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Motorola MA1 gives your car wireless Android Auto

By Stephen Edelstein Published January 5, 2022

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are game-changing smartphone interfaces, and now wireless versions of both systems are rolling out in new cars. If you’ve got an older car with wired Android Auto only, though, Motorola is unveiling a way to cut the cord at CES 2022.

The Motorola MA1 is an adapter that can add wireless Android Auto to existing cars. Motorola said in a press release that it licenses the technology from Google. Since the company hasn’t made a similar arrangement with Apple, CarPlay users are out of luck for now.

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The MA1 plugs into a vehicle’s USB port and connects automatically via Bluetooth. Once connected, it enables all of the features of Android Auto, including projection of Google Maps, Spotify, and other phone-based apps onto the car’s infotainment system, but without fumbling for a cable. Wireless Android Auto operates at speeds up to 5 GHz, according to Motorola.

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The MA1 is scheduled to go on sale January 28, 2022, with a starting price of $90 online and in stores. In addition to an Android Auto-equipped car, users need a phone running Android 11 or higher, with an active data plan, Motorola noted.

Since its initial release in 2015, Android Auto (along with Apple CarPlay, which launched in 2014) has become a must-have feature in new cars because of its ease of use. Drivers get the same familiar apps and interface from their phones, but without having to pick those phones up while driving. Instead, they can use a car’s built-in touchscreen and voice controls for a (slightly) less distracting experience.

Motorola estimates that Android Auto is available on over 100 million cars today, although most still use the wired version. Some automakers, such as Ford and Hyundai, have begun offering wireless Android Auto (and wireless Apple CarPlay), but only recently and only on certain models.

Meanwhile, Google is looking for even greater integration between Android and automotive infotainment systems. The tech giant has developed an entire Android Automotive OS for cars, which is currently available in some Volvo models and the Polestar 2, from the Swedish automaker’s EV spinoff brand. This takes things a bit further than basic Android Auto by building apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant right into the car.

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Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

The best Android Auto head units

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Maybe your vehicle’s stereo has gone kaput, or perhaps it’s time for an upgrade. Maybe you’re just tired of humming along to a washed-out, tinny sound. Whatever the reason, an aftermarket head unit is usually the solution. Many people have Android smartphones and would also like to take advantage of Android Auto, which allows popular phone features to be projected into the vehicle’s dash. No matter the need, there are several options available, but before you run out and buy a new stereo, consider these things first:

How much room do you have: Different vehicles have different dash configurations that make picking a head unit a bit more challenging. Some vehicles have what is known as a double-DIN stereo, which is essentially two “slots” stacked together. Others have a single-DIN stereo, which is a smaller space overall. You’ll need to know which units will fit before shopping.
Installation: Many car audio shops will install anything purchased in their store, but if you’re buying online, you’ll need to make sure your local shop will accept the job. Installing yourself is an option, but newer vehicles’ electronics are very complex and there may be additional parts (brackets, mounts, etc) that you didn’t know you needed.
Other vehicle systems: In some vehicles, removing the stereo will cause all sorts of problems with other systems, such as airbags, climate controls, and theft deterrent systems. It’s important to know how your vehicle will behave once the stock head unit is removed.
Appearance: If you have an older vehicle, you may want to preserve the stock look of the dash. In these cases, a custom install or running your smartphone separately might be a good idea, because Android Auto head units take up a lot of space. They also don’t look particularly period-correct. In other cases, make sure that the head unit’s color scheme and appearance fit with the rest of your vehicle’s interior aesthetic.

Cars

How to use Android Auto

Android Auto update

Google developed Android Auto for motorists who are frustrated with their car's native infotainment system. Like rival software Apple CarPlay, Android Auto gives drivers the option of embedding a familiar, smartphone-like interface into their touchscreen.

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Cars

How to update Android Auto

how to update android auto unnamed 11

Android Auto puts commonly used smartphone apps and features right in your car's dashboard. It overrides the native infotainment system with a familiar, easy-to-use interface that many motorists prefer. It reduces dangerous distractions, at least according to Google (but not according to AAA), and it makes upgrading an older car with new features a breeze.

Like most things in our digital lives, Android Auto and smartphones in general have to be updated frequently with the latest software, but the update process here is a bit different than you may think. The important thing to remember when thinking about the best way to update Android Auto is that the images and functions you see on the screen in your dash are a direct projection from your smartphone. That means that the version of Android Auto you’re using is a reflection of the version of Android your phone is running. It may not be possible to run the latest version of the software on older phones, but newer versions of the phone software will allow you to see the latest version of Android Auto as well. Here's how to update Android Auto.