Android & Media Interface

[AlanWilliams]

Having received the necessary cables to connect to the media interface (Motorola RAZR, Android via USB), it seems the COMAND is unable to read from the phone, it is not recognised! So basically the connection is no more than a battery charger

I have trolled various website, inc here, but I cant seem to find the definite answer.

I have a "09" SL63, has there been a firmware or software update since 09 that addresses the issue with Andriod phones or is there a workaround that would fix?

 

[gIzzE]

So you're the person who didn't go with an iPhone?!


Just kidding.


I must say that I hadn't even thought Android phones would work. Can you not set the phone to be a hard drive in the settings? So it at least sees it as a usb drive?

 

[AlanWilliams]

So you're the person who didn't go with an iPhone?!


snip . . . ?

hehe, yes it seems that way

The phone recognises that a USB has been plugged in and shows phone connected as "media device", thereafter selecting on COMAND menu "media interface" the COMAND screen shows the message "device not recognised".

I had hoped in the 4 years that have passed and the number of Android phones on the market that by far outnumbers iPhone, MB would have addressed the issue, or am I wrong?

 

[richard]

Alan, there was a firmware update for your COMAND system in 2010 (and possibly later) which may not be on your vehicle, although to be honest I have never tried an Android phone on the USB with Media Interface.


Richard

 

[Alfie]

hehe, yes it seems that way

The phone recognises that a USB has been plugged in and shows phone connected as "media device", thereafter selecting on COMAND menu "media interface" the COMAND screen shows the message "device not recognised".

I had hoped in the 4 years that have passed and the number of Android phones on the market that by far outnumbers iPhone, MB would have addressed the issue, or am I wrong?

We see far more iphones than Android phones whenever customers come in to us. The trouble with android is that in some respects it just doesnt work. For instance Samsung bluetooth

MB and many other manufacturers appear to be going down the Apple route.

 

[AlanWilliams]

Richard, thanks for the heads up, i have emailed MB to enquire via their service history if the car had been updated, although I kinda expect it wont make any difference, other than another hole in my pocket

Alfie, the good part is BT works seemlessly so no problems there although I feel like an endangered species as I am the only MB owner with an Android

I have came across a brief mention that the Multimedia Interface Plus unit is compatible with Android, but had a look at the specs and cant see any mention to confirm.

Any possibility that MIP is the soloution?

 

[richard]

I know Viseeo are working on making this Android capable

ViseeO WMA1000 Tune2Air Bluetooth Audio Streaming iPod/iPhone Adapter | Mercedes iPod solutions | Mercedes Retrofits | Comand Online Ltd

Which will solve your issue nicely. Or eBay and £50 for an old iPod

Richard

 

[Merc Owner 2B]

The problem with Android is the many different software "flavours" and manufacturer implementations.

Sometimes easier and better to buy a second hand ipod to be honest.

 

[sspeed]

I have a Samsung Galaxy Note II and it pairs flawlessly with the blutooth on my COMAND NTG 2.5

 

[m0v1em4n]

I have a Samsung Galaxy Note II and it pairs flawlessly with the blutooth on my COMAND NTG 2.5

And I have the Galaxy note 1 and so does mine, I even get my contacts

 

[gIzzE]

I have a Samsung Galaxy Note II and it pairs flawlessly with the blutooth on my COMAND NTG 2.5

And I have the Galaxy note 1 and so does mine, I even get my contacts

I don't think the phone side of things is an issue, but the media player side.

Can you browse playlists and artists etc. Does the car see it as a media player?

 

[AlanWilliams]

I don't think the phone side of things is an issue, but the media player side.

Can you browse playlists and artists etc. Does the car see it as a media player?

No, the COMAND screen message is "device not recognised"

Although the phone picks up it has been connected to a USB and enters media mode

 

[gIzzE]

I got what you were getting at, I quoted m0viem4n and sspeed because I don't think they got what we were talking about.

 

[sspeed]

I don't think the phone side of things is an issue, but the media player side.

Can you browse playlists and artists etc. Does the car see it as a media player?

To be honest I use my phone as a errrrr PHONE..
Im not really a fan of storing music on a phone..
Not a fan of MP3's either but when I HAVE to use them (as on the internal storage of the NTG 2.5) then I use the very highest quality (320) which is "OK"..

 

[gIzzE]

I have an 120db ipod in the car with all my stuff in lossless, however, I also like my phone on me with all my music as I know I will have my latest stuff on there, where as I have to take the ipod out of the car and update it.

I use my iPhone for music for at least 2 hours a day, sometimes more like 12 hours a day, so very important to me. As much as I fancied trying a Sony or similar I just know the iPhone has much better 3rd party support when it comes to systems, airplay, cars etc.

 

[AlanWilliams]

With the media interface there I kinda think it would be nice to use it. But I get it, it's not android friendly.
Looks like I'll get an iPod and load up with my music and playlists, while driving my phone will just have to be a "phone" lol
Thanks all, for your input and comments, much appreciated

 

[gIzzE]

A 32 gig usb stick may be a cheaper/easier alternative?

 

[m0v1em4n]

I got what you were getting at, I quoted m0viem4n and sspeed because I don't think they got what we were talking about.

We see far more iphones than Android phones whenever customers come in to us. The trouble with android is that in some respects it just doesnt work. For instance Samsung bluetooth

I was and believe sspeed was referring to Alfie's post above re Bluetooth and yes you are correct not the media interface

 

[Geordie Amanda]

I have no problem with my HTC Sensation XE in it's Bluetooth connection. it streams stereo music from it's micro SD card via Bluetooth to the Command system without a hiccough. You only get very rudimentary controls to operate the phone form the cars head unit, but it works very well. If only I could have gotton BluDun to work