Headunit Revived Brings Android Auto to Android 4.1 Devices for $3.99 or Free
Updated
Updated · MUO - MakeUseOf · Jul 31
Headunit Revived Brings Android Auto to Android 4.1 Devices for $3.99 or Free
3 articles · Updated · MUO - MakeUseOf · Jul 31
Summary
Headunit Revived lets any Android device running Android 4.1 or later act as an Android Auto receiver, including old phones, tablets and aftermarket head units that never shipped with support.
The open-source app can run Android Auto directly on one device in Self Mode or project from a phone to a second display over Wi-Fi or USB, adding Google Maps, media controls, calls and messaging.
Wireless setup uses the free WiFi Helper app to auto-launch when a car's Bluetooth connects, while USB Host mode offers a more reliable wired option if the head unit supports it.
The GitHub APK is free, and a $3.99 Play Store version adds automatic updates; the pitch is avoiding a replacement head unit that could cost about $600.
Limits remain: performance depends on older hardware, connection hiccups can occur, and some portrait-mode Google Maps touch issues may require lowering DPI below 200.