We’re massive followers of Android Auto right here at T3. And, whereas we’d suggest drivers plug their telephones in for many journeys, in a bid to avoid wasting battery life, there are events when wi-fi connectivity might be actually helpful.
Should you’re solely driving a brief distance, or have a handy wi-fi charging pad in your automotive, then connecting to Android Auto and not using a USB cable could be a handy time-saver, for the reason that system boots up and connects to your cellphone as quickly as you begin the automotive.
However, whereas factory-fitted wi-fi Android Auto continues to be fairly uncommon, the AAWireless is a dongle that brings the function to your automotive for $89.99. The AAWireless started as a crowd-funded Indiegogo marketing campaign, the place it raised over $6.7m from 71,000 backers by late-2020.
This received the system into manufacturing, however scaling up was hampered by the worldwide chip scarcity and till now the AAWireless has solely been obtainable by Indiegogo.
(Picture credit score: AAWireless)
Now although, it may be purchased from its personal web site. The gadget is priced at $89.99 with free delivery within the US. It isn’t available for purchase exterior of the US simply but, however an EU on-line retailer is because of open quickly, as soon as the producer has labored to adjust to native regulation.
To be clear, this system doesn’t convey Android Auto to a automotive that doesn’t have already got it. As a substitute, the AAWireless merely creates a approach of connecting your smartphone wirelessly to the automotive’s Android Auto system. It plugs into the automotive with a USB cable, then connects wirelessly to your cellphone, as long as it’s working Android 9 or larger.
The AAWireless’s producers promise common software program updates, so it ought to proceed to work, even after future updates to Android, Android Auto and your car’s personal infotainment system arrive.