Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have become established as the interface between the smartphone and the infotainment system. This allows you to navigate via Google Maps or Apple Maps using the smartphone, play music or podcasts from services like Spotify, make phone calls, and read short messages.
Not every infotainment system in a car allows establishing a connection wirelessly. You often have to plug in your smartphone using a cable all the time, which can be annoying on regular trips and also puts a strain on your cell phone’s connection in the long run. Adapters promise a simple solution for retrofitting.
a new one Ottocast MX 3in1 Supports both Android Auto for Android smartphones and Apple CarPlay for iPhones. So far, most such adapters only work for one system at a time. With Ottocast you are more flexible if you share a vehicle but each use Android or iOS. This test shows how well the adapter performs in practice. With code ts20 Our readers only get the adapter 88 Euros,
A notice: You cannot retrofit Android Auto or Apple Carplay with an adapter. This function must already be integrated into the car’s infotainment system. The device is used to enable this connectivity wirelessly.
Design and scope of delivery
The Ottocast MX 3in1 is a small, rectangular plastic box that’s slightly larger than a gasoline lighter. Both USB-A and USB-C are available as ports. Ottocast also offers a cable for USB-C to USB-C and USB-A to USB-C. A quick guide in English is included, but it’s limited to simple steps only.
There is a small switch next to the USB-A slot. It is used to initiate pairing with the cell phone and later to switch between the two smartphones. An LED light provides information about connectivity during operation. Red means no connection, blue for connection active/established and green indicates upgrade mode for firmware update via cell phone.
Facility and Operations
Android Auto: You pair your smartphone with it via Bluetooth AdapterMX-xxxx. The infotainment system should then start with Android Auto. The first connection can take just under a minute. If the car hasn’t used Android Auto yet, you’ll need to set everything up first. In testing we had no problems maintaining a stable connection.
CarLinkit 5.0 in the test: The adapter can support Android Auto wireless and Apple CarPlayApple CarPlay: The steps are the same. Connect your iPhone to it via Bluetooth AdapterMX-xxxx. Then you allow viewing of contacts and then initiate the connection via CarPlay. There is also the possibility of Airplay. To do this, you need to press the button on the adapter twice and then follow the instructions on the iOS device.
If problems occur, a firmware update is an option. However, Ottocast only recommends doing this if there are difficulties. On Android, you have to hold down the button for three seconds and connect the device without Bluetooth and instead via Wi-Fi Direct. You then call a special IP address; the details are described in the quick instructions. With the iPhone you just have to enter the IP address to access the firmware update.
The most important thing is that with the OttoCast MX you can switch between two paired smartphones quickly and easily. The device automatically connects to the last paired cell phone. If you press the button on the adapter, it disconnects from the current smartphone and the lamp lights up in red. The adapter then automatically connects to the previously paired device. When this happens, the lamp lights up blue. Alternatively, you can now set up a connection to another mobile device.
price
The adapter is usually priced directly from the manufacturer 110 Euros. with code ts20 The price drops accept it But 88 Euros. Other adapters and smart car accessories of this type can be found here Ottocast in the webshop,
Ottocast MX 3in1 in the test – photo series
Ottocast MX 3in1 in the test – photo series
conclusion
The Ottocast MX 3in1 is an easy way to connect your smartphone to the car wirelessly via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It should be emphasized that the adapter is suitable for both Android Auto Wireless and Apple CarPlay Wireless. You can also switch between two smartphones with the touch of a button, which is practical if two people share a vehicle. Pairing is very simple and worked smoothly in testing.
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