Does AIMP work with Android Auto?
What is AIMP?
AIMP is a freeware audio player application for Windows, Android, and other platforms. It supports playback of many audio file formats like MP3, MP4, WAV, FLAC, and more. AIMP offers advanced audio settings and options, making it popular among audiophiles. On desktop platforms like Windows, AIMP is known for having one of the best audio engines with high-fidelity playback and minimal distortion (Source).
What is Android Auto?
Android Auto is a platform developed by Google to extend the Android operating system features and apps to in-car infotainment systems. It allows drivers to safely access familiar apps and services through the vehicle’s display, while minimizing distractions for the driver.
Android Auto was first announced in 2014 and has since been adopted by many major auto manufacturers to integrate with their in-car systems. It connects to the head unit display via USB cable or wireless connection and mirrors apps from the user’s Android smartphone onto the car’s touchscreen (source: https://www.android.com/auto/).
Some key features of Android Auto include Google Maps for navigation, Google Assistant for hands-free voice control, music playback apps, messaging apps, and phone calling. It aims to provide drivers with a simplified interface that limits interactions and distractions while driving.
AIMP compatibility with Android Auto
AIMP works natively with Android Auto as of version 5.60 released in December 2021. According to Android Authority, AIMP has “above-average” Android Auto support. However, some users on Reddit have reported issues with stability and reliability compared to other music players.
When connected via Android Auto, AIMP allows you to browse and play music files stored locally on your device. It supports common music file formats like MP3, FLAC, OGG and more. You can access your playlists, queue songs, and control playback using Android Auto’s interface.
One limitation is that the Android Auto version of AIMP does not show album artwork. Some users have also reported inconsistent experiences across different car head units. Overall though, AIMP offers decent Android Auto integration and remains a versatile option for local music playback.
Setting up AIMP for Android Auto
AIMP does not natively connect or work with Android Auto. This is because Android Auto currently only supports certain music apps for audio playback, such as Google Play Music, Spotify, Pandora, etc.
However, it is possible to play tracks from AIMP using the following workaround:
- First, install the AIMP app on your Android device and set it up with your music library.
- Next, use a file manager app to locate the folder where AIMP stores your music files. This is usually in “Internal Storage/AIMP”.
- Copy the music files you want to play in Android Auto over to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Open the cloud storage app in Android Auto and navigate to the music files. You can now play them directly within Android Auto.
This manual process allows you to access your AIMP music library in Android Auto, even though the players don’t natively integrate. It does require regularly syncing updated AIMP files to cloud storage. Hopefully native support will be added in the future to streamline the experience.
Playback experience using AIMP
According to various user experiences shared on Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidAuto/comments/x2bzxh/absolute_best_audio_player_for_aa/), the playback experience using AIMP with Android Auto is smooth and responsive. AIMP is able to quickly index large local music libraries stored on the phone and provides fast song loading when selecting tracks through the Android Auto interface.
The sound quality when playing music through AIMP is excellent, on par with other top music apps like Spotify. Volume normalization features in AIMP help prevent fluctuations in loudness between tracks. There are also customizable audio settings like equalizers and surround sound effects that can enhance the listening experience in the car.
One advantage cited over streaming apps is reliability – since AIMP plays local files, it does not depend on a stable internet connection. This results in fewer instances of playback stuttering or interruptions which can be common issues in vehicles. The ability to access a vast, high-quality personal music collection through Android Auto makes AIMP a popular choice for many users.
Controlling AIMP via Android Auto
AIMP supports controlling playback through Android Auto using the audio playback controls in your vehicle or head unit. You can play, pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, and view metadata like track title and artist.
While AIMP provides basic playback controls, some features found in native Android Auto media apps are missing. For example, you cannot browse music by playlists, albums, artists or use search to find tracks from the Android Auto interface [1]. Navigation relies solely on play/pause, next/previous track buttons.
Despite these limitations, core playback features work well according to user reports. Sound quality and reliability is on par with default Android Auto apps due to full integration with the system audio output [2].
Important Settings and Optimizations for AIMP and Android Auto
To ensure the best playback experience when using AIMP with Android Auto, there are a few key settings you may want to enable:
Enable Android Auto Integration
Make sure to go into the AIMP app settings and enable the “Android Auto” option under Integrations. This allows the main playback controls and metadata to be visible within the Android Auto interface when playing audio through AIMP (Source).
Optimize Audio Quality
Go to Settings > Audio and adjust options like enabling the 10-Band Graphic Equalizer and Audio Effects to customize the sound quality. Enable any audio enhancements like Bass Boost or Surround Sound that you prefer when listening in the car (Source).
Manage Metadata and Playlists
Ensure your audio files have properly populated metadata information like track title, artist, album, cover art, etc. This allows you to easily identify songs playing through Android Auto. Organize your music into playlists for simpler track navigation vs. browsing all songs (Source).
Troubleshooting Guide
Here are some common issues when using AIMP with Android Auto and how to fix them:
AIMP not appearing in Android Auto
If AIMP is not showing up as a media app in Android Auto, try these steps:
- Make sure AIMP is installed and updated to the latest version on your Android device. Older versions may not be fully compatible.
- Check that AIMP has permission to access media files and storage on your device. Enable all permissions in app settings.
- Restart both the AIMP app and Android Auto. Sometimes a simple restart can resolve connection issues.
- As per a Reddit thread, uninstalling and reinstalling both AIMP and Android Auto could help.
Playback Issues
If music playback is not working properly over Android Auto:
Once set up properly, AIMP integrates smoothly with Android Auto to deliver your music library in the car. The playback experience is seamless, with full access to shuffle, repeat modes, queuing tracks, and media controls. Album artwork also displays nicely when available.
Some additional pros of using AIMP with Android Auto include its equalizer presets which compensate well for the noise inside cars. The UI is well suited for glanceable access too. On the flip side, since AIMP is quite customizable, some of its advanced features are not accessible while driving. However the core experience remains solid.
In closing, AIMP does fully support Android Auto, making it a compelling choice for those who wish to enjoy their personal media library during their commutes and travels.
References
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