Yep, the Q dept has been at work again.
Moving on from my patented 'Splitter Cam' that worked via local wifi to an app on my phone, I decided that I could maximize some other aspects.
I'll post some daylight picks tomorrow but essentially, I've fitted a 7 inch Android Tablet to that gash hole in the centre console. Its attached by way of a magnet mount to the dash piece directly below the AC controls (no drilling or cutting required. Will explain how when I post day pics).
Why you may ask? Well, the same reason for any mod; because I can
Actually, I've found that I now have a totally independent 'iDrive/Infotainment centre'. My car network is now a little crazy but goes as follows;
Android smartphone (in usual place magnet mount on drivers vent) is bluetoothed to the car for usual functions (hands free phone etc).
Andriod tablet connected to car via bluetooth (for movie/TV audio, music and BMW Connected Drive)
Tablet is also using my phone as a portable Wi-fi hotspot so it too gets my phones 4G (for Google functions etc).
Tablet is also connected to my WifiAV local transmitter that sends splitter camera video to it.
The tablet has CarHome ultra app driving the front face which means I can put a load of apps on the display with big buttons. Google Maps, Street View, Mobdro, front camera, Tom Tom Speed Camera Alert, BMW Connected Drive, Ok Google voice, Sky Go etc. Still need to test whether long press on steering speech button will control it.
You can customise the colours and even though it doesnt show too well in the photo, I've matched it to the OEM cockpit red. It auto switched to day colours too (customisable).
Power is from a 90 down mini usb run behind it, secretly buried in the left bit of trim and run off to the under-glove box 12v supply with a twin USB cigar lighter adapter (phone takes power from this too).
When the car is unlocked, the screen comes on to the CarHome app straight away and connects to my phones wifi tether. On power off, the screen times out after 15 secs.
Having done a bit of testing, it works very well. Google maps gives you a secondary nav plan (with independent traffic info away from RTTI), Speed camera alert works continuously in the background and I was even able to watch a bit of the Japanese Grand Prix via Mobdro!
If I want to listen to audio sources from it, simply select it via the media iDrive (second bluetooth device).
If I park in an unsavoury area, unplug and pull it off the magnetic mount.
Minor down side is even though you can still access the cup holder draw, I'd prob need to remove it if I had any drinks in there (Solution - fit a CamelBak on my seat!).
Will be fiddling with some more apps and might even try a couple of other tablets.
Q out.