Wireless Android Auto and CarPlay

[FeGee3]

Has anyone here used the Ottocast adapter for wireless android auto?

https://www.amazon.com/OTTOCAST-Wireless-Android-Adapter-CarPlay/dp/B09V796G3Q/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3GTAW141VFLU1&keywords=wireless%2Bandroid%2Bauto%2Badapter&qid=1649592476&sprefix=wireless%2Bandroid%2Bauto%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-3&th=1

 

[Cam3n]

I haven't tried the Otto, but I read it is slow to connect 20 to 30 seconds. I ended up ordering the Motorola MA1. It is ONLY Wireless Android Auto, but is supposed to be faster (5 to 10 seconds) and has overall better reviews. It also has a smaller profile.

 

[ELCapiTRAN]

I think you should spend a little more and get one of these type of boxes.

Amazon.com: CarPlay AI Box,Multimedia Video Box,8-core,Add Android 10.0 System to Factory Wired CarPlay Radio,Support SIM/TF Card/5Ghz WiFi/YouTube/Wireleess CarPlay/Android Auto : Electronics

Buy CarPlay AI Box,Multimedia Video Box,8-core,Add Android 10.0 System to Factory Wired CarPlay Radio,Support SIM/TF Card/5Ghz WiFi/YouTube/Wireleess CarPlay/Android Auto: In-Dash Navigation - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

You get wireless AA and Carplay but you also turn your infotainment system into an android tablet. You can use it to watch media, install apps like any android phone or tablet and even play some games. I think the extra price is justifiable. I have an older version of this that has a slower processor but it's been phenomenal for me. it's even better if you have an extra sim card lying around to slap in there. Heck, some phone plans only cost 10 bucks to add a line. Worth it in my opinion.

 

[Cam3n]

I think you should spend a little more and get one of these type of boxes.

Amazon.com: CarPlay AI Box,Multimedia Video Box,8-core,Add Android 10.0 System to Factory Wired CarPlay Radio,Support SIM/TF Card/5Ghz WiFi/YouTube/Wireleess CarPlay/Android Auto : Electronics

Buy CarPlay AI Box,Multimedia Video Box,8-core,Add Android 10.0 System to Factory Wired CarPlay Radio,Support SIM/TF Card/5Ghz WiFi/YouTube/Wireleess CarPlay/Android Auto: In-Dash Navigation - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

You get wireless AA and Carplay but you also turn your infotainment system into an android tablet. You can use it to watch media, install apps like any android phone or tablet and even play some games. I think the extra price is justifiable. I have an older version of this that has a slower processor but it's been phenomenal for me. it's even better if you have an extra sim card lying around to slap in there. Heck, some phone plans only cost 10 bucks to add a line. Worth it in my opinion.

I've thought about those, but honestly, I'm one of those people who prefers not adding the distraction to the driver, and would rather put that kind of stuff in the back seats. If I can get everything done with voice commands up front then I'm happiest.

It's not even about the extra ability to show media or games, which I could obviously choose not to do while driving. It's more that these types of systems require more human interaction to do the normal hands off stuff because it isn't as integrated. Prove me wrong though. I'd love your opinion on it.

______________________________

 

[ELCapiTRAN]

I've thought about those, but honestly, I'm one of those people who prefers not adding the distraction to the driver, and put that kind of stuff in the back seats. If I can get everything done with voice commands up front then I'm happiest.

It's not even about the extra ability to show media or games (which I could obviously choose not to do while driving. It's more that these types of systems require more human interaction to do the normal hands off stuff because it isn't as integrated. Prove me wrong though. I'd love your opinion on it.

the box utilizes the speak button to use your choice of voice assistant so there is that convenience. I don't condone using it while driving for media but since we do errand runs as a family and the kid plays sports, it comes through in a big way while needing to wait in the car. That's where the media gets the most use. I don't even use my phone for the carplay/AA feature anymore since the box can basically do it all. It would be used less if it didn't have it's own SIM card. Also the google maps on the box goes full screen. (not an issue if you use IOS obviously)

It's just nice to have those additional features there when the time comes. The box loads up pretty quickly. It'll seem even faster if you use remote start, since it'll be loaded up by the time you get to the car.

If you're in the apple eco system, it might take a little while to get used to the interface, but if you're an android user, it's quick and easy to dive right in and customize it to your liking. The biggest thing I like the most is that i barely use my phone anymore in the car since the box easily can do the tasks I used to ask my phone to do. The steering wheel controls work well to change tracks, activate the assistant and mute audio directly from the box so screen taps are minimal. With the 6 series snapdragon it probably loads faster than the AA or carplay only adapters.

 

[Cam3n]

the box utilizes the speak button to use your choice of voice assistant so there is that convenience. I don't condone using it while driving for media but since we do errand runs as a family and the kid plays sports, it comes through in a big way while needing to wait in the car. That's where the media gets the most use. I don't even use my phone for the carplay/AA feature anymore since the box can basically do it all. It would be used less if it didn't have it's own SIM card. Also the google maps on the box goes full screen. (not an issue if you use IOS obviously)

It's just nice to have those additional features there when the time comes. The box loads up pretty quickly. It'll seem even faster if you use remote start, since it'll be loaded up by the time you get to the car.

If you're in the apple eco system, it might take a little while to get used to the interface, but if you're an android user, it's quick and easy to dive right in and customize it to your liking. The biggest thing I like the most is that i barely use my phone anymore in the car since the box easily can do the tasks I used to ask my phone to do. The steering wheel controls work well to change tracks, activate the assistant and mute audio directly from the box so screen taps are minimal. With the 6 series snapdragon it probably loads faster than the AA or carplay only adapters.

Great info! Thanks so much. You've really got me thinking now!

 

[ELCapiTRAN]

Great info! Thanks so much. You've really got me thinking now!

Here is a great review on a similar box to what I posted. He's got some good reviews on the other adapters like ottocast.

 

[whipstelluride]

I haven't tried the Otto, but I read it is slow to connect 20 to 30 seconds. I ended up ordering the Motorola MA1. It is ONLY Wireless Android Auto, but is supposed to be faster (5 to 10 seconds) and has overall better reviews. It also has a smaller profile.

Did you get this yet? How's it working out for you? And what phone are you using? Thanks!

______________________________

 

[FeGee3]

I have not yet tried anything in my Telly. Reviews scare me from basically everything on the market. Also I cannot find where the Motorola product is actually in stock.

 

[Cam3n]

Did you get this yet? How's it working out for you? And what phone are you using? Thanks!

Yes, I've had the MA1 a few days and I have to say it works flawlessly so far. Connects quickly, hasn't dropped. I have a Note 9.

 

[arattle]

Yes, I've had the MA1 a few days and I have to say it works flawlessly so far. Connects quickly, hasn't dropped. I have a Note 9.

The only issue I have with MA-1 and the AAWireless (have both), is they burn through phone battery pretty quickly. They tend to stay connected to the phone if you are near the car for ~10 minutes after you shut off the vehicle, which can be annoying if you're putzing around the back yard and get a call, which gets routed to the car....

Otherwise, it's spectacular. Both work basically the same way and are great for short drives, don't have to take the phone out at all.

 

[Cam3n]

The only issue I have with MA-1 and the AAWireless (have both), is they burn through phone battery pretty quickly. They tend to stay connected to the phone if you are near the car for ~10 minutes after you shut off the vehicle, which can be annoying if you're putzing around the back yard and get a call, which gets routed to the car....

Otherwise, it's spectacular. Both work basically the same way and are great for short drives, don't have to take the phone out at all.

That issue is independent of these dongles. It's the vehicle that keeps the USB plug hot for those minutes after shutdown.

______________________________

 

[ELCapiTRAN]

Aaaww. Y'all didn't get the box? Haha

 

[whipstelluride]

Thanks for the replies. I just ordered AAWireless. Does the phone get hot when wireless charging and wireless Android Auto are running? My goal is to eliminate the need for wired connections.

 

[ELCapiTRAN]

I know I keep harping on this subject but man What if I told you can basically just replace the vehicle face altogether and not have to worry about using your phone that often at all. I tweaked with the settings of the carplay box and made the icons large and easy to touch, along with the wallpaper. Google maps full screen, and split screen if you want. My phone rarely comes out of the pocket and it's paired with the box for phone calls. Sending texts on the other hand would require that you use the wireless carplay/AA feature of the box OR just use the voice commands of your phone. Full screen google maps is basically what sold the box for me. About double the price of the dongle but dont' have to worry about your phone battery discharging too much or getting hot since if you use this box with a sim card, you'll most likely not use your phone as much.

 

[Cam3n]

Aaaww. Y'all didn't get the box? Haha

Nope.

Thanks for the replies. I just ordered AAWireless. Does the phone get hot when wireless charging and wireless Android Auto are running? My goal is to eliminate the need for wired connections.

Unfortunately my phone (Note 9) does get hot and then doesn't charge when running Android wireless and charging wirelessly. I use wired AA on longer trips.

______________________________

 

[whipstelluride]

I know I keep harping on this subject but man What if I told you can basically just replace the vehicle face altogether and not have to worry about using your phone that often at all. I tweaked with the settings of the carplay box and made the icons large and easy to touch, along with the wallpaper. Google maps full screen, and split screen if you want. My phone rarely comes out of the pocket and it's paired with the box for phone calls. Sending texts on the other hand would require that you use the wireless carplay/AA feature of the box OR just use the voice commands of your phone. Full screen google maps is basically what sold the box for me. About double the price of the dongle but dont' have to worry about your phone battery discharging too much or getting hot since if you use this box with a sim card, you'll most likely not use your phone as much.


View attachment 26195View attachment 26196View attachment 26197

I like the box, but I don't want to pay a monthly subscription for a sim card. That's really the sole reason I went the aawireless route instead of getting a box.

Nope.

Unfortunately my phone (Note 9) does get hot and then doesn't charge when running Android wireless and charging wirelessly. I use wired AA on longer trips.

I really appreciate your feedback. I went ahead and cancelled my order for aawireless since I really want a truly wireless experience, including charging.

 

[ELCapiTRAN]

I like the box, but I don't want to pay a monthly subscription for a sim card. That's really the sole reason I went the aawireless route instead of getting a box.

I really appreciate your feedback. I went ahead and cancelled my order for aawireless since I really want a truly wireless experience, including charging.

The box doesn't necessarily need the SIM card. It can still do wireless AA and carplay without the SIM. It can also use data off your hotspot for when you want to use apps like YouTube and the such.

 

[HairyMilkshakes]

I know I keep harping on this subject but man What if I told you can basically just replace the vehicle face altogether and not have to worry about using your phone that often at all. I tweaked with the settings of the carplay box and made the icons large and easy to touch, along with the wallpaper. Google maps full screen, and split screen if you want. My phone rarely comes out of the pocket and it's paired with the box for phone calls. Sending texts on the other hand would require that you use the wireless carplay/AA feature of the box OR just use the voice commands of your phone. Full screen google maps is basically what sold the box for me. About double the price of the dongle but dont' have to worry about your phone battery discharging too much or getting hot since if you use this box with a sim card, you'll most likely not use your phone as much.


View attachment 26195View attachment 26196View attachment 26197

The unit you posted in the OP is out of stock/unavailable. Any other ones similar to this? The inability to use Waze full screen is driving me nuts.

 

[HairyMilkshakes]

I have not yet tried anything in my Telly. Reviews scare me from basically everything on the market. Also I cannot find where the Motorola product is actually in stock.

https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-MA1-Wireless-Android-Adapter/dp/B09PQ95GY4/