The completely crazy project that wants to improve Teslas thanks to a box and Android

The ecosystem of automotive infotainment systems is booming. On the one hand, we have Tesla’s in-house interface, considered the market benchmark, on the other Google Automotive which is equipping more and more prestigious manufacturers such as Volvo, Renault, Ford and Audi. Without forgetting Chinese manufacturers who are constantly innovating with their own operating systems, like Xpeng, Zeekr or Nio.

It is in this context that Screenmate arrives, a project which has already attracted hundreds of contributors on Kickstarter. The concept? An Android box that integrates with your Tesla, promising to combine the best of both worlds: Tesla expertise and the flexibility of Android.

A promising integration

The heart of Screenmate is based on solid hardware: a Snapdragon 680 processor, 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. But what really impresses is the promise of simple installation, done in 10 minutes, requiring just a few connections to the Tesla MCU and diagnostic connector.

The interface promises to be very complete, allowing not only access to all the usual Tesla features, but also the ability to add options that were previously absent.

For example, you can activate battery preheating for faster charging, set the autopilot speed with a simple click, or even open any door instantly.

Developers will even be able to create their own automation scripts in Python, paving the way for extensive customization.

Google Play Store compatibility also opens the door to a world of endless apps, including Waze, CarPlay, Android Auto, and even cloud gaming services. Moreover, there is also talk of the possibility of connecting consoles via HDMI or USB-C (DisPlayPort).

There is also talk of a HUD mode with its smartphone and a head-up application, and an additional wireless camera at the front of the car.

Unanswered questions

Despite the enthusiasm generated by the project, several points deserve our attention. First, as with any Kickstarter project, there is no guarantee that the final product will live up to the promises or even that it will see the light of day within the announced deadline (May 2025).

More specifically, the question of compatibility with Tesla’s OTA updates remains worrying. The Screenmate team will need to constantly adapt their system to avoid potential incompatibilities. The planned release of source code to GitHub could help keep the system up to date, but it poses a significant challenge.

If the Screenmate project tempts you, we advise you to wait for the first user feedback and tests in real conditions before getting started. An observation period of a few months after the first deliveries will make it possible to better assess the reliability of the system and its resistance to Tesla updates. Furthermore, carefully check compatibility with your Tesla model.