Ottocast - Wireless Carplay Adaptor Review

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alasta

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#306884 31-Aug-2023 09:29

I just recently purchased an Ottocast U2-AIR to use with my 2019 Mazda CX-5 and thought I would share my experience in case anyone is interested.

The device cost $150 from the web site linked above and appears to be very professionally packaged. I am not a tech person but still found the setup very easy; just plug it in and follow a few simple steps as per the documentation. It has worked seamlessly apart from two issues:

The car entertainment display often defaults to being turned off when I start the car and I have to manually turn it back on. I never experienced this before using the Ottocast.
On one occassion the car entertainment system indicated the Carplay was active but refused to let me select and engage it.

It's important to note that the old Mazda MZD Connect system in my car is known to be extremely glitchy and I would go as far as to say that the Ottocast has probably been more reliable than when I was using direct wired Carplay. I would be reasonably confident that it would work flawlessly with the newer Mazda Connect platform but I guess it's hard to predict how well it might work with the multitude of other cars out there.

Overall I would highly recommend the Ottocast.

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#3122116 31-Aug-2023 09:48

I also bought one of these a wee while ago, through Amazon.com.au ($112NZD) and find it works really well. I have a 2020 Mazda CX-5 and it's quite reliable, on occasion like all of these I have to unplug and replug it but well worth it.

SheriffNZ

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#3122128 31-Aug-2023 10:32

Thanks - how does it work with multiple drivers who might want to connect?

rp1790

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#3122164 31-Aug-2023 11:07

Can't say, I'm the only driver.

eracode

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#3122170 31-Aug-2023 11:33

Thanks @alasta - sounds good. Just ordered one from Amazon AU. Fortunately it had a $20 discount offer and free shipping - cost AUD82 = ~NZD91. Due next Thurs.

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razor2000nz

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#3122186 31-Aug-2023 12:24

SheriffNZ:

Thanks - how does it work with multiple drivers who might want to connect?

I have the carlinkit 3, if you have multiple devices, a list to choose which one to connect to pops up when booting up, if nothing is selected it will try connect to the last device that was connected.

I think some of the newer adapters can handle mutiple connections at once, but not 100% sure which ones.

SheriffNZ

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#3122198 31-Aug-2023 13:00

razor2000nz:
SheriffNZ:

Thanks - how does it work with multiple drivers who might want to connect?

I have the carlinkit 3, if you have multiple devices, a list to choose which one to connect to pops up when booting up, if nothing is selected it will try connect to the last device that was connected.

I think some of the newer adapters can handle mutiple connections at once, but not 100% sure which ones.

Thanks for that.

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#3122302 31-Aug-2023 15:14

razor2000nz:

SheriffNZ:

Thanks - how does it work with multiple drivers who might want to connect?

I have the carlinkit 3, if you have multiple devices, a list to choose which one to connect to pops up when booting up, if nothing is selected it will try connect to the last device that was connected.

I think some of the newer adapters can handle mutiple connections at once, but not 100% sure which ones.

I have Carlinkit 4 and also the Ottocast. Only the Carlinkit supports multiple connections at once which is really helpful, unfortunately I found the carlinkit would freeze (audio would keep playing but the display wouldn't update) on 1/3 of journeys so had to switch to Ottocast.

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#3122390 31-Aug-2023 20:15

Neither the Ottocast or the Motorola M1 will work with the 2023 Rav4.

Toyota have updated the audio system to give wireless Apple Car Play but it has nerfed Android Auto Wireless.

Connects the first time then won't reconnect.

A Y USB adaptor to provide more power doesn't help.

eracode

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#3123823 5-Sep-2023 12:34

eracode:

Thanks @alasta - sounds good. Just ordered one from Amazon AU. Fortunately it had a $20 discount offer and free shipping - cost AUD82 = ~NZD91. Due next Thurs.

@alasta The Ottocast arrived this morning. All set up and running. Have tested with a few car close-downs and re-starts - haven't been out on the road with it yet - but it looks like it's going to be great. It's connected in the console cubby hole under my left elbow so it's not visible.

This is a small piece of tech that I find very satisfying - hate having to physically connect CarPlay each time. Also Mrs Code's car has factory wireless, so goose and gander.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

alasta

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#3123832 5-Sep-2023 13:08

Great to hear that it's working well for you! Out of interest, what type of vehicle are you using it with?

I have had glitchy behaviour from my Mazda entertainment system with both wired and wireless Carplay, but I'm looking at upgrading my car anyway so hopefully the newer Mazda Connect system will be more stable.

eracode

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#3123848 5-Sep-2023 14:04

alasta:

Great to hear that it's working well for you! Out of interest, what type of vehicle are you using it with?

I have had glitchy behaviour from my Mazda entertainment system with both wired and wireless Carplay, but I'm looking at upgrading my car anyway so hopefully the newer Mazda Connect system will be more stable.

2020 Audi A4 Avant S-line. That year some of the very top models (S4 and the 6-cyl models) had wireless but unfortunately not mine. I believe it's standard in A4s now.

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eracode

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#3126407 12-Sep-2023 09:33

Have now used the Ottocast for a week and it's great - except for one gotcha. My car has a switchable setting called 'interior monitor' which gives a verbal and screen warning ("Your phone is still in the vehicle") when you are exiting the car with your phone still in the car. I have turned this off but I'm still getting the warning. I'm sure it's because the Ottocast is remaining plugged-in in the car - so I still get the warning - even if I exit with my phone nowhere near the car.

It's slightly annoying but not the end of the world and doesn't outweigh the convenience of the Ottocast.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

reven

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#3126410 12-Sep-2023 09:43

I use a Motorola Sound MA1 Wireless Android Auto Car Adapter for my android phone. this works well, connects usually within 10 seconds. sometimes a little longer, sometimes a little quicker.

I've had to disconnect it and replug it in a few times, but only a few times in the 6months I've had it.

I'm very happy with it.

alasta

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#3194096 11-Feb-2024 20:18

I wanted to provide an update on my experience with the Ottocast for the benefit of anyone who may be reading this thread in the future.

I was originally using it with my CX-5, and it continued to work fine when I bought a new CX-30 in early November. Unfortunately this weekend it has suddenly stopped working for no apparent reason - the car entertainment system briefly recognises that it is connected but refuses to allow me to select it. The blue LED on the device is blinking, as if to indicate some sort of fault but documentation is hard to come by. A reset and firmware update did not make any difference.

I have emailed the distributor and will report back in the outcome, but needless to say this is very disappointing.

Stu1

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#3194177 12-Feb-2024 07:44

alasta:
I wanted to provide an update on my experience with the Ottocast for the benefit of anyone who may be reading this thread in the future.

I was originally using it with my CX-5, and it continued to work fine when I bought a new CX-30 in early November. Unfortunately this weekend it has suddenly stopped working for no apparent reason - the car entertainment system briefly recognises that it is connected but refuses to allow me to select it. The blue LED on the device is blinking, as if to indicate some sort of fault but documentation is hard to come by. A reset and firmware update did not make any difference.

I have emailed the distributor and will report back in the outcome, but needless to say this is very disappointing.

That’s really bad news, hope they come to the party and replace it. I have been watching this thread with interest as was thinking of getting one for car for the Easter holidays

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