yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Head-Units] KID52:
Well hopefully the removal of 2.6.23 from the main post will help... I'll keep a copy of it if anyone specifically wants it, but if it is a beta/test version as suggested, and seems prone to screwing up units I see no reason to keep a public link to it.
[Android Head-Units] sciallo:
Agreed, seems like the only reason for it is to fix the GPS issue which shouldn't come up anymore unless someone updates with a frankensteined ROM they already downloaded...
[Android Head-Units] fcortes626:
i hope i can convince this guy to pay for the shipping costs. i checked and usps is around $80:eek:

i guess another option for me is to use my square trade if ebay doesnt resolve the claim.
[Android Head-Units] sciallo:
I bet a new board costs about that...
[Android Head-Units] fcortes626:
there has to be a way to flash the mcu

UPDATE: BEN HAS JUST SENT ME AN UPDATE AND IS CURRENTLY DOWNLOADING WILL UPDATE WITH THE OUTCOME. will take a while because the download speed is slow(average 20-50 kb/s)
[Android Head-Units] bmj67:
I am running the 2.6.23 everyday with no problems. Though I have not tried to update nor will I with the pending issues. IDK if it is a beta or what as roadmaster provided it to me.
[Android Head-Units] sciallo:
Same here, it's estimating 5 hours... I'm on the road tomorrow...

Play it safe don't ever update mcu or change model
[Android Head-Units] scubee:
bricked!!!

i changed a model and the damn thing just bricked one me.

am on the .68 changed model. and the thing now just flashes white and fade to black... static over the radio.

NONE of my buttons seem to work other than than the volume knob and the power. and the reset button infront. i cant get it to boot upgrade for me to revert....

HELP anyone.
[Android Head-Units] KID52:
Main post under FAQ has solution for a boot loop, this should also solve your issue.

I would recommend trying a different version to 2.6.68 though, 2.6.62 seems issue-free. If you don't have a copy of this the links should be on the main post again shortly.
[Android Head-Units] scubee:
i did... but it doesnt start the update process.
[Android Head-Units] chris.r.r:
I think that the AN21-U is defnitely pure Android, because in my opinion the boot time of 18 seconds is too fast for booting up a dual system. Furthermore, I decompiled the apks of the OUKO 2.3.7 version, which features completely the same software, and they are 100% Android.

So I would bet that this is pure Android ;)

BTW, obviously the unit is now broadly available for a lot of cars:

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/group/Car-DVD-R-Series-Pure-Android-4-1-1/426795_253539039.html

Maybe this lets grow the community and helps to get it rooted. I'm still waiting for root ;)

Edit: Sorry, I posted the wrong link. Now it's correct ;)
[Android Head-Units] chris.r.r:
But as you write, it has to boot up WinCE and afterwards start the virtual machine withAndroid, which takes in my opinion longer than 18 seconds. Nevertheless, it sounds reasonable that the optimization part could be the main reason why the don't want to publish a decrypted ROM.
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
I don't think you understand, I'm talking about the dual operating systems with WinCE and Android head units NOT the pure Android ones, like the "AN-21 U" which boot up in 18 seconds. In these dual systems, WinCE has an incredibly quick boot time and will give you full access to its multimedia components in seconds. However, if you try to access the Android sub-system within these units before it is ready then it will respond with "please wait" message.

Your original response seemed to indicate that the units that jinny81 linked were "pure android" and even went as far as to be willing to bet on it. However, if you read the description carefully, they are identified as running both WinCE and Android. Also, you mention decompiling APKs but that doesn't confirm anything since APK stands for

A

ndroid

P

ac

K

age, so it is obvious the APK are meant for Android. However, if you are able to decrypt the firmware updates then that would be the answer to the million dollar question.

Is your "lsmod" output any different bmj67's output when you have your phone connected via bluetooth? Maybe also check the the last lines of "dmesg" for bluetooth related messages after they are paired.
[Android Head-Units] KID52:
dmesg is "not permitted".

lsmod output does not change when phone is connected, or disconnected, or playing music through Bluetooth, output is the same as bmj67's.

I've also tried having a keyboard dongle attached, and 3G dongle, but the lsmod output remains the same.
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
Can you install Android System Info? Then click on the system tab and then "export system infos" from the overflow menu. There will be a file saved to /mnt/sdcard/AndroidSystemInfo directory. If you can upload that would be cool then we can see what is available from the Android point of view.

Btw, it is possible that some USB devices needs to be present during the boot process and cannot be hotplugged.
[Android Head-Units] chris.r.r:
I think I understand you quite well. ;) jinny81 assumed that the AN21-U is not a pure Android unit and hides WinCE parts (at least was that my interpretation, maybe I'm wrong and he meant the unit from his links). That's why I wanted to state that the AN21-U is a pure one, because the boot time of the AN21-U is faster as every dual system with WinCE as basis could show a fully loaed Android.

However, the AN21-U is a pure Android unit - that's the point of my posting ;)
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
Thanks, I appreciate it. It'll take some time for me to mull over the data. But, while skimming over the it, I have no idea how Bluetooth is working on this device. I somehow suspect at this point communication is being handled via raw streams. When you pair your phone to the head unit, are you using the Settings app or some other custom app?

Well, if you're talking about Google Play then yes because that's the path which is default for downloads on most devices. However, not all apps use that path for downloads. Mainly, Google apps.

That's kind of interesting(confusing). I would have assumed all the mounted media would be attached to

Vol

ume

D

eamon (/dev/block/vold) and all the internal partitions having some nomenclature similarity , in this case /dev/block/mmcblk#p#.
[Android Head-Units] KID52:
It's paired via their own "Phone" app, which follows the same theme as their music player etc.

Yes, I meant for Google Play apps, when downloading larger ones I found that the download would stop, around the limit mentioned in that output, and I would have to restart the device a few times/stop the download and restart it for it to then continue from where it left off. No idea what is going on there.

Yes, it is a bit odd, hence why I think a lot of music applications struggle to see any locations.

A few things that may be of interest

Internal storage (not system): /sdcard or /mnt/sdcard

MicroSD Card: /extsd or /mnt/usb/mmcblk1p1

External USB/Memory Stick: /mnt/usb/sda1
[Android Head-Units] djblaze852002:
Android Car Head Unit Plans

These are my plans for the unit when I decide to purchase it. Can you all take a look at it and see if there are any areas where I might be limited or experience problems? Or if you have any other suggestions…

I have a Verizon 4G hotspot with unlimited data so I plan on keeping it i my car and connecting the head unit to it via wifi essentially having 4G service in my car all the time!

Apps

GEL (Google Experience Launcher) - Don’t know if Google Now will work with swipe to the right…

If GEL won’t work, maybe trying one of the many car-specific launchers (Car Widget, Car Home)

Nova Launcher - if no other launchers do well… Also Tesla Unread for badges

Airtight - Being able to airplay media from iOS devices (if a passenger wants to steam media to my car from their iPhone)

Cerberus - Find my lost/stolen car?? lol

Cheapcast - Chromecast media from other android devices

Chrome - Web browser

Google Play Music - Streaming Music (will I be able to pin playlists and save them to an SD card?)

Google Search - Google Now “OK Google” functionality

Open Mic + - “OK Google” from anywhere, complete voice control? (don’t have to worry about the app using up battery like on phones)

Hangouts - Chatting and making calls over 4G

Google Maps - Navigating when 4G is available

Waze - Navigating when 4G is available

TomTom (or similar app, any suggestions?? Sygic??)- Downloadable maps for navigating when 3G not available.

MX Player - Local media playback

Netflix - Media Streaming over 4G

Pandora- Sideload APK for no ads and unlimited skips

Plex - Play media over 4G from my home plex media server

Swiftkey - Better Keyboard

Twilight - Auto-Dimming screen in accordance to sundown schedule

Other ideas

Bluetooth to OBD Scanner for use with Torque app

Bluetooth to phone for phone calls and streaming music

Using google now and Open Mic + to make phone calls and text in hangouts or phone app (probably not possible)

Music player that can read music off an SD card or even an external HD plugged into the unit?

Backup camera integration

Auto start a navigation app when unit is turned on (waze preferably)

Auto connect to my wifi hotspot

Thats all I can think of right now…

---------- Post added at 03:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:13 PM ----------

I know that we are currently looking into the bluetooth issues and using OBD modules, But I would like to know if all my apps and ideas would work. if they do, I dont see that much of a need to root the device. Maybe someone could explain what they would hope to achieve by rooting...
[Android Head-Units] KID52:
This is just a quick reply off the top of my head, I'll update this post with further information later.

Will work fine.

Update later...

Launcher works fine, personally I use ADW Launcher. Not sure how to use the Teslaunread plugin, but don't think it is of much use for anything other than emails. Can't do messaging on the unit as far as I know.

Update later...

Good choice :)

Update later...

Works well.

Update later...

Should work, I use iGO which is really good. Live traffic with alternative route suggestions, and lane assist.

Update later...

This is one of my suggested apps, it works well if you disable the illumination function from the "Extras" settings.

Maybe.

You can pay to have the alternative Bluetooth module installed and also provided with an OBD scanner, whether it works with Torque or not I don't know. [MENTION=5302494]Defender666[/MENTION] has it so should be able to provide more information.

Yes, although in my tests the mic was extremely quiet. I will be trying it again.

Update later...

Some work, but I have yet to find an app that works with the steering wheel controls except the default app. Even with it closed, if I press "next", the default app will open and play over your own music app.

Works fine, no problems with this.

You can get an app for that, but remember that the most recent default app will also open and continue playing music, be that radio or the music player.

It's a standard feature of most operating systems, but yes, it does connect to the strongest remembered signal in range.
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
I suspect that it is possible that Bluetooth connectivity is hard coded inside the APK with some sort of NDK code. Maybe using Shared User IDs. That would mean that Bluetooth is not accessible system wide.

Yeah, if you think that sucks the Volvo Sensus Touch has a 7MB cache file system. I created a script for them to temporarily mount the SD Card block device on top of /cache directory when they want to by pass the limitation. Unfortunately, like most things it would require root. In this case, I would recommend that you download your > 126MB apks on another Android device or use something like APK Downloader to download it on your computer first.

I believe /sdcard is a symlink to /mnt/sdcard at least that is how it is usually set up on most Android devices. Since /extsd isn't listed as a mount point, I suspect it is also a symlink to /mnt/usb/mmcblk1p1 directory which looks like is the /dev/block/vold/179:25 device. I don't see a block device listed for /mnt/usb/sda1 directory.

Recent changes that Google made to Google Play Services (com.android.google.gms) will prevent any apps dependant on it, like Hangouts, to not work unless the Android device's fingerprint is blessed by Google. It would seem they are trying to lockdown Google services. I am not sure that it is, maybe someone can with this unit can check the Google Play Settings page to see if this device has a generic icon or not.

That can be easily facilitated by Tasker.

Rooting the device will allow us to expand on the capabilities which are not normally available by the stock system. If you don't know what that means then, really, it is of no concern to you.
[Android Head-Units] sciallo:
The way I understand it, all of these units have OS(es) running on top/along side a layer of hardware with it's own firmware. (think of a cheap home DVD player).

This is what makes these better than just hooking up a tablet to a car amp...

- Audio and video, radio, DVD and YES, Built in Bluetooth. Are controlled by simple firmware (ie. not really an os), that does interface with android by means of an app that communicates to it through some sort of serial communication (I/O, I2c or similar).

So, when we adjust the Volume, change balance etc. we are really changing things in a low level board that has nothing to do with android, other than "it talks to it" (there is no balance/fader in android). When we put the car in reverse, android knows nothing, the screen input simply switches to the aux in. When we pair a phone to it, same thing, we are just pairing to a "hands free" headphone like device, that mixes it's audio out with the rest of them (DVD, Android, Radio), sure, there is a crappy app that allows to tell this SEPARATE thing to dial, store phone numbers, set a different name/password etc, (BTW I've tried tablet talk from market for the short time I had my ouku, Great alternative...)

This is handled by a separate board like this one

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Blue...p-a2dp-avrcp-bluetooth-module/1180179380.html

and you can see that soldered toward the front of the unit, sort of standing up right behind the screen. It is nothing but something like those cheap "hands free bluetooth crappy boxes" you can buy as stand alone, with the difference that it nicely mixes the audio output through our stereo.

This is all happening on that separate board, in fact if you reset/reflash/reset to default your unit, your bluetooth name if you changed it will still be what you set (I haven't tried to see if it retains your address book too, but I wouldn't be surprised.

Android has no way AFAIK of setting itself as a heaphone, I have researched it extensively, and found tons of people asking in a number of forums/posts that span a number of years...

one example: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1516812

I asked the developer of Tablet Talk and here is his reply:

So, this is bad news for those who want to stick a tablet on the dash, but it works perfectly for all of us because that BT NOT being a part of android :)

Now, my question would be, this "upgrade" they offer... Seems like it comes with it's own "app"... Does it require a BT Dongle? Does it allow the use of torque? If the answer to both seems to be no, we are looking at "another built in app" that can communicate with hardware/firmware that is really separate from android hence, while cool for a radio, worthless from the android perspective.
[Android Head-Units] KID52:
That looks interesting, will definitely take a look, thanks.

I didn't have it plugged in at the time. I believe you are correct regarding the symlinks.

- /mnt/usb/sda1

/dev/block/vold/8:1 vfat rw,dirsync,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,uid=1000,gid=1023,fmask=0002,dmask=0002,allow_utime=0020,codepage=cp437,iocharset=iso8859-1,shortname=mixed,utf8,errors=remount-ro​

Below is OpenGL information I missed too.

OpenGL

OpenGL Version supported : 2.0

OpenGL Version supported : OpenGL ES-CM 1.1

Vendor : ARM

Renderer : Mali-400 MP

Extensions :

GL_EXT_debug_marker GL_OES_byte_coordinates GL_OES_fixed_point GL_OES_single_precision GL_OES_matrix_get GL_OES_read_format GL_OES_compressed_paletted_texture GL_OES_point_size_array GL_OES_point_sprite GL_OES_texture_npot GL_OES_query_matrix GL_OES_matrix_palette GL_OES_extended_matrix_palette GL_OES_compressed_ETC1_RGB8_texture GL_OES_EGL_image GL_OES_draw_texture GL_OES_depth_texture GL_OES_packed_depth_stencil GL_EXT_texture_format_BGRA8888 GL_OES_framebuffer_object GL_OES_stencil8 GL_OES_depth24 GL_ARM_rgba8 GL_OES_EGL_image_external GL_OES_EGL_sync GL_OES_rgb8_rgba8 GL_EXT_multisampled_render_to_texture GL_OES_texture_cube_map GL_EXT_discard_framebuffer GL_EXT_robustness​

It's a generic icon.
[Android Head-Units] sciallo:
I'm kind of unclear on what you mean by "streaming music", if it's from phone to the radio, that's already a feature of the built in BT as is AFAIK...

I mentioned tablet talk, I don't know if it can be controlled by google now, I haven't tried, but other than that it works awesome to text and answer/initiate calls from your contacts list. If google now doesn't do it, use a keyboard that has the little mic. icon :) BTW, tablet talk can communicate via bluetooth OR wi-fi connected to the same network (IE both connected to your verizon hot spot) or even when tethered (phone providing hotspot). So, bluetooth fix isn't really required for that. The phone does need to be connected to the built in BT for sound routing for phonecalls (see my other lengthy post about that) or you can pick up the phone to talk, but what's the point?

Don't really know about hangouts

Well, rooting would allow us to address each and every little quirk we're talking about (or at least attempt). "Just" go read the original OUKU thread (I know, no easy task, I did twice!) and see how much was addressed, most of it wouldn't be possible without root.... (reason why I'm still getting the OUKU unit as an exchange).

I'll give you a couple of examples that apply to your post and very recent questions:

- cache folder could be symlinked to a filesystem that provides more space (by means of a script or mounting in the rom as done in a couple of OUKU roms, including the latest)

- BT dongle support (need I say more?)

- other modules/hardware support (eg. usb ODBII adapters)

- Market fixer - show your unit as a compatible one

- installing missing frameworks as system (such as google framework)

The list can go on forever, on top of all these specific things, just search market for apps that require root to see what else you're missing out on.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

To add some food for thoughts, something I will someday try to mess with is IOIO, it's a bit more involved but will be fun.

See my original post about it.

Also with some more hardware hacking I think it would be possible to make the hardware buttons usable for other apps...
[Android Head-Units] KID52:
I saw this when I was looking for an alternative to the built in phone app and it looked perfect. But after purchasing it I was unable to download it on the unit as it was "not compatible".
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
Apps that have a cost attribute are usually marked as copy protected. So, you probably won't be able to install since the AN-21 U is not an officially supported Google Play device (generic icon). It will probably work, all you need to do is download it on an actual Play supported device then sideload it onto your head unit. Or if you are willing to take a gamble use one of the not so scrupulous file sharing sites.
[Android Head-Units] bmj67:
I managed to install a non root version of busy box last night and pulled the framework-res.apk and SettingsProvider.apk.

I contacted WonderEkin and he said that SettingsProvider.apk runs under system. So I sent him the file and he is going to try to set the apk to run the masterkey exploit for root.

I could not pull the actual Settings.apk though as they have it hidden somehow.
[Android Head-Units] sciallo:
Oh crap...

You said you're on .68? Changing model on .68 caused a problem? It doesn't sound like the same problem we are having.... Are you able to boot to android at all? If so what shows in settings under "about device"?

First thing you should try to do is flash a rom the same version that came with the unit if you made a note of that. If not flash 2.6.60

Unzip the files and place them on the root of a SD card from your computer. Insert the card, start the unit by holding "home" and the volume knob until the process starts, it takes a few minutes, don't interrupt it.
[Android Head-Units] scubee:
ive done that many times before...

none of the buttons seem to work
[Android Head-Units] KID52:
Do you remember what MCU you tried to change to?

Try holding the buttons on boot again, it may take a few attempts to get it just right.

For the reset button, you will need a pin or similar.
[Android Head-Units] scubee:
i tried to change to the one with colour. cause im unto the unit with the 2 knobs.

reset button just.... resets. is there any combination for me to trigger the upgrade process?

ive tried almost every button there is... and the Home + power button various times to no avail.
[Android Head-Units] KID52:
I believe someone mentioned holding down the reset button for 10 seconds initiated the update process.

For your unit design, I am not sure of the correct button combination, sorry.
[Android Head-Units] Black6spdZ:
do the buttons go to the MCU and/or GPIO inputs on the Android board? If so maybe we can find the mapping differences between the different face units
[Android Head-Units] fcortes626:
The file didn't work. It was just an system update to .70
[Android Head-Units] bmj67:
Have you tried asking them if there is a way to boot to safe mode. some phones and tablets have safe mode its accessed by special key press or touching a place on the screen.
[Android Head-Units] scubee:
my seller... . isn't responding yet.not that happy right now. :(
[Android Head-Units] bmj67:
[MENTION=1915855]KID52[/MENTION] I edited my post to remove the original link for 2.6.23 but you quoted me in post #999. You will need to edit the post to remove the link.
[Android Head-Units] KID52:
Good spot. :good:
[Android Head-Units] fcortes626:
He is telling me to update by going to settings but I tell him I can't because it crashes
[Android Head-Units] sciallo:
He has seen that in my video...
[Android Head-Units] KID52:
Any chance of a link to this? I would be interested in testing the new update.
[Android Head-Units] dykast:
I can't seem to find the post, but someone mentioned using http://vipersaudio.com/blog/ to maybe boost my audio output to my amp to clean things up a bit. Well, it works great. You need to be rooted to use it but it has a lot of good sound enhancements and a eq that works great. Just a fyi for people looking for a good, free eq/make it louder sort of app that the output is clean.:good:
[Android Head-Units] donaldta:
That person was [MENTION=1036568]patrickoneal[/MENTION] and it is Post #1331. It took two seconds to use the "search this thread" tool for the word, "viper".