Motorola launches the MA1, a small dongle that eliminates the need for cables in your use of Android Auto. We take stock of this accessory, not yet available in France.
Source: Motorola
It’s hard to find a driver who has tried Android Auto and has not signed up, it can be so handy.
The only problem is that to use it you need an Android smartphone. And while most newer vehicles in a certain price range offer to use the car OS wirelessly, some older models can only use it wired. Not very practical. This forces you to connect your smartphone each time.
MA1 like a monkey
This is where Motorola’s MA1 comes in. A small object very closely resembling Google’s Chromecast, which you will be able to connect via USB to your car.
All you have to do is connect your smartphone to this small device and you’re done. Here you are with a wireless Android Auto system.
The MA1 uses the 5 GHz WiFi band for operation and weighs 31 grams. It is Bluetooth 5.0 compatible. The manufacturer recommends having a smartphone running at least Android 11. Note also that the device does not seem to work with some brands, such as Mitsubishi.
Convenient, but is it enough?
The ideal would still be to go a little further and offer a device that allows you to integrate Android Auto into a car that does not have it, like a Chromecast that turns any TV into a Smart TV.
Because, to take advantage of Android Auto, you must have a relatively recent vehicle. At BWM, models supporting Google’s OS date back to 2019 for example. At Renault or Citroën, you won’t be able to go back further than 2017.
At the moment, the device has not yet been released, and it is only available for pre-order for the United States for $ 89.95. Maybe a bit expensive for such a simple device.
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