Motorola has announced a device under the rather inconspicuous name MA1, which is worthy of attention. This is a USB dongle that allows you to wirelessly connect smartphones to your wired Android Auto car system. That is, a relatively simple and inexpensive way to endow wired Android Auto with wireless connectivity.
Considering that only a few new car models currently support wireless Android Auto from the factory (and how much remains with the wired version), the novelty has a high chance of success.
Motorola MA1 connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth, and data is transmitted via Wi-Fi (5 GHz). The device itself has a fairly compact size and looks like a Chromecast – it is made in a round case, with a small USB Type-A cable for connecting to a car.
Also Read: Amazon Introduces Echo Auto in India
To be fair, Motorola MA1 adapter is not the first of its kind – for example, you can recall AAWireless . But an alternative from a more established brand is preferable to many consumers.
It is important to note that the actual manufacturer of Motorola MA1 is not Motorola, but SGW Global, which previously licensed the American brand (now owned by the Chinese Lenovo) for the production of home phones and audio devices.
The Motorola MA1 adapter will be available at motorolasound.com and select retail stores around the world starting January 28, 2022 for $ 89.95. The press release says that it is only compatible with smartphones running Android version 11 and above, but if the system requirements meet the standard for wireless Android Auto, then it should also work with Google or Samsung smartphones running Android 10.
