CarlinKit 5.0 (2air) Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto Adapter $85.97 Delivered @ Qu Tu Official Store via Amazon AU

The Carlinkit 5.0 (2air) is a wireless adapter designed to convert wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems into wireless ones, offering seamless smartphone integration for in-car infotainment. Here are its key capabilities based on available information:
Key Capabilities:

Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto:

Converts wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto to wireless, eliminating the need for USB cables.
Supports iPhones (iPhone 6 and above, iOS 10+) for wireless CarPlay and Android phones (Android 11.0+ for wireless, Android 6.0+ for wired) for wireless Android Auto.

Plug-and-Play Setup:

Simple installation: Plug the adapter into the car’s USB port (USB-C or USB-A, with both cables included), connect your phone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and it’s ready to use.

Automatic connection after initial pairing, activating CarPlay or Android Auto when you start the car.Wide Compatibility:

Works with over 800 car models (2016–2025) that have factory-installed wired CarPlay or Android Auto, including brands like Alpine, Kenwood, Sony, Pioneer, and JVC. Not compatible with BMW or Tesla vehicles.

Supports aftermarket head units and retains original car controls (steering wheel, touch screen, knobs).Fast and Stable Connectivity:

Uses a 5.0–5.8 GHz Wi-Fi module for faster, low-latency data transmission, reducing lag for navigation, music, and calls.

Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz) for reliable connections with minimal interference.Bluetooth 4.1 for initial pairing and stable device communication.Functionality Retention:

Maintains full CarPlay and Android Auto features, including navigation (e.g., Google Maps, Waze), music streaming (e.g., Spotify, YouTube Music), voice assistants (Siri, Google Assistant), and phone calls.

Preserves original car microphone quality and supports voice, button, and touch controls.Compact and Durable Design:

Small, unobtrusive device (slightly larger than a credit card, ~10mm thick) made of ABS+PC with ventilation to prevent overheating.

Can be stored in the center console or glove box, with included double-sided tape for secure mounting.Firmware Updates and Customization:

Supports OTA (over-the-air) firmware updates via the device’s Wi-Fi (connect to “Autokit_***” and access 192.168.50.2 in a browser) or offline via USB flash drive.

Android users can use the AutoKitools app to access settings, update firmware, or troubleshoot.Allows customization, such as replacing car icons with personal photos or modifying icon names.Additional Features:

Displays phone battery status on the car screen, with a green lightning bolt when charging.

LED status light (e.g., pink for powered on, green flashing for successful connection, or syncing with music cover colors).Supports USB flash drive reading for media playback.Optional use of the car’s GPS to reduce phone battery drain.
Limitations and Considerations:

No Protocol Conversion: Does not convert wired CarPlay to Android Auto or vice versa (unlike Carlinkit 4.0).

Multi-User Switching: Switching between phones (e.g., iPhone and Android) can be clunky, requiring manual Bluetooth disconnection/reconnection.Occasional Connectivity Issues: Some users report intermittent connection failures or minor lag, often resolved with firmware updates or replugging the device.Firmware Update Process: The update process can be cumbersome, requiring Wi-Fi connection and browser access, with limited Android compatibility for settings management.LED Flashing: The LED may flash distractingly (e.g., green during connection), which some users find intrusive, especially at night.No Video Streaming: Does not support apps like YouTube or Netflix; for this, Carlinkit’s Tbox Plus (Android 13.0 system) is recommended.
Performance Notes:

Boot-up time is typically 20–30 seconds, depending on the car’s infotainment system.

Power consumption is low (~0.75–1.2W), ensuring minimal heat generation and stable operation in high-temperature environments.Users report reliable performance for music, navigation, and calls, with minimal lag after setup, though initial connections may occasionally fail.