Bluetooth streaming options (Tune2Air alternatives?)

[tbaudi]

I am looking for options for streaming my Android device. I have seen reviews of Tune2Air that make it seem promising, however, I am interested in understanding the differences between that device and other (less expensive) options that are available (Mpow - $15, CoolStream - $40).

[shaunm82]

I am looking for options for streaming my Android device. I have seen reviews of Tune2Air that make it seem promising, however, I am interested in understanding the differences between that device and other (less expensive) options that are available (Mpow - $15, CoolStream - $40).

Not sure if there is any alternatives, I've tried CoolStream, and that doesn't work.

[elscotto80]

Tune2air works fine with my android device. Just can't see the song info. I have been happy with it.

[doowopaudi]

Or you can do what I did and run an aux cable to your center console and not deal with Bluetooth. Total mod is about $20.

[r6_11b8]

either do aux or tune2air..i hate having wires heck even my charging wire is too much for me...tune2air works its not even breaking the bnk less than 100 bucks totally worth it

[Avantiator]

Tune2air is the route to go. It's not perfect, but it's good enough most of the time.

I was in the same boat, it sucks to have to dish out $100 for such a simple device but it is designed to work with AMI.

If you do end up buying the tune2air, I highly recommend the song mod described in this thread to avoid music playing automatically:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...light=tune2air

[tbaudi]

Tune2air is the route to go. It's not perfect, but it's good enough most of the time.

I was in the same boat, it sucks to have to dish out $100 for such a simple device but it is designed to work with AMI.

If you do end up buying the tune2air, I highly recommend the song mod described in this thread to avoid music playing automatically:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...light=tune2air

Does the song mod only apply if you're using an iPhone? I'm using an android device.

[tbaudi]

Tune2air works fine with my android device. Just can't see the song info. I have been happy with it.

Thanks, my understanding was that the benefit of Tune2air was the ability to display the song info for an iPhone or iPod. Knowing that isn't the case for Android is why I was looking for a less expensive option.

[CloseEncounters]

With Tune2air song titles don't always show up when streaming from Pandora or I-tunes but I've just learn to live with it as the sound quality is awesome.

[Ryan_T]

If you hit Back until top level, it will eventually refresh to the Now Playing, which is the current song. You'll need to do this every time the track changes. It's useful to check track name when you're streaming random things.

[magn2o]

Well, there's also always the Genuine Audi Music Interface - Bluetooth Adapter (if you can find one). It's not cheap (usually around $100 - $150), but if you're an OEM+ guy it's a nice touch. :)

[martelle]

I used a 30 pin iPhone Bluetooth adapter. Connected that to the iPhone/iPod cable in the glove box and changed the input from iPod to Aux in the hidden green menu. You will need Vag-Com to enable access to the green menu.

I haven't had any issues and the BT adapter cost 30 bucks. I was trying to find the video on the setup, I'll see if I can find the video tonight.

[wyld]

Aux input in glove box -> BTC-450 for absolute best sound quality possible over Bluetooth (assuming your phone supports Apt-X).

[belzebutt]

I was under the impression that track info on Android depends on the Android device? Did you contact the makers of Tune2Air?

And yes, for Android I think it's still the best option. I spent $20 before on something that didn't work at all.

[tbaudi]

Thanks for all of the feedback everyone. I also have an Altec Lansing dock in my office that I could use a bluetooth connection too, so I purchased the Mpow adapter first because I can always just use it in my office (should arrive today).

Having done a bunch of research in the past few days, the way I see it, there are 4 primary options for bluetooth connectivity:
1. Audi bluetooth adapter and USB AMI cable - ~$100-$150
2. Tune2Air bluetooth adapter and iPod AMI cable - ~$80
3. 'Other' bluetooth adapter and iPod AMI cable (requires hidden menu tweak to change input from AMI to AUX) - ~$15-$50 + VAG tweak (VAG tool or Carista)
4. A2DP4Audi bluetooth adapter and custom AMI cable (triggers input change to AUX when inserted, no hidden menu tweak needed) - ~$80-$100

One of the things I have realized is that with bluetooth configured as an AUX input, the volume is dependent on the volume setting of the phone. Does the same apply with the Audi bluetooth adapter and/or the Tune2Air?

[wyld]

Android has a separate volume setting when sending sound over Bluetooth. Mine stays maxed.

[tstack77]

For those with AUX only there is the Miccus Mini-jack RX. Can also go in the glove box and charge there if you buy an AMI 3.5mm flyout cable.

Best thing about the Miccus is that it powers on/off with the car (YouTube) and it only does A2DP so you can use the built-in phone BT connection easily.

[Avantiator]

Does the song mod only apply if you're using an iPhone? I'm using an android device.

That I'm not sure about, I have only used an iphone with my current setup.

[tbaudi]

I used a 30 pin iPhone Bluetooth adapter. Connected that to the iPhone/iPod cable in the glove box and changed the input from iPod to Aux in the hidden green menu. You will need Vag-Com to enable access to the green menu.

I haven't had any issues and the BT adapter cost 30 bucks. I was trying to find the video on the setup, I'll see if I can find the video tonight.

Which adapter did you use? I tried the Mpow which works, except that is does not consistently reconnect to the phone when I leave and then come back to the car.

[magn2o]

One of the things I have realized is that with bluetooth configured as an AUX input, the volume is dependent on the volume setting of the phone. Does the same apply with the Audi bluetooth adapter and/or the Tune2Air?

In regards to the Genuine Audi bluetooth adapter -- yes, the iPhone has a separate/discrete Bluetooth volume level. I set it to 100% and have never had to set it again -- the normal music level and speaker/phone level is unaffected.

[tbaudi]

UPDATE - purchased the CoolStream bluetooth adapter and it works flawlessly. Also, found out that I didn't need the 'Duo' so the item I purchased was $30, not $40.

On a side note, when modifying the AMI settings via the hidden menu, I was able to choose an option (item 3/8 I believe) that allows me to switch back and forth between my iPod and the bluetooth adapter at will (by changing devices connected to the AMI cable in the glove box). This allows for full functionality with the iPod and AUX only functionality for anything connected to the bluetooth adapter.

[G_FLL]

thanks for the update. Can you control the Android through the menu and how's the sound quality? I just ordered the BT ODB2 and downloaded Carista so hoping im able to access the hidden menu that way.

Which android are you using and is there anything in particular i have to do for my MMI to recognize that the AMI is infact plugged in? all i see under source is this...


hasn't recognized a single iPhone that i've plugged in... sorry don't mean to thread jack im just hoping you have some advice as i've searched for days now without answer.

[tbaudi]

thanks for the update. Can you control the Android through the menu and how's the sound quality? I just ordered the BT ODB2 and downloaded Carista so hoping im able to access the hidden menu that way.

Which android are you using and is there anything in particular i have to do for my MMI to recognize that the AMI is infact plugged in? all i see under source is this...

hasn't recognized a single iPhone that i've plugged in... sorry don't mean to thread jack im just hoping you have some advice as i've searched for days now without answer.

I am using a Moto X (2014) w/ Google Play, Pandora and Amazon MP3.

I am by no means an expert in this area. Here is what I do know.
- My version of MMI looks different than yours.
- My car already had a working iPod connection via the AMI cable in the glove box.
- The cable from A2DP4Audi automagically enables the AUX input when you plug it in (no hidden menu magic required).
- I infer from that information, that the normal AMI cable would automagically enable the iPod interface if it is available (big assumption).
- The hidden menu for the AMI settings contain 8 different combinations of AUX and AMI being enabled/disabled, including AMI BT options (presumably if you have the Audi BT adapter)

So, hopefully, when you have Carista and the OBDII interface, you can sort this out.

Good luck.

[Boosted_b8.5]

Kivic one

[belzebutt]

Kivic one

What do you use as a video input for this, and what does the install involve?

[Boosted_b8.5]

What do you use as a video input for this, and what does the install involve?

I purchased the rca from Audi for this.

[TheHeiko]

UPDATE - purchased the CoolStream bluetooth adapter and it works flawlessly. Also, found out that I didn't need the 'Duo' so the item I purchased was $30, not $40.

On a side note, when modifying the AMI settings via the hidden menu, I was able to choose an option (item 3/8 I believe) that allows me to switch back and forth between my iPod and the bluetooth adapter at will (by changing devices connected to the AMI cable in the glove box). This allows for full functionality with the iPod and AUX only functionality for anything connected to the bluetooth adapter.

Sorry for being a bit of an idiot but how do you think the Coolstream will work with MMI 2G without access to hidden menus and iPhone? I've been wanting the Tune2Air because it has great reviews and is known to work well with our cars but it's $89 compared to $30 for the Coolstream.

[tbaudi]

^ my basic understanding is that the CoolStream (or any other standard Bluetooth adapter) won't work unless the AUX input is configured. The Tune2Air is designed to simulate an iPod.

[TheHeiko]

^ my basic understanding is that the CoolStream (or any other standard Bluetooth adapter) won't work unless the AUX input is configured. The Tune2Air is designed to simulate an iPod.

Thanks. That's kind of what I figured based on posts here. Looks like I'll just have to spring the $90 for the Tune2Air. I don't want to plug in to my 3.5mm auxiliary cable every time I get in the car and I like the proven integration the Tune2Air offers. I'm glad the Coolstream works for those who can configure it.