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Should Android Auto be added as a standard feature/update to Ride Command?

  • Yes

    Votes: 154 96.9%
  • No

    Votes: 5 3.1%
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I own a 2021 Challenger and love it. Great bike but can not for the life of me understand why Apple Car Play come standard on Rode Command but Android Auto is not available. I specifically want it for the maps/GPS.

The module that was installed is not worth it at all. It just makes sense to hook up my phone and use Google maps on it.

Will this feature be added?
I've found a solution!!!!! However, I must admit that it was found by accident.

Short Version: Purchase the Carlinkit 4 device. Bridges the gap and connected my 2020 Chieftain DH with Android Auto.

Long Version:
First, I do have 2 phones Pixel 6 (Android-personal) and iPhone 13 (work). I hate not having Android Auto, so I do connect my iPhone to my 2020 Indian Chieftain to use Google Services via Carplay (Maps/Music).
Second, I wanted to use a wireless Carplay adapter to minimize the connections and bad cable drama. I purchased the Carlinkit 4 ($100 from Amazon). This setup worked great on the Chieftain (highly recommend).
Third, I do use this wireless Carlinkit 4.0 in my '13 VW CC. The radio here uses both Carplay and Android Auto. This wireless device CAN connect to both mobile devices.
Finally, I went into my garage to "tinker" with the bike. My Android phone by my side (iphone in my basement office). I powered on the bike... The Carlink device assumed an Android Connection and proceeded to start Android Auto!!!!

It WORKS!!!
 

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So you connected the Carlinkit to the USB port of the bike and then connected the phone to the Carlinkit using Bluetooth?
Yes. So far, so good. I'm sure there could be a few glitches. This was a surprise to me. Takes about 30 seconds to connect (same as carplay). This is a limitation of the Carplay 4.0 device.
 

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Update:

Summary: It works as previously described.

Details:
1. I ordered a (rather 2) NEW Carlinkit 4.0 device(s) a couple of days back from Lightinthebox (retailer from China). I wanted to lower my price point ($60 each) and returned one to Amazon ($100).
2. As suggested, I installed the NEW Carlinkit device on my Chieftain. In this case, I only attempted to connect my Android Phone (Pixel 6).
3. It worked... a) Disconnected by bluetooth headset adapter b) Connected my Phone's bluetooth to Carlink c) That's it!

Enjoy!
 

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Update:

Summary: It works as previously described.

Details:
1. I ordered a (rather 2) NEW Carlinkit 4.0 device(s) a couple of days back from Lightinthebox (retailer from China). I wanted to lower my price point ($60 each) and returned one to Amazon ($100).
2. As suggested, I installed the NEW Carlinkit device on my Chieftain. In this case, I only attempted to connect my Android Phone (Pixel 6).
3. It worked... a) Disconnected by bluetooth headset adapter b) Connected my Phone's bluetooth to Carlink c) That's it!

Enjoy!
Other Notes:

Assumption: Carplay & Android Auto are both versions of MirrorLink (generic). Software/command is really pushed/rendered via the phone. I assume Carlinkit is simply remapping the commands for BOTH Operating systems to MirrorLink which is really what's installed on Ride Command. Not sure why Indian couldn't just enable wired AA.

Next, this solution is far from perfect. As you can see in my previous images... The reference remains as CarPlay (not a deal breaker) and you also loose the ability to see your current tune/music in Ride Command. You'll need to return to CarPlay/Android Auto to "See" the current tune/music playing. Controlling the music, pause, play, next & back works without issues.

Finally, 1) Ride Command only works with quality cables. 2) Wireless setup can be fast... 10 seconds or 40+ seconds. I've had to reboot RC while riding just to use WIRED carplay. It was never a GREAT implementation. Wireless connections may not remedy the problems of RC (opinion).
 

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I get as far as "connecting" just like the picture you have. Then nothing. It keeps cycling through but no constant connection. But thanks for the information!.
I will keep playinng with it and see what I can come up with.
Check your messages... I sent you my number. Give me a Buzz. Let's see if we can get it.
 

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I got the carlinkit 4.0, yes you can use the paddles on the handlebar I have a android phone and on the bike screen when carplay is on there is a exit button hit that and it goes back to the ride command screen, then hit the carplay button which automatically appears on the ride command screen and it goes back to the carplay screen showing your android apps, it uses the carplay interface but it still uses android auto
Congrats!!!!
 

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Got mine to work it took a while to connect only problem is my Bluetooth ear buds in the saddle bag keep disconnecting when I start the bike, but when it does connect everything works great
I had the same issue... I switched to a bluetooth adapter which contained a battery. Glad you got it going!
 

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This guy also found a workaround. Works with Android as well as apple.
MMB 3rd Multimedia Box HDMI
I'm testing this option out as well. However, I'm using the latest BINIZE AI Box with the updated 665 processor (Android 10). For now, I DO like this approach better. I've gotten my price point for this down to $160 (aliexpress.com).
 

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I'm testing this option out as well. However, I'm using the latest BINIZE AI Box with the updated 665 processor (Android 10). For now, I DO like this approach better. I've gotten my price point for this down to $160 (aliexpress.com).
For reference: QCM6125 (BINIZE unbranded). In short, they all look to be the same (outside of Android version).

 

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The only problem with them android boxes is that you have to use your hot spot on your phone and most cell carriers don't give you unlimited data on the hot spot and running one of them boxes will use alot of data because they have stuff running in the background using data, at least with the carlinkit 4.0 it uses your phones cell data not the hot spot and it automatically connects when you start the bike, the boxes do not, and they run hot so keeping them in the fairing compartment they have a chance of getting too hot and shutting down, and best of all the carlinkit is 100 bucks cheaper, I also found out that if you plug your phone into the bottom port of the carlinkit you don't have to use your Bluetooth on your phone and it charges it also
Thanks for the feedback... I haven't taken the Bike/AI box out yet, heat could be a factor. As far as data, I'm using it as a connection to Android Auto plus, I've added my SD card for "some" non data music streaming. Works out ok for now. And yes... Gotta save as much $$$ as possible to pay-out for the powerband upgrade :-(
 

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The only problem with them android boxes is that you have to use your hot spot on your phone and most cell carriers don't give you unlimited data on the hot spot and running one of them boxes will use alot of data because they have stuff running in the background using data, at least with the carlinkit 4.0 it uses your phones cell data not the hot spot and it automatically connects when you start the bike, the boxes do not, and they run hot so keeping them in the fairing compartment they have a chance of getting too hot and shutting down, and best of all the carlinkit is 100 bucks cheaper, I also found out that if you plug your phone into the bottom port of the carlinkit you don't have to use your Bluetooth on your phone and it charges it also
Again... Thanks for your feedback. After taking the bike /AI Box today for a ride, I decided to RETURN the AI Box. The experience was not good at all. Couldn't make it half way through the ride with multiple disconnects and eventually it stopped working. Wasn't a hot day. I returned back to the Carplay 4.0 and completed my ride, no issues whatsoever.
 

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I miss spoke. That is how I have it. Works great for a while then just crashes over and over.
Hi Dakota... I've had the same issues with various cables... Works for a while but becomes "iffy" after a few weeks (or bends) to cable/angle. To resolve this, I'm now using 180 degree adapters (from amazon) which mitigates the "bending". Since this, my experience has been pretty good. Plus, I've updated to the latest ride command software.

Note: I had this problem prior to the inclusion of Carlinkit 4.0 wireless connection.
 
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