Want wireless Android Auto for cheap? This Motorola adapter is 60% off right now

Motorola/ZDNET

While I was driving home from work today, I thought about two things: Amazon Big Spring Sale, and all the innocent Android users who have yet to discover the glory of wireless Android Auto connectivity. That was me just a few years ago, when I first bought my Mazda CX-5 and realized that, for some reason, the shiny new car only supported Android Auto via a wired connection. Buying an adapter changed everything.

Also: The best Amazon Spring Sale deals live now

Gone are the dangling cables and the need to properly plug my phone in when in the dark. Instead, a simple USB adapter, like the Motorola Sound MA1, allowed my phone to sync with my car’s infotainment system the moment I started the engine. Back when I bought the Motorola, it was on sale for around $75. Today, you can snag one on Amazon for around $35. Inflation, where?

The Motorola Sound MA1 is set up like most other Android Auto dongles on the market; you plug the USB-A adapter into your car, and the car will register it as the “wired” connected device. Then, instead of pairing your phone to your car, you pair it with the adapter via Bluetooth and 5GHz Wi-Fi. It’s effectively a bridge for your Android device, whether it’s a Google Pixel, Samsung, or even Motorola, so that you don’t have to keep it wired at all times.

Once connected, Android Auto will run on your car’s infotainment system, with all the usual functions and capabilities, including map navigation, a music player, voice-to-text for incoming messages, and access to Google Assistant or Gemini (depending on how up to date your phone is).

Also: Google just gave Android Auto its most significant update yet – and we tested it on the road

If you haven’t downloaded Gemini and/or are using it while driving, I highly recommend it over the older, less capable Google Assistant. The natural language processing and enhanced Google Maps navigation go a long way — and ultimately make driving less distracting.

To be clear, you don’t have to…

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