[Q] Using in my car?

[Kaitlyn2004]

With my iPhone I just had a kensington dock connector that charged + had an AUX out - so I got power + audio through the dock.

With Android it's clearly not nearly as easy

My car does not have native bluetooth but it WOULD be nice to take this opportunity (if it makes sense) to be able to effectively use my android phone for audio, gps nav (spoken directions) and handsfree calling (or at the very least, receiving calls)

What would be the best way to accomplish this? My AUX-in is in my center console, covered... so I could stick a bluetooth->3.5mm adapter there..

This SHOULD work for audio, GPS and hearing calls - but what about speaking on the phone? Phone might be in pocket - but even if in a holder mounted on windshield would mic be positioned properly to speak into it?

One thing i would really love is to be able to use GPS navigation while listening to radio, but I'm not sure this is possible. When using GPS I either have to ignore voice prompts or switch to AUX and be music-less or restricted to music from phone...

FYI I have a 2007 Accord - the AUX port was added in after

 

[kpjimmy]

I have an aux port and I don't think you are going to be able to do all the things you want through the Aux port. I use the aux port with a HTC Stereo clip and that streams just music to the aux port from any bt device (I have a N7 as well). That is all the Aux port will do and all I want it to do. However saying that I also have a Parrot minikit neo which connects automatically when I have my llama profile to switch on bt when disconnecting from any wifi, which usually means home or work. Using the Parrot or anything like that, you will be able to use navi for voice prompts and answer calls at the same time.

No not ideal, but works for me. No it's not seamless, but it works bottom line. lol

If anyone else has a setup, please post up!

 

[richrecruiter]

I don't think there's a seamless way to accomplish what you're trying to do. I've got a 2010 Accord and use a windshield mount and AUX for music/GPS. Works well for me. I don't think there's a way to listen to the radio and GPS nav unless you're just using the N4 speakers.

 

[4Pr3mier]

I've been using this in my car.
http://www.amazon.com/XtremeMac-InCharge-Auto-Bluetooth-iPhone/dp/B005UKLW0W/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_2_1
The mic is located on the huge male end of the 3.5mm plug and if placed or mounted properly(somewhere near the driver's mouth), you may be able to talk clearly as well.
I don't talk on the phone while I drive, so I disabled that function and have never used it.
This item was on sale a couple of weeks ago for $20 on one of those deal sites.

Also bought a 3.5mm extension cable to plug into the aux port on the stereo.

I haven't figured out how to have the radio and GPS directions come out the same speakers either.

 

[Radiocore]

I just got this yesterday:

http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Blueto...56633664&sr=1-1&keywords=belkin+bluetooth+car

It mounts on the dash and has a microphone built in. It is powered (and the power cable includes an extra USB port so you can charge your phone while this thing is plugged in). I am in love with this thing, it works beautifully. I paired it once and since then, when I get in my car and push the button on this device, it automatically connects to my phone. If I'm talking on the phone or listening to music, the audio is automatically redirected to my speakers (if you're on a call and don't want it on your speakers yet, just don't push the button on the bluetooth adapter yet).

It works to control the phone too, I can push twice to go to the next song (works in google music and pandora, haven't tested others), click once to pause, hold for 2 seconds and release to pull up voice dailer.

Sound actually seems a bit improved as well compared to the AUX out on the phone. I find the AUX out volume to be extremely low, and this seems to be a bit louder, although I haven't done any actual tests to confirm.

I built a custom dock that has a charging cable built in, so I get in my car, set it on the dock, hit the bluetooth button on the adapter, and I'm listening to music and making calls. No wires to plug in, no hassle. It's great.

A couple of things I still need to test though. I haven't tried GPS while listening to music yet, so I can't confirm that functionality. I also have not tried other voice functions from the voice dialer to see if I can have it play a certain song or other voice commands.

 

[Solutions Etcetera]

With Android it's clearly not nearly as easy

No... its not. But if you want easy... this is the way I recommend you go.

Unless your current in-dash stereo is an expensive aftermarket unit, just replace it with a new bluetooth enabled model. They are dirt cheap now-a-days and can be had for around $100-150.

While you may save "a little" money going with some crippled add on solution, a new unit will give you all that you are after plus a USB port for charging, all in a simple, single interface. Also, with add ons you may run into ground loops issues and other nonsense (which will take more money and time to address).

just my 2¢... but I have considerable experience with a variety of add on bluetooth stuff, and if my head unit wasn't a $1500, double DIN, standalone GPS/DVD unit, I'd have yanked it and put in a cheap, new bluetooth capable unit in a heartbeat. I was talking to my brother on Christmas... he was in Starbucks getting his daily fix. Then walked out to his car where his new $150 Sony automatically picked up the conversation upon starting the engine, and I didn't miss a syllable.

 

[RockHead]

I just got this yesterday:

http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Blueto...56633664&sr=1-1&keywords=belkin+bluetooth+car

It mounts on the dash and has a microphone built in. It is powered (and the power cable includes an extra USB port so you can charge your phone while this thing is plugged in). I am in love with this thing, it works beautifully.

I've had one of these for a month or so. It works quite well, though I have some audio/volume issues due to my aux input being a soldered hack into my old Saab's radio. Not Belkin's fault. It works well for calls, pauses Spotify when Google Gnav is announcing turns, can pause or skip songs in Spotify, etc. $30 well spent.

Though after reading this thread, I'm thinking of changing out the car radio head unit for one that has integrated Bluetooth to do away with my hack. Found a well reviewed Pioneer on Crutchfield and Amazon for around $100.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Solutions Etcetera]

Check out JVC as well. They have good support for Android, with Pandora, and a dedicated remote app too.

 

[Radiocore]

Yeah, I don't seem to have any of those volume issues, and I get now grounding feedback or anything.

A new headunit of course is the ideal solution, but I didn't want to give up my setup quite yet for that option, and right now the Belkin has treated me great.

I did test navigation while music is playing (google music app), it just lowers the volume of the music while she talks over it. Works just fine in my opinion.

Holding down the button on the Belkin brings up the voice caller, and it strictly only lets me do call commands. Anyone know how to change this so that holding the button on the bluetooth device will open a different app on my phone? Specifically, Google Now.

 

[Kaitlyn2004]

For those with the belkin, does it automatically connect when you get into your car?

 

[socaltyger]

For those with the belkin, does it automatically connect when you get into your car?

I've been using the Jabra freeway Bluetooth speaker. Works great with excellent battery life. Auto connects when you get in car.