Description
Supports Android 2.1 - 4.2.Most Android devices do not have a true "Car Dock", a cradle that their device can be seated in which can (depending on model) provide power, route audio, and instruct the Android device to display a "Car UI", with larger icons and text appropriate for vehicle use.
The Car Kit was designed to remedy this problem for users with devices that do not have a true "Car Dock." Additionally, the Car Kit can expand upon the docking functionality that users with a true Car Dock already have.
Car Kit allows users to select input criteria to designate they're in the vehicle (for example, connecting their device to a power source, connecting a headset, and bluetooth connects to a device, like a headunit.) Upon doing so, Car Home can be displayed automatically, WiFi toggled off, and Music is launched automatically.
These actions occur automatically when the inputs are met, so the user doesn't need to perform these actions on their device manually. When the Disengage criteria are met (for example, unplugging the device from power), all of the actions taken by Car Kit are undone, returning your device to it's prior state.
Additionally, Car Kit includes a Widget that allows you to Engage or Disengage it's settings at will.
Functionality includes:
- Bluetooth
- WiFi
- Volume
- Speakerphone
- SMS messages displayed in a large window when received
- Switching to Car Home UI and back automatically
- Displaying battery charge (or loss) statistics
- Launch selected application
Android Permissions Breakdown:
RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED: Allows Car Kit to start when you power on your device.
READ_PHONE_STATE: Necessary for Speakerphone functionality.
BLUETOOTH / BLUETOOTH_ADMIN: Bluetooth functionality, including toggling.
MODIFY_AUDIO_SETTINGS: Adjusting volume.
ACCESS_WIFI_STATE/CHANGE_WIFI_STATE: Adjusting WiFi.
UPDATE_DEVICE_STATS: An (erroneously) required permission that some devices need in order to be able to change WiFi. This is a bug, and listed on the Android bug tracker. I've included it to allow users with devices who experience this bug to be able to use WiFi functionality without getting a Force Close error.
WAKE_LOCK: Keep the device awake / adjust screen brightness settings.
RECEIVE_SMS: Necessary to display SMS messages as they're received.
READ_CONTACTS: Associates incoming SMS messages with contacts on your device, so they show as your contact's name rather than the contact's phone number.
CALL_PHONE: Necessary to call a contact back directly from the Show SMS pop-up.
SEO: Car Dock, Phone Dock, Device Dock, Software Dock, Android Dock, Dock, Car, Vehicle, Transit, Transport, Transportation, Car UI, Car Home, Car Mode.
PeeZzz
Apr 6, 2012 3:07:24 PM
Nice! Works very well. Especially the pop up that allows you to cancel or proceed is very usefull. Would it be possible to launch multiple apps instead of just one? And of course have them (also those running in the background, difficult under ICS) killed as well after disengaging? That way I can launch my Speedometer, speed radar detector and Car Home when engaging and have them automatically killed when disengaging.
Lance
Mar 26, 2012 7:22:37 PM
Quick & Simple I'm sure I could do this with Tasker. But it would take about 30 min. just to figure it out. The setup is easy and the options flexible.
Anonymous
Mar 22, 2012 8:59:23 PM
Exactly what i was looking for. Great.
GOD
Mar 11, 2012 2:21:11 AM
La Poderosa Excellente
Billy
Mar 1, 2012 3:59:43 AM
Great app I would like to see a volume control setting
chadhs
Feb 27, 2012 3:12:52 PM
Great app and free to boot! very active and responsive developer. negative reviews are lazy and overly critical imho. a real time saver getting in and out of the car. no one else has packaged all these features together like this till now. bravo! Motorola Photon.
werewolfbrent
Feb 1, 2012 3:32:22 PM
Cool app Really like it. I also would like if it had an option for connected bluetooth device.
steve
Nov 12, 2011 1:57:15 AM
Not Compatible with Gingerbread Won't work with Gingerbread 2.3.5.
Jeremiah
Nov 10, 2011 11:43:58 PM
Great app! Only one suggestion. Engage car app after completed connection to a specific Bluetooth device. I use Bluetooth for audio in my car not a cable
Matthew
Apr 2, 2011 12:26:13 AM
Excellent app. SMS dictation is a life saver!