For car enthusiasts looking to enhance their vehicle’s technology without replacing the entire head unit, repurposing a tablet like the Nexus 7 can be an excellent solution. While native Android Auto might be designed for specific car stereos, you can achieve similar, and in some ways more versatile, functionality by combining a Nexus 7 with an OBD2 adapter. This setup allows you to access a wealth of vehicle data and smart features right from your dashboard.
One initial consideration is audio output. Direct USB audio can be software-dependent. Android devices from version 5.0 (Lollipop) onwards generally support USB Audio natively. However, older versions or specific devices might require custom ROMs or kernels to enable this feature. Modifying your tablet’s software in this manner, often involving rooting, can be complex and may void your warranty. Unless you are comfortable with advanced Android customization, exploring alternative audio solutions, such as Bluetooth or AUX connections, is advisable for a smoother setup.
The true power of integrating a Nexus 7 into your car lies in the vast array of Android applications designed for automotive use. Consider the Torque app, a popular choice for accessing your car’s diagnostics and engine data. By pairing your tablet with a Bluetooth OBDII scanner, typically costing around $15 and easily plugged into your car’s OBDII port (usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side), you gain real-time insights into your vehicle’s performance. This combination is invaluable for monitoring engine health, reading error codes, tracking fuel efficiency, and even providing GPS-based tracking.
Speaking of GPS, your Nexus 7 can also function as a dedicated navigation system. Numerous apps, such as Google Maps and Navigation, offer robust mapping and turn-by-turn directions. While these apps utilize the tablet’s built-in GPS, their performance is significantly enhanced when the tablet is connected to a WiFi network. While some tablets offer cellular data connectivity, a WiFi-only Nexus 7 can still leverage the internet connection from your smartphone.
For seamless connectivity on the go, consider using your smartphone’s WiFi tethering feature. When your tablet is mounted in your car, tethering provides it with a stable internet connection. This enables high-accuracy GPS positioning, music streaming services, and access to voice-activated search and notifications. If your mobile data plan allows, tethering or using a dedicated mobile hotspot is highly recommended for a fully connected in-car experience.
To streamline the startup process, NFC tags can be incredibly beneficial. Instead of manually launching apps and enabling connections each time you start your car, NFC tags can automate these tasks. For example, an NFC tag placed in your car can automatically activate your phone’s WiFi hotspot. Similarly, a tag on your tablet mount can be programmed to turn on GPS and Bluetooth, and launch a car-centric application like AutoMate, which provides a simplified, driver-friendly interface. NFC tags are a small investment that saves considerable time and makes the entire Android Auto-like experience with your Nexus 7 and OBD2 adapter much more convenient and user-friendly.
