garbage AUX audio. (Different seller but its exactly the same unit)