yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
Basically, make a backup of the Torque Pro APK first. Because when you uninstall it, the APK gets deleted and you can't copy something that has been deleted. This can easily be accomplished by using Es FIle Explorer's App Manager. Just select the app and push the backup icon. This will store a copy in the /mnt/sdcard/backups/apps directory. Once that's complete you can also use App Manger to uninstall the application.

In order to copy the APK into /system/app directory, the system partition must be mounted as read-write. You can accomplish this by enabling Root Explorer from Es File Explorer's Fast Access menu then holding down the words, "Root Explorer". A window will pop up with an option to "Mount R/W" which will allow you to make changes to the directories below /system. At that point, all you need to do is copy Torque Pro into /system/app directory and reboot the head unit. The boot process will find the file and setup the appropriate files and directories similar to a typical install. However, "installing" apps this way grants certain system permissions that cannot be accessed through a normal install.

I haven't gotten a reply from Ian Hawkings yet in regards to the problem but I hoping he already addressed the issue similarly as discussed in this StackOverflow article, "bypass android usb host permision confirmation dialog".
[Android Head-Units] p64imp:
Hi guys,

have a look at this:

http://www.amazon.com/3-5mm-Stereo-...&sr=8-1&keywords=audio+jack+3.5mm+panel+mount

would this work good you think with an external Mic mod? I was thinking of mounting this on the rear of the stereo housing (drilling a hole for it), and connecting the leads directly to the existing wires right to where the factory mic is connected (clipping the wires and running those existing leads instead to this jack).

If i were to do this, how would i know though which wire goes to which of the 3 poles? I know i only connect 2 of the 3 wires, but i'm guessing i need to get the polarity right for it to work (and to also hit the right 2 of 3 connectors).

Any insight on this? and would my idea work?
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
:laugh: You should take a look at the AN-21 U Hardware specs/hacks thread. It is not that big, and I have pointed out that connector in Post #82.
[Android Head-Units] p64imp:
ok, thanks donaldta,

i ordered a philmore 502j jack as you recommended in that thread. Having the stock mic enabled when nothing is plugged in is not a huge thing for me, though i figured it'd be a better install then just cutting it loose...

what gauge wiring do you recommend for this job?
[Android Head-Units] ackyo:
has anyone here tried an OBD2 WiFi transmitter with this unit and Tourque?

like this http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/IOBD2-Wi..._Parts_Accessories&hash=item43bab5d199&_uhb=1

i realize you could only be connected via wifi to this or your modem (not both at the same time)
[Android Head-Units] Mancubus99:
I have mine installed in a VW Touareg which uses Canbus. Does that mean that I don't need an adaptor to get steering controls working my car or will I need something like an ASWC-1 to convert the Canbus to resistive?
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
i tried one about a year but it was a clone from ebay that looked like a Blue ELMs. It would not allow me to set up as anything else but an access point. So, it wouldn't let me use a hotspot at the same time so I returned it.

Actually, you could probably use both at the same time but it might you have to switch up the IP routes for the internet to work.

it depends on if you have the a Universal version which doesn't come with it or the VW specific version which comes does comes with it.
[Android Head-Units] Prdie:
Hello all, are you experiencing some audio noise with this unit ? I've had 2.3 ouku thah gave me strong pop upon start but it was quiet then. Now, with AN21 I'm not getting such strong pop (apart from pop described in the first post), but the unit is producing audio noise for the duration of operation. Quite annoying. Is this expected ?
[Android Head-Units] merit40:
radio

hello, sorry for my English, I use the translator, after updating to 2.6.7.0 the radio does not store favorite channels, in addition to the software I have to also update the MCU? Thank you.
[Android Head-Units] shavermcspud:
2.6.7.0

Where did you get the update from, you now have bluetooth icon?
[Android Head-Units] maxxxis123:
Hello,

i have 2 questions about this android unit -

1) does the Bluetooth support music transmission (from android device to the car unit?)

2) how does the wheel control works, do i need compatible buttons like IR based, or it works with the default ones that comes with the car.

Thanks
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
Yes, in fact all Generic Android Head Units support Bluetooth from another Android device. It is the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) of bluetooth which allows it. It also supports Bluetooth's Hands-Free Profile (HFP) and Phone Book Access Profile (PBAP) but that's it.

Most people forgo wasting their portable's battery on streaming music and have a copy of their music on either an SD Card or USB drive and play it directly from the head unit. One of the main benefits of having Android in your head unit is to not be so reliant on your smartphone or tablet.

That actually depends on your vehicle. The Universal version of the AN-21U natively supports cars that use analog (resistive to ground) signals. And although most vehicles use this type of signaling at the steering wheel column, it is often converted into a digital (CAN Bus, K-Line, Lin Bus, GMLAN, etc) signaling for the connecter of the stock radio in modern cars. The vehicle specific versions of the AN-21U will usually have the convertor necessary for the SWC signals.

So, depending on your skill/comfort level at taping the wires in the steering wheel column you may or may not need a third-party SWC adapter. These can be used to translate or convert from an incompatible Steering Wheel Control signaling in order to make them work.
[Android Head-Units] maxxxis123:
That's an amazing answer, thank you.

If i understand you right the unit doesn't need the IR button based (the one you can buy and use a battery).

it can be controlled via the car, i am really a noob when it comes to electronics/cars. i just own a KIA picanto car and i want to install the buttons on the weel - http://www.ebay.com/itm/NO-HEATING-...Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cd92299ef&vxp=mtr

it has voulme + change song + bluetooth answer/end buttons.

do you i need to buy a converter? or ask the seller to supply additional item? the unit + buttons will be installed by a local audio car shop.

Also, one last question - it is currently the best option for android unit in the market? (price/support).

Thanks!
[Android Head-Units] Drakey83:
You will get next to no support from the seller on these units other than the option to RMA (most likely with shipping being on your dime) and the occasional firmware update. The good new is that this forum is probably better at support than any big name customer service you could ever ask for.

Secondly, there is a better spec model that you can read about @ http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2618348. The problem with it is that not much has been verified about it yet and the community around it is pretty non existent because it's so new. I ordered this unit so I will be willing to answer any and all questions once I get it and I have a feeling that the community around this will grow just as big given enough time.
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
It is not necessary to use it but you can if that's what you wanted.

You should check with the car shop first. Not all vehicles come with the necessary clockspring and wiring assembly for steering wheel controls if they were not installed from the factory.

It depends whether or not you get the Universal AN-21U or a vehicle specific version. I tried to look for a vehicle specific version of the AN-21 for the Kia Picanto but couldn't find one. I only saw this listing on eBay for the WinCa S150 head unit for the Kia Picanto. The only Kia specific model with the AN-21 is this listing for the Kia K2/Rio. So, if you did get the Universal version of the AN-21 then you probably will need a 3rd-Party dash kit and SWC adapter.

This is one of the two top models of Generic Android Head Units from China so far. The other was already mentioned in [MENTION=546466]Drakey83[/MENTION]'s post which is the Luyuan WD8801. However they only seem to be available in the following varients; Universal, VW/Skoda and Kia Rio/K2. I have actually read from several people that they have chosen to forgo this model due the look of the stock launcher and multimedia apps. Many claiming it to be "repulsive", "ugly" and "toyish".

Despite the lower specifications of the AN-21U seems to not have lost its popularity. Its user interface seems to be more mature with a better color scheme. Additionally, it has many more universal variants and vehicle specific variants. The top Universal models are the one knob and two knob version. My personal favorite is the zero knob version because of its larger display and no protrusions.
[Android Head-Units] maxxxis123:
Thanks, so last questions before i order, the "zero knob" is the same unit as this thread describes, everything works the same (upade,root etc..)? it is only a panel design different?

Thanks!!!
[Android Head-Units] Orisai:
I'm still waiting for an in-dash headunit for my Hyundai Santa Fe ix45 with the same specs as the AN-21 U or the WD8801.
[Android Head-Units] flyboy1100:
I have read through a lot of this thread, but am confused. Is the only real option for a an-21 the one pictured in the first post? I know it says search "android 4.1" but there are a ton of options when that comes up. I don't like the look of the home button and there are a few other ones that I think look a little nicer.

Definitely a lot to take in.
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
It should be. To my knowledge so far, the AN-21U is the only head unit with Android 4.1 (Jellybean). All the others are stuck in either 2.3 (Gingerbread) or 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). Feel free to check the XDA's wiki pages for Generic Android Headunit and the Tonghai Create AN-21. You'll then be able to verify the specifications with the reseller.

The only Android head units I've seen for the exact model are based on the Cortex-A8 processors. Mainly looking like S150's or the Freescale models.

The picture in the first post represents the model that is owned by the original poster, KID52. As I responded to maxxxis123 in Post #2067, the "single knob" version is one of the common Universal variants for this model. However, the AN-21 has many variant panels, a few "Universal" as well many vehicle specific versions. Feel free to check the XDA's wiki pages for Generic Android Headunit and the Tonghai Create AN-21 for specific information.
[Android Head-Units] tobi_88:
maybe im a bit stupid but i cant get my hdd to work with FolderMount :/

Source: /mnt/usb/sda1

Destination: /mnt/sdcard/Music

if i look into the folder with ES explorer it wont show any data in sdcard/Music

any idea ?
[Android Head-Units] p64imp:
Question:

It's a car stereo... seriously how powerful do you need it to be? Isn't a dual core 1ghz good enough? I doubt people will be doing much more then media streaming via their favorite tool of choice while driving, and i'm sure a 2x1ghz is more then enough to take care of that job. Heck, i do a lot more then that on my samsung galaxy s3 with the same rated specs, and it serves me just fine.

4 core just seems overkill to me. I'd personally rather have a 4.11 OS then a 4.04 which seems to be represented on all the 4 core models.

Unless somebody can prove me wrong on an app that really needs 4x1ghz? I get that overall the system will speed up a tad, but i doubt it'll really matter on a car unit.

Oh, and while i'm here, i had an interesting thought that came to mind the other day...

A few years back i left my cell phone in the car on a hot summer day and the dang thing nearly melted. Had a warning message that it was suffering extreme heat and had to be shut off. Now, i know cell phones are a bit different in that they carry batteries that can explode under heat, however i was thinking to myself that a glorified tablet in a car stereo may also suffer from such extreme heat situations. Thoughts on this?
[Android Head-Units] flyboy1100:
Where can I find a manual of an an-21 unit? I want to know what the pre-out voltage is
[Android Head-Units] jpapadami:
Do you think that the zero knob unit will allow the use of bluetooth devices like a universal ODBII adapter? I contacted the seller from the ebay link that you posted and he said that it does work. I also asked him if it is possible to install a external mic jack in the back when producing it with DVB-T. Still waiting for a reply.

I'm getting kind of ticked off at Allison and Tonghai Create Electronics. I sent her 2 emails that I am ready to order and want them to clarify the bluetooth issue in this model, the firmware and MCU version, and the possibility of installing an external mic jack in the back, but hasn't replied all week.
[Android Head-Units] p64imp:
hard drive max size??

Can anyone on this thread confirm/deny the ability for these units to support a 2 tb portable hard drive formatted with FAT32?

If 2tb does not work, can somebody please confirm what the max portable HD size this unit is capable of supporting?

I'm considering this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E055H5O/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

If 2tb does indeed not work (and 1.5tb for that matter), then i'll probably go with this if 1tb is confirmed to work with FAT32 partitioning:

http://www.amazon.com/Silicon-Power...d=1392395658&sr=8-3&keywords=2tb+2.5+external

(anti shock for travel, and white to reflect heat)

Thoughts/suggestions on a hard drive of choice is also very welcome!

Additionally, please see this before post from donaldta:

As for the USB Hard drives, the FAT32 partition has a theoretical limit of 8 terabytes, maximum file size of 4 gigabytes, and a maximum of 65535 files per directory. Microsoft put a limitation on it in their drive tools to 32GB to sway people to NTFS. So, if you have Windows then you'll need to use a third-party drive utility to partition disks larger than that. Whereas, the Linux vfat drivers can support a FAT32 partition up to 2 terabytes and a maximum file size of 2 gigabytes.

He speculated that it will indeed work if partitioned correctly, though i would appreciate somebody confirming for me before i lay down $130. Thanks!
[Android Head-Units] TOMMYX2:
I have a HDD

http://www.amazon.com/Transcend-Sto...8&qid=1392398088&sr=8-2&keywords=TRANCEND+500

500Gb installed with a external USB Hub.

The USB Hub is is powered with 12 V from my Ingnition Wire.

With Poweramp i dont need FolderMount,all is working great with my External 500 GB HDD;)
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
You have it backwards. Explanation in Post #1899

---------- Post added at 12:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:38 AM ----------

The idea of getting multiple cores isn't to speed up a single app but to smoothly run multiple apps run simultaneously. Someone might want to listen to music, get their navigation turn-by-turn directions, have the kids stream movies from the head unit, and all while Torque Track Recorder plugin records a video of the journey along with the gauge levels for certain engine components. You might be able to get away with it running somewhat sluggishly on a dual core system but it will run much smoother with more cores.

The components inside an automotive head units are a lot more spaced out than a portable tablet or smartphone. Some head units even come with a fan to move the airflow and provide better cooling. Hopefully, the designers of the automotive head units has also specified components with a much wider temperature tolerance since they are no longer confined to such a compact space in that of a cellphone or tablet.
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
Remember there are various options that you can get for the AN-21U depending on the reseller: capacitive screen upgrade; Bluetooth ODB2; and TV options: DVB-T / ATSC / Analog Tuner / None.

This particular reseller on eBay, yuanquick, could have had gotten the AN-21U with the bluetooth modifications pre-installed. Though it doesn't seem that they are including the "Landu" ODB2 adapter or the "B-Scan" software by lack of specification in the listing. The worse case scenario is that he doesn't actually know and is just giving you the answers that you want to encourage the purchase.

I'm also not quite sure whether or not anyone has verified that only the "Landu" ODB2 adapter will work after the modification and if it only works with the "B-Scan" software that's included. This was sort of implied by [MENTION=5302494]Defender666[/MENTION] whom had the upgrade performed and communicated it in Post #115 and Post #120. However, his communicative skill was a bit lacking in the posts so it was never verified conclusively.

The unknown variables and the disadvantages of using Bluetooth ODB2 adapters is enough for most to just stick with USB ODB2 adapter. They have a better read throughput (160 PID per second vs 80 at best), a lower security risk (wired vs wireless), and have a lower chance of draining your car battery (powered via head unit's USB host vs Car's ODB2 port).

Well, you got to remember that Lunar New Year / Spring Festival ends tonight with the closing of the Lantern ceremony. So, it may be a while for them to catch up. They may still need to get the information for your answers from their technicians whom might have still been on holiday. In case you haven't figured it out yet, this isn't the best time of the year to buy anything exported from China.
[Android Head-Units] Drakey83:
I'm mostly getting the more powerful unit simply because of the better screen resolution. Also the price is about the same (I got mine for 480 with a 32 GB SD card thrown in) so why not pay the same for higher specs.
[Android Head-Units] jpapadami:
I honestly don't think he tested it, because I also asked him if keyboards, mouses, etc... all work and he said yes. I think that he just wants to encourage a sale.

I wanted to mainly use the rear USB for a 1TB external drive, but it looks like I'll have to get a USB passive hub.

That is true, but she contacted me last week and said that their work week starts this week. I'll give it a little more time. Strangely, the ebay seller "yuanquick" is offering this unit with DVB-T and free EMS shipping for $475, while Allison from the manufacturer wants $515 ($359 + $120 EMS shipping). Not getting it. What I do know is that I'm trying really hard for Allison to get me the 2.6.72 firmware on this unit. If that means paying extra to go through her then I will. If I can then dump the firmware (with a little help from you guys here) and upload it where someone can digest it, I'd gladly do it.
[Android Head-Units] flyboy1100:
anyone with one of these units, how is the actual sound quality? this is more important than the android OS, but if i could get good sound quality and android OS then it is a win win
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
I

highly

do not recommend using a USB Hard Drive without a self-powered USB hub. I've had responses from many people with various head units that when it did work, it ended up frying their entire USB sub-system altogether a few months later. The problem is that the ports on these head units aren't rated to provide that much power constantly. That's why I you never ever see me recommend a bus powered hub and am more likely to recommend the industrial 7~24V powered hubs from Startech, especially when using a USB Hard Drive.
[Android Head-Units] p64imp:
Well,

sounds like no1 here has tried a 2tb which surprises me. I guess i'll be the guinea pig here.

Side question. as i went with donaldta's requested hub:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001H7AFO6/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

this i'm assuming will supply all the power needed to the portable hard drive without a power splitter to the ciggy lighter i'm guessing, correct? I want it to gather 100% of its power directly from that hub so i can pop it in and leave it behind the dash...
[Android Head-Units] Drakey83:
That question is answered in the FAQ on the front page.

What could you possibly need that much space for? On my desktop I have 2 x 1TB hard drives in RAID 0 and have over 200 full lengths 1080/720p movies on it, all of my music, and probably 100+ games and still have 710 GB of hard drive space left!
[Android Head-Units] flyboy1100:
I have read that. "Seems fine" is pretty generic. The stock head unit in my car is craptacular at best, but many say it seems fine.

I really want one of these, but I'm torn between this, parrot, or pioneer appradio using mhl.
[Android Head-Units] m.a.c.:
Ditto! One of my main use cases is to use a backup camera and I'd like to be able to use that functionality as soon as I put the car into reverse; not 30 seconds after the radio has booted. Maybe this isn't an issue with the units that aren't "100% pure Android" (not sure the Parrot is?).
[Android Head-Units] p64imp:
I'm a mediaphile. My music alone takes up 300gb. I can easily fill up the rest with movies/tv series.
[Android Head-Units] Drakey83:
The backup camera is handled by the MCU board on these units so it doesn't require android to be fully booted for it to work. It'll turn on as soon as the car is put into reverse. 100% Android is a little misleading because this unit does have a lot of its usability controlled by the MCU that is just integrated into Android. Look at the wiki if you want to learn more about what an MCU actually is.
[Android Head-Units] Orisai:
I'd go for the AN-21 U.

Parrot units are Android 2.3 which is soo to become obsolete. As for the AppRadio you won't be able to use any apps other than Pioneer-authorized ones

Reverse camera display is controlled by hardware. When you put your car into Reverse, display feed will be switched to that of the reverse camera electronically, no matter if the stereo is booting or running.
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
Okay, granted I do not have one of these units to be able to absolutely confirm your previous question about using a 2TB drive with the AN-21U. However, what part of that quote you mentioned seems speculative to you? All of that information is exact and can be verified by using Google search. So, unless the underlying Linux source code for the vfat drivers was not up to date when compiled (which I suppose it possible, but not probable) then all of that information is relevant. Besides, it is an educated guess based on my own personal experience and interaction with others as opposed to some whimsical speculation.

That is one of my "recommended" not "requested" self-powered hubs. Also, make sure that you pull the "U" jumper inside of the unit. I've heard that not all of them come with the instructions which points out there are two jumpers inside the case. The "U" jumper is to allows it to be powered by the USB bus and "T" jumper allows it to be powered by Power Terminals in the front. You want to remove the "U" jumper so that power for the hub and its connected components are isolated from the head unit's USB bus and powered by the green terminal in the front.

This is correct if you are using a 2.5" external USB drive that draws its power from the USB bus. If you're going to use a 3.5" drive, it might come with a Y-adapter to combine the power from two USB ports to power it up. However, regardless of the drive size, if the enclosure requires a separate AC adapter then it is should be obvious you won't be able to gather 100% of its power from the hub.
[Android Head-Units] m.a.c.:
Thanks! I wasn't sure if the "100% Android" units relied on the MCU. I assume the Parrot also relies on it for this functionality... The outdated OS version of the Parrot is also something that I'm concerned about. It also didn't help that Crutchfield raised the price of it $25 in the past couple days. The "ARLiberator" app supposedly allows the Pioneer unit to mirror all Android functionality running on the phone.