I've seen the method on the Tab S forum of XDA developers for amending the boot image but nothing yet for the Tab S2 8.0 (SM-T7130. Is anyone working on this?
My objective is to use my Tab S2 as a 'head unit' in my car and have it boot up in landscape mode. I've already changed the bootsamsung.qmg and bootsamsungloop.qmg with my own files and they are working fine in landscape. However, I don't know how to amend the boot image. The instructions for the Tab S don't appear to work for this model. Well, they didn't for me.
I'd much appreciate a pointer in the right direction.
Hi,
I am trying to do the same thing as you, use it as a head unit. How is it working out for you so far? Any issues?
Thank you
Nothing yet - and I'm unable to devote any time to it at the moment. Good luck with your search for a solution.
Well, I am in the design phase right now, just ordered the tablet.
Getting the boot logo in landscape mode is the least of my concern, I am more concern about everything else, specially how the tablet integrate with the rest of the hardware
checksum123 said:
Well, I am in the design phase right now, just ordered the tablet.
Getting the boot logo in landscape mode is the least of my concern, I am more concern about everything else, specially how the tablet integrate with the rest of the hardware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can help with other stuff (than the boot logo 'problem') as I've set my TabS2 to provide a sort of Driver Information System (DIS) for my campervan.
Some of the changes I've made are as follows:
1. Auxiliary output from vehicle radio to 3.5mm jack on TabS2 so it can use the vehicle's excellent speakers. Bought the connector on the internet but some modern vehicles come with a connector fitted.
2. Fused electrical connection from 12V Cigar Lighter feed through 12V-to-USB (5V) mini-connector (also bought on internet) to TabS2.
3. Wifi reversing camera (GoVue RVS-020813) connected to reversing light 12V power feed. (Wifi because I didn't want to hardwire through the vehicle).
4. Created a slide-in frame on dashboard using plastic name holders, with draught-excluder tape behind to hold TabS2 off vibrating stuff.
5. Rooted the TabS2.
6. System/bin/lpm file moved sideways and replaced with one that contains
#!/system/bin/sh
su
/system/bin/reboot
which forces the TabS2 to boot when power is applied (via mini-USB connector). ie. when the vehicle is switched on and power then goes to the 12V cigar-lighter circuit and also the spur connection via the 12V-to-USB connector to the TabS2.
7. Replaced the boot animation (not boot logo) with my own animation in landscape. For which I used Samsung Theme Designer (look on Youtube for how to do this).
8. Enforced landscape mode (for post-boot animation) using the 'Set Orientation' app for those applications I have that are otherwise restricted to portrait mode (the inbuilt portrait/landscape setting doesn't work for these).
9. Bought/installed 'Sygic for Truck' navigation app.
10. Installed 'Govue' app to use with reversing camera.
11. Using 'Cronoid' app got it to fire up Sygic on boot.
12. Using 'Automagic' (premium) created flow to check for reversing camera (ie. when actually reversing vehicle, reversing camera gets power and Govue wifi pops up. This daemon checks for it). When it is detected the Govue app fires up to display the picture. This flow also checks for when vehicle stops reversing (forward gear or neutral selected); it then kills the Govue app and displays Sygic navigation.
13. To ensure everything could be controlled via the screen (a bit difficult getting to the buttons on the edges when you're driving along), I downloaded one-touch 'ScreenOff' and 'Power Off Click' icon apps for sleep and power-off, respectively. The 'Handy Soft Keys' app allows a touch at the top of the screen which will display icons to avoid using the physical buttons. The volume is easily controlled with swipe down from the top and moving the displayed slider as needed. (Note that the power cannot be switched off while there is power via the mini-USB connector, which also means that when it is being charged it will always be booted up).
The Tab S2 is a very good bit of kit. The reason for the sliding method of attachment is because it is far too useful to devote entirely to 'Head unit' duties. I use it as my everyday slate (it also means it isn't on show to potential thieves when I park up).
Was all the above necessary. It's a moot point. I enjoyed doing it. At that time I was able to spend the hours researching the techniques on the internet.
Hope this gives you some ideas.
Nice!!!
Looks like you got everything figure out, thank you for all the tips, will sure come in handy when I start the install.
I went to Best Buy to get the S2, but saw the Tab A right next to it. I finally decided to get the Tab A 10.1 inches (2016 version) which has an octacore cpu and 2gb ram/16gb rom. Unlike you I plan to use this solely in my car, so I am planning a permanent install. My dash has a big opening, so the 10.1 inch will fit nicely, I am planning to fabricate a custom bezel to mold the tab case into a metra stock bezel, might be a tight fit, but I want it to look factory when done. I have a 2015 nissan murano.
As far as the sound, I was planning on using a usb dac, since now marshmallow support usb sound, but now that you mention it, I might just use the 3.5mm jack to feed my clarion eqs755 which is then connected to my kenwood amp. This will save me from buying a DAC.
How is the sound from the 3.5mm jack compared to the usb sound with a DAC?
What are you using for bluetooth?
The wireless backup camera is a good idea, will do the same. I thought that the camera will open the app once it detects power (by you shifting to reverse), no additional app is required?
I did not want to root mine, but looks like I need to, since that is the only way to be able to use the usb port for data and charge the tablet at the same time.
I also plan to use my steering wheel connectors to control the tablet (vol+/vol-, ok google, switching between app, etc...)
Will let you know as I progress...
Would be nice to see some pics of your install.
Here are the components I bought so far:
These will allow me to tab into my existing speakers, since I added a amp:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009B8EJYU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Clarion eq, connects to my amp and sub:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S7G1TW2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Galaxy Tab A case to fabricate into my dash:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LX4TJY1/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
12V to 5V power adapter to charge the tablet and usb hub
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OHHT7ZG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
OTG cable:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NSBVNCM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Right angle connector for the sound:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...e_11?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A04372963GF4ZZEA1VT47
To connect tablet to eq:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DI89NPE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_10?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AQJ30SX0INWVM
I plan to use this for the bluetooth, will connect it to my eq using an rca splitter, for hands free call and bluetooth streaming from phone:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0168GBMC...TF8&colid=218K2YEKLKIR3&coliid=I3IWHA254QICIF
I installed Tablet Talk to get my calls and text messages forwarded to the tablet. When I get a call I can answer from the tablet, but the sound will use my Bluetooth.
I wanted to use samsung own SideSync app, since I also have a samsung note 4 phone, for hands free calls, but it only works when connected to the same WIFI network. Tablet Talk works with WIFI/Hotspot and bluetooth.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0168GBMC...TF8&colid=218K2YEKLKIR3&coliid=I3IWHA254QICIF
For my steering wheel control:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0168GBMC...TF8&colid=218K2YEKLKIR3&coliid=I3IWHA254QICIF
Fleximaster said:
I can help with other stuff (than the boot logo 'problem') as I've set my TabS2 to provide a sort of Driver Information System (DIS) for my campervan.
Some of the changes I've made are as follows:
1. Auxiliary output from vehicle radio to 3.5mm jack on TabS2 so it can use the vehicle's excellent speakers. Bought the connector on the internet but some modern vehicles come with a connector fitted.
2. Fused electrical connection from 12V Cigar Lighter feed through 12V-to-USB (5V) mini-connector (also bought on internet) to TabS2.
3. Wifi reversing camera (GoVue RVS-020813) connected to reversing light 12V power feed. (Wifi because I didn't want to hardwire through the vehicle).
4. Created a slide-in frame on dashboard using plastic name holders, with draught-excluder tape behind to hold TabS2 off vibrating stuff.
5. Rooted the TabS2.
6. System/bin/lpm file moved sideways and replaced with one that contains
#!/system/bin/sh
su
/system/bin/reboot
which forces the TabS2 to boot when power is applied (via mini-USB connector). ie. when the vehicle is switched on and power then goes to the 12V cigar-lighter circuit and also the spur connection via the 12V-to-USB connector to the TabS2.
7. Replaced the boot animation (not boot logo) with my own animation in landscape. For which I used Samsung Theme Designer (look on Youtube for how to do this).
8. Enforced landscape mode (for post-boot animation) using the 'Set Orientation' app for those applications I have that are otherwise restricted to portrait mode (the inbuilt portrait/landscape setting doesn't work for these).
9. Bought/installed 'Sygic for Truck' navigation app.
10. Installed 'Govue' app to use with reversing camera.
11. Using 'Cronoid' app got it to fire up Sygic on boot.
12. Using 'Automagic' (premium) created flow to check for reversing camera (ie. when actually reversing vehicle, reversing camera gets power and Govue wifi pops up. This daemon checks for it). When it is detected the Govue app fires up to display the picture. This flow also checks for when vehicle stops reversing (forward gear or neutral selected); it then kills the Govue app and displays Sygic navigation.
13. To ensure everything could be controlled via the screen (a bit difficult getting to the buttons on the edges when you're driving along), I downloaded one-touch 'ScreenOff' and 'Power Off Click' icon apps for sleep and power-off, respectively. The 'Handy Soft Keys' app allows a touch at the top of the screen which will display icons to avoid using the physical buttons. The volume is easily controlled with swipe down from the top and moving the displayed slider as needed. (Note that the power cannot be switched off while there is power via the mini-USB connector, which also means that when it is being charged it will always be booted up).
The Tab S2 is a very good bit of kit. The reason for the sliding method of attachment is because it is far too useful to devote entirely to 'Head unit' duties. I use it as my everyday slate (it also means it isn't on show to potential thieves when I park up).
Was all the above necessary. It's a moot point. I enjoyed doing it. At that time I was able to spend the hours researching the techniques on the internet.
Hope this gives you some ideas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get the Tab S2 to boot on power EXACTLY? I've been trying for DAYS and i can't seem to get it to work. It's rooted and everything, tried altering the lpm file and it just shows the grey battery icon each time.
Related
Hey , I have had my desire a few weeks now. I have a problem with it.
Every time i make a phone call or accept a phone call the phone will switch to speaker phone. This happens before i put the phone up to my ear so it is not my face that is turning on speaker phone. If i hold the phone in my hand and dial a number and press call, it goes to speaker phone. If the phone rings and i answer it, it will always go straight to speak phone.
Has anyone had this problem?
My guess: somehow your phone thinks it's charging/docking. Check your connector for dirt.
If nothing else helps you could try this app (actually a widget) in the Market:
Car Mode
With this you can turn the speaker phone mode on/off. Unless your phone has a hardware problem that forces it to be always on...
pascanu said:
My guess: somehow your phone thinks it's charging/docking. Check your connector for dirt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The connection seems fine to me. I will put a can of compressed air to it tomorrow. Cheers
doggie123 said:
If nothing else helps you could try this app (actually a widget) in the Market:
Car Mode
With this you can turn the speaker phone mode on/off. Unless your phone has a hardware problem that forces it to be always on...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the app.. Unfortunately it didn't work. I may have to send the phone back to htc.
igor420 said:
I tried the app.. Unfortunately it didn't work. I may have to send the phone back to htc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't bother before you flash to stock ROM/do a full wipe (factory reset). If none of those work, it's likely borked
Hi all !
I have been stuck for 2 weeks on this issue.
I have tried all those things :
- Switch off and then switch on the phone
- Remove and reinsert the battery
- Remove and reinsert the SIM Card
- Clean up the USB connector (and there were lots of dusts inside)
- Hard reset to the factory settings
Nothing has solved the problem.
BUT I have found a SOLUTION and also a process to see if you have the same problem as me :
1) Create a shortcut on your home screen and add this shortcut : Shortcut -> Parameter -> Car dock (the icon is a padlock)
2) Click on this shortcut and enable Auto start feature
3) A little car icon will appear in the status bar if there is a short circuit at that moment
4) Take your mini usb cable and plug it into the phone usb connector (without connecting the cable to an electrical outlet nor your PC, we don't want to charge the phone, in fact it doesn't matter but I advice you to not charge it during the process)
5) Now track if the car icon is present, if it is, just move up and down and left and right the cable to check if it's not a hardware short circuit like it is for me (!!). If the car icon appears and disappears during the process while you are moving the cable, then it's a hardware short circuit problem (nothing to do with some kind of software bug as mentioned by some people).
To fix the problem permanently you have 2 choices :
5.1) Take your phone back to the shop
5.2) My solution if you are a lazy man like I am : use the cable to twist correctly the male connector (the one inside the phone) to the correct position. For me the correct position was : lay down your phone on a table, screen upwards, you must twist the connector upwards too. The direction to twist the connector is from the bottom (the table) to the up (the screen) = If you take your phone in front of you and you are looking at the screen, twist the connector towards yourself.
I have fixed the problem this way.
I hope you will be able to fix it too.
Jérémy.
I ve got HDH and I ve instaled 'all call recorder' since then everithing was okay...but after 1-2 weeks this issue was happening speaker always on on recieving call or making a call.so my oppinion uninstal(if you have) call recorder app.it will fix this issue.cheers!
Confirmed: works with Sprint SG2 Epic Touch, Android 2.3.6
Bought this mini bluetooth keyboard (Hype) at Fry's for $19.99 (regular price). The box claims to be compatible with ipad, iphone, smartphones, netbooks and other bluetooth enabled devices. This appears to be the same one that someone posted here which sells on ebay for $10-$12.
Pros: Affordable, works with ET4G (flashed to metro/gingerbread) out of the box- just pair and go, compact- fits in your pocket, lightweight, nice looking- has a nice black finish, all keys & function seems to be working, easy to use to add contacts, no batteries needed (rechargeable ion battery)...
Cons: case can easily open up if you accidentally drop it, some keys are not too responsive (have to press hard), people with fat fingers will have issues using it if planning to use it to write a document, my PS3 does not recognize it when I scan to look for bluetooth devices (ps3 has latest firmwares)...
What comes in the box: installation cd (don't need it), keyboard, 2.0 usb cable
Overall, I will use this keyboard at work to input my appointments...so when the boss passes by- he won't think I'm on Facebook- which I am sometimes- but this time I can hide the keyboard... I don't recommend to use it as to do homework, long texts or paperwork...you will get frustrated when you realized not all keys registered... I'm sure with a little more practice, this keyboard should suffice.
Hi... I need your help.
How did you get the keyboard to hook up to your phone?
My email address is [email protected].
Thanks,
Make sure your keyboard is fully charged. Turn your keyboard on, top-side switch. Then, there is a button on the top right, press it once, should blink blue once. Turn on your bluetooth on your phone through your settings. Search for device, when it discovers your keyboard, pair it, it will give you a passcode. Enter passcode..give it a few seconds. On your phone, once it paired, it will highlight in blue. What I noticed about this keyboard is that it doesn't pair immediately sometimes, can take seconds.
Has anyone found a third party (or oem) desktop cradle that will automatically put the phone into dock mode? I have read some other forums that mention ways to mod usb cords or other docks with certain resistors between pins 4 & 5 on connector to initiate either car mode or home dock mode based on the resistance. Does anyone know if the same resistance values for other HTC phones apply to vzw HTC one? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Just use an nfc tag. Then you can use any dock and still have the same result. Much easier and cheaper
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app
MrDowntown12 said:
Just use an nfc tag. Then you can use any dock and still have the same result. Much easier and cheaper
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip! I have seen some posts about using ufc tags. Do I attach the nfc tag to the back of the dock? Do I need a special app to initiate the proper mode/settings upon contact? I had a galaxy nexus and the pogo pin dock prior to this and really liked just setting it in the dock and having it go into bedside mode.
I don't think there is a desktop dock mode in sense 5. If there is I haven't found it. I just bought a cheapy desktop charger and downloaded dock clock plus, then adusted the settings for it to start whenever connected to power seeing as i usually only charge my phone on the nightstand at night.
nbelshaw said:
Thanks for the tip! I have seen some posts about using ufc tags. Do I attach the nfc tag to the back of the dock? Do I need a special app to initiate the proper mode/settings upon contact? I had a galaxy nexus and the pogo pin dock prior to this and really liked just setting it in the dock and having it go into bedside mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you will need an app to program the tag. I used NFC task launcher in the past.
I have one on my desk at work. It turns everything off an puts my phone in airplane mode. When I leave I tap it again and it goes into normal mode.
NFC tag would be easiest way to do this. Tasker might be able to do this also.
Thanks everyone for the ideas. When I said bedside mode I was thinking of the daydream mode built in to android 4.2. I am aware that I can set it to turn on when charging as well but sometimes I charge elsewhere and do not want it to go into daydream... Picky I know. My habit of bedside mode actually started way back in my blackberry days. Thanks again for your help and ideas.
nbelshaw said:
Thanks everyone for the ideas. When I said bedside mode I was thinking of the daydream mode built in to android 4.2. I am aware that I can set it to turn on when charging as well but sometimes I charge elsewhere and do not want it to go into daydream... Picky I know. My habit of bedside mode actually started way back in my blackberry days. Thanks again for your help and ideas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just hit the power button to turn off the screen, when you charge, where you don't want it.
What really annoys me, is that Android does seem to be able to fully turn of back lighting, while still having the LCD active like I could on my Symbian and Sony feature phones. it didn't suck much battery and I could always see the time etc., at night a touch of e.g. The volume key would shortly turn on backlight.
pmeinert said:
Just hit the power button to turn off the screen, when you charge, where you don't want it.
What really annoys me, is that Android does seem to be able to fully turn of back lighting, while still having the LCD active like I could on my Symbian and Sony feature phones. it didn't suck much battery and I could always see the time etc., at night a touch of e.g. The volume key would shortly turn on backlight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that's what daydream does, try looking into Lux
sweetvroom said:
I think that's what daydream does, try looking into Lux
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, Lux cannot completely turn off backlight last time I had it installed (actually bought it). (This is not what op was looking for and I don't want to highjac his thread, so let's stop here.)
I'd just like to be able to turn off the 'dock mode' as it is not something I want when I put the phone in the dock.
Unable to 'Disable'
Tried "Dock No Op"...no luck
Tried "DockNothing" ...no luck
Freaking locked down crap!
You need to get some NFC tags.
Amazon.com: NFC Tags with 1k Chip 10 Pack + Keychain + Free Bonus Tag - Android Writeable & Programmable - Adhesive Sticker Back - Samsung Galaxy S3 Note 2 - HTC One First One X Droid DNA - Sony Xperia - Lg Optimus G - Smart Tags - Best Money-Back Guarantee!
Hi,
I am a new on this forum.
I bought HU with Android 4.4.4 and works fine, but not everything. I have MTCB-KGL-2.80 from 21 Sep 2015 and rk3188-eng4.4.4 19102015.
My problem is with detecting signal from rear camera.
In Factory Settings I turn on "Reversing switch" and "Front camera". After that I see in my applications, app named "F-Cam". I run this, and change to back, that after put my revers gear I see image from camera, but only in this applications. When I connect to RCA named AVIN, then I can use application AVIN.
When I have Home screen or running Radio/GPS/DVD or other applications, etc., after put my gear revers I did not see nothing from Camera, I still see current display (eg. Radio/ GPS). Nothing happened on screen.
In my camera I have optional cable with 12V. I tried to connect to cable with orange/black color. Also nothing happened.
I do not know where is the problem.
Also when I change my climatronic, I do not see nothing on screen.
If I have to add some image, I will can do this in the evening (Poland time).
Regards,
Pawel
What is the make and model of your unit, have you got a picture of it from the back to show connections?
Sounds like you might have connected to the wrong input (AV in rather than rear view in) and also sounds like you haven't soldered a wire to the "Reverse Trigger" wire.
dc5daft said:
What is the make and model of your unit, have you got a picture of it from the back to show connections?
Sounds like you might have connected to the wrong input (AV in rather than rear view in) and also sounds like you haven't soldered a wire to the "Reverse Trigger" wire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
My HU is the Erison but cannot find the number.
But I solved my problem.
All connections were corect.
I turn off "Front camera" and "Reversing switch" option in Factory Settings, and the camera starts display image after turn on the gear reverse.
But I still do not know, for what is the option "Reversing switch" in Factory Settings
Pawel
Pwojnarowski said:
Hi,
But I still do not know, for what is the option "Reversing switch" in Factory Settings
Pawel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Normally it's +12 volt that activates the switching. Reversing means that going from +12 to ground will activate the switching.
halloj said:
Normally it's +12 volt that activates the switching. Reversing means that going from +12 to ground will activate the switching.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for explonations
Thanks to the work by a lot of people in @Moriatier 's "Frankenstein Phone" thread, over here, many of us have been able to flash our V30's from other variants to the US998 variant. An unexpected discovery (for me at least) was that the US998 has Mirrorlink which is not present in at least some of the other variants.
What is Mirrorlink?
It is an interface designed to allow a cell phone to interact with a car head unit. It is similar in purpose to Android Auto (AA) or Apple Carplay (ACP). Basically, your V30 display is shown on your car touch screen and you can control the apps from there. BUT... in the interests of safety, there are MANY restrictions placed on what is displayed and what you can do, as well as steps to limit what you can do with your device while it is connected.
A quick word on safety:
TL;DR - Don't be a jackass. Pay attention to the road while driving.
The restrictions placed on what is displayed and what you can do with those options appear to be there mainly in the interest of driving safety. Texting or other distracted driving contributes to motor vehicle collisions. The purpose of this thread is not to promote playing angry birds while driving.
With that said, IMHO some of - EG in AA, even a passenger is blocked from seeing the full list of music genres available in spotify. I would prefer you give me a warning which i acknowledge, and then let me proceed. IMHO, driving safety is the responsibility of the driver; if someone is going to be a jerk and text while driving, then restrictions on these interfaces are not going to stop that. Just as I would ask anyone behind the wheel of a car, be responsible.
Moving on:
I have used Android Auto for the last couple years, but continue to experience frustration with the limitations placed on the device while connected, and with software bugs that IMHO leave AA feeling like a Beta stage app.
Ideally, I would like to be able to simply mirror my device screen on the car head unit. I could then choose the apps that I want to use. For example, I would love to be able to open the Gasbuddy app and see a list of the surrounding gas prices and link to navigation for the one I choose. I would like to be able to play Ingress without disconnecting and reconnecting the device every time I stop at a portal. I would like to use Google Maps but have access to streetview so I can actually see what I'm looking for. When I pull up to the drive through, I would like to be able to see the list of coffee orders that I need to ask for without having to disconnect my phone from the car. How about when you arrive to pick up someone, being able to read email, news or watch a video clip on your car screen while you wait for your passenger to come to the car!
You get the point. AA and ACP are very restrictive and do not allow this. However, whether by design or error, Mirrorlink seems much more permissive. It even has a "home screen" button to show the home screen on your device. There are several Youtube videos showing Samsung Galaxy S8 users having full access to their phone. Unfortunately, it isn't working as hoped on the V30... yet!
UPDATE: I have a fairly stable setup working now with my V30 on my 2016 VW GTI. Note: I purchased a tool that allowed me to unlock a feature in my car that was blocking mirrorlink once the car was set in motion.
Index:
Links (Post #2)
Installation and setup (Post #3)
Links:
LG Mirrordrive App
Button Savior - Non Root
Full Mirror for Mirrorlink
Android Auto App
Screen Rotation Control
Nova Launcher
Screen Resizer
Drivemode
Requirements:
1. A car head unit that has Mirrorlink! Mine is a 16 VW GTI
2. US998, with Oreo 8.0.0
3. Install LG Mirrordrive App
4. Install a Home Screen Launcher that allows for landscape home screens. I am using Nova Launcher.
5. ** I needed to unlock "Mirrorlink in Motion" and "Video in Motion" on my car ECM **
Optional:
1. Install a driving interface app to make launching and controlling your options while on the move safe and convenient. I am usimg Drivemode right now. It is a little cartoonist for my taste but it works well and is easy to use.
2. Install Button Savior - Non Root (So far I haven't seen the need for the root version). This app creates an overlay with customizable buttons to control functions on the phone such as closing a window, or returning to the home screen as well as shortcuts such as opening the dialer app. My car head unit has it's own overlay buttons that are doing the job for now, so I don't need this app, although it might add some functionality. You can decide if you need it or not for your setup.
3. Install Screen Rotation Control - As long as your phone desktop is in landscape mode, you should not need this for typical operation. However, Apps that are portrait orientation only (Starbucks coffee for example) will cause an issue. If you use this utility, it will force even those apps to landscape.
4. Install Screen Resized (or similar tool). On the VW Gti screen, a slim part of the left edge of the image is off the display. This means you can't see a bit and can't touch icons on the left edge. Screen resizer allows you to padd the left edge so it fits properly on my head unit. YMMV
Setup:
1. OPTIONAL: Launch Screen Rotation Control and set it to landscape.
2. In your phone settings under Mirrorlink, tap for options, and select "Allow car to auto-connect." Strictly speaking, you don't have to do this, but if you don't, then you will have to go into the phone Mirrorlink settings each time you connect to turn it on.
3. OPTIONAL: Launch Button Savior - You will need to turn on an accessibility setting - It will tell you. I suggest setting the location of the side button (that you use to open the bar) to the bottom of the screen.
4. OPTIONAL: Launch Screen Resizer - For my VW GTI, I enter 150 (or so) in the top field to make the display fit properly. Then Resize, accept. You can now Close this app. To return to proper size when you disconnect, either reboot or launch resizer again, leave the fields as 0 and click resize and accept.
5. OPTIONAL: Launch Drivemode (or other driving interface)
6 (a). Set you car head unit to use Mirrorlink. Plug in your device to your car and make sure the car is detects it and initiates a Mirrorlink connection.
It might tell you there is no working app on the car, but show the Mirrorlink screen on the phone. In this case, go to the options menu in Mirrorlink on the car and launch the LG Mirrordrive App. Close the LG Mirrordrive app.
6(b) Now go into the options menu in Mirrorlink on the car, and select the option to close apps and close the Mirrordrive App. (Yes, I know you just opened it. We need to open it to get the service activated, but leaving it open may interfere with what we want to do. Hopefully down the road, someone smarter than me can find a way to bypass this.)
7. Select the home screen button in the car menu ( looks like a phone rotating from portrait to landscape on my car unit menu).
You should now be looking at a landscape view of your cell phone home screen!
Working:
I have tested Google Maps, Waze, Telegram messenger, Starbucks App, Gasbuddy and Spotify, to name a few and they are all working!
Of course, Google Assistant continues to be of great help in allowing voice commands while driving, such as, "Send Message to Dave on Telegram" or "Navigate to 123 Wentworth Street"
Problems:
As soon as I put the car in motion, my screen blacked out with a notice saying the app is not available while the vehicle is in motion. I was able to get past this by umlocking "Mirrorlink in Motion" and "Video in Motion" on my VW GTI's ECM. You will need to test and assess your own vehicle head unit. I used an OBDeleven to unlock mine.
I tested Full Mirror for Mirrorlink but had more problems than success. However, this was before finding a work-around for the rotation problems. This might be worth a second look, especially if you are having problems with the car head unit buttons to control your apps.
I tested Auto+ Show, but had no success; it never detected any connection. I think this app might be for a specific piece of video hardware or something.
I get an error on Spotify saying music cannot be played while using Mirrorlink. It pauses the music. I was able to work around this by launching the Rocksound app AFTER everything else is already working. Then I used the head unit on screen controls to get back to my own desktop and Spotify worked properly then.
reserved for future use #3
Mad Medik said:
There are several Youtube videos showing Samsung Galaxy S8 users having full access to their phone.
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it is a bug, it is not feature of Samsung with LG MirrorDrive
Mad Medik said:
... yet!
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No bug = no full access
Mad Medik said:
Problems:
As soon as I put the car in motion, my screen blacked out with a notice saying the app is not available while the vehicle is in motion.
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you can unlock MirrorLink in motion in VAG vehicles
shaggyxda said:
it is a bug, it is not feature of Samsung with LG MirrorDrive
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Yes, correct.
shaggyxda said:
No bug = no full access
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I'm not sure what you mean? There are some work around (bugs?) Discovered already and hopefully more to be found.
shaggyxda said:
you can unlock MirrorLink in motion in VAG vehicles
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Yes, but just saying that won't help anyone who doesn't already know about that. Please share links and/or your knowledge in that area so others can benefit!
A solution without changing the car's coding would be much better. Especially as this is often removed after servicing at VW/SEAT/SKODA dealership, and it is not possible to do on ANY mirrorlink car.
Currently the only working and consistent (100%) and easy-to-do "hack" consists of using any "drive-enabled" app, and render a floating window (can also be maximized) on top of it. For this Android 7.0 or higher. is MANDATORY. But then you will indeed get full mirroring quite easy.
ktwo said:
Currently the only working and consistent (100%) and easy-to-do "hack" consists of using any "drive-enabled" app, and render a floating window (can also be maximized) on top of it. For this Android 7.0 or higher. is MANDATORY. But then you will indeed get full mirroring quite easy.
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"using any drive enabled app"
I'm assuming we would all be starting with the LG MirrorDrive app. Does that count as a drive enabled app or do you mean something in addition to that? I recall having to install a mirrorlink enabled music app, open it then cancel it, before launching Spotify, or Spotify audio would be cut off.
"render a floating window"
I have previously enabled the force resizeable option to allow any app to split screen. That appears to be a step being able to launch a floating window according to this:
https://www.xda-developers.com/andr...what-it-is-and-how-developers-can-utilize-it/
Is that what you mean or do you have a different process?
The LG app is drive enabled yes, but you can also use some others, like Sygic or Rockscout. (if you look at the mirrorlink applauncher screen those apps will not have a crossed steering wheel, means they will not kick you out if you start moving the car)
Now with 7.0 as you said, you can make floating windows, as long as the floating window is rendered on top of a drive-enabled app it will work. However right now to do this it would require a bunch of different apps, so the process is very cumbersome. I'm trying to improve this with a single new apk install which brings all the needed features to do this. (e.g. a soft-button bar, a launcher for launching a floating app, maximized on top of it)
There could be several other theoretical options available. (Just theories, i'm still trying to understand how mirrorlink exactly works)
1.) somehow fake the certificate or modify a existing apk to show a different activity than the intended one
2.) somehow make mirrorlink think an app is drive enabled without faking the certificate, instead just add mirrorlink compatibility into the manifest to show up on the launcher
3.) intercept the mirrorlink VNC server / proxy it to a custom VNC server
4.) find a way to let the mirrorlink system think the car is not moving, while it is (without messing with car ECU obviously)
I'm pretty sure MirrorLink has some other weak points, and being a system which will no longer be developed or used (many abandoned it e.g. VW, SEAT is no longer providing mirrorlink app but the moved to AA). So once this weak spot is found, its kinda the holy grail, as this will probably never be changed again (whereas Android-Auto weak-spots might be patched ASAP).
Check out this security analysis too: http://damonmccoy.com/papers/ivi-woot.pdf