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Can my mirrorlink headunit be Android?

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6.7K views 17 replies 3 participants last post by  ItsonlyaHONDA  
#1 ·
I have a car with a factory mirrorlink head unit. So, if I install the right app, my phone can project or mirror its android screen. It occurs to me that if I had a tiny screenless android device, and plugged it into the socket, my mirrorlink headunit would basically become an android head unit, without some of the downsides of plugging your phone in (e.g. need to keep the screen turned on, need to plug your phone in when you get in the car etc).

But for some strange reason, I don't see anyone talking about doing this, or selling devices to do this. Companies like carlinkit and smartworldcompany sell little android dongle / boxes running Android ( Multi Media Boxes ), but they are marketed as only being suitable for turning carplay head units into Android screens. But I think to myself, if I install the mirrorlink app ( CarbitLink-EasyConnection - Apps on Google Play ) recommended by the car manufacturer for your android phone, onto these little android boxes, why wouldn't it work with mirrorlink head units? But if it's that easy, why has nobody thought of that or marketed that?
 
#6 ·
I installed an aftermarket plug-and-play head-unit in my 2012 Impala and it supported the Android screen mirroring. I thought it would be cool. It's not.

It's just not a good interface to use while driving a car. The interface elements are just too small for in-car use, IMO. Way too hard to use the touch interface when the touch elements are so small. Yes, you can hack things and try to change the resolution, etc, but then that causes its own set of issues.
 
#7 ·
I installed an aftermarket plug-and-play head-unit in my 2012 Impala and it supported the Android screen mirroring. I thought it would be cool. It's not.

It's just not a good interface to use while driving a car. The interface elements are just too small for in-car use, IMO. Way too hard to use the touch interface when the touch elements are so small. Yes, you can hack things and try to change the resolution, etc, but then that causes its own set of issues.
I used a phone mounted on the dash for ages... if you use the right launcher, and the right music player, then it's ... ok. But anyway, if someone knew how to mirror android auto to a mirrorcast unit, that would be something to look into, but I've never heard of such a thing. At least mirroring Android onto mirrorcast is a problem that seems to be solved at least.... if I could just overcome the problems mentioned above.
 
#14 ·
You will also need to constantly either tether internet to it or get service for it which will cost a bit much. In the end replacing the head unit would be more convenient. I wish that I could swap mine out just to get a better source signal. 😕 and I have android auto which I hardly use. It's cool but, I wish it was wireless.