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Discussion of the car dock for HTC EVO 4G LTE

The other thing the pins probably do for it is to signal to turn on the car app automatically.

One thing I've noticed from the videos of the new EVO is that it looks like Telenav is missing from the app list. Google nav is getting better but I still prefer Telenav. I use it every day on my commute.

Agreed! I think Telenav is better than Google nav!
 
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The other thing the pins probably do for it is to signal to turn on the car app automatically.

One thing I've noticed from the videos of the new EVO is that it looks like Telenav is missing from the app list. Google nav is getting better but I still prefer Telenav. I use it every day on my commute.

The pins aren't necessary for that particular feature. The Photon automatically kicks into cardock mode when it's plugged into its dock, and it uses a USB plug. I would hope the LTEVO would do the same. :) Also, it looks like the card dock in the link precludes the use of any kind of case, maybe a requirement of the pins. A USB plug makes a case-friendly dock possible (not that it will happen, but hope, etc.).
 
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Thanks for posting this. This is something that's extremely important to me. I am curious to see how the dock connects to the holder (if it's fully attached or if it can be removed). In the article, it mentions that there's a dongle that plugs into the AUX port, but what if your car stereo doesn't even have an AUX plug and you're using a 3.5mm adaptor?

HTC One car dock and app the best vehicle experience yet | Android Central

Based on the "prototype", I'm still digging the Motorola dock for the photon a little better, but we'll see what the LTEvo version looks like, when it's finally released.

One thing I can say with Motorola that I never experienced with any of my HTC devices is majority of the OEM accessories were available right out the gate on release day! I had my HD dock and Car dock from day one that I purchased the Photon. Hopefully, HTC sees the importance of having the accessories available right away.
 
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Hmmm...yeah, as I suspected, HTC has their proprietary holder on the dock (similar to the one I had for the EVO):

http://cdn3.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/3197934/htc-roundup-21-verge-800_gallery_post.jpg

Having experienced how good Motorola's car dock is, I don't know if I want to go back to HTC's offering. Placing that thing on the center of the windshield is not an option (CA is illegal) and I recently discovered that my Motorola car dock works with Garmin vent mounts, due to the universal ball/joint connector that they used on the dock. I realized how important it was to have the vent mount because it keeps the phone cool on hot/sunny days.

Okay, so that's a minus for HTC as compared to my experience with Motorola.
 
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Starting with my Moment, now to my Evo 4G, and I expect to my future LTEVO, I have and will be using Tasker to implement my car docking features (which simply blows away ALL manufacturer implemented car docking software AFAIK). To put it simply...

When I get in my car, I put my Evo in the universal holster, then I plug in the charging cable. That then prompts my phone to turn on its bluetooth radio, which connects to the bluetooth headset in my car. When that happens, the following occurs:

- Wifi radio turns off.
- GPS radio turns on.
- Screen Timeout turns off
- Launcher Pro launches, throwing up a different background and a custom homescreen filled with shortcuts that are useful when driving (Navigation, Wifi tether, Maps, a very large clock widget, a couple 1-touch calling shortcuts, pandora, etc).
- Screen orientation changes to Landscape (making the clock widget even bigger).
- Screen brightness changes depending on the time of day (very bright during the day, and dim during the night).
- SMS auto-response is activated, informing texters that I am driving and to call me if they need me.
- SMS reader is activated, reading all incoming texts out loud to me.
- Then when I park and disconnect, everything goes back to normal, PLUS the phone automatically saves my car's location for later before it turns the GPS off.
- Later, if I don't remember where I parked, I simply touch the widget on my normal homescreen and it brings up my car's location.

Yes, I have to take the extra step to plug the charger into my phone, rather than it automatically being activated by the dock itself... but whatever that dock launches can't compare to my setup. ;)

Edit: Again, this is all accomplished by using Tasker (which does launch Launcher Pro for the homescreen stuff, but that's all Launcher Pro does).
 
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Starting with my Moment, now to my Evo 4G, and I expect to my future LTEVO, I have and will be using Tasker to implement my car docking features (which simply blows away ALL manufacturer implemented car docking software AFAIK). To put it simply...

When I get in my car, I put my Evo in the universal holster, then I plug in the charging cable. That then prompts my phone to turn on its bluetooth radio, which connects to the bluetooth headset in my car. When that happens, the following occurs:

- Wifi radio turns off.
- GPS radio turns on.
- Screen Timeout turns off
- Launcher Pro launches, throwing up a different background and a custom homescreen filled with shortcuts that are useful when driving (Navigation, Wifi tether, Maps, a very large clock widget, a couple 1-touch calling shortcuts, pandora, etc).
- Screen orientation changes to Landscape (making the clock widget even bigger).
- Screen brightness changes depending on the time of day (very bright during the day, and dim during the night).
- SMS auto-response is activated, informing texters that I am driving and to call me if they need me.
- SMS reader is activated, reading all incoming texts out loud to me.
- Then when I park and disconnect, everything goes back to normal, PLUS the phone automatically saves my car's location for later before it turns the GPS off.
- Later, if I don't remember where I parked, I simply touch the widget on my normal homescreen and it brings up my car's location.

Yes, I have to take the extra step to plug the charger into my phone, rather than it automatically being activated by the dock itself... but whatever that dock launches can't compare to my setup. ;)

Edit: Again, this is all accomplished by using Tasker (which does launch Launcher Pro for the homescreen stuff, but that's all Launcher Pro does).

My interest in docks has always been because of the physical dock itself, not the programs. But I can definitely see how Tasker can come in handy.
 
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My interest in docks has always been because of the physical dock itself, not the programs. But I can definitely see how Tasker can come in handy.
Tasker, and apps like it, are by far the greatest apps there are, for any device, on earth, or anywhere else. IMO, Tasker is what makes an Android an Android.

I've been asked why I don't switch to an iPhone, my response was always and will always be the same... I essentially give a list of things that Tasker can do (see list above for not even half of what I use it for) while adding the word "automatically" as a precursor to nearly every item on the list, with a couple Android features thrown in for good measure. That usually gets the iPhanboy clam-up... which is a shame because I usually would love to rant more about what Tasker can do.
 
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Tasker, and apps like it, are by far the greatest apps there are, for any device, on earth, or anywhere else. IMO, Tasker is what makes an Android an Android.

I've been asked why I don't switch to an iPhone, my response was always and will always be the same... I essentially give a list of things that Tasker can do (see list above for not even half of what I use it for) while adding the word "automatically" as a precursor to nearly every item on the list, with a couple Android features thrown in for good measure. That usually gets the iPhanboy clam-up... which is a shame because I usually would love to rant more about what Tasker can do.

LOL...I usually give a one phrase answer, "I don't want to be locked into Apple's proprietary ego."...HAHAHAHA.

If they want more, I say, "I like being able to use FREE navigation on my phone."
 
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LOL...I usually give a one phrase answer, "I don't want to be locked into Apple's proprietary ego."...HAHAHAHA.

If they want more, I say, "I like being able to use FREE navigation on my phone."
Yeah, that probably is the better answer. It doesn't lead down the road of aneurisms or self mutilation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL7yD-0pqZg
 
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I have compiled a list of all the reasons why I prefer Android over iOS. I'm not going to share it with you guys cause it's my own personal preference, and I'm sure most of you probably share many of the same reasons I do.

It always amazes me how long this list really is. I've been adding to it for a long time now. Every time I think of a clear advantage, i write it down. When I'm asked why I prefer Android, I usually can't come up with much, mainly because the answer is pretty much that the OS is almost better in every possible way. And I don't want to be a jerk about it. I have the list to prove to _myself_ I'm not just being a fanboy.

GPS Nav was the very first reason I discovered. As soon as I got in my car from the Sprint store with my Evo 4G, I decided to see if I had "gps." I came from a blackberry. I was jawdropped when I discovered I had voice turn-by-turn that rerouted and all that good stuff. And very surprised to learn later that the iPhones didn't have this out of the box.

Tasker came much later, but I totally agree about using it to override the default car dock mode. It still amazes me to have access to the raw data from the light sensor, proximity sensor, etc. to use as conditions for a rule. So much power if you're willing to apply yourself a bit to learning what's available.
 
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Starting with my Moment, now to my Evo 4G, and I expect to my future LTEVO, I have and will be using Tasker to implement my car docking features (which simply blows away ALL manufacturer implemented car docking software AFAIK). To put it simply...

<Impressive List of Functions Made Possible by Tasker>

I always knew Tasker was powerful, but it's fun to hear what people have managed to do with it in real world situations. I'll definitely keep it in mind if the LTEvo replaces my Photon.
 
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I always knew Tasker was powerful, but it's fun to hear what people have managed to do with it in real world situations. I'll definitely keep it in mind if the LTEvo replaces my Photon.
Yeah, and that list was merely a compilation of about 1/3 of the Tasker profiles that I use. But this thread is about car dock stuff, so I don't want to go into all the other useful stuff here. ;)
 
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They already have a car dock for the One X but don't know where you'd buy one. It is kind of odd that they come out with EVO accessories (other than cheapish cases) so much after the device. Gives the aftermarket a chance to get more business. Here's a review of the One X car dock.

Official HTC One X Car Dock Hands On Review (Video)
 
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pic of car dock ??? been wondering what that would look like for EL TEvo...TIA

I second the motion to see said car dock. I have yet to track down a photo in the wild. I would assume it looks like the HOX car dock but just curious.

Edit: It is fun doing a Sprint Rep's job for them. I called around to 3 local Sprint stores all the claiming they had no accessories. Based on Wifimaxed post I felt like one of them had to have this so I called the 3rd store back and explained people online had purchased accessories from Sprint stores. So she checks the back and low and behold they have 3 boxes with Media Links/Car Docks and 2 different cases. She said she will hold the media link and car dock for me and gives me a total of $130something. So then I ask since I am buying 2 wouldn't I get a 20% discount? OOO yes you would your total will be $104 and asks me if there is anything else she could help me with. I said "Nope unless there is anything else I can help you sell"
 
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I second the motion to see said car dock. I have yet to track down a photo in the wild. I would assume it looks like the HOX car dock but just curious.

Edit: It is fun doing a Sprint Rep's job for them. I called around to 3 local Sprint stores all the claiming they had no accessories. Based on Wifimaxed post I felt like one of them had to have this so I called the 3rd store back and explained people online had purchased accessories from Sprint stores. So she checks the back and low and behold they have 3 boxes with Media Links/Car Docks and 2 different cases. She said she will hold the media link and car dock for me and gives me a total of $130something. So then I ask since I am buying 2 wouldn't I get a 20% discount? OOO yes you would your total will be $104 and asks me if there is anything else she could help me with. I said "Nope unless there is anything else I can help you sell"

ROFL, good for you "persistence " :D Almost same thing I had to do as well. I had to ask "Why can you order then now on Sprints site?" Oh, let me take look, Oh, guess you can purchase. I said "OTW Brt in 5min :p"
 
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Since you asked AM2 :D

http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9zR6p3FoJU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Hope this will do ;)


you said my name!!! you said my name!!! does this mean I'm famous now???:rock: . Awesome! Much obliged. I love the stock dock. I'm now just torn between laying down the duckets for it impulsively or trying to find a lower costing alternative. haven't seen anything that resembles ths out there anywhere else. decisions decisions :hmmmm2:
 
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My Sprint store got accessories in today also. I am on my way to work and if I can hurry and get ready I am running in there. Me and my friend both want a car dock. I bought the one for the 3D from Sprint so if it is similar where it attaches to the windshield by suction cup I'll like it alot. The guy at the store when I called said it was and that it was cool looking. But if you can post a picture my friend would love to see it. He also said he has a pink otterbox and I was kind of hoping it looked like this but I am getting Seidio there my favorite. But having one purple and one pink would be nice.
OtterBox Commuter Case for EVO 4G LTE Pink/White at MobileCityOnline.com

He said tomorrow 5/22 (Today). Yup and Sprint Rep did say "Defender" Otterbox. If you pick up two items. The 20% off is not a bad deal. I got the Media Link and Car Dock for $100 smack-a-roonies. :D I'm sure there's better deals out there. I got in, got out, and got it home :)
 
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I thought I replied and don't see it. But my Sprint store got all there accessories today also. I'm gonna stop in there and get a car dock. I had one for the 3D from Sprint and loved it. I had a home dock from Seidio that I loved also. But Sprint had the car dock 1st and i got it from them. I don't really need another accessory and my friend was wanting a car dock and changed his mind. But someone posted a video of the accessories and I heard in the background there was a pink otterbox. My store has it and if it is this one I am going to try it but mobile city had it for 24.95. I am getting a purple Sedio surface case which I love seidio so I may not get this pink otterbox but if it's this same one in the Sprint store I may for the 20% will see. I just want the phone already. LOL!

And I called Best Buy and I have the print out and was told yes I will be able to use my phone freedom 50 and the 50 that comes for pre-ordering combined towards the phone. I know there was a discussion about it but she told me if that's what it says and it says they can be combined that they will honor it. So getting the phones for a 100 bucks selling my phone and accessories for 250 I came out good. Now anytime Best Buy wants to send me that email.

Sprint HTC EVO 4G LTE Case ? Commuter Series | OtterBox.com
 
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Since you asked AM2 :D

Hope this will do ;)

You're the man WifiMaxed!

Looks like HTC took a cue from Motorola and made the connector between the dock and the mount a universal ball mount that's used for GARMIN's!

What does that mean exactly?

Well, for those that don't really like suction cups for their mount, this form factor allows you to use any of the mounts available for Garmin's.

I personally decided to try out a vent mount and it's been working perfectly for my MoPho car mount:
Amazon.com: IG-A03: i.Trek Vent Mount for Garmin Nuvi 200, 200W, 250, 250W, 260, 260W, 270, 205, 205W, 255, 255W, 265T, 265WT, 275T, 500, 550, 680, 750, 760: Electronics

There's also proclip mounts that I actually might finally decide to go with because they have mounts specifically for your vehicle:
Device Holders and Dashboard Vehicle Mounts*-*ProClip Car Mounts for Mobile Phones, Tablet, and Handheld Devices

-EDIT- The one thing I'll add to this is that Motorola actually provides both a charger and an adaptor that has a 3.5mm output connector, so that allows you to charge the phone AND connect the phone to your car speakers via 3.5mm w/o having to use the 3.5mm input on the phone.

Before people respond saying, "just use bluetooth", keep in mind that bluetooth sync is not something compatible with all cars, so majority of the people out there won't have that option. I don't even have an AUX input on my car, so I have to use a tape adaptor!...LOL.
 
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Because of this format, I thought I'd also post the pic that I put up on Amazon where it's mounted to the Motorola Photon car dock and should also be able to do it with the LTEvo car dock now:

51Twn6dR2HL.jpg
 
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