iPad as head unit
- Thread starter stal023
- Start date
stal023 said:
Depends on the car..for a very long time most manufacturers via usb provided iPod support..with that you can stop / start / play / change tracks music..with some get artwork on the in car display..
I guess you will use the iPad to run your favourite nav apps ?
All you should do (IMHO) is configure your ipad screen to be more appropriate to a car environment by removing superfulous apps, increasing font size, switching on the high visibility modes etc..
Car play only works as an embedded system in very late car systems..so that's not an option or really necessary..
Car play only works as an embedded system in very late car systems..so that's not an option or really necessary..
Okay, I have yet to be successful in getting the ipad to play through the car speakers. I tried the aux cord but nothing would play and I believe my GROM unit it shot (will play music but just sounds like complete crap) and I couldn't get it to connect through BT. I have yet to try the USB cord.
stal023 said:
Given this is in the E85 / E86 section, I presume you drive one of those models, in which case, there is no USB option for you to plug into. I think they were introduced from the E89 onwards.
It's unusual that the aux cable did not work though. Have you tried other devices through the aux cable to see if it's an issue with the device, the cable, or perhaps if it is connected correctly?
I'm trying to solve for similar situation, and the options I'm aware of (and some wiser than I can probably elaborate on them a bit) are the following:
- There is a specific bluetooth receiver which you can plug into where the CD changer would go (behind the bulk head i believe). I cannot find the link to it at the moment, but will update this if I do. A few folks on here have posted about it, and it appears to allow for some steering wheel function (skipping tracks)
- A 3.5mm bluetooth receiver connected via the aux cable and it's own power source (either via its own battery, the cigarette lighter or hardwired to fusebox). Obviously you need to confirm that the aux port is working as expected for this scenario though!
If you do a search for Bluetooth, you should get a number of posts that give some more detail.
Good luck with your project, an ipad would be a nice addition!
Okay, yes, 2006 model that a prior owner has installed the GROM BT3 unit, 2 USB ports and an aux port. I *thought* that the GROM unit went out and distorted all music. I have not tested the cord to the aux as I don't have any other device that I can plug in at the moment. I did try a USB and that doesn't not play through the speakers.
I have reset the Bluetooth on the GROM unit and that seemed to fix it. So, I should be able to play music through a tablet with the Bluetooth. My testing was on an older iPad and didn't have much luck but with black Friday coming up, I think I will find a deal on a tablet that has data and connect and attach to the vent to make things appear to be more modern. I should also be able to run through my phone android auto (I don't have an iPhone), or just do as suggested, larger text, bare-bones apps. Just want a slick way to play music and use google maps when traveling.
I have reset the Bluetooth on the GROM unit and that seemed to fix it. So, I should be able to play music through a tablet with the Bluetooth. My testing was on an older iPad and didn't have much luck but with black Friday coming up, I think I will find a deal on a tablet that has data and connect and attach to the vent to make things appear to be more modern. I should also be able to run through my phone android auto (I don't have an iPhone), or just do as suggested, larger text, bare-bones apps. Just want a slick way to play music and use google maps when traveling.
Okay I have done a ton of searching and I am just not finding the answer. I actually bought an android tablet as I have an android phone. I have the GROM bluetooth in the car but I can't figure out how to get the phone to share to the tablet that is then connected via bluetooth. I want to be able to stream music and use the tablet for navigation. The tablet is wifi only. I'm sure I could turn on a hotspot but that data is limited and my regular data is unlimited so that is what I want to pull to the tablet. Does this make sense? How can I accomplish this?
