A2DP Doesn't Auto Start

Question

Level 1

2 points

A2DP Doesn't Auto Start

I've been doing a LOT of searching today regarding this issue, and I haven't found anyone with the same issue. In fact, I think I may be trying to create an issue that a lot of people are trying to solve. In short, I want my A2DP connection to automatically play either Pandora or the iPod functionality of my phone. I installed a new head unit in my truck today solely for the A2DP functionality of the phone. I do NOT want to have to pull my phone out of my pocket after every time I crank my truck. I've even started Pandora, started playing music, and then turned on my radio. Pandora stops playing the moment the bluetooth connection is made.

To clarify:
1. My phone DOES make the bluetooth connection to the head unit every time (so far) I turn on the radio
2. Pandora STOPS playing as soon as the A2DP connection is made
3. I want Pandora to START playing whenever the A2DP connection is made

iPhone 4, iOS 4

Posted on Dec 25, 2010 8:01 PM

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Answer 1

Dec 28, 2010 6:11 AM in response to Noggin01

I've got a similar problem with the unit I recently installed. The display in the car indicates that a bluetooth connection exists, but when I hit play on the remote in the car nothing happens. For some reason the head unit thinks that it's connected to my iPhone, but not the other way around.

I've heard that with Pandora that the bluetooth connection drops for 5 seconds in between tracks. I haven't investigated it much, but the problem could be the app.

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Answer 2

Noggin01 Author

Level 1

2 points

Dec 28, 2010 7:10 PM in response to scubarich13

Being able to press the play button and let the music start would be absolutely awesome, but I don't think that is possible with A2DP. A2DP is audio only, no data. This means that commands can't be sent. I think this is a major oversight/blunder when the A2DP protocol was created and agreed upon. What I'm looking for is for my phone to automatically play whenever an A2DP connection is detected.

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Answer 3

Dec 29, 2010 5:39 AM in response to Noggin01

So the key for you is auto start? Yeah, you're probably out of luck. The simplest solution in your situation would be to pull out your phone (yeah, I know you don't want to do that), triple click (single then a double), then tap play. It works with either the iPod or Pandora apps.

Although A2DP doesn't support controls, AVRCP does ( http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3647). I am unsure why AVRCP won't work in my situation at least

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Answer 4

Noggin01 Author

Level 1

2 points

Dec 29, 2010 3:35 PM in response to scubarich13

I see now... so the A2DP would transfer the audio while the AVRCP would run simultaneously to allow control of the phone.

So yes... we're in pretty much the same boat. I'm perfectly fine with hitting a button on the head unit to start the audio, I just don't want to pull my phone out of my pocket.

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Answer 5

Noggin01 Author

Level 1

2 points

Dec 29, 2010 3:57 PM in response to Noggin01

I just got off the phone with crutchfield support and he said that the AVRCP was not added to the iPhone OS until 4.1. I'm running 4.0 so I may just need to update the OS

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Answer 6

Noggin01 Author

Level 1

2 points

Dec 29, 2010 8:45 PM in response to Noggin01

I've updated my phone's OS to 4.2.1 with no change in bluetooth functionality. I did notice a different bluetooth symbol next to the volume slider when connected via bluetooth though. If I remember correctly, it was a rectangle with an arrow at the bottom pointing upwards, or something like that.

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Answer 7

Noggin01 Author

Level 1

2 points

Dec 31, 2010 3:26 AM in response to scubarich13

Well it turns out that the information Crutchfield gave me on the radio is incorrect. They said that the head unit supported A2DP and AVRCP, but in fact it only supports A2DP. There is no way to do what I want to do with the radio I have and my phone.

My wife has a Ford Mustang with Sync. The Sync system has dang near every bluetooth profile available, but the iPhone is pretty far behind. iPhone OS 4.1 implemented AVRCP controls, but it did not work with the Sync system. I had her upgrade her phone from 4.1 to 4.2, and now the head unit controls work.

I'm going to mark this issue as closed. As for your issue scubarich, you said that the phone doesn't think that there is a bluetooth connection. Is that based on lack of control ability or some other observation? I can only suggest that you upgrade to OS 4.2.

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Answer 8

Noggin01 Author

Level 1

2 points

Dec 31, 2010 3:28 AM in response to Noggin01

Since learning about AVRCP, I've decided that I need a head unit that supports it. The head unit I have in my truck does not support it, and that is why the device does not behave as I wish it to behave.

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Answer 9

Dec 31, 2010 6:04 AM in response to Noggin01

Two things happen when I lose the BT connection - 1) no audio and 2) no control. I haven't noticed if the BT icon is grayed out or not (probably because I'm driving when it happens). My iPhone is already at 4.2.1 and I've got the latest firmware from the other vendor. I think that the problem I am having is probably with the third-party hardware/firmware rather than Apple.

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