So, bottom line up front: Because I categorically hate auto-manufacturers attempts at information integration, what with nav systems that are obsolete almost as soon as they are installed (and offer less functionality than google maps or its ilk even before that point) and inferior ability to be updated and customized, I did not purchase the visual boost in my new MCS that is currently awaiting delivery.

What that leaves me in the enviable position, in the opinion or one tinkerer to another, of now getting to daydream about just what system and toys I will be installing in my MINI once it arrives.

I have all but decided on a Nexus tablet, although the mounting is still a question (On one hand I very much am interested on the prospect of wholesale removing the base model radio interface and custom installing an in-dash system where the visual boost system would otherwise fit, on the other I am busy with work... And I like the idea of being able to pick it up and take it with me to use outside the car, provided that it still looks sleek and clean while its car-puter mode) I have worked out a few of the basic software items to throw into the mix. I would love to hear further input on ideas for good car-connectivity apps:

NavFreeUSA (offline GPS nav with turn-by-turn directions and a very easy updating interface) and WAZE/Google Maps:

Offline is nice as I don't plan on paying for data useage... on the other hand, its a simple matter to hotspot from my cellphone to the car-tablet and solve the issue... thank god for unlimited data plans. I am leaning towards that, with NavFreeUSA installed as a backup system incase I am outside data coverage areas, or my phone dies, gets lost, whatever.

Torque for Android:

Alread purchased for my old car, and I have the bluetooth OBDII connect. Would allow me to use the tablet as a display for all sorts of other engine monitoring readouts and widgets. As a pilot I am used to being able to monitor down to the degree and percent every aspect of my engine performance... and I have never been a fan of MINI's lack of displayed engine data.

Music:

Here I am at a loss. I certainly will use a standard music player with internally stored songs and whatnot. Any ideas for great radio/music apps for when I want to listen to something I don't already own? Or if I want to tune into the news on my morning commute?

System manager:

Couple of apps available, most for only a dollar or two, but the idea is that as soon as the ignition comes on and power is applied to the tablet, it will awake from standby/off, and turn all its "sensors" (bluetooth, GPS, Wifi, etc) on... and turn them all off again automatically when I turn the car off. Pretty simple to set up and eliminates any need to fiddle with it when I get into the car.


So that is all the stuff that I think are the "must haves" for integration and basic functionality. I would love to hear your thoughts on additional apps/functions to consider, and even your thoughts more generally on the idea of dropping a tablet into the new MINI.

 

For integrated tablet installation that lets you also remove it check out:

http://www.soundmanca.com/ipad-mini-...cars-dashboard

They (or someone) might make one for the Nexus.

 

I haven't seen a prefab kit for the new MINI yet, but I will be on the watch for one as time goes on. For now I am thinking short term of a simple car mount. Longer term, a motorized tilting dash mount so it works like the HUD, but with a lot more functionality...

 

Alternate idea was to figure out a clever secret compartment install... but the new James Bond Box is so much smaller than last generation :-(

 

You can use Tasker to do the automation. You can set it to do things when power is connected, when Bluetooth is connected, when on WiFi, etc.

I use Google Play Music All Access for music. You can upload your own library, and get access to the usual 20 million songs or so. It will stream, and you can download to the device. They also have themed play lists, and "radio stations" Apple Genius play list or Pandora style.

 

Tasker is what I was thinking of using. Didn't realize Google music was that great though. Is all that access to other music and smart playlists a paid service or is it advertisement based?

 

You can do the smart playlists against your own library for free, I think. The access to the other stuff is paid. I got grandfathered at $7.99

 

7.99 a month is not too bad. Beats sat radio. Still. I may try and go for free options until the car is paid off and I get out from THAT monthly payment. Wish I could get grandfathered into that one at 7.99

So no one has any ideas on totally different functions?

I was hoping for something crazy cool that I never would have thought of... like an app that tells me where to look to see shooting stars while driving at night or an app that changes my voice to sound like Darth Vader when I make calls through the car

Or, you know... useful things...

 

I also have the basic infotainment, and had the same worries about the upgraded displays and what not. Automotive infotainment sucks. I'm not ready to devote a tablet, so I'm thinking of using a spare phone.

Map: I use Nokia Here maps for Android on a spare phone. It works off-line, much better interface than the rest, and when you are online you can sync your data (favorites) and receive traffic information. I just need to find a good way to mount it. I hate suction cups so I'm looking for a different way.
I ordered this so I can maybe just let it sit on the dash and put my phone there, but I'll have to see how slippery it is. The spare phone I have is from Freedompop (using Sprint's 3G) that I bought refurbished for $25. HTC Evo Design 4G WiMax. It runs smooth enough and gets 900MB free data each month. There's also some free VoIP voice minutes too.
I also use Torque Pro, and it'll probably be used more often at least during break-in period.

Music: I use a tiny USB drive - . It's so tiny you don't know it's there. I made a playlist (*.m3u8) file for each directory and it's working good. I thought of integrating my $25 http://www.motorola.com/us/accessories-headphones-speakers/Moto-Stream/moto-stream.html which is the best bluetooth streamer I know, but didn't want to deal with all the wiring.

 

The Motorola bluetooth setup is interesting for sure. Sounds like a potential backup got my current plan, which is to get bluetooth access through the coding options. The topic thread on coding your mini seems to suggest that the enhanced bluetooth should be available in any car with some simple coding changes.

As for the spare phone, I will admit I am still considering it. My only issue is that I want a larger screen so that the screen is large enough to split screen nav and torque pro or nav and Spotify (what I am leaning towards for music). A phone would do the job, but it would be on the smallish end, and since I don't have a spare phone anyhow, it would still mean buying one, so the cost saving just isn't there to motivate me. Glad that it's working for you though!