My Android Auto Review

[Tom Westrick]

I'd be happy with just a display that casts video of my phone in landscape with all the apps available. I'd create a separate profile to keep my phone notifications private with passengers in my car. Switch at will.

This head unit also supports Mirror Link, which does exactly what you're looking for. Unfortunately, my Moto X doesn't support Mirror Link so I can't try that.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[Tom Westrick]

On my 8100NEX (which I installed myself in my 2006 Charger), if you long press the center button on the head unit it will activate voice command (regardless of whether you are displaying the Android Auto interface on screen or not). No need to install a hardware button for voice control.

My car has steering wheel controls for volume, tuning, etc. (I installed the appropriate control relay to map the steering wheel controls.)

Tried that on my drive to the gym. I think if it was instant I'd use it, but the software button is good enough.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[OliverK]

I have an AVIC-F70DAB installed in my car; that's the equivalent of the NEX7100 I believe with built in sat nav.

I have been having some frustrations with voice commands.

Randomly it will say "If you are speaking I can't hear you" (or words to that effect) when I press the mic button.

It can sometimes be fixed by unplugging the phone or turning off the unit and other times it can't. It seems to do it for no reason either; it will be working fine then stop.

I've seen similar behaviour with Siri in CarPlay; it won't hear anything. The thing is it isn't the mic as I can make a phone call and I come through loud and clear.

Anyone else experienced this? Thanks.

 

[Cant Miss]

What phone?

 

[OliverK]

Nexus 6P (And my iPhone is a 6S Plus for CarPlay)

 

[Cant Miss]

Nexus 6P (And my iPhone is a 6S Plus for CarPlay)

Not having any of the issues you describe with my 6P and a 4100NEX. My mic is mounted on the visor, at left, facing down. And my truck is not the quietest vehicle. I don't have an answer for why your experience is different... where is your mic?

 

[OliverK]

The mic is mounted above by the mirror in the middle and facing me.

I spoke to pioneer support who think it is the mic; the thing is it gives me that error message before I even speak...

 

[Cant Miss]

This sounds like an Android issue. What are you are various voice settings?

 

[OliverK]

The thing is it happens with CarPlay as well- it just doesn't do anything when I hit the Siri long press.

It works then it stops on AA.

The only thing I wonder about is Bluetooth; I do see it creating a new pairing almost every time and I am pretty certain AA sends the audio for voice search via Bluetooth; but CarPlay only uses USB so it seems most likely to be the mic; but I can be heard find on a call... It's very strange.

 

[Cant Miss]

The thing is it happens with CarPlay as well

Sorry... missed that. The BT pairing coming and going is an android issue; I've seen it with all three of my phones. It almost sounds as though the audio routing for voice commands is failing for some reason. Have you tried resetting the Pioneer?

 

[Cant Miss]

The thing is it happens with CarPlay as well

Sorry... missed that. The BT pairing coming and going is an android issue; I've seen it with all three of my phones. It almost sounds as though the audio routing for voice commands is failing for some reason. Have you tried resetting the Pioneer?

 

[OliverK]

That is a great idea actually - I will try that.

I turned to the G+ AA developer group as there are Googlers in that group and they suggested it may be the microphone picking up noise (Pioneer support also suggested that) however the Googler pointed me to the part of my Google account where I can listen to audio from the car and it sounds very very clear; it doesn't even sound like I am in a car!

So it isn't a question of the microphone not working, it may be a head unit issue which would be very unlucky. I'll try the reset and reach back out to Pioneer support tomorrow.

 

[Tom Westrick]

This may be a bit anecdotal or situational, but it seems either the update to Marshmallow or this week's Android Auto update has fixed the voice issue.

 

[leomclean]

Works well, "tips on what you can say" is infuriating as you meander through all possible options to get voice to understand your command, how do you turn this off? I've also found that if you are within connection distance of your home wifi you will not be able to connect until you get out of range, usually only a few meters but if you park close to your home, most do, this will present itself. Great tool but in its infancy but I will continue to be a user.