How does Ottocast CarPlay work and how much does it cost?

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How does Ottocast CarPlay work and how much does it cost?

Engadget · 3 hours ago

Ottocast makes a range of adapters that plug into a car's USB port to convert a wired Apple CarPlay connection into a wireless one, offering a fix for drivers whose infotainment systems only support wired CarPlay. The device sits between the iPhone and the car, pairing initially over Bluetooth before switching to Wi-Fi, and thereafter reconnecting automatically each time the vehicle starts, without altering the standard CarPlay interface or controls. This matters for drivers wanting the convenience of wireless CarPlay in cars that lack native support, though buyers should note the adapters are not Apple-approved, so compatibility can vary and no official support is provided.

Ottocast's line-up spans several price points and feature sets. The basic Mini Cube costs $49 and also enables wireless Android Auto, while the similarly priced Mini and Mini Slim offer comparable functionality with different sizes and connector types. The iPhone-only U2Air Pro costs $59, and the Play2Video Ultra adds the ability to stream services such as Netflix, YouTube and Prime Video while parked. At the top end, the $219 OttoAibox P3 Pro is effectively an Android mini PC with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Rival adapters from AAWireless and CarlinKit offer similar functionality.

  • Ottocast adapters turn wired CarPlay connections wireless via a USB dongle.
  • Prices range from $49 basic models to a $219 top-tier device.
  • Adapters aren't Apple-approved, so support and compatibility can vary.

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