Wired connections for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are a hassle – you have to plug in your phone every time you get in the car. The team behind the popular AA Wireless dongles has just launched their latest gadget, the AA Wireless TWO Plus, designed to cut the cord. This new device takes your car’s existing wired infotainment system and makes it wireless for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay users, offering a huge convenience upgrade at an attractive early price.
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What is the AA Wireless TWO Plus?
Think of the AA Wireless TWO Plus as a small box that plugs into your car’s USB port – the same one you’d normally use to connect your phone for wired Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Once plugged in, the dongle creates a wireless link (using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) between your car’s infotainment screen and your smartphone. This means your car’s display can then run Android Auto or Apple CarPlay without needing a physical cable tethering your phone.
This builds on the success of their previous models, the original AA Wireless and the AA Wireless TWO, which were popular for bringing wireless Android Auto to cars that didn’t originally support it wirelessly.
The Big Upgrade: Now Works with Apple CarPlay
This is the most exciting part for many drivers. While previous AA Wireless models only worked with Android Auto, the new AA Wireless TWO Plus adds full support for wireless Apple CarPlay.
AA Wireless TWO Plus adapter shown next to an iPhone displaying the Apple CarPlay interface
This is a game-changer if you have a mixed household with both iPhone and Android users, or if you specifically wanted wireless CarPlay for your existing wired setup. Now, either phone can connect wirelessly as soon as you start the car, leaving your cable tucked away or free to charge your phone elsewhere if needed. If you’ve been looking for a simple way to get wireless CarPlay in your car, this new dongle is designed specifically for that, alongside its Android Auto capabilities.
How it Makes Your Wired System Wireless
The process is simple. You plug the AA Wireless TWO Plus dongle into the USB port in your car that supports Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Then, instead of plugging your phone into the car’s USB, you pair your phone (Android or iPhone) wirelessly with the dongle using Bluetooth initially, which then sets up a faster Wi-Fi connection for the actual data transfer needed for Android Auto or CarPlay to run smoothly on your car’s screen.
AA Wireless TWO Plus dongle plugged into a car's USB port, enabling wireless connectivity
The goal is pure convenience: your phone can stay in your pocket or bag, and your car’s familiar infotainment interface appears on the screen automatically. This is a major step up from fumbling with cables every time you get in or out of the car. If you’re curious about how these adapters compare, you might want to check out this guide to the best Android Auto adapters available.
What Else You Get
Beyond the core wireless functionality for both platforms, the AA Wireless TWO Plus includes a multi-functional button on the dongle itself. This button can be used for tasks like pairing, switching to a standby mode, and potentially other controls depending on how the software is developed.
Speaking of software, the team behind AA Wireless is known for providing regular updates via their dedicated AAWireless app. This helps improve compatibility with different car models and phones, and can add new features over time, which is reassuring for a tech gadget like this.
Price and Early Availability
The recommended price for the AA Wireless TWO Plus is $59. However, the company has launched the device with a limited early release campaign on Indiegogo. During this initial phase, you can grab the dongle for a significantly lower price, ranging from $29 to $39.
This early bird pricing is a great deal, effectively letting you add wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to your car for less than the cost of a few tanks of gas. Keep in mind that only 3,000 units are available at these lower prices for the initial launch, so if you’re interested, you might want to act quickly.
The Verdict: Cut the Cord for Convenience
The AA Wireless TWO Plus offers a simple, effective solution for anyone tired of plugging in their phone every time they drive. Its biggest strength is the new support for Apple CarPlay alongside Android Auto, making it a versatile gadget for almost any driver with a wired system. Combined with the attractive early bird pricing, it’s a compelling way to add modern wireless convenience to your car without needing expensive factory upgrades or a new head unit.
Curious to learn more about the tech that powers your car’s screen? Dive deeper into what is Android Auto and explore other Android Auto news and Apple CarPlay news.
