[Android 4.1+] HeadUnit Reloaded for Android Auto with Wifi

[scorpio76r]

Hey! I like the app very much!
Wanted to notify you of a bug I have:

After I start my car and connect to the app, after a couple of seconds it freezes. Then I have to unplug my phone and plug it back in. After that, the app works fine for the rest of the ride.

Another strange problem I'm facing is that recently the speed meter in Waze doesn't show up on all of the roads like it did not long ago, but I guess that has to do with Waze and not Headunit reloaded.

Is there any solution for my problem?

Thanks in advance!
Kfir Sadeh.

In regards to waze I didn't have that issue on my 7.1.1 Android headunit. I installed an atoto android 10 head unit over the weekend and, noticed the issue you have mentioned today on my way to work. I'm going to play around with it later and, if I find a fix I will let you know.

 

[c_86]

Hey guys,

Looking for some help on this... I have a ATOTO S8 Premium, and looking to have this run for me...

I have android auto installed on the head unit, and when i had this installed, i would have to manual start the server within AA. but when I did that, the HUR would load, but nothing would show. I would have the date, time, and the voice button etc, but none of the apps would show up. That part was a black screen and no icons...

So my questions are as follows:
1. How do I set this up properly so that its all contained within the head unit, and not need to connect to a separate phone.
2. How can I automate this so the server starts automatically and then all i have to do is tap the HUR icon to launch AA.

Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[scorpio76r]

Hey guys,

Looking for some help on this... I have a ATOTO S8 Premium, and looking to have this run for me...

I have android auto installed on the head unit, and when i had this installed, i would have to manual start the server within AA. but when I did that, the HUR would load, but nothing would show. I would have the date, time, and the voice button etc, but none of the apps would show up. That part was a black screen and no icons...

So my questions are as follows:
1. How do I set this up properly so that its all contained within the head unit, and not need to connect to a separate phone.
2. How can I automate this so the server starts automatically and then all i have to do is tap the HUR icon to launch AA.

Thanks in advance everyone!

This is a great question, I'm curious to know the answer too.

 

[SarierraC]

Hey I'm looking to upgrade my current Joying head unit with 4gb of ram, to a new better resolution Android Head Unit with 8gb of ram. I'm just thinking would Android Auto on Headunit Reloaded increase its performance? I'm wondering if this upgrade is worth it. Currently not the quickest Android Auto experience. Can anyone also confirm of the performance of Android Auto is mostly from the phone or the Android head unit?

Hey,

I'm no expert but HUR probably can help you because from what I know using Android Auto the apps are running on your phone and only mirroring to your head unit. Therefore most of the processing is being done on the phone. I have a generic Chinese head unit with 2GB RAM and I have no problem running any app on Android Auto.

 

[c_86]

Hey,

I'm no expert but HUR probably can help you because from what I know using Android Auto the apps are running on your phone and only mirroring to your head unit. Therefore most of the processing is being done on the phone. I have a generic Chinese head unit with 2GB RAM and I have no problem running any app on Android Auto.

while yes i agree, and know that. my goal is to have everything contained on the head unit itself, and only connect the phone for wifi (hotspot) and BT calling, everything else i want to run off the headunit (maps, music, etc.). Just feels like that is a better way for me to do it.

I havent had time to play with it more to see if i could figure out the issues yet, but still open to peoples thoughts and ideas on how to accomplish that.

Thanks

 

[scorpio76r]

Hey guys,

Looking for some help on this... I have a ATOTO S8 Premium, and looking to have this run for me...

I have android auto installed on the head unit, and when i had this installed, i would have to manual start the server within AA. but when I did that, the HUR would load, but nothing would show. I would have the date, time, and the voice button etc, but none of the apps would show up. That part was a black screen and no icons...

So my questions are as follows:
1. How do I set this up properly so that its all contained within the head unit, and not need to connect to a separate phone.
2. How can I automate this so the server starts automatically and then all i have to do is tap the HUR icon to launch AA.

Thanks in advance everyone!

I have played with this a few hours yesterday and, can't figure how to get the server to start automatically and turn off when leaving the car.

 

[kfirsde]

In regards to waze I didn't have that issue on my 7.1.1 Android headunit. I installed an atoto android 10 head unit over the weekend and, noticed the issue you have mentioned today on my way to work. I'm going to play around with it later and, if I find a fix I will let you know.

Thanks!

Disabling GPS sharing in HUR seems to have fixed it

 

[DreadfulDrummer]

2. How can I automate this so the server starts automatically and then all i have to do is tap the HUR icon to launch AA.

I have played with this a few hours yesterday and, can't figure how to get the server to start automatically and turn off when leaving the car.

You'll need root access and an automation app like Tasker or Macrodroid to run the following:
am startservice -n com.google.android.projection.gearhead/.companion.DeveloperHeadUnitNetworkService

 

[c_86]

I'm over trying to get this to be all self contained in the head unit

Now I have another issue...

How to I get the "dual screen"?

I'm using wireless AA for wireless android auto. And AA runs fine but the icons and such are so large. How can I make it smaller.

Do I use HUR for this? Or what....

 

[SOFO888]

You can use the AAWireless app to change the DPI value. You have to play around with this value.

 

[scorpio76r]

You'll need root access and an automation app like Tasker or Macrodroid to run the following:
am startservice -n com.google.android.projection.gearhead/.companion.DeveloperHeadUnitNetworkService

Thanks for the heads up. I just bought the pro version of macro Droid. I just gotta figure out how to do what you said within the app. If you are able to provide detailed instructions I would appreciate it

 

[Robot001]

I'm over trying to get this to be all self contained in the head unit

Now I have another issue...

How to I get the "dual screen"?

I'm using wireless AA for wireless android auto. And AA runs fine but the icons and such are so large. How can I make it smaller.

Do I use HUR for this? Or what....

Play around with the DPI in settings->graphics.

I think each headunit is different so it's trial and error.

On my headunit for example, It switches to the dual screen view at 165. But at this setting the icons are large, reducing the value to around 130 gives me a decent size.

But I actually run at 166. At this value the unit switches to the single view where the buttons and media controls are along the bottom. I prefer having a larger maps view, I don't see the point of having a picture of the album art of the currently playing song taking up a third of the sreen. Each to their own though., the good thing is you get the choice.

 

[DreadfulDrummer]

Thanks for the heads up. I just bought the pro version of macro Droid. I just gotta figure out how to do what you said within the app. If you are able to provide detailed instructions I would appreciate it

You're using your phone, right? It was other other guy that initially wanted to use Self Mode. You want the head unit connected to the internet to keep apps updated, etc.

To automate things, I use Macrodroid on the head unit to launch HUR when connected to this hotspot. I used to use HUR in Self Mode and it was set up to launch directly into Self Mode so I never had to touch anything when getting in the car. However, Self Mode was laggy which was unsafe while driving so I've switched to using AA from the phone, which is much smoother and more responsive.
My phone is rooted so I'm able to use Macrodroid to start the AA head unit server on the phone (may not be necessary with native AA wireless, I'm not sure) with the following shell script, triggered when the phone connects to the head unit's Bluetooth after switching on the car:
am start-foreground-service -W com.google.android.projection.gearhead/com.google.android.projection.gearhead.companion.DeveloperHeadUnitNetworkService
...and stop the server with this one, triggered when disconnected from the car's Bluetooth:
am stopservice -W com.google.android.projection.gearhead/com.google.android.projection.gearhead.companion.DeveloperHeadUnitNetworkService
Macrodroid is also used to enable/disable the phone's hotspot when connected to/disconnected from the car's Bluetooth.

On the head unit, once it connects to the phone's hotspot, I have Macrodroid launch HUR. All I need to do is tap the big WiFi button and HUR connects to my phone's Android Auto.

So in Macrodroid on the phone:

Entering the car

Triggers - Connectivity>Bluetooth Event>Device Connected

Actions - Connectivity>Hotspot On/Off>Enable Hotspot
+
Applications>Shell Script>Rooted
am start-foreground-service -W com.google.android.projection.gearhead/com.google.android.projection.gearhead.companion.DeveloperHeadUnitNetworkService
Note this code that I've used in the past is slightly different than what I had shared with you the other day, which I had found from a quick web search... I'm not sure what difference either will make so experiment, if you wish.


Leaving the car

Triggers - Connectivity>Bluetooth Event>Device Disconnected

Actions - Connectivity>Hotspot On/Off>Disable Hotspot
+
Applications>Shell Script>Rooted
am stopservice -W com.google.android.projection.gearhead/com.google.android.projection.gearhead.companion.DeveloperHeadUnitNetworkService



And in Macrodroid on the head unit:

Triggers - Connectivity>WiFi State Change>Connected to network

MD Helper app is needed to achieve this. I don't recall having to do this back when I was using this method but it links to where to get it. You could also use Bluetooth as the trigger but you'll have to wait a couple seconds for the unit to connect to your hotspot and, if it doesn't connect for some reason, you'll be tapping the WiFi button wondering why it's not doing anything.

Actions - Applications>Launch Application>Select Application>Headunit Reloaded

Would be nice to launch right into the WiFi activity within HUR but I guess it's just like a sandboxed VM/emulator without conventional Android app activities. HUR doesn't show up for me in Activity Launcher to make a custom shortcut to launch with Macrodroid.
Edit: Just saw the list of intents in the first post of this thread; top of the list is to launch into WiFi mode. I've never tried any of them but there you go! Always read, huh

I recall HUR crashing if it was already open and Macrodroid tried to launch it, for example; I think I remember when I'd be parked and the head unit is still on with HUR running and then if I'd start the engine, power to the unit briefly cuts out and it tries to reconnect immediately once the engine has started, then it would crash. So I added a constraint:

Constraint - Device State>Application Running>Running in foreground>Headunit Reloaded

I think that's it; I just woke up so there may be some mistakes. Also the XDA app relaunched in the middle of this so I nearly shat the bed but my message draft was still in the reply box so no new sheets/entire bed needed. Say what you will about this very much in-progress app, some things are good about it! And now the dog managed to execute the Back gesture on my phone... message still here. Phew... Alright, I'll leave before something does go wrong.

Hope this helps anyway, good luck

 

[scorpio76r]

You're using your phone, right? It was other other guy that initially wanted to use Self Mode. You want the head unit connected to the internet to keep apps updated, etc.

So in Macrodroid on the phone:

Entering the car

Triggers - Connectivity>Bluetooth Event>Device Connected

Actions - Connectivity>Hotspot On/Off>Enable Hotspot
+
Applications>Shell Script>Rooted
am start-foreground-service -W com.google.android.projection.gearhead/com.google.android.projection.gearhead.companion.DeveloperHeadUnitNetworkService
Note this code that I've used in the past is slightly different than what I had shared with you the other day, which I had found from a quick web search... I'm not sure what difference either will make so experiment, if you wish.


Leaving the car

Triggers - Connectivity>Bluetooth Event>Device Disconnected

Actions - Connectivity>Hotspot On/Off>Disable Hotspot
+
Applications>Shell Script>Rooted
am stopservice -W com.google.android.projection.gearhead/com.google.android.projection.gearhead.companion.DeveloperHeadUnitNetworkService



And in Macrodroid on the head unit:

Triggers - Connectivity>WiFi State Change>Connected to network

MD Helper app is needed to achieve this. I don't recall having to do this back when I was using this method but it links to where to get it. You could also use Bluetooth as the trigger but you'll have to wait a couple seconds for the unit to connect to your hotspot and, if it doesn't connect for some reason, you'll be tapping the WiFi button wondering why it's not doing anything.

Actions - Applications>Launch Application>Select Application>Headunit Reloaded

Would be nice to launch right into the WiFi activity within HUR but I guess it's just like a sandboxed VM/emulator without conventional Android app activities. HUR doesn't show up for me in Activity Launcher to make a custom shortcut to launch with Macrodroid.

I recall HUR crashing if it was already open and Macrodroid tried to launch it, for example; I think I remember when I'd be parked and the head unit is still on with HUR running and then if I'd start the engine, power to the unit briefly cuts out and it tries to reconnect immediately once the engine has started, then it would crash. So I added a constraint:

Constraint - Device State>Application Running>Running in foreground>Headunit Reloaded

I think that's it; I just woke up so there may some mistakes. Also the XDA app relaunched in the middle of this so I nearly shat the bed but my message draft was still in the reply box so no new sheets/entire bed needed. Say what you will about this very much in-progress app, some things are good about it! And now the dog managed to execute the Back gesture on my phone... message still here. Phew... Alright, I'll leave before something does go wrong.

Hope this helps anyway, good luck

I really appreciate you for sharing this. I will definitely try this and, hopefully be successful. I just gotta get the hang of Macrodroid. Edit : I followed your instructions to the T and, all I have to say is thank you so much. It works! You are a lifesaver, Thank you again for your detailed instruction.

 

[DreadfulDrummer]

I really appreciate you for sharing this. I will definitely try this and, hopefully be successful. I just gotta get the hang of Macrodroid. Edit : I followed your instructions to the T and, all I have to say is thank you so much. It works! You are a lifesaver, Thank you again for your detailed instruction.

Glad I could help! I've only now noticed the list of intents in the first post here. So that may be useful for launching directly into WiFi mode. Let me know if you try it and how it goes if so.

 

[scorpio76r]

Glad I could help! I've only now noticed the list of intents in the first post here. So that may be useful for launching directly into WiFi mode. Let me know if you try it and how it goes if so.

Do i run those intents on the phone or car headunit?

 

[DreadfulDrummer]

Do i run those intents on the phone or car headunit?

The head unit. It's calling the app by it's package name; gb.xxy.hr (memorable, right?!)

 

[scorpio76r]

The head unit. It's calling the app by it's package name; gb.xxy.hr (memorable, right?!)

OK, if I get a chance to try it sometime between today and this weekend, I will let you know if it works. If you beat me to it, let me know as well.

 

[scorpio76r]

The head unit. It's calling the app by it's package name; gb.xxy.hr (memorable, right?!)

OK, I just tried the intent. It didn't work but, what it did help a little. OK, so before I added the intent I would have to randomly hit the big wifi button and, eventually it would connect. I don't know if it is just my atoto S8 Standard headunit or not that gives about a 15-25 second delay before I'm able to hit the wifi button and, just connect. What happens now is I just sit an wait then the headunit flickers once and, when that happens when I hit the wifi button it connects. So basically instead of me randomly hitting the wifi button hoping to eventually connect, I just look at the screen for some seconds (under a minute though) see the screen flicker then hit the wifi and, its gravy over rice. If I'm doing something wrong maybe someone can chime in . I have attached pictures.

 

[roscored1000]

I am not worried it doesnt connect with wifi as my usb cable is a magnetic one and that works fine for me, but I would like the radio app to work when asked to. That is very erratic and now doesnt start at all. Is there a better or at least a radio app that works , I am in australia and was thinking about trying [I heart radio] would like to have some of the DAB+ stations but not important.
Using a Samsung galaxy s10e with android 11 [12 is coming]
thanks