Issue with Android Head Unit

[matthewlightburn]

The inexpensive Chinese head unit in my 2007 ML63, a Japanese import, is now functioning well; I have removed some Japanese aftermarket motorway-tag equipment, and I no longer hear the high-pitched Japanese voice stating, "Car go back; don't use any DVD" after each ignition. The head unit has a sluggish boot-up time (2GB RAM / 32GB ROM, Cortex A7 quad-core CPU), but performs adequately thereafter. Apple CarPlay works seamlessly with my iPhone; Waze operates consistently, and everything is satisfactory—nearly...

I play my music on a USB drive, which has recordings of CDs organized in individual folders, created using my Windows home computer. The issue is that the folders on the USB stick are not shown in alphabetical order on the Android 14 head unit, despite being organized as so on the USB stick. I conducted some research online and subsequently performed a comprehensive format of the USB stick. I also organized the folders using a free application called Drivesort before transferring them on the stick, although there has been no change.


Does anybody possess a resolution to the issue?

[MercedesMan98]

Determine the method by which it prioritizes the files.
Is there a way to specify prioritization criteria? On your PC, you will see a right-click option followed by choices for size and alphabetical arrangement.


Alternatively, prefix the files according to the unit's prioritization, for example, 1. Beethoven's 18:12 PM.
Mozart's rendition of Apache in C major.

[matthewlightburn]

Thank you for that; nonetheless, I have not progressed much, save that I am now aware of certain incorrect responses. I possess little knowledge about Android, and the manufacturer's email assistance is entirely ineffective; they are unable to assist unless I provide the order number, which I cannot. It is conceivable that the issue is due to a software flaw, which may be resolved with an update; however, the manufacturer is unable to assist.

The attributes of the folders indicate that they were all downloaded to the SD card on the same day and in the sequence of their download, following alphabetical order as shown on the PC. I am uncertain about the criteria the head unit employs for prioritization; however:


Prefixing folder names with a number is inconsequential;

They are not arranged in alphabetical order.

They are not presented in the sequence of their download.

They are not arranged in order of size.

It is reliable; it consistently lists the folders beginning with Queen - Greatest Hits, indicating a commendable taste in music.

If there exists an option to modify the system's prioritization, I am unaware of how to locate it; my knowledge of Android is little.

I am using Windows 10 on the computer. I am unable to locate the option to modify the prioritization of the folders; but, as they are already arranged in alphabetical order, would re-selecting this option be beneficial?

[matthewlightburn]

The situation is becoming peculiar. When a USB stick or SD card is inserted into the USB port, the little three-pronged symbol on the touchscreen illuminates. Upon abruptly removing the original USB stick and substituting it with an SD card and converter in the same port, two three-pronged symbols appeared on the screen. The SD card has a limited number of music folders.

Activating the second icon reveals and plays all content stored on the SD card, but not in alphabetical sequence. Activating the first icon reveals and plays a random assortment of files from the USB stick, including those not present on the SD card, despite the USB stick being disconnected from the head unit.


It seems that some material from the USB stick has been inadvertently transferred to the head unit. I did not believe that was feasible...

Does anybody have any suggestions?

Is it feasible to upload all my music into my iPhone, organize the files in alphabetical order, and play them using Apple CarPlay while also use Waze for navigation with Apple CarPlay?

[jameswright77]

I regret to inform you that I am unable to assist; nonetheless, I must emphasize that you should transition your PC to Windows 11 as soon as possible.

Your suggestion to use an Android phone as mass storage via AA or Bluetooth is irrelevant, since you do not own one, making it the most futile remark of the week.
Does iTunes still exist?

[RuthHimmic]

I assume you are utilizing a USB drive formatted with FAT32 or a comparable file system (not EXTnn or NTFS). This option was chosen at the original formatting (or manufacturing) of the USB stick.


To my recollection, there exists a flaw in the file copying process of Windows 10. When choosing numerous things for copying from one device to another (i.e., click on the first item, hold down shift, then click on the last), the last item in the selection is duplicated first, followed by the first item, then the second item, and so on. This indicates that the sequence of items at the destination is "ZZ Top," "ABBA," "Beastie Boys," ... "Yungblud" (other musical preferences are accessible).
Renaming or renumbering things on the USB drive will not alter their sequence on the drive. The sequence of item presentation on Android is contingent upon the program presenting them; for instance, my Android phone's File Manager selects a reverse alphabetical arrangement for 'Downloads'. The Camera application selects reverse chronological order for date and time.

Altering file order in Windows (e.g., File Manager 'Sort By') just changes the display sequence, not the arrangement inside the file system.

Best of luck with this complex issue.

[matthewlightburn]

Affirmative, formatted as FAT32. I am unfamiliar with W10 file copying, but I assume that pertains to how Android presents the contents of the USB drive. It is unequivocally not Z-A-B-Y, among others. It is truly a complex issue; my mind is in distress, Brian...

Would it be beneficial to copy each folder onto the USB stick/SD card separately, I ponder? Could someone knowledgeable determine the application used by the head unit to play the folders and ascertain the priority order employed by that application? I could then reorganize the folders on the stick/card accordingly

[matthewlightburn]

I will be transitioning to Windows 11 imminently.

I am contemplating: I am unfamiliar with iTunes, which I have never utilized, but my iPhone is equipped with Apple Music (which I have also never accessed), as is the head unit. I understand that the head unit retains the Waze maps once the phone is disconnected and will navigate using the stored maps if live data is inaccessible. I am curious whether it would function similarly for music directories. If such is the case, it might serve as a solution.


Upon reviewing the head unit advertisement, it states, among other things: "...MirrorLink with iOS or Android phone..."Split screen mode enables the simultaneous operation of two applications next to each other. Spotify and other applications may be used while navigation. That seems optimistic; very optimistic...

[85KillallRU]

Apologies, it is a matter of habit. “W10” refers to “Windows 10.”

[SteveRulz23]

It is the Chinese who engage in this behavior only to provoke you.

I had a same issue with my phone book on a subpar Chinese device. Regardless of my efforts, my contacts remained arranged in a rather arbitrary sequence, devoid of any alphabetical organization.


My wife is still designated as AAA Kelly on my phone.