While Tesla’s operating system is recognized for having a slew of built-in capabilities (including the ability to play AAA video games), one feature stands out: Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support. Using a web browser, two Raspberry Pis, a few add-ons and wires, and Android, Micha Gapiski was able to hack support for both in Teslas.
What’s New?
The Android Tesla Project, as Gapiski calls it (thanks to MacRumors for the heads up), provides an Android Auto interface that you can access using the car’s built-in web browser. (Continue working on the open web standards.)
While this isn’t the first time we’ve seen a project like this – another developer managed to get Android Auto operating in the car’s web browser with simply an app — simulating an entire tablet takes it to the next level.
This isn’t an easy task, which is to be expected given Gapiski’s status as the alpha. According to the Android Tesla hardware page, a Raspberry Pi 4 is required to run Android, and a Raspberry Pi 3 or higher is required to run Linux (which is responsible for recording video and mixing it with your Tesla’s computer over WiFi). HDMI and LTE add-on cards, as well as cords to connect everything.
What’s More?
You should be able to connect your Tesla to the Pi’s Wi-Fi network and get an IP address into the Tesla’s web browser where you are greeted by Android after going through the (tedious) software setup process and relocating all of the hardware into your car. You may then open an app that handles CarPlay and Android Auto, giving you access to your phone’s native music interface, maps, and other features.
The experience doesn’t look to be the most responsive ever (and apparently the audio directions for navigation aren’t working yet), but it appears to be decently functional, according to a video shared by Gapiski.
This project is still in progress, which is why there are two Raspberry Pis. The need “may diminish in the future,” according to Gapiski’s website, and the goal is for it to function on a single Raspberry Pi 4. It’s also a long way from a simple one- or two-step setup.
Digging In More Details
The present instructions should be recognizable to anyone with some Linux or modding knowledge, but I assume they’ll be scary to someone who just wants to plug and play. According to the Tesla Android Project’s About page, the goal is to allow installation “within minutes.”
While Tesla Android’s ability to run CarPlay is a major selling point, it can also function with Android Auto. There’s also the complete Android tablet interface, which you can use for things like browsing the web or even running diagnostics (albeit not while driving).
There’s something appealing about CarPlay being available on Apple’s rival operating system, but the true beauty here is all of Gapiski’s effort. While it’s not quite ready for prime time, it’s interesting to watch people customizing their automobiles in surprising (and quirky) ways.