A Kickstarter product guarantees so as to add every thing that is lacking in Tesla’s infotainment system.
It gives Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a wi-fi connection to a front-mounted video digital camera.
You may even join a sport console and play on the automotive’s display screen.
Tesla’s in-car software program is widely known as probably the greatest, if not one of the best within the automotive trade, with easy animations, a handy guide a rough interface and the promise of added options down the road by way of over-the-air updates. Nonetheless, it’s additionally broadly recognized that Tesla EVs don’t have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and that generally it may be fairly fiddly to get to generally used controls like turning on the wipers and even opening the glovebox.
However there’s an answer for that, and it comes within the type of a Kickstarter marketing campaign.
It’s known as the Teslogic Screenmate. Basically a standalone laptop board that takes simply 10 minutes to put in, the Screenmate can take management of Tesla’s central touchscreen after the driving force holds three fingers on the show for a few seconds, all whereas retaining the automotive’s authentic performance. It sounds sophisticated–and behind the scenes, it most likely is–however in actuality, you don’t must overthink it.
The custom-made board is working Android 14, so you’ll be able to anticipate to run just about any Android app on the automotive’s essential show in full-screen mode, together with Waze. However the record of goodies doesn’t finish right here.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a USB Kind-C show enter, assist for a third-party front-mounted wi-fi digital camera and the power to customise the display screen’s format–they’re all included. There’s a fast settings panel that may be customized with shortcuts for issues like wiper controls, seat motion and opening the glovebox or a sure door–just about something you’ll be able to consider, it’s there. You may even run a dual-screen format with Tesla’s interface on one aspect and the Screenmate’s interface on the opposite–or export Tesla’s interface in a unique window altogether.
Teslogic’s gadget faucets into the Tesla MCU’s connectors, in addition to the diagnostics connector, whereas the wi-fi entrance digital camera may be hooked as much as the wiring harness that’s close to the entrance bumper.
The gadget is suitable with all Tesla fashions, besides the Mannequin S and Mannequin X that are older than the 2021 mannequin 12 months. Moreover, improvement for the Mannequin S, Mannequin X and the refreshed Mannequin 3 is slated to be accomplished by the tip of subsequent 12 months.
Talking of availability, the Kickstarter marketing campaign–which has already exceeded its aim of $50,000 by over $350,000–will finish subsequent month. Manufacturing is scheduled to start in December, with shipments of Mannequin 3 and Mannequin Y kits anticipated to begin in Could 2025. Then, in September 2025, the kits for the Mannequin X, Mannequin S and refreshed Mannequin 3 also needs to begin transport.
Retail pricing begins at a reasonably hefty $890 for a single unit, however you possibly can get your arms on one for much less when you again the undertaking on Kickstarter.
