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

[Dr Claw]

Recently I saw a 4100NEX unit for display, with the microphone, Lightning and Micro USB cables out for user demo.

I hooked up my Lollipop and Android Auto-loaded Galaxy S5 to the Micro USB cable, and as many have described, for a split second I saw "Android Auto" in the APPS, Android Auto auto launched, but it did not stay in place for me to switch. I made sure that Android/USB2 setup was enabled for this in Smartphone Setup. I even turned on USB debugging for the phone. Does this unit need the firmware update? Are there any other settings that need to be enabled on my phone for this to work? Would using a custom launcher cause any issues?

 

[dodewill76]

Hi

I'm from the UK and have the avh-8700bt which is the same as avh-4100. Just have a couple of questions I was wondering if someone can help me with:

1. On the phone dialer it shows our call history but when I try to click on one of the numbers to dial that person nothing happens
2. On Spotify and tune-in when I click on browse it doesn't show me all the available channels/music selections. I get warning about due to safety can only show so much of the list. For example when I browse stations on tube-in I can only get to letter C so basically I can't choose Rock music. For Spotify when I click on a genre it only shows me a couple of choices plus I can't view all the genres.

Is anyone else seeing the same?

Also for incoming calls, does the pioneer unit just use the built in tone for calls or is it possible to set a tone for incoming calls or even use the one I set for my phone

Lastly, are updates to android auto via a system update to phone or will it be updates to app?

 

[Insp_Gadget]

Recently I saw a 4100NEX unit for display, with the microphone, Lightning and Micro USB cables out for user demo.

I hooked up my Lollipop and Android Auto-loaded Galaxy S5 to the Micro USB cable, and as many have described, for a split second I saw "Android Auto" in the APPS, Android Auto auto launched, but it did not stay in place for me to switch. I made sure that Android/USB2 setup was enabled for this in Smartphone Setup. I even turned on USB debugging for the phone. Does this unit need the firmware update? Are there any other settings that need to be enabled on my phone for this to work? Would using a custom launcher cause any issues?

Sounds like you covered everything that would normally be needed. I don't know. I suggest that next time you see that unit, check to see if the firmware update has been applied. Perhaps, as you might suspect, it's required for the GS5 to work correctly.

 

[justeric78]

First post, been watching for forums for years.

I have the S5 as well which is useless currently with Android Auto.

Chris,

How did you get the "Ok Google" functionality to work?

 

[dodewill76]

Hi

Is there anywhere we can report bugs or anything? Doesn't seem to be much info floating around on android auto. Curious about the lists for music as not being able to browse all sections in music apps is a problem.

 

[Fleury14]

That's not a bug so much as it just isn't an option.
Everything works as described for me at least.

 

[cwolfey]

First post, been watching for forums for years.

I have the S5 as well which is useless currently with Android Auto.

Chris,

How did you get the "Ok Google" functionality to work?

Hello

That function still does not work for me, I was relieved to hear others even at Pioneer have same issue related to S5 on Verizon and we're waiting to hear back from google.

I am going to reach out to my contact again tomorrow to see if any progress has been made.

I will also be pre ordering the S6 this week...hopefully it works

 

[Chris Lindley1]

Hey! I just activate the phone using the OK Google command while in Auto. It will dial as usual. I can also play tracks using the command. Just can't use the text and mic functions on screen. It's kind of going around things. Still hoping for full functionality of voice....

First post, been watching for forums for years.

I have the S5 as well which is useless currently with Android Auto.

Chris,

How did you get the "Ok Google" functionality to work?

 

[justeric78]

Hey! I just activate the phone using the OK Google command while in Auto. It will dial as usual. I can also play tracks using the command. Just can't use the text and mic functions on screen. It's kind of going around things. Still hoping for full functionality of voice....

I found if I turn the screen on then ok Google will work but if the screen is off, even if the phone is unlocked, it will not work at all. So frustrating, I got an ota update from Verizon yesterday and started getting excited but it did not fix the problem sadly. Hoping to save someone else the false excitement as the update rolls out. I hope someone finds a fix soon...how the hell could they fail to test the most popular lollipop device on the market? So many hours into messing with this lol.

 

[posman53]

Anyone know if the 4100 can use my Equinox's built in back up camera? Planning on getting mine installed today.

Thanks in advance

 

[Insp_Gadget]

Anyone know if the 4100 can use my Equinox's built in back up camera? Planning on getting mine installed today.

Thanks in advance

It isn't the 4100 that is in question. You need to check compatibility of whatever interface module you'll be using to retain your car's OEM functions, to see if that module (in combination with the 4100) will support your car's camera.

 

[cardman827]

Hey Guys, have a couple of questions about google maps.
1) I can't seen to find where it shows the route list, a step by step direction. You can choose different routes but how do you see the step by step.

2) How do you change the volume on just the map voice. I'm listening to a podcast at one level and want the map volume to be lower.

3) I changed the voice to british female and she comes through on the text message but not the map any way to change that?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Insp_Gadget]

Hey Guys, have a couple of questions about google maps.
1) I can't seen to find where it shows the route list, a step by step direction. You can choose different routes but how do you see the step by step.

2) How do you change the volume on just the map voice. I'm listening to a podcast at one level and want the map volume to be lower.

3) I changed the voice to british female and she comes through on the text message but not the map any way to change that?

Thanks for your help!

1. You don't. At least not as a list. You can tap on the route directions (the green box) to see the next turn (tap again for consecutive turns), but that will only take you so far before the system basically says pull over, you're fumbling around with the map too much (safety first).

2. That's a bug. I have the same issue. She's too loud and there's nothing you can do about her volume.

3. Don't know. I'm using US English. No issues there.

 

[cardman827]

Thanks for the reply, I just like to see the step by step to see which way it's taking me before I start. I guess while stopped I could always look at the phone but that defeats the purpose.

Thanks for your help. I can't wait to see how the whole Android Auto continues to evolve and the more apps and features we get.

 

[thetaylors09]

Just hooked up an HTC M7 to my 4100 and was able to use the phone while connected to Android Auto and driving. I was even able to play YouTube audio through the car speakers while video played on the phone. I was under the impression that android auto locked out the phone.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[Fleury14]

Sounds like you were just using bluetooth. You can't do any of that while in the Android auto part.

 

[thetaylors09]

Sounds like you were just using bluetooth. You can't do any of that while in the Android auto part.

Nope, definitely had android auto running. Had Google maps displaying on my 4100 and YouTube playing in the background on the car speakers

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[justeric78]

Nope, definitely had android auto running. Had Google maps displaying on my 4100 and YouTube playing in the background on the car speakers

Posted via the Android Central App

You can defeat the lock out by either bringing notifications down and ending car mode or hitting the menu button that brings up all apps running and selecting another app. I'm sure that will be corrected down the road. Hopefully they fix the s5 first as that's the only way I can use it!

 

[posman53]

It isn't the 4100 that is in question. You need to check compatibility of whatever interface module you'll be using to retain your car's OEM functions, to see if that module (in combination with the 4100) will support your car's camera.

So... had the 4100 installed yesterday at Best Buy... and it was an experience. Prior to the installation, I had to special order a dashboard kit for the 2012 Equinox. The Equinox has Chevy's MyLink system installed.. which integrates the radio and bluetooth functionality into the display screen, as well as the climate control system, and the rear camera. The dashboard kit was designed to mount the 4100 below the integrated system.... where the cigarette lighter is located. Not optimal... but it was liveable.

The installer was pretty confident that the rear camera would still work... since that unit was still in place, and everything should be okay. Installation took about 3 hours, and I was about to leave when I decided to check the rear camera. Camera doesn't work... and since there's no power to that screen, I also discovered that no climate control information is available either. Can't tell what the temperature my system is set at.

The dashboard kit needs a different wiring harness that would allow power to the old display screen and the 4100 at the same time, and supposedly, that hasn't been produced yet, according to the manufacturer of the dashboard kit. I haven't set up Android Auto yet... that's on the agenda for this morning, so I can test it with my N6. So far it's looking like an $1200 mistake.....

 

[justeric78]

So... had the 4100 installed yesterday at Best Buy... and it was an experience. Prior to the installation, I had to special order a dashboard kit for the 2012 Equinox. The Equinox has Chevy's MyLink system installed.. which integrates the radio and bluetooth functionality into the display screen, as well as the climate control system, and the rear camera. The dashboard kit was designed to mount the 4100 below the integrated system.... where the cigarette lighter is located. Not optimal... but it was liveable.

The installer was pretty confident that the rear camera would still work... since that unit was still in place, and everything should be okay. Installation took about 3 hours, and I was about to leave when I decided to check the rear camera. Camera doesn't work... and since there's no power to that screen, I also discovered that no climate control information is available either. Can't tell what the temperature my system is set at.

The dashboard kit needs a different wiring harness that would allow power to the old display screen and the 4100 at the same time, and supposedly, that hasn't been produced yet, according to the manufacturer of the dashboard kit. I haven't set up Android Auto yet... that's on the agenda for this morning, so I can test it with my N6. So far it's looking like an $1200 mistake.....

Sorry you're having this experience. I would have advised to take it to a professional which best buy does not qualify as in any of their dept. I clean up their messes all the damn time. If I were you I'd hit up Google reviews for installers in your area and find the best one. Let them look at it and tell you if they can make it right, shouldn't cost you a thing to find out. If they can then pay them what you have to and chalk it up as a lesson learned to not buy best buys services, they suck... Side note, I bought an 8100 with a high end rear view camera install and only paid about 400 more then you did for the eight hour install. Best buy rips people off!