[Android 7.0+] AppRadio Unchained Rootless

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Area51©

Senior Member
Aug 30, 2013
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AppRadio Unchained Rootless allows full mirroring of your phone from your AppRadio. This means that any app can be controlled from the head unit screen and not just a few that are specially adapted.

AppRadio Unchained Rootless is available from the Play store here: AppRadio Unchained Rootless
The user's manual is available here: User's manual

For this app to work Android 7 or higher is required. As Android 7 only allows to inject complete gestures, a gesture has to be completed first on the head unit before it will be dispatched to the phone. It works similar to record and playback. Suppose you need to do a long press of 2 seconds, first press for 2 seconds, once you lift your finger it will be dispatched and replicated on the phone where it will take 2 seconds as well. It's recommended to only do things that take a short time so there won't be too much delay.

Important
The 'Smartphone setup' on the head unit needs to be set correctly for Android as by default it's configured for Iphone. Go to Settings->System->Input/Output Settings->SmartphoneSetup and set Device to 'Others' and Connection to 'HDMI'. See this video: Smartphone setup

Any other AppRadio related app needs to be uninstalled as this blocks the connection to AppRadio Unchained Rootless.

AppRadio mode requires that your device is connected to the HDMI input of the head unit. Depending on the device this can be done with a MHL / Slimport / Miracast / Chromecast adapter. This app supports automatic connection to wireless screencasting devices. Since Google API doesn't support this directly it is done via the phone's GUI. Note that only the phone's built-in screencasting capabilities can be used.

Because this app may not work for your setup there's an extended trial period of 48 hours. In order to claim this simply request a refund within 48 hours after purchase by emailing the order number to the support email address.

Supported head units: any AppRadio that supports Android AppMode via HDMI.
For example: SPH-DA100, SPH-DA110, SPH-DA210, SPH-DA120, AVH-X8500BHS, AVH-4000NEX, AVH-4100NEX, AVH-4200NEX, AVIC-X850BT, AVIC-X950BH, AVIC-Z150BH, AVIC-6000NEX, AVIC-6100NEX, AVIC-6200NEX, AVIC-7000NEX, AVIC-7100NEX, AVIC-7200NEX, AVIC-8000NEX, AVIC-8100NEX, AVIC-8200NEX

Units that have AppRadio mode via USB (a.k.a. AppRadio One) are not supported.

Android 7 Bluetooth bug
If during connection 'Accept thread error' is displayed this is not because of a bug in the app but due to a bug in Android 7.
It can be fixed by disabling BT background scanning: Go to Settings -> Location, in top right menu click Scanning -> Bluetooth Scanning.

The following features are supported:
- Multitouch
- AppRadio buttons
- GPS data transfer via mock locations (only works with head units that have a GPS receiver)
- Wake lock
- Rotation locker (to put any app in landscape mode)
- Real calibration
- Start on HDMI detection (for use with phones and HDMI adapters)
- Notifications to indicate connection state
- Diagnostics
- Automatic Bluetooth toggle for improved connection

Beta test version
The beta test version has the latest features but can also contain bugs.
You need to become a tester of the AppRadio Unchained Rootless app to be able to get it.
Please apply here: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/mars.area51.arunchainednr

Beta test release notes
0.09
- Fix for black menu text color, now white as it should be.
- SWC commands can now be directed to a target app.

0.08
- Fix for calibration out of range.
- Fix for delay of casting start.
- Support for automatic casting on Samsung Android 9.
- Fix for startForegroundService.
- Fix for rotation locker.
- Change HDMI wired connection trigger to be triggered by Bluetooth connection.

AppRadio is a registered trademark of Pioneer.
Disclaimer: You are solely responsible for using this app in such a way that it does not impair your ability to drive.
 
Last edited:

Area51©

Senior Member
Aug 30, 2013
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The app was just released to production in the Play store so it will take a bit until it becomes available.
 
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kseagle

Member
Apr 16, 2017
13
0
Perfect. I was gonna buy it anyway but nice to know how much work I need to do on the phone
 

GWM4Tennis

Member
Sep 9, 2013
40
1
Planning to finally upgrade from the Samsung Note 3 to the Samsung Galaxy S8+.I have a pioneer AVH-8500-BHS with Samsung wireless Dongle. Will this set up work?
I hope so can not wait!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app
 

Area51©

Senior Member
Aug 30, 2013
2,498
1,074
Breda
Planning to finally upgrade from the Samsung Note 3 to the Samsung Galaxy S8+.I have a pioneer AVH-8500-BHS with Samsung wireless Dongle. Will this set up work?
I hope so can not wait!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app
The S8 was confirmed working, the AVH-8500BHS is supported. Only thing I am not sure about is the Samsung wireless dongle but if it doesn't work a recent Miracast like the Actiontec Screenbeam mini 2 or the Microsoft wireless adapter V2 should do the trick.
 

kseagle

Member
Apr 16, 2017
13
0
Just got it up and running on mate 9 pro. Works perfectly with Microsoft wireless adapter the only problem is the size of the screen. It doesn't show the screen I landscape as it should only partially. Any thoughts on this or is it a new launcher I need for my phone? If that's the case which one should I get?
 

Area51©

Senior Member
Aug 30, 2013
2,498
1,074
Breda
Just got it up and running on mate 9 pro. Works perfectly with Microsoft wireless adapter the only problem is the size of the screen. It doesn't show the screen I landscape as it should only partially. Any thoughts on this or is it a new launcher I need for my phone? If that's the case which one should I get?
It's probably the launcher, one that works well is Nova launcher. Just try it and you will know.
 

azreal333

New member
May 6, 2017
1
0
I have the SPH-DA110 which im trying to connect with my S7 will this software connect with the radio using the usb lead and mirror link or through bluetooth and no wires. I tried to use a MHL connection and its keep saying there is moisture in the connection through the HDMI port. but when its connected through the usb port it charged but will not connect in mirrorlink in appradio and im not sure if its the software (doesnt look very good)
 

Area51©

Senior Member
Aug 30, 2013
2,498
1,074
Breda
I have the SPH-DA110 which im trying to connect with my S7 will this software connect with the radio using the usb lead and mirror link or through bluetooth and no wires. I tried to use a MHL connection and its keep saying there is moisture in the connection through the HDMI port. but when its connected through the usb port it charged but will not connect in mirrorlink in appradio and im not sure if its the software (doesnt look very good)
The video is via the HDMI input of the head unit and touch goes back via Bluetooth. The S7 doesn't support MHL so a wired connection isn't possible. What works is to cast the screen via a Miracast adapter like the Screenbeam Mini 2 or the Microsoft wireless adapter V2.
 

jspector

Member
Feb 21, 2010
32
1
I am using my S8+ with rockscout and it is working pretty good. It is a little lagged and the screen is in portrait mode as opposed to landscape. What more will this app do. I am willing to buy it but I just want to know what make this better. I am just using a USB-c cable plugged into the back of the Appradio 4 so that might be a limitation at the moment.
 

lpasq

Senior Member
Feb 14, 2006
1,393
215
I am using my S8+ with rockscout and it is working pretty good. It is a little lagged and the screen is in portrait mode as opposed to landscape. What more will this app do. I am willing to buy it but I just want to know what make this better. I am just using a USB-c cable plugged into the back of the Appradio 4 so that might be a limitation at the moment.



Search Youtube
 

cranbiz

Senior Member
May 15, 2011
111
9
Durham, NC
I just loaded Appradio Unchained Rootless on my Verizon S8. I'm using the free Nova launcher. I have a Pioneer 4100 NEX, using the cables and HDMI converter that was recommended in another appradio thread (Towabo USB3.1 Type-C to HDMI adapter). The firmware in the Pioneer was just updated to 1.09. The 4100 is installed in a 2012 jeep JK using a PAC canbus adapter and a micro bypass.

Now appradio seems to work, set the input to other-HDMI and then expanded the screen to fit. I can control the phone from the radio BUT everytime I change to appradio, I lose sound from whatever I was using, be it Sirius, HD radio or the SD card. I have a friend that has the same setup but he's on a Dodge RAM and not on a canbus link. He had audio and can then bring up appradio and keeps his selected audio playing.

From the radio end, we are the same firmware, same HDMI adapter, same cables and feeding the adapter from a 2A+ dedicated USB-C cable. The only difference is he has the paid version of Nova Launcher and I have the free version.

I figure it's something I missed. Anyone have any suggestions?
 
Last edited:

GWM4Tennis

Member
Sep 9, 2013
40
1
Ok I have the S8+ Now with chromecast - problems

The S8 was confirmed working, the AVH-8500BHS is supported. Only thing I am not sure about is the Samsung wireless dongle but if it doesn't work a recent Miracast like the Actiontec Screenbeam mini 2 or the Microsoft wireless adapter V2 should do the trick.
I have the S8+ and using chrome cast I have it all connected but something is strange. The screen wont cast to the head unit however the head unit will control my phone not sure what I am doing on how the setup should be to make it sync simply or quicker
 

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  • 7
    Great news regarding AAUnchained. Finally video streaming to my Pioneer Android Auto head unit is working and it is really stable. See here for a demo: AAUnchained video mirroring demo.
    This demo shows the AAUnchained app running on my old Nexus 6 with Android 9. It's connected wirelessly to the head unit via an AAWireless adapter. AAunchained mirrors the phone's screen to the head unit directly, 'talking' the Android Auto protocol. Because Android Auto is not used, all of the screen estate is available for mirroring.
    Next things to do is to get audio working and implementing touch from the head unit to the phone.

    I did some more testing with audio and it's also sent to the head unit using the AA protocol. Capturing internal audio is only possible with Android 10 and higher so that's going to be a requirement for the app. Have to see how that works but it's not nearly as difficult as getting the video to work.

    Touch is even simpler. Touch info is already sent via the AA protocol, just a matter of hooking it up.
    6
    Now have audio working as well. Going to add touch and then make a full demo.
    4
    AppRadio Unchained Rootless allows full mirroring of your phone from your AppRadio. This means that any app can be controlled from the head unit screen and not just a few that are specially adapted.

    AppRadio Unchained Rootless is available from the Play store here: AppRadio Unchained Rootless
    The user's manual is available here: User's manual

    For this app to work Android 7 or higher is required. As Android 7 only allows to inject complete gestures, a gesture has to be completed first on the head unit before it will be dispatched to the phone. It works similar to record and playback. Suppose you need to do a long press of 2 seconds, first press for 2 seconds, once you lift your finger it will be dispatched and replicated on the phone where it will take 2 seconds as well. It's recommended to only do things that take a short time so there won't be too much delay.

    Important
    The 'Smartphone setup' on the head unit needs to be set correctly for Android as by default it's configured for Iphone. Go to Settings->System->Input/Output Settings->SmartphoneSetup and set Device to 'Others' and Connection to 'HDMI'. See this video: Smartphone setup

    Any other AppRadio related app needs to be uninstalled as this blocks the connection to AppRadio Unchained Rootless.

    AppRadio mode requires that your device is connected to the HDMI input of the head unit. Depending on the device this can be done with a MHL / Slimport / Miracast / Chromecast adapter. This app supports automatic connection to wireless screencasting devices. Since Google API doesn't support this directly it is done via the phone's GUI. Note that only the phone's built-in screencasting capabilities can be used.

    Because this app may not work for your setup there's an extended trial period of 48 hours. In order to claim this simply request a refund within 48 hours after purchase by emailing the order number to the support email address.

    Supported head units: any AppRadio that supports Android AppMode via HDMI.
    For example: SPH-DA100, SPH-DA110, SPH-DA210, SPH-DA120, AVH-X8500BHS, AVH-4000NEX, AVH-4100NEX, AVH-4200NEX, AVIC-X850BT, AVIC-X950BH, AVIC-Z150BH, AVIC-6000NEX, AVIC-6100NEX, AVIC-6200NEX, AVIC-7000NEX, AVIC-7100NEX, AVIC-7200NEX, AVIC-8000NEX, AVIC-8100NEX, AVIC-8200NEX

    Units that have AppRadio mode via USB (a.k.a. AppRadio One) are not supported.

    Android 7 Bluetooth bug
    If during connection 'Accept thread error' is displayed this is not because of a bug in the app but due to a bug in Android 7.
    It can be fixed by disabling BT background scanning: Go to Settings -> Location, in top right menu click Scanning -> Bluetooth Scanning.

    The following features are supported:
    - Multitouch
    - AppRadio buttons
    - GPS data transfer via mock locations (only works with head units that have a GPS receiver)
    - Wake lock
    - Rotation locker (to put any app in landscape mode)
    - Real calibration
    - Start on HDMI detection (for use with phones and HDMI adapters)
    - Notifications to indicate connection state
    - Diagnostics
    - Automatic Bluetooth toggle for improved connection

    Beta test version
    The beta test version has the latest features but can also contain bugs.
    You need to become a tester of the AppRadio Unchained Rootless app to be able to get it.
    Please apply here: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/mars.area51.arunchainednr

    Beta test release notes
    0.09
    - Fix for black menu text color, now white as it should be.
    - SWC commands can now be directed to a target app.

    0.08
    - Fix for calibration out of range.
    - Fix for delay of casting start.
    - Support for automatic casting on Samsung Android 9.
    - Fix for startForegroundService.
    - Fix for rotation locker.
    - Change HDMI wired connection trigger to be triggered by Bluetooth connection.

    AppRadio is a registered trademark of Pioneer.
    Disclaimer: You are solely responsible for using this app in such a way that it does not impair your ability to drive.
    4
    A coincidence that you ask , but recently I started working on AAUnchained again. I talked to some people about it and got some new insights as how to go forward.
    It's pretty tough but I am slowly making progress. It's pretty stable now when talking to the OpenAuto head unit simulator. I can also talk to my Pioneer head unit via AAwireless but not stable yet. Plan to do some tests to talk to the head unit via USB and iron out the kinks. The code that I have now is basically a prototype and nowhere near production quality.
    4
    AAUnchained

    Thanks to the virus I have now more time available as for my regular job I am now working from home which saves a lot of commuting time.
    So I finally decided to kick off Android Auto Unchained a.k.a AAUnchained a.k.a. AAU. The target is to have one app that impersonates Android Auto, mirrors the phone screen and accepts touch input from the head unit. This without using anything from Android Auto itself. Preferably also without root access.

    Here's my to do list:
    1) Setup simulated Android Auto by using openauto
    2) Get Android Auto head unit
    3) Make Python proof of concept version of AAU
    4) - Get SSL encryption working
    5) - Get video & audio streaming working to mirror the head unit audio & video
    6) - Get touch input from head unit working to inject touch on the phone
    7) Create actual app implementing everything in Java.
    8) Do loads of testing

    Current status:
    1) Done. Have openauto compiled & working on Linux Mint.
    2) Ordered a Pioneer SPH-DA250DAB. I think this is the EU version of the DMH-2600NEX.
    3) Got Python development environment setup on Linux Mint.
    4) Working on it.
    5....) To be done.

    There seems to be one issue that's not easy to solve and that is to capture internal Android audio in order to be able to stream it. This is because Google restricted access to it. I hope there's a way around it or else the app will be pretty useless.