Android Auto first impressions thread (and ask us anything!)

[dohcstunr]

How many milliamps come out of the android auto usb cable in the Nex units?
Is it enough to actually charge the phone while streaming and using GPS?
Does the phone get hot when using android auto for extended periods?

I ask this because when I had my Pioneer AppRadio2 in my last car I had everything rooted (stock image though) and was running arliberator etc etc to get appradio mode. With wifi off, power saver mode, running the screen off app, and using GPS and streaming my phone would cook, and the power supply wasn't enough to even keep the phone at a constant battery level. In other words it was using more energy than could be supplied.

I'm in real estate and I use my phone, and GPS constantly... I miss having android integrated into my dash, but do not miss how battery management hysteria took over my life.

 

[Cant Miss]

I have seen 2 specs listed for these units, 1A and 1.6A. My recommendation would be the 7100 or 8100 as they have nav built in.

If you're using GPS all day long, you're better off with a dedicated unit.

 

[Fleury14]

My phone charges fine while running gps & gp music. Gotta remember that the screen of the phone is off so it's not using nearly as much juice

 

[VincentVV]

How many milliamps come out of the android auto usb cable in the Nex units?
Is it enough to actually charge the phone while streaming and using GPS?
Does the phone get hot when using android auto for extended periods?

I ask this because when I had my Pioneer AppRadio2 in my last car I had everything rooted (stock image though) and was running arliberator etc etc to get appradio mode. With wifi off, power saver mode, running the screen off app, and using GPS and streaming my phone would cook, and the power supply wasn't enough to even keep the phone at a constant battery level. In other words it was using more energy than could be supplied.

I'm in real estate and I use my phone, and GPS constantly... I miss having android integrated into my dash, but do not miss how battery management hysteria took over my life.

It charges fine and is fully charged when arriving at your destination. This is not that new since on most of my devices before having a screen on my radio's HU, I was able to make calls, receive and respond to text, run google maps, and stream pandora and still charge faster than deplete. My previous phones were as follows, Htc hd2, Htc sensation, Htc amaze, Samsung Galaxy S4,5, and Note 3 and 4, LG G3 and now my Nexus. All of them were able to charge while using all these services, so I would think, other apps are preventing you from being able to keep a charge on your phone while using it to navigate and stream music, aside from being a phone.

 

[Phil Nickinson]

How many milliamps come out of the android auto usb cable in the Nex units?
Is it enough to actually charge the phone while streaming and using GPS?
Does the phone get hot when using android auto for extended periods?

I ask this because when I had my Pioneer AppRadio2 in my last car I had everything rooted (stock image though) and was running arliberator etc etc to get appradio mode. With wifi off, power saver mode, running the screen off app, and using GPS and streaming my phone would cook, and the power supply wasn't enough to even keep the phone at a constant battery level. In other words it was using more energy than could be supplied.

I'm in real estate and I use my phone, and GPS constantly... I miss having android integrated into my dash, but do not miss how battery management hysteria took over my life.

I asked Pioneer. It's 1A.

 

[Dr Claw]

Well, I've gotten closer than I ever have to running Android Auto. On a demonstration 4100NEX, I connected my VZW S5 and got the "This device is not compatible message" (attached).

However, I was able to click the Android Auto icon and start the app though the 4100NEX, where I got the "parking brake" message (please start Android Auto when it is safe to do so).

I'm on Google Play Services 7.3.29.

 

[dohcstunr]

Thanks for the responses. I think it was the MHL that was causing the drain on the app radios. Even if you hook up a 1amp charger for the MHL adapter I think you were still limited to 500milliamp. on the other side of the MHL adaptors. So take that, plus serial bluetooth connection, GPS, Spotify, etc... and the phone never had a chance.
I'm glad to see that isn't the case with the Android Auto setups.

I really wish there were more hardware options, or that pioneer could update the appradio 4 to use Android Auto. It already works with Apple Car Play so it seems to me all it would require is a firmware update since all of the hardware components are there.

 

[Dr Claw]

I'm fully aware of the Nexus line. I am coming from a Nexus 5. The Nexus 6 is too big, i don't care what anyone says the thing is massive.

This is the same as android wear not working on the galaxy line, its ridiculous and the only reason its a problem is because AA is so new and the only people who have it are those who went as far as to buy a new Head Unit.

Good news for you, you don't have to return your S6 now! Now if only the downstream Lollipop models can get the same fixes...

 

[applehater00]

Guys, GP seems rubbish in that you can't browse and search easily without voice, but I saw a youtube video where someone chose a track on google play then exited out of AA on the Pioneer head unit and I could see that same track playing in the Pioneer's native inbuilt player.

Can someone please try theirs and tell me if you can do this and then browse PROPERLY (by song, artist etc) on the Pioneer's native player?
And if so does AA still talk to you whilst you're out of it?

Thanks

 

[VincentVV]

lol. I agree. If you're going to return an S6 (and don't mind what it lacks) then get a Nexus. it's a high quality phone (and it'll work with Android Auto!)

The update to Google play services now makes the s6 and M8 devices compatible.

 

[Covert_Death]

Good news for you, you don't have to return your S6 now! Now if only the downstream Lollipop models can get the same fixes...

not going to lie, i'll be keeping it now, I am very surprised that the fix came from Google..... I would have bet serious money that this was Sammys issue to fix and it was going to take over a month to push an OTA across the ATT network. Pleasantly surprised.

 

[Phil Nickinson]

The update to Google play services now makes the s6 and M8 devices compatible.

M8 always worked.

 

[Insp_Gadget]

not going to lie, i'll be keeping it now, I am very surprised that the fix came from Google..... I would have bet serious money that this was Sammys issue to fix and it was going to take over a month to push an OTA across the ATT network. Pleasantly surprised.

I still think it was Samsung's fault. I'm guessing that the "working with Samsung to resolve" efforts were to work around whatever non-standard code that Samsung deployed on their phone, and then Google put the workaround in a Play Services update.

 

[sbollin]

Just installed the 4100. Every time I start the car I get a warning message and also get a Bluetooth pairing request screen that pops up. Any body having this happen as well?

 

[cwolfey]

The update to Google play services now makes the s6 and M8 devices compatible.

Yep.. My VZW S6 edge works now...finally have the voice button.

 

[anon(871934)]

I have seen 2 specs listed for these units, 1A and 1.6A. My recommendation would be the 7100 or 8100 as they have nav built in.

If you're using GPS all day long, you're better off with a dedicated unit.

Better off in what way? Are you referring to current draw?

 

[pupuslinger]

When I am playing music in AA I can exit and play music on the regulat Pioneer play screen. You can play, pause and skip and back track songs but you cant search. You can get to where it shows you the folder that contains music, but you cant open the folder. Sometimes the album art is missing also, especially on the first track you play, even if the art has shown up before.

that is the bigest drawback to me is that you have to make sure the music is in a playlist, so if you download new music but dont put it in a play list you cant really access it. It will show up in recent downloads or whatever, but not sure how long it stays there.

Pioneer 4100nex with 1.03

 

[Cant Miss]

Better off in what way? Are you referring to current draw?

It's easier on your phone's battery, doesn't need/use data, gets better satellite signal due to dedicated antenna right under the windshield, and if you're making a bunch of short trips, you can queue them all up at once (and don't have to keep plugging/unplugging your phone).

Depending on the unit, there may be other features you might find useful (like speeding notifications).

Plus, if your chauffeuring clients around, you usually have more control of level and amount of voice guidance, even what speakers it comes out of.

 

[Dr Claw]

I still think it was Samsung's fault. I'm guessing that the "working with Samsung to resolve" efforts were to work around whatever non-standard code that Samsung deployed on their phone, and then Google put the workaround in a Play Services update.

I would agree. And the carrier-related BS likely contributes as well.

 

[Dr Claw]

I still think it was Samsung's fault. I'm guessing that the "working with Samsung to resolve" efforts were to work around whatever non-standard code that Samsung deployed on their phone, and then Google put the workaround in a Play Services update.

I would agree. And the carrier-related BS likely contributes as well.