How To: GROM Audio explains downloading music to your Android device

For Apple users, uploading and downloading music to and from iTunes seems to be almost automatic. With over 13 years since the release of the first generation iPod, it is no surprise iTunes is still going strong. But other providers have made leaps when it comes to music on-the-go, giving consumers a choice when it comes to music mobility. Google's Android operating system has seen a serious influx of users over the past few years, making the Google Play application key component to Android users' listening experience.

As the first aftermarket car audio company to provide seamless integration of Android devices to factory car stereos, GROM Audio wants to ensure all of our users can listen to their music library while driving. Through just a few easy steps, GROM Audio can show you how download music from your computer to your Android device, allowing drivers to take control of their music selection!

For Windows Users:

1. Connect your computer to your Android device using a USB cable
   - If you are prompted to select a USB connection option on your device, select Media Device (MTP)
2. Locate the music files on your computer and drag to your device's music folder

For Mac Users:

1. Download and install Android File Transfer to your computer
2. Connect your computer to your Android device using a USB cable
   - If you are prompted to select a USB connection option on your device, select Media Device (MTP)
3. Locate music files on your computer and drag them to your device's music folder via Android File Transfer

After you have downloaded music to your Android phone, you can use GROM Audio's AALinQ application, a music player created to function seamlessly with our adapter.

To use the AALinQ app, download it from the Google Play marketplace. (Just search for the AALinQ in the Google Play search box)

1. Open the app, go to Settings

2. Tap "Music home folder" to specify what folder you want AALinQ to take the music from

 

Please note: Usually AALinQ will grab all the music that you have on your phone, but sometimes you still need to adjust the destination music folder for AALinQ

Start using AALinQ!

GROM Audio Hosts Successful Silicon Valley Automotive Open Source Meet Up

Last week GROM Audio hosted the Silicon Valley Automotive Open Source Meet Up event with special guest speaker, QNX Senior Automotive Product Manager, Kerry Johnson. As first time hosts of the event, the GROM Audio corporate office was a full house of Meet Up group members dedicated to learning the latest about in-vehicle infotainment (IVI). Serving as a network to connect a variety backgrounds ranging from engineers to entrepreneurs, the over 65 attendees met to listen to Johnson speak about Qt, the latest cross-platform application framework for desktop, embedded and mobile i.e. even infotainment.

Event host, ICS Liaison, Peter Mui opened the event with a few words just after 7:15, before GROM founder Dmitry Borisov stepped in to thank guests for coming, while also introducing many attendees of GROM's aftermarket infotainment solutions.

GROM Audio Founder, Dimtry Borisov introduces guest speaker. 

Starting the discussion with a background of QNX software, Kerry Johnson discussed the importance of open source and sharing knowledge to help better technology.
"These Meet Ups help us come together and move forward,"Johnson said.

Qt, which was developed as an open source project, follows this idea, according to Johnson, who discussed that the framework can integrate with a wide variety of platforms including the most popular iOS, Android, OS X and Windows. Working well with other languages, widgets and interfaces, Qt integrates to create faster transitions, better 2D & 3D graphics and quick speech references.

"An infotainment system is the integration of a lot of things, there are all kinds of things that need to be brought together," Johnson continued.

Guest speaker, QNX Senior Automotive Product Manager, Kerry Johnson

According to the 25-year industry veteran, Qt can better in-car infotainment integration, but safety will be biggest challenge for car manufacturers to overcome. Safety certification is crucial in moving forward with connected cars and according to Johnson OEMs are creating the hold, while they wait for Google and Apple. But with Qt integration automakers do not have to lock into a specific OS like Android or iOS, although it is unclear if Apple's CarPlay will support Qt.

Although the feature of connected cars is still very vague, it is clear that consumer electronics will continue to blend with the auto industry, creating smarter cars, smarter drivers and one day driverless vehicles.

"I love to see things change, but the reality is it will take a while," Johnson said.

Don't Buy a New Car for Modern Features, Upgrade Your Car with GROM Audio Adapters

As people become more and more dependent on technology, you expect and want your vehicles to be compatible with the same technologies you use daily. Now new vehicles come equipped with multimedia integration, allowing drivers to utilize your cell phones, tablets and other media players while driving—making your commute an experience instead of a hassle.

But rather than considering putting a down payment on a new car to enjoy the latest features of driving, why not upgrade your vehicle with a GROM Audio adapter? Although car dealers may make you think it is necessary to purchase a new 2014 vehicle to take advantage of modern amenities, that is really not the case.

GROM Audio's current product line includes the GROM-BT3 for Bluetooth integration, GROM-USB2P for iPhone/iPad/iPod and USB compatibility, and the GROM-AND2 for Android 
product capabilities—gives drivers many options to upgrade your car, without having to considering purchasing the latest model. Through these products and other GROM add-on options drivers can utilize the same state-of-the-art features, taking advantage of music steaming (through your library or applications stored on your device), hands-free calling, GPS turn-by-turn navigation.

With more innovative products to come in 2014, GROM Audio seeks to be the solution to your vehicle technology needs. Allowing drivers to engage in the same high tech features new vehicles offer, GROM Audio provides affordable fixes to keeping your car up-to-date. 

Head over to gromaudio.com now and receive 10% off your holiday purchases!

GROM Audio Updates its Advanced Media Player Application (AALinQ) for Android Users

GROM Audio was the first car audio company to bring Android integration to the marketplace, allowing you to connect your Android devices directly to your car stereo for in-car listening. With car audio adapters such as the GROM-USB2P, GROM-AND2 and GROM-MST3P, GROM delivered high-quality sound to Android users through its AALinQapplication—a mobile phone app available for free from the Google Play marketplace.

Now after receiving tremendous feedback from Android users, GROM is pleased to announce a new updated skin to its AALinQ application. This easy-to-use audio app is designed to provide drivers who are also Android users the ability to stream music wirelessly, allowing you to listen to your own music library effortlessly. 

 

The AALinQ's updated facade brings Android drivers a more modern streamlined look, while still supplying users with features such as voice control (BETA), browsing abilities, personalized music folders and support for many audio files including MP3, FLAC, WMA, AAC and OGG. Through large fonts, vivid colors and easy clicking options, you can feel safer driving by keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road—while still enjoying your own music library. The AALinQ app cuts out the annoyance of commercials, while also providing Android users with the same visual features Apple users receive, ie. album cover art, grid or list mode for music selection, a “playing now”screen, as well as the ability to lock the screen to avoid unwanted changes. 

 
Drivers can update their AALinQ application with the Jelly Bean style skin easily, follow the steps below:
1.) Upload the AALinQ app to your phone via Google Play
2.) Open AALinQ, go to Settings > Current Skin
3.) Choose AALinQ Jelly Bean Skin
 

Through GROM's AALinQ application you can easily connect your Android device to your GROM audio adapter by connection of the USB cable provided, making it easier than ever to enjoy your own media while on-the-go. With the ability to play, charge and control your Android device, you can feel like you have the latest technology at their finger tips while making your daily commute!

Customize a Car Audio Adapter - Fit to Your Needs

Many cars, new and old, do not come equipped with the technology to connect your MP3 player, mobile phone or tablet to your car stereo. Therefore, in order to enjoy your own music library, stream music or listen to podcasts, drivers must buy products such as adapters, auxiliary cables,  USB cords, FM transmitters or even  new stereos in same cases. Not only are there many products on the market to adapt your music player into an in-car theater, but there are also many different types of music players—making it hard to find the best equipment for your needs.

GROM Audio creates customizable car kits for over 30 car makes and models, perfect for a multitude of car audio needs—giving both Android and iOS users many different options to satisfy their in-car listening issues. GROM designs, develops and manufactures car audio adapters, which have add-ons such as Bluetooth dongles, auxiliary capabilities and USB connection. These adapters and add-on products allow drivers to create an audio adapter tailored to their exact needs, whether they are looking for an Android audio adapter or iPod (iPhone) car adapter.

With the ability to create exactly what you want, drivers can avoid extra unnecessary equipment while enjoying features like Bluetooth wireless connectivity for hands-free driving, wireless music listening and GPS turn-by-turn navigation (via Bluetooth adapter or Dongle add-on). Through USB, AUX, iPod, Android and Bluetooth integration GROM gives users personalized after-market car stereo adapters transforming their in-car listening experience.

GROM Adds Direct Android Connection for High-Quality Sound and Listening

Most Apple users have come accustom to countless products to adapt to their iPhones, iPads, or iPods. Companies, including GROM Audio, create iPod car adapters, auxiliary cables and/or Bluetooth devices allowing drivers the ability to listen to music in the car, make calls hands-free, connect to GPS and much
more.

But what about Android users?

GROM Audio is the only car audio company to meet the growing demand for Android-compatible equipment to connect Google devices to your vehicle. The more people switch to the Android operating system, the more they will find that there is a clear lack of Android adapters to connect their devices to their vehicles. This is why GROM Audio has spent the last year on Android development, creating car audio adapters, which give Android users the same capabilities as as Apple users.

Through adapters such as the GROM-AND2, Android users have the ability to directly connect their phone or tablet to their vehicle. Then they have the same luxuries Apple users have, including the ability to connect wirelessly through Bluetooth, stream music through apps or listen to their own music library. These Android audio adapters also give drivers GPS capabilities and hands-free calling through Bluetooth, making being on-the-go so much easier!

FREE Shipping within US, and $10 OFF Intertaional Shipping on orders $100 and more

GROM offers FREE Regular shipping within US, and $10 OFF International Shipping on all orders of $100 and up on all its Bluetooth Android USB iPhone Car Kits.
No code is required, the discount is applied automatically.
Enjoy it while it lasts, now until September 4th 3pm PST.

Have a car stereo with optical fiber technology? Let GROM Audio introduce you to the GROM-MST3 adapter

GROM Audio takes pride in providing its customers with the most up-to-date multimedia interfaces available. Which means, its product line includes equipment compatible with optical fiber  technology—common in many newer German car makes and models. Since optical fiber stereo systems have become more popular, GROM Audio has created the GROM-MST3.

This easy-to-use in car adapter gives customer the convenience of two external ports, allowing connection of AUX-IN, Bluetooth, Android and/or iPhone/iPod. With the ability to charge your devices and listen to music through in car Bluetooth wireless playback this car audio adapter creates a better driving experience for drivers and passengers alike.

Watch GROM Audio's step-by-step video below for further directions.

GROM Audio integrates Android with GROM-USB2P

As Google's Android operating system continues to increase in popularity, GROM Audio continues  to bring customers the best quality adapters to fit their needs. Known as the first car audio company to deliver direct connection of Android smartphones or tablets to factory car stereos, GROM Audio strives to give drivers the ability to use their mobile devices on-the-go.

The GROM-USB2P car kit gives drivers the ability to not only listen to their own music library straight from their smartphone or tablet, but it also gives users the best sound quality through direct digital connection. This direct digital connection creates high-quality sound by keeping the digital signal intact until it is converted to an analog signal. This means no unnecessary manipulations are made to the music signals, creating little to no interference.

This GROM Audio interface integrates Bluetooth technology as well (via the Bluetooth Dongle, GROM-BTD) giving drivers the ability to talk on the phone hands-free while driving. Because safety on the road is the most important factor of driving, this feature allows users keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times.

It is GROM Audio's goal to continue to bring Android users more car audio integration options and the GROM-USB2P is only the beginning of its Google compatible multimedia systems. Please check the GROM Audio website for compatible Android devices and stay tuned for more GROM products suited for the Android operating system.