The Project Pad

So some of us have talked about integrating our mobile devices into our cars to replace the HU, using tablets with http://vems.hu/android/ for a digital dash, etc.

Just heard about this app which works with the Pioneer AppRadio head units to allow you to interact with the full function of your phone via the head unit. My first thought was the VEMS app.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=OYFTjMkBCpY[/youtube]

The AppRadio is $139 after rebate on Crutchfield, plus $34.99 for the app, the cost of a BT to VEMS adapter, and other costs. Sounds like you could have a digital dash for <$300 which is also a stand alone HU and every other function your phone has.

Who has the best way to fit a double DIN HU into the CQ? My first thought is a new surround with different vents, put the HU as high as possible, may as well upgrade to B4 climatronic, and generally move things around. I would not want to go too crazy since I like things to appear OEM-ish

Just thinking out loud, since I have more pressing projects to deal with.

What a fantastic Idea. I might play on this.

I wish they'd make a thin external amp version, it would open up mounting options.

eeek. Read the reviews for htat thing Ed,.

Looks like I was looking at the old version, and the "2" is discontinued yet not as cheap

Really, I was excited about this as a HW solution which had functionality without a phone connected yet also offers the dash function; everything in between is cake.

If the AppRadio is dead, all we really need is a USB in DAC, remote volume control, external amp, and some sort of dock or mount.

I guess embedding a tablet in the dash is not a bad option:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2oVPcYbrU-4[/youtube]

Can't see the pics at work but perhaps a single-din with a slide out screen would be a viable option.

Seems like the best thing to do would be just get a small android tablet and integrate it into the dash. Set up a tether to your phone and you'll have internet/vems/music/etc all on a touchscreen, with no proprietary crap to worry about

PRY4SNO wrote:Can't see the pics at work but perhaps a single-din with a slide out screen would be a viable option.

Except that you'd have to hack the screen to mirror your phone because I don't know of a single din slide out which does it stock.

Ed, I'm thinking the tablet may be the best; it still presents challenges. A padphone would be really prefect but is not really a viable option.