Thread: Android Tablet FM USB Tuner?

I have little to no programming experience so excuse me if this comes off as stupid....but is there any way that the code can be decompiled to the point where someone could figure out how to write their own application to control the unit? I just say this because as carputer enthusiasts we expect a little bit more than what this app may be able to deliver. If we could figure out how it sends commands to the unit, then we would possibly create a custom ui for it.

The main reason I say this is because I think most of us are just interested in the fm radio part of the unit, and not so much the mp3 capabilities etc. Just random thoughts. I could share them with my gf but I don't think she's interested haha.

@Lankin

Not stupid at all a very valid question. I too looked at the app and thought it would be nice if I could make all the other buttons disappear some how as they will likely get pressed by the misses and cause confusion and frustration, which in turn will probably end up with a request to refurbish the old standard x5 head unit hahaha. There are methods to decompile android apks, but this is poses possible copyright infringement issues unless the app was purely for personal use I would imagine. In which case sharing it publicly may not be possible. On a technical level though depending on how much time and patience one has, it's likely you would be able to extract out just the FM part of the app. How easy that will be would be anyone's guess! LOL

Although thinking about it, maybe just hiding the buttons is the go?? umm might look in to this

Had a quick look and the good news is that the app does seem to contain a library for control of the device. The library is referenced throughout the app to send commands and receive data, so if you wanted to build a completely custom app, there is probably enough example code to draw on. That said it's a fairly complex app (as imagined) so if you wanted a quick and dirty option, I'd opt for just removing the other buttons and keeping the radio icon. A dev could do this in about 5 minutes and you could make it load the FM screen on opening the app with a bit more effort.

Again I don't endorse or condone any of this as it likely infringes copyright. Just interesting for educational and research purposes.

contra,

can you control audio settings (volume) of the headunit from your tablet?

yes...

Contra, can you connect both a phone and tablet to the unit a the same time? The tablet for controlling the unit with the app and the phone for receiving calls?

I actually tried that, it doesn't seem to allow more than 1, BT connection at a time, I it could connect USB instead of BT problem would be solved

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

Getting AM/FM radio to work with a tablet is one of the reasons why I went with the Pioneer Appradio2 / ARLiberator android app approach.

The Appradio2 can be purchased from Crutchfiled for only $279 after rebate, or you can get it from Best Buy for $279 without a rebate. The advantages I see of the Appradio2 vs tablet are:

1.) integrated AM/FM tuner that connects directly to vehicle antenna for good reception
2.) integrated bluetooth for voice calls, text messages email etc is all accessible
3.) Supports mixing phone / radio and ipod audio
4.) Rearview camera input and auto activation when shifter put in reverse gear
5.) I suspect better sunlight readability vs tablet but cannot confirm as I have not viewed a tablet in a vehicle.
5.) Very easy installation...not much more involved than installing any other double din head unit.

fridaystreet will you please share your app with us? I very much need this to enable FM radio with my Nexus 7 tablet in the Xterra. I have a IOIO and Si4703 on the way