How to Connect Android with Car Stereo
There are a few different ways to approach connecting an Android device to your car stereo. The one you choose to use depends on the features your car stereo has. Let’s approach 5 solutions you can use in order.
- Auxiliary Jack
Many newer cars come with an auxiliary audio jack. You may be able to spot the audio jack on or near the stereo. Some vehicles like the Honda CR-V has an audio jack in the center console in between the front right and left seats. You can use a simple 3.5 mm cable to connect the Android to the car. From there, change the stereo to the AUX setting and you’ll hear everything.
Older vehicles may have a “secret” audio jack located behind the stereo. Auto manuals often don’t include this information, so Google it to see if your particular car has one. Of course, using such a jack may involve removing the stereo and other handy work.
- Bluetooth
If your car stereo supports a Bluetooth connection, you can simply enable Bluetooth on your Android under “Settings” > “Network Connections”. Then make your Android “discoverable” or “visible”. Set your car stereo to find the device, then you should be prompted to enter a PIN. Once connected, you can enjoy playing all of your music wirelessly.
- Cassette Tape Deck Adapter
If your car is old enough and contains a cassette tape deck, you can use a Cassette Tape Adapter to listen to your Android tunes. Just slide the adapter into the cassette deck and connect it to the audio jack on your Android. Done!
- FM Transmitter
If you don’t have one of the above options, you’ll need to pony up a bit more cash for an FM Transmitter. An FM Transmitter will broadcast audio from your Android over FM frequencies, allowing you to listem through a selected radio station on your car stereo. Prices for such devices can range from $15 to $100. From experience I can say that an FM Transmitter is not a thing you want to cheap out on. Going mid-range is a best bet. I personally invested in the Belkin TuneCast and am very happy with it. This particular transmitter charges my Android as well. If you already have a car charging solution, you can go cheaper with this model.
Once you have your FM Transmitter, find the best radio station to use in your area and set it to that station.
- Android 4.4 Car Stereo
The simplest way is to upgrade your car with a plug and play Android 4.4 Car Stereo. It ranges from $300 to $450, quite expensive. But it supports many functions, such as GPS navigation, 3G/Wifi, USB/SD, iPhone/iPod input and Steering wheel control etc.
Now you’re ready to listen to some Android tunes or navigation instructions crisply and clearly through your car speakers.
Source: technipages.com
【Customer Review for Pumpkin】KD-C0224 Universal 6.95" Android 4.4 Double Din Car Stereo
This thing is amazing. There is so much more you can do. There are some minor issues that can be resolved with a little perseverance.
By M.Duus
Pros:
- WiFi Tethering: This unit connects up fine to my cellphone and tethers perfectly, everytime, without fail.
- Bluetooth: While the head unit is connected to cellphone’s WiFi tether, it’s also able to connect to both my cellphone’s Bluetooth for audio and cell, as well as my Bluetooth OBDII unit which I use with the provided torque app.
- Play Store: All apps work and I have not had any issues at all.
- Radio: Signal in my part of the USA is fantastic. Sound is strong, and very little “hiss” for weaker stations.
- DVD Player: Mine worked when tested, but I don’t use it, so I can’t comment extensively.
- USB: I connected a 64 bit USB thumb drive and it has not given any issues.
- 3G Dongle: I haven’t used this, but from reading at XDA forums, there are some issues with powering the device. A powered USB hub fixes this issue.
- GPS: iGo app is not my favorite, so I simply downloaded Waze, and changed the setting in the GPS settings of Android to use the Waze app when Navigation button is pressed. You can do this with any GPS app, such as Google maps, which worked perfectly well with the satellite view as well.
Cons:
- Tuner: Looses presets occasionally. Not sure why yet. It’s not a big issue for me.
- Random: When I use certain apps, and don’t close them before I turn off the car, they force close when the head unit restarts. Not a big deal, but something to be aware of.
- Fitment: Unit is about 1/4″ wider than USA standard double din head unit. You’ll need to trim the bezel on your car to fit. If you don’t want to do this, then this unit is not good for you.
In Summary
I have waited a long time for a head unit that could do everything I wanted it to do without issues. This unit does them all, with only very minor issues. All of which I feel will be resolved with future firmware and ROM releases. The manufacturers are constantly releasing updates and fixes, and are very hands on in the development and support. I highly recommend it !
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