Hi everyone--

I'm sure this issue has been debated, but I can't find the right search terms to dig it up here. As many of you know, Mini Connected is designed to allow you to control certain phone apps via the Mini's display (Visual Boost on my 2015 F55). However, doing so takes control over the phone, so multitasking isn't possible -- for example, I can't use Waze and Pandora at the same time. Apps that aren't "supported" by Mini actually work better, in my opinion, as they'll play music in the background while using another app. I find myself seeking out unsupported apps (like NPR One) instead of supported apps (like TuneIn Radio) for this reason. I'm sure this is the desired behavior for some people, but it's awfully annoying for me.

So, is there any way to have the Mini not "take over" the phone? I've had intermittent luck with starting the app before plugging into the USB, but haven't been able to figure out a solution.

 

Don't plug it in via the built in USB port - either stick with Bluetooth Audio or, if you need to charge the phone, use a plug in charger

 

I have found that the level of "hijacking" depends on the app. For example, TuneIn is a complete takeover, even going so far as preventing your phone from locking (which makes my phone blazing hot). That, and it is REALLY unreliable; it even causes a complete reboot of the system sometimes. iHeartRadio Auto on the other hand doesn't seem to suffer from any of that. Works reliably, I can lock my phone, and even do other stuff on it at the same time (IIRC). This bummed me out because I really like TuneIn and with the loss of Web Radio on the MINI Connected app, it seems to be the only way to integrate true internet radio into the system.

For me, simply going Bluetooth isn't an option. One of the big draws for me with the Connected XL system was the app integration. I was definitely disappointed when I realized how unreliable it is.

 

All apps should operate normally if you uninstall the MINI Connected app from your phone. MINI Connected has a 1.5 star rating in the App Store and you probably won't miss it.