How To: Android Auto 5.5 for Navigation & Entertainment on a BMW S1000XR

Mike ConnellyApr 22, 2019Motorcycles

The BMW S1000XR includes a factory navigation quick-disconnect coupler that accepts a third-party smartphone mount, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPS unit. This article covers installing that mount on an S1000XR and running Android Auto 5.5 on a Motorola G6, including navigation, music, and voice control. With Android Auto 5.5, Waze became available alongside Google Maps as a supported navigation option, giving riders a meaningful choice between the two platforms. Continue reading How To: Android Auto 5.5 for Navigation & Entertainment on a BMW S1000XR

How To: Watch Movies in Your Honda Pilot or Odyssey Using Android TV

Mike ConnellyApr 15, 2018Autos, Connected Home

The 2018 Honda Pilot’s rear entertainment system accepts HDMI input but cannot directly play video files from a USB thumb drive. This article walks through five rejected solutions, including Chromecast and tethered smartphones, before settling on a low-cost Android TV set-top box. This setup works without an internet connection, letting kids watch libraries of movies on long trips. Continue reading How To: Watch Movies in Your Honda Pilot or Odyssey Using Android TV

Nvidia Shield Android TV: 2017 Hardware & Shield Experience 5.1 Review

Mike ConnellyJan 7, 2017Connected Home

The Shield TV continues to be an anomaly: in 2017, it is by far the most powerful media streamer and a capable gaming platform though not as advanced as the Xbox One or Playstation 4, but costing nearly as much. While Google focuses on stripped down Chromecast devices and Chromecast-enabled TVs, Nvidia singularly showcases the advanced functionality of Android TV including DVR, media serving, gaming, and now smart home capabilities. Continue reading Nvidia Shield Android TV: 2017 Hardware & Shield Experience 5.1 Review

How To: Using Android Auto v2.0 on a Motorcycle

Mike ConnellyNov 7, 2016Connected Home, Motorcycles

Google announced Android Auto’s phone-centric mode at its 2016 I/O conference, extending the platform beyond cars with compatible head units. We describe how the change works, who benefits, and what it means for motorcyclists. The motorcycle use case now gives riders a compelling alternative to dedicated GPS units.
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How To: Using a Smartphone for a Better Navigation System for Motorcycles

Mike ConnellyJul 26, 2016Connected Home, Motorcycles

Dedicated motorcycle GPS units cost roughly twice what a capable waterproof Android phone does, yet deliver a fraction of the performance. This article covers a complete motorcycle navigation build using a budget Android phone, including custom mounting, BMW power wiring, and a head-to-head comparison of navigation apps. The performance gap between the two setups is wider than the price gap. Continue reading How To: Using a Smartphone for a Better Navigation System for Motorcycles

Nvidia Shield Android TV Review

Mike ConnellyDec 1, 2015Connected Home

The Nvidia Shield Android TV, released in May 2015, holds the title of the best Android TV set-top box and outperforms the Apple TV Gen 4, Amazon Fire TV 2, and the latest Roku in raw processing power. This article examines how the Shield stacks up against its main competitors across ecosystems, content libraries, and gaming performance. The Shield’s hardware advantage does not translate into a clear win for every buyer, and the case of who should actually purchase it hinges on a single practical distinction.
Continue reading Nvidia Shield Android TV Review