First-gen Echo Show 5 repurposed as wireless CarPlay display
A first-gen Echo Show 5 was turned into a wireless CarPlay display using LineageOS and DiPlay, Android Authority reports.
The user, ARJeepGuy123, took the device out of a closet after seeing someone bring CarPlay to Spotify’s discontinued Car Thing, Android Authority reported. The project replaced Amazon’s Fire OS with LineageOS and installed DiPlay, an app that brings wired and wireless CarPlay to compatible Android-based car displays.
The resulting setup sits on an office desk and provides a functional wireless CarPlay connection. Music can play through the Echo Show’s speakers or audio jack. The user also created a script that automatically enables the device’s hotspot at startup, allowing an iPhone to connect without an external dongle or workplace Wi-Fi.
The build required some adjustments. A slowed-down audio bug led the user to downgrade DiPlay from version 0.2.21 to 0.2.19 and raise the music buffer to 500ms, according to Android Authority. Leaving something connected to the audio jack during a reboot can also stop the device from starting properly.
Android Authority said it had previously shown that installing LineageOS can turn an Echo Show into an Android-powered display capable of running apps such as Spotify, Plexamp and NewPipe. The CarPlay project adds another use for the hardware.