Poor man's Android Auto

[Stubbie Blue]

My 135i doesn't have iDrive but Android Auto can be used directly on your phone with "Ok Google" voice recognition, reading aloud and sending text messages by voice, and a simplified driver friendly interface.

You just need to mount your phone somewhere. I used this CD slot mount for $9. Puts your phone within arms reach and not too low. It's sturdy enough and doesn't shake. Not sure if I'd trust it in the vertical orientation though because there would not be any tabs on the bottom holding your phone. My phone is an LG X Power with 5.3" screen.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J5PS1PG/

[Fakemike]

I have the exact same setup and I'm happy with it. Doesn't block the AC too much and I can still see some the radio if I need to.

[Ric in RVA]

Anyone ever screwed up the CD player using one of these?

I totally forgot about android auto since I started using waze integrated with spotify.

Is there something on Android auto that I should check out?

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by Ric in RVA

Anyone ever screwed up the CD player using one of these?

I totally forgot about android auto since I started using waze integrated with spotify.

Is there something on Android auto that I should check out?

It messes up the dust guard a little, but it doesn't really matter if you never use the CD player anyway.

[YearOneOne]

Seems like just yesterday we weren't using the cassette deck anymore.

[bbrugger]

Thanks for the idea, just what I was looking for.

[Matticus91]

Nice setup - I use the Koomus mount now, it's the newer version of these types of mounts and is a million times better than the screw-type you guys have. When those break or stop being stable I highly recommend the upgrade for $4 or so:

https://www.amazon.com/Koomus-Pro-CD...oomus+cd+mount

[YearOneOne]

Originally Posted by Matticus91

Nice setup - I use the Koomus mount now, it's the newer version of these types of mounts and is a million times better than the screw-type you guys have. When those break or stop being stable I highly recommend the upgrade for $4 or so:

https://www.amazon.com/Koomus-Pro-CD...oomus+cd+mount

How does it take bumps?

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by YearOneOne

How does it take bumps?

100% fine. I use it with my S7 Edge and it's never fallen.

[Ric in RVA]

After a couple of days I had to take Android Auto off. What a pain in the ASS.

It is like a needy girlfriend. Always signing into the system as soon as it sees your bluetooth. Still haven't figured out how to force it to use waze even though it has waze integration and the volume is too loud relative to spotify and as far as I can tell not adjustable.

I will stick to WAZE with spotify integration which works great....and just exercise restraint from texting...

[Ric in RVA]

Went searching for an option.

Found a great one. So far way better than android auto.

Called Drivemode.

https://drivemode.com/

You can add waze and spotify and the app is very smooth and user friendly.

Transparent overlay so you can see map and song!!!

[Stubbie Blue]

Originally Posted by Ric in RVA

Went searching for an option.

Found a great one. So far way better than android auto.

Called Drivemode.

https://drivemode.com/

You can add waze and spotify and the app is very smooth and user friendly.

Transparent overlay so you can see map and song!!!

That's what I like about Android being an open system. If you don't like something, there's probably an app that can change it.

[xQx]

Originally Posted by YearOneOne

How does it take bumps?

I have a LG V20 phone, and I'd say "not well enough".

I've got this type: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J5PS1PG/, and it moves around far more than I'd like when putting the phone in or taking it out. It hasn't fallen out on me in traffic (yet), but I find myself often re-positioning and re-tightening. The 'lugs' don't really go far enough into the CD Player to handle the weight of a phablet.

I've just ordered one of these: ebay 2017-Universal-Car-CD-Slot-Holder-Stand-Cradle-Mount-for-iPhone-GPS-Mobile-Phone in the hope the longer 'lugs' better handle the weight.

[Enoe Ulbeht]

Originally Posted by Ric in RVA

After a couple of days I had to take Android Auto off. What a pain in the ASS.

It is like a needy girlfriend. Always signing into the system as soon as it sees your bluetooth. Still haven't figured out how to force it to use waze even though it has waze integration and the volume is too loud relative to spotify and as far as I can tell not adjustable.

I will stick to WAZE with spotify integration which works great....and just exercise restraint from texting...

Originally Posted by Ric in RVA

After a couple of days I had to take Android Auto off. What a pain in the ASS.

It is like a needy girlfriend. Always signing into the system as soon as it sees your bluetooth. Still haven't figured out how to force it to use waze even though it has waze integration and the volume is too loud relative to spotify and as far as I can tell not adjustable.

I will stick to WAZE with spotify integration which works great....and just exercise restraint from texting...

As far as I have read online Android auto has waze integration only on compatible head units and not on the smartphone. I also use waze with Spotify integration and I don't care about much else on Android auto so it is rendered nearly useless on the phone for me.

[bbrugger]

I started using Car Launcher from the play store. I like it much better.