There are now dongles that let you run Google’s phone-based car UI for navigation, messaging, and entertainment wirelessly, even if your vehicle doesn’t support it. Motorola now offers a wireless Android Auto adapter.
Motorola will release its MA1 wireless adapter soon so that you can launch Android Auto on your car’s infotainment dashboard without having to connect your Android phone via a USB cable. In terms of both design and functionality, this dongle is similar to a Chromecast.
Motorola’s MA1 consists of a black puck with the batwing logo and wordmark on top. The Android Auto logo-branded USB-A cable connects it to where you would normally plug in your phone.
By connecting it via USB, the adapter resides in your car and wirelessly projects Android Auto on your phone to your car display as soon as you enter.
Curiously, Lenovo-owned Motorola sells the MA1 as part of its Motorola Sound brand of earbuds, in-ear headphones, over-ear headbands, and wireless speakers. Motorola will begin selling its adapter on January 28 for $89.95. The price is comparable to that of its competitors.
Google today announced that Android Auto will get Lyft and Kakao Mobility (of South Korea) apps this summer so drivers can “view and accept rides right from their car display.” The app will be integrated with each service’s mapping experience. There are ETA cards on the left side of the screen, as well as shortcuts, such as call buttons, in the top right corner.
Through apps like MochiMochi, Fuelio, and Pezzi Bezzina, allowing you to explore more of the world, search and pay for all types of car services, and track your mileage and costs.