Transform any old tablet into a stunning in-car Android dashboard—how it’s done - Talk Android
· TalkAndroidEver looked at your car’s dashboard and thought, “Wow, this could really use a glow-up”? If your ride doesn’t boast the sleek wonders of Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, or even a humble touchscreen, don’t hit the trade-in button just yet. It turns out all you need is a bit of tech curiosity and an old Android tablet ready for its second life.
Why Do Cars Get Outdated So Fast?
If you feel like your car, which isn’t exactly ancient, lags embarrassingly behind your phone, you’re not alone. The infotainment arms race means many cars without smartphone integrations or even a basic touchscreen seem old-fashioned overnight. So, what’s a modern driver to do? Time to roll up your sleeves and consider a custom integration.
Android on Wheels: Decoding the Jargon
Hold up—before plunging in, let’s clear up some confusion. On Android’s side, two friendly but different solutions compete for your dashboard attention: Android Auto and Android Automotive.
- Android Auto is a car-optimized interface streamed straight from your smartphone to your car. Think of it as a stylish overlay—your phone does the heavy lifting.
- Android Automotive, on the other hand, is a full-blown infotainment system embedded directly in the car. It’s what you’d find in vehicles from brands like Volvo and Renault. And, bonus, Android Automotive supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for maximum compatibility.
So, what if your car doesn’t have either? This is where things get interesting.
The DIY Dashboard: Breathing New Life into Old Tablets
Inspired by the evolution of Android Auto, some tech enthusiasts are blazing their own trail. Take Mishaal Rahman, a journalist from media outlet Esper. He embarked on a quest to install Android Automotive as a system right onto an Android tablet. According to Rahman’s Twitter thread, his creation runs the basic “Vanilla” version of Android Automotive and can connect to a smartphone via USB to enable Android Auto support.
There’s no magic trickery involved—just a bit of clever thinking. The setup, as Rahman describes, works as intended (well, most of the time—Google Maps occasionally throws a tantrum and crashes). And for now, Android Auto functionality only works with a wired connection, not wirelessly. Still, it’s a step forward for those determined to modernize their cabins.
Even Further: OBD and Beyond—But Tread Carefully
Could this project go even further? Absolutely. For the brave, there’s the option of connecting the tablet directly to the car via an OBD (on-board diagnostics) port. These ports usually hide beneath the steering wheel and let you access tons of internal data, from your car’s speed to critical technical diagnostics. They can even power up anti-theft systems. Linking your tablet setup to this port unlocks real-time dashboard data, bringing new digital info straight to your fingertips.
But—yes, there’s a ‘but’—using the OBD this way wasn’t really what the designers had in mind. It can lead to interference, and in worst-case scenarios, make your car’s central computer (the BSI) misbehave. There’s even a risk of voiding your car’s warranty. So, as in all good adventures, remember: boldness is a virtue, but so is caution!
The Reality Check: Who Is This For?
There’s no denying the lure of breathing new life into an old tablet, turning it into an autonomous infotainment system. You could easily imagine using it to run navigation (think GPS, Waze, Google Maps), play music via Bluetooth or the friendly headphone jack, get online, or tap into Google Assistant.
- Navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps
- Music control via Bluetooth or headphone jack
- Internet access and voice assistants
However, this solution remains custom and not for everyone. It’s a labor of love, ideal for those who don’t mind tinkering and troubleshooting. But for tech-savvy drivers seeking a personalized dashboard experience, it’s a rewarding challenge—and likely a guaranteed conversation starter at traffic lights.
In short: if your car’s dash is stuck in a bygone era and you’ve got an old Android device gathering dust, why not give this idea a spin? Just remember to avoid any warranty-obliterating moves—unless you like living on the edge!