yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Head-Units] jpapadami:
Hey guys,

I was thinking about buying one of these 2 android car stereos

7" TH8686 from Tonghai: http://www.szcreat.com/userlist/creat/text-52131.html#

No name 7" from Aliexpress: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Car-dvd-player-Android-4-1-unversal-capacitivel-panel/1601519560.html

I'm waiting on an answer, but if the hardware specs are the same to this AN-21 U unit, do you think that the updates on this forum will work on either of the stereos? By the looks of it, they both have the same main menu and android menu, which probably means they use the same rom. Just wanted to hear what you guys think. Thanks in advance.
[Android Head-Units] pgarrity18:
Perhaps there is something that could be done with tasker. For example if you wanted to use the SWC to open up Poweramp...

Map the SWC to say the mute button. Then in tasker, when the system is muted, open power amp, then unmute and hit play. So when you are in say pandora, or gps, and hit the SWC button assigned to mute, the system would mute one app then quickly open the media player and unmute, effectively switching to the app of choice.

Since the SWC have specific functions, but those functions can also be read by tasker, we should be able to get clever with it right? I will experiment with this after I fix some of the other issues I am having. Just wanted to throw the idea out there.
[Android Head-Units] kschumake83:
Did you root your units? it almost seems like what happens when the local.prop file is still there.

Some people with some of the variations have been having issues with the updates so it's hard to tell if they will work for the units you are looking at. There really seems to be no rhyme or reason to the updates not working and it very well could be hardware failure or a software bug, but it could also be a variation in the board and the files don't check out for their boards. Granted I believe that there were only 2 or 3 people complaining of this, but how many people actually run the updates seeing as a few have bricked their units, so 2 or 3 could be a relatively high percentage.

just took a good look at the aliexpress one, which unit would they send you, the one in the first pic or the second one? Its funny how there is no quality control for the ads of these head units.
[Android Head-Units] jpapadami:
They would send the unit in the first pic. I want to get a 7" unit :)

BTW, thanks for the quick reply
[Android Head-Units] chammerbeck:
Did not root my units yet. I want to so I can make a full back up of the system. What is this local.prop? Will it go buh-bye when I root it and speed things up? I Googled it and I see stuff related to lags and this file....
[Android Head-Units] sciallo:
Just out of curiosity,

Did you try following the instruction on the generic headunit Wiki page? I'm curious to know if those work for all unit or if I should move that to the OUKU specific page.

Specifically, did you look at permissions of the zip file?

Specs will speak, but at first sight I would bet the first one is compatible, looks like it has the bird nest live wallpaper. May I ask where you'd buy that from and how much they're asking? The second seems like it judging by some of the apps.

The second one has a picture of a different unit in the mix?

No guarantees...
[Android Head-Units] goolac:
.70 does not have the play store in it and the adding of the framework and store apks fixes the issue, I have had nothing but problems with keeping GPS software working without uninstalling and reinstalling or blowing out the settings (Sygic, and iGo).
[Android Head-Units] jpapadami:
For the first one (TH8686) I contacted the company via email. Now I am waiting on them to reply with a price, shipping costs, and specs. I also contacted another company called Amobile through Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Amobile88

They wanted $787, plus shipping costs so I am hoping that the company Tonghai will offer a better price.

As for the Aliexpress one, I don't know why there is a second car stereo in the ad even though the description states 7" while the second car stereo is clearly a 6.2". Anyway, contacted them as well concerning the 7" and am waiting for specs for that one too.

I'm opting for the TH8686, but if they want as much as Amobile, I'll get the Aliexpress one given that the specs are the same as the AN-21U. Can't go wrong for $300
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
The /data/local.prop file is actually a local defined list of system parameters. It supplements the /system/build.prop which comes with the ROM and is a normally on read only file system. Many times people add "ro.kernel.qemu=1" in this file to force Android to think it is running an emulator and allows shell access over Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This provides the ability to add the /system/xbin/su binary to gain root access. However, under this mode the OS will often seem sluggish as it is trying to provide a compatibility mode for a Android Virtual Device.

There are actually pictures of

three

different models in the "No name 7" from Aliexpress" listing.
[Android Head-Units] TOMMYX2:
i have sometimes the same problem with slowdowns on the startup.

the sd card reader is to blame, I think:confused:

Maybe it works with a USB stick,i must test it.

I run the Nova Launcherr with Car Widget Pro and Tasker with a automatic Radar start and Poweramp.

I make the trick with the 2sec silent mp3 with the iNand folder,so I applied again my sound in Poweramp.The problem is when poweramp is running and I start the radio app,I hear no sound with the Radio.

I must close PowerAmp ,after that the Sound on my Original Radioapp comes back.
[Android Head-Units] sciallo:
Have you gotten any reply to any email yet? if I may ask, what email address did you contact? allison@? I've tried numerous times before, never got any acknowledgement... Of course though, I was looking for support :rolleyes: Also, keep in mind that right now they might be idle as it's chinese new year holliday...

I would like to know what comes out of that...

That is a really good price...

---------- Post added at 12:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:50 PM ----------

LOL I felt like I was playing where is waldo.... I see the third now...

I don't know how I feel about the absence of "home", "back" and "menu" buttons...
[Android Head-Units] jpapadami:
Good catch. I just noticed it too. There are two 7" stereos that look almost alike, but with different buttons.

I haven't got a response from either sellers, but as soon as I do I'll post it here. And yes, for the TH8686, that's the email I used.
[Android Head-Units] kschumake83:
I believe, there are better people to explain this, that the file is a temporary file used in the rooting of our unit. In the middle of the rooting process the unit will become painfully slow, that is until you do the terminal command to remove the file explained in the first post. I thought maybe you forgot to do that step and that is what was killing your startup. My unit with a 16gb sd card is decently snappy at boot. There are some odd occasions where it will be a little slow but nothing like some of the older android devices I had owned.
[Android Head-Units] chammerbeck:
Still need to root so it sounds like this is not my problem. Guess I will need to make sure I take care of the file when I do get around to rooting the device. Thanks!
[Android Head-Units] kschumake83:
I would be a little weary of that seller, seeing as 3 out of 5 pictures are different units and be aware that there is no mention of the play store and there was a himarket installed. So I would be prepared to source google framework and playstore apks, and any troubleshooting involved.
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
Btw, there's no way the models with the buttons AND dvd slot have the screen the same size as the TH8686 (which I also prefer). I suspect someone is doing a little advertisement rounding.
[Android Head-Units] BJHiltbrand:
So, I figured it out. Turns out I thought I was zipping it uncompressed using winrar, but it was still compressing it. It runs great now. However, to answer your question, I followed the instructions from that link to get me started, but it is slightly different for this head unit. This unit already has a boot animation apk installed which manages all the boot animations that are installed. In order to add my custom animation, had to play around a bit. I first tried putting it in the /system/media folder, but that didn't do anything. So, I searched for "bootanimation" in root explorer and came up with the folder /etc/bootanimation. I tried to copy my animation over, and it seemed to do so at first, but it actually wouldn't copy the contents of the zip file over. So, I messed with the permissions. Turns out, permissions need to be set as follows to get root explorer to copy the zip in its entirety:

User/Group/Other

^..........^..........

^......................

.......................

Once it was copied over, I used the included bootanimation apk to select my boot animation and set it as active. Then, it was a simple matter of restarting the unit.

On another note, the post that you referenced and I followed had the boot animation resolution stated at 800x600, but this unit is 800x480.

Also, regarding the boot logo mod in that post, I converted my logo using bmptologo and it didn't work. Upon inspection, it appeared that the logos in the logo folder were only .png files. So, I put a .png of my logo in without running it through bmptologo and the head unit took care of the rest.
[Android Head-Units] jpapadami:
Thanks for the heads up. I was a little concerned when I saw the HiMarket app on the pic and now that it was mentioned that there are actually 3 stereos, I'll wait and see how and what the seller will reply. I also asked for some additional pics, so we'll see. For now, I'm hoping that I get a respond and a good price for the TH8686 as that seems to be have the identical firmware and hopefully identical specs as the AN-21 U.
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
I'm going to go ahead and guess those hieroglyphics actually mean; owner: read/write, group: read and other: none. Or, "-rw-r-----" if you're looking at "ls -l" in that directory which translates to 640 if someone were to use chmod instead of a GUI utility.
[Android Head-Units] sciallo:
Thanks, Good to know our unit uses regular .png also... I will put separating these howtos in the wiki on the todo list
[Android Head-Units] jpapadami:
You're totally right. I really hope a I get a response for the TH8686. It seems that I'm not the only one interested in this unit.
[Android Head-Units] jakejm79:
I think there have also been reports of larger mSD cards not working with .70

Android doesn't support a specific play command, just a play/pause toggle (tasker does (or did) have a specific play command but it doesn't always work due to the previous mentioned short coming), if you issue a tasker pause command followed by a play/pause toggle it will also play upon opening regardless of the previous play/pause state, you will have a split second of pause if it is currently playing but you wont have to manually start it playing again.

You could also use an if command and only run the play/pause task if poweramp isn't already playing (there are several plugins that can be used with tasker to determine if many of the popular media players are active and playing music).

This had already been discussed, you would have to use one of the built in apps that you can map a steering wheel control to open (EQ, Ipod, TV, etc) since the mute command on the steering wheel control is sent directly to the MCU (which controls volume) and never seen by android.
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
Well, that is not completely true. The Android version on your Ouku unit does not have a discrete play or pause keyevent. It only has the Media_Play_Pause (85) toggle because it is running API level 10 (Gingerbread - Android 2.3). However discrete events for Media_Play (126) and Media_Pause (127) were added in API 11 (Honeycomb - Android 3.0) and continue to be included in later versions. However, as always support of these events are subject to individual developer and their apps.
[Android Head-Units] Mancubus99:
OK, now I will start begging! Can someone please please give me a working link to download .23? The OP sent me a PM with a broken link and is not responding to my reply. I really need a working GPS for an upcoming road trip and time is running out!

Thank you!
[Android Head-Units] ThePapabear:
Maybe it would be worth to take a look at page 1 where all the software is included in Post #1!

The .23 is included there with 2 mirrors. One of it will shurely work. ;)
[Android Head-Units] jinny81:
I did do that. the files are on the root of my microsd card and i tried both ways via settings>general>system update and turn on unit>hold volume+power down.

It only goes "Update start " and then immediately "Update End"

I tried a few of the other firmware versions, 2.6.70 gave me actual update processes but when it boots back up its still on 2,6,68
[Android Head-Units] goolac:
wow! that is not good...I did the very procedure last night and used Mirror 1 of 6.23. NOW I DID HAVE A PROBLEM...I used the unit to download and extract the files and it would get through 6 of the updates then end. When rebooted I would only get the Android boot screen. So I downloaded the file on my PC then extracted them to a folder in my download directory then copied them to a freshly formatted fat32 sd card. Then all of the update files worked. Maybe that will help? I sure hope so.
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
jinny, do me a favor and check the md5sum between the updates and make sure they are all different. Maybe somewhere someone mixed up to the update versions.
[Android Head-Units] BJHiltbrand:
You are correct. I just copied and pasted from the how to and edited these "hieroglyphics" to match. Sorry I forgot to specify that it is indeed 640. Thanks for clarifying.
[Android Head-Units] Mancubus99:
Thanks for pointing that out. There was a point in time when the files were there but then they were removed due to the fact that they had a high potential to brick your unit. The process to getting them was to PM the OP which I did and received a broken link. It seems that they've been silently re-activated on the first post. I'm downloading them now and hopefully this will resolve my GPS problem.
[Android Head-Units] KID52:
I haven't responded because I haven't checked the forums due to other commitments.

The link you were sent was NOT broken.

Once the main thread was updated, which was not "silently re-activated" - there was at least a page discussion regarding it, the file in the link I sent you was removed so that the only live link was the password protected file.

Before jumping to conclusions or asking daft things, perhaps stop to think a little bit.

If you were that desperate, why did you not think to search the thread for "2.6.23"? It very quickly shows what you needed without having to beg.
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
Btw, just for clarification on the nomenclature for how the read, write, and execute permissions are defined.

Binary = Decimal = Permission
111 = 7 = rwx
110 = 6 = rw-
101 = 5 = r-x
100 = 4 = r--
011 = 3 = -wx
010 = 2 = -w-
001 = 1 = --x
000 = 0 = ---

The permissions are laid out as; owner, group, others. So, "chmod 644 {filename}" would end up being; owner: read, write and execute; group: read; and other: read

Sometimes you see "chmod x755 {filename}" where x = setuid (4), setgid (2) or sticky bit (1). Setuid and setgid will cause the respective "x" permission listing to change into an "s" which means the the command will be executed as if the owner or group is running it not the actual user. You often see "chmod 4755 /system/xbin/su" or "chmod 6755 /system/xbin/su" because of it. The sticky bit causes the last "x" to become a "t" which indicates it cannot be modified or delete by others.
[Android Head-Units] BJHiltbrand:
I realize that. As I stated, I simply copied and pasted from the how-to posted here:

http://xdaforums.com/wiki/Generic_Android_Head_Unit

for the sake of time. I understand the nomenclature of permissions in android/linux.
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
My bad. I meant that as a clarification for others whom might be using search or reading this thread to learn.
[Android Head-Units] KID52:
Some people still seem to report GPS issues with 2.6.68 even after the original version was uploaded and complete/minimal versions removed. However I do not believe the posts confirmed which version they had downloaded.

If no one has had an issue with the original 2.6.68 firmware then we can definitively say that the cause was indeed the complete/minimal versions, otherwise, it's still an on-going issue that needs to be pinned down.
[Android Head-Units] BJHiltbrand:
Sorry, I don't mean to be defensive. I really do value all of your insight, especially on this thread.
[Android Head-Units] goolac:
WiFi issues...CONT!

I have been having horrible wifi speeds... I have tried different USB adapters all with the correct chipset (Realtek RTL8188CUS) funny thing... When i go to settings-wifi then select the AP that I am currently connected to, it always states that the connection speed is 72mbps no matter if I am across the house from it (should be at best 26mbps there) or right on top of it with my car parked on the other side of my office wall (8 feet with one wall between). I suspect there is a driver issue and this is happening on .62 and on .70. Heck I thought .70 might have been the issue. I will try another AP shortly and see if that may be the issue but I doubt it as my Galaxy S4 is showing varying connection speeds.
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
That's true. Though, sometimes people download stuff and keep it for later use. So, it could be that some of these people have files which they don't know they're using. Of course, there could be another forum or blog that is mirroring the old copies too. You never know, it is the internet and once you put it out there its often difficult to get rid of all traces. Heck, some days I go through my download folder and I wonder wtf is this file and where did I get it?!

Anyways, I'm sorry didn't mean to pin it all on you. By my count there had been about 4 people that know that they used complete version which broken the gps and 2 people that used partial without any problems but I think 1 that went back to an older version. And like, 5 or 6 whom were not specific about the version that they used. Also, who knows what happened to people who have not gave any feedback?

You're right though it needs to be pinned downed a bit better. I'm going to download the various versions to my computer and check the md5sums across all the version and update the Wiki. That way at least there is some sort of reference identification to single out the unmodified versions that are now available from the original post from the "archaic" versions that were there before.

DONE. I didn't verify the copies which were on putlocker though. I don't like installing "downloader apps".
[Android Head-Units] ThePapabear:
Is there anyone other who has a Lumia 920?

I got some problems with this phone and the Radio.

1. It is not possible to make a call over the radio, because there is no audio. It worked for me one time (while unit was laying on my desk - i dont know if it was rooted at this time) and no more since it is sitting in my car.

2. It is not possilbe to download the phonebook of the Lumia. It starts working and looses connection after 15 contacts, sometimes my phone doesn´t react anymore and sometimes i have to reboot the device after a try.

Starting a call from the radio (putting in number manually) is possible and also hit the answer button but gives no audio as it gives no audio when calling or answering a call using the phone. Audio over Bluetooth is working, because i can play my music from the phone, when it´s connected.

My wife sais, she could hear the sound from the radio...

HTC One mini from my wife works after reconnecting the phone to the unit. First time my wife hears me, but i could not hear her. I can download the contacts, but it seems to be weird. I can see the contacts (upper button) but nothing on the second (from up -> down first seems to be the list of the contacts on the phone and i thought, the second may be the list of the contacts stored on the radio) button of the screen on the unit (i forgot to make pictures to make it clear what i mean) on the screen where you can download the contacts.

I did no factory reset after root/updating the unit to .62. May this be a reason for such sort of "misbehavior"? What would be lost after such a reset? Maybe i´ll give it a try and reinstall the .62 firmware. I don´t know if this one was frankensteined too and i downloaded the software before they all got a clean up.
[Android Head-Units] Mancubus99:
I did not see 1 page out of 180+ that talked about the files being put back on the front page as like you I was busy with other commitments.I wasn't calling you out for not getting back to me as I figured that you had other things going on in your life outside of this thread. I was hoping to get someone else who has the file to send it to me so I could continue my troubleshooting. The link is most definitely broken, not much anyone can do to screw up clicking on a link and getting a 404 error. Here's the link copy/pasted from my mailbox: http://callcut.eu.org/uploads/android-4.1-stereo/firmware/old/android-4.1-2.6.23-complete.rar. Perhaps it works for you but for me I still get a 404 error when I click on it.

Anyhow, I have the file now which I reloaded and I'm still having GPS issues. I see plenty of satellites, but only connect to 1. Does anyone have any suggestions? I tried putting the antenna on the dash with a clear view of the sky and it makes no difference whatsoever. What's strange about my problem is I never went to .68, I started having this problem after upgrading from .60 to .62.
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
I personally believe that the link

was

working. However, someone might have taken it down after we convinced him to allow it to be accessible with a password instead of only making the link available via private message. Which is the current state of affair.

I would recommend following this person's lead to see if it will also work with you and please verify it. The copy that I see available in the OP & Wiki is the 12 file version which is suspected to break GPS. I'd like to get more input whether or not the 12 file vs 4 file version of the 68 is problematic.
[Android Head-Units] KID52:
Of course the link is dead now. Read my reply again.

For the discussion see from #1588 to #1609.

But again, simple search of "2.6.23" is all that was required...
[Android Head-Units] KID52:
Sorry, where is the 12 file version still linked? It should have been removed, and also the file no longer exists on the server.

Wow, that was retarded.... I see now. Will fix it ASAP.

Give it 15 mins, correct version will be live.
[Android Head-Units] Black6spdZ:
I still have the .68 file I used from the OP couple weeks back "android-4.1-2.6.68-minimal.rar". This version did NOT break my GPS and only included two update files.
[Android Head-Units] TOMMYX2:
i have the 68 minimal update too,and no problems with GPS:)
[Android Head-Units] squegie:
Google Play Service / Hangouts

Has anyone gotten Hangouts working on this?

It installs fine, but Hangouts will not run unless Google Play Services is updated. I can clear cache, uninstall play services, and reinstall, but no luck. Google Play does not show any updates for Play Services.

Perhaps an older version of the Hangouts APK might work? Or maybe an updated APK for play services?

Any thoughts?
[Android Head-Units] djblaze852002:
I'll test Hangouts later, but when I was getting that same error message when trying to use Google Now, I was able to solve it by sideloading the newest Google Play Services. You can download it from here: http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23308990704255022

For some reason our unit refuses to update Play Services through the App Store...