Easy, versatile, and priced good

I purchased my present automobile when Android Auto was nonetheless in its early levels, effectively earlier than wi-fi connectivity was even on the desk. Lately, many new automobiles ship with built-in wi-fi help, however loads of new and outdated automobiles nonetheless lack wi-fi capabilities that will prevent from plugging in a cellphone each time you begin the engine. A number of good wi-fi adapters are available on the market, however AACPlay would possibly simply thread the needle with an approachable worth and simply the appropriate qualities to make most drivers pleased.

To keep away from confusion, let me clarify what this adapter is and what it isn’t. This adapter does NOT add Android Auto to a automobile that doesn’t have already got it. As an alternative, it provides wi-fi functionality to a car that already has Android Auto, permitting your cellphone to attach with out a cable.

Worth and availability

The AACPlay wi-fi adapter for Android Auto is on the market to order solely by means of Amazon and in the USA. Retail is formally $50, but it surely’s generally on sale for just a few {dollars} off, and Amazon can also supply low cost coupons. When all is claimed and executed, the ultimate worth might land round $40 earlier than tax.

{Hardware} and design

Cheers for replaceable cables

The AACPlay adapter is an unassuming, skinny, black plastic slab with USB ports on the highest (type-C) and backside (type-A). Since these are ports slightly than mounted cables, you may simply substitute broken cables or use an extended cable for extra mounting choices.

Logos and regulatory information are printed on the entrance and rear, however that’s about it. The perimeters have small holes for airflow, and a protracted LED is stationed on the entrance. I am all the time disenchanted that none of those adapters supply a change for toggling between paired telephones, which might be helpful when two individuals share a car and repeatedly experience collectively.

The field features a pair of 6-inch USB-C cables with A and C plugs to suit both port in any automobile. There is a delicate felt carrying pouch for the adapter and cables, and a small gel adhesive pad is included for semi-permanent mounting.

Perhaps I am too paranoid about electronics and warmth, however this adapter does heat up a bit bit after about fifteen minutes. It is from scorching, and I would solely barely name it heat, however that is simply sufficient that I’d advise in opposition to retaining it in any tightly enclosed areas with out airflow, particularly throughout lengthy drives in heat climate.

I’ve to dedicate a second to the lone LED. My soul breaks each time a producer commits an act of true evil by jamming blindingly shiny LEDs into merchandise. Too hyperbolic? Effectively, what if I advised you it additionally blinks! The LED is ok in daylight, assuming you may ignore the blinking. Nevertheless, it’s far brighter than it presumably ought to be, and at evening, it simply overpowers every thing on my dashboard, together with the Android Auto show.

Fixing this malignant design oversight is so simple as sticking a strip {of electrical} tape (or related) over the LED, or you should use the included adhesive pad for this objective. You might additionally conceal it someplace that can block the sunshine; simply make sure it nonetheless has some airflow.

Efficiency

No issues

Pairing and setup are about so simple as they are often. There’s no customized app to put in; you simply want Android Auto in your cellphone to get began. In case you’ve paired your cellphone to the automobile with a cable earlier than, the one factor required right here is to make a Bluetooth connection, after which the adapter switches over to Wi-Fi after a brief pause. Likewise, a cellphone making its first connection to the automobile additionally has to undergo the Bluetooth pairing earlier than switching to Wi-Fi, after which the usual first-run expertise kicks in to finish the setup.

Efficiency was persistently good for me on each cellphone I examined — largely a Pixel 7 and Galaxy S22. There wasn’t any noticeable lack of picture high quality, gradual animations, or audio degradation. Connection speeds have been additionally excellent, often taking about 5 to 10 seconds longer to attach than if I had related the cellphone through a USB cable.

Firmware Standing: Ghosted?

Virtually all fashionable electronics have some potential to get firmware updates, which may very well be used so as to add new options or repair compatibility points for particular automobiles and head models. Nevertheless, I’ve doubts in regards to the potential for firmware updates to this AACPlay adapter.

Because it seems, the aacplay.com web site has by no means been up throughout our overview interval, and it appears to be like prefer it has by no means been stay in any respect. Likewise, since there isn’t any customized app or any technique to register with the producer, I am unable to consider any technique to notify prospects, even when the corporate finally produces an replace.

Happily, Android Auto is not too sophisticated, and this AACPlay unit ought to work completely effectively with most automobiles utilizing its authentic firmware.

Competitors

The Android Auto wi-fi adapters market arguably started with an Indigogo marketing campaign for AAWireless, adopted shortly after by the Motorola MA1. Each technically retailed for $90 at one time, however have since dropped in worth or repeatedly go on sale within the $50-$70 vary. Each carried out effectively in our comparability.

Nevertheless, there are additionally a number of thriller manufacturers floating round Amazon with two or three generic {hardware} designs originating from Alibaba. These are likely to price just a few {dollars} much less, however nonetheless don’t get less expensive than about $40, so the financial savings are fairly minor. Plus, a lot of the fashions I’ve seen have been designed with a very quick mounted cable.

Must you purchase it?

Comparatively few issues differentiate one Android Auto wi-fi adapter from the following, so it’s arduous to say which is finest for every particular person or automobile. Nevertheless, other than a few comparatively small and simply fixable complaints, I can’t discover a lot improper with the mannequin from AACPlay, and most of the people will in all probability be pleased with it.

There’s no sophisticated setup process, and efficiency appears to be about nearly as good as anyone might ask for. The worth is within the premium vary, whereas the design is usually higher than a lot of the cheaper alternate options. Simply make sure to have some technique to cowl that obnoxious blinking gentle.