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I am using the AutoKit CarPlay Wireless dongle with a 2018 Fire Tablet 8 HD in my 2013 Acura RDX base model. I am unable to swap out the head unit for an aftermarket head unit with CarPlay or Android auto already installed.
Software: I had no problems installing the software on the tablet. I followed the instructions that came with the unit. I plug in the dongle to the tablet using an OTG cable. It takes a few seconds to connect to my iPhone 11 wirelessly.
Audio: I use the phone’s Bluetooth to play audio to my vehicle’s audio system. I tried using the vehicle’s dock connector for audio because I feel it has a richer sound than Bluetooth audio. Unfortunately, the audio defaults back to the CarPlay audio (tablet audio in my case), EVERY song change. I gave up and just use the Bluetooth. I do leave my phone connected to the dock for charging. You do have to change the phone’s audio source to Bluetooth every time the car cuts on. It does not do it automatically.
Tablet Charging: I have been unsuccessful in finding a dual OTG cable that will allow the tablet to charge at the same time I am using the carlinkit dongle. The ones I tried so far are only powerful enough to charge a streaming stick. For now I charge the tablet at home or work in between uses.
Tablet Mount: I purchased a cd mount here on Amazon to hold my tablet. It blocks my volume dial but that is okay since I can use my steering wheel controls for volume and changing to the next song. I originally tried a dash mount but the tablet kept falling along with the mount. The dongle is secured to the back of the tablet’s case using command strips.
Is this a perfect solution? No. But it works for now until I buy another vehicle. I am glad I came across this product. CarPlay makes it much easier to switch between podcast, audio book, music and navigation apps. I love the consistent landscape orientation. This product allows me still have some of the CarPlay experience. Taking the tablet out of the mount for charging is no different than removing my phone from the mount if I wasn’t using this device.