Wireless CarPlay Dongle

Not sure if you guys have seen this, but www.cplay2air.com makes a dongle that turns your CarPlay system into a wireless one. I'm not sure it's worth the price, but it looks pretty cool.

 

I just sent this to my buddy with an Audi S4 and he bought it. He said there were some competitors out there for half the price, but the reviews were iffy. I'll post up in a few days after he's tried it out and let you know if it works.

 

Ordered one last week but it was delayed due to Coronavirus. Just received an email today stating it shipped from China but the tracking number hasn't shown up on the sendfromchina.com website (interesting name). I'll let you know how it works when I get it.

 

I noticed this last week. Plan on ordering for my 2020 soon. Looking forward to hearing some reviews from Tundra owners.

Thanks!

 

I’ve seen several, but this one has solid reviews.

 

I see where it says it works on 2016-2020 Toyota’s - seeing as Toyota has had vehicles that support CarPlay since 2016 that makes sense, where are you finding that it works on a 2019 Tundra. I feel it’s common sense that this only works on CarPlay enabled vehicles.

 

My buddy with the S4 says the adapter works great, exactly as expected. Seems like the return policy is a little iffy, but if there's really an issue it seems like they'll replace the unit.

 

I read where somebody wrote that people weren't able to use their steering wheel controls with it but they didn't say what vehicles were having the problem. Interested to see if it works well with the Tundra.

 

I've had it installed for about two weeks now - here are my observations:

1. Works exactly like you'd expect your phone to work when connected to HU via a wire.

2. All controls including the steering wheel controls work.

3. At home, it automatically connects when I get into the car about 90% of the time - I just place my phone on the wireless charger. Roughly 10% of the time a screen will automatically pop-up on the HU and I have to push the button to connect to my phone. I believe this is more of an issue with my phone already being on a wifi connection at home. 100% of time it connects automatically if I'm not home and my phone is not already on a wifi connection.

4. Phone calls work flawlessly through the unit

5. Issue 1 - I will occasionally hear a "hiccup" in a song - I was in the car for 3-hours yesterday and its happened twice. I can't even really attribute this to the dongle although I don't remember it happening when connected via wire and I've never really played music connected via Bluetooth.

6. Issue 2 - I could not update the unit at home. I have poor cell reception and it kept saying there was a network exception even though my cell still obviously could connect to the internet via cell service. I had no problems updating when I went into town with better cell service.

So far I'm happy with the purchase. I do understand this is essentially a hack and that Apple could close this down with future updates so it's still a buyer beware situation IMO.

 

Can you update on how the module is performing still? Thx

 

Besides the occasional sound hiccup it has been 100% reliable. No complaints.

Also, I recently read an update to a review article - this is not a "hack". This unit is seen by the HU as an Apple Car Play capable device just like any other and so long as Apple allows other devices to use Car Play this will continue to work.

 

I appreciate quick response, thank you.

 

Mines kind of a love/hate relationship. When it works, I love it. Unfortunately, it doesn't always connect. With that said, about 2 weeks ago I started disconnecting any Wifi connections (home and work) before starting the truck and haven't had any issues since. I haven't had any of the "sound" issues that others have talked about. I also have the latest firmware update installed, which is very easy to complete. BTW, I have an iPhone 8 Plus.

 

Good to know. Makes sense if you have completing Wifi networks that it could create issues. Thanks for feedback. Some have said it changes look if Apple play on screen wired vs. wireless, is that true?

 

No, I haven't noticed any difference on the screen at all and I used the wired CarPlay all the time before getting this device.

 

Ok great, thank you.

 

Not Android compatible?

 

Sorry to bring the ol’ thread back up but....


Has anyone tried this on a 2014 by any chance?

 

The head unit still has to support Apple Carplay. All this unit does is fake being a plugged in iOS device that then connects to your iOS device to bridge the HU to your iOS device. The Car Play functionality still resides in the HU.

 

I see... Do you think is worth a try? I trying to avoid some kits I’ve seen that have a lot of wires/boxes... Plus the price is considerably low compared to $400-$550

 

Ehhh...no not worth a try. I'm telling you it does not work with a 2014 HU because those HUs do not have Apple CarPlay. This does not add Carplay - it just adds wireless Carplay functionality to a HU that already has wired Carplay. If you want Carplay at all, you have to replace the head unit. If you want wireless CarPlay, you will have to purchase a HU with that specific feature.

 

When it doesn't connect do you need to remove the device from the usb and reconnect? That is a deal breaker for me as my usb to lightning connector is under the carpet.

I hope that the bugs for this get worked out as it is a great idea and why can't apple just create an update for this??

Also, if you do not have 13.5.1, you can jailbreak your device and add an app called carbridge which will allow any app to be controlled and displayed on the HU. Another really nice hack to get around apple's nanny policies.

 

Thanks for the info...

I think I’m gonna look for a new OEM HU if I can’t find one I’ll try the kit from BeatSonic that apparently works from 2014-2019...

 

Just my opinion but if I was going to change the HU anyway the last thing I'd do is buy another Toyota OEM HU. Why? There are so many superior options - some may even cost less. Many, for just a little more, are superior in every way.

 

I’ve never been into the stereo field... I’m usually happy with the OEM radio haha. If I look into something aftermarket it has to fit with the OEM trim... Not trying to have a bunch of weird radio dins that won’t line up and so on... lol

 

Have you guys seen this? Apple CarPlay and Android compatible. I came across it yesterday and seems like a really cool option to get a larger screen and basically have an Android powered touch screen computer in your car. They have wireless CarPlay adapters available as well, plus you have a second camera input, so you could use it with a dashcam or mount a backup cam on the front of your truck to use when off-roading for better view of your approach angle etc... I think I may order one today.

Check out second video on this link to see what it looks like once it's connected.

https://phoenixautomotiveins.com/co...oyota-tundra-2014-2019?variant=31550965284921

 

The dongle doesn’t draw power when the truck is off right?