1 hour ago, RobbieW said:

Tried one these the other day and couldnt get it to work. The issue seems to be the version of Android and, within that, whether some specific features are supported on the phone. I have a Huawei with 9.0, it took some digging to find that the issue is probably a lack of support for Wireless in Android Auto. Turning On developer mode and rebooting kills Android Auto completely, wouldnt connect by cable at all. 

 

Also tried a Samsung A20 with 11.0 installed, much smoother but still didnt connect - Android Auto still didnt have the Wireless option to select so I'm guessing that was the issue. According to AAWireless, Android 11 should just work - no caveats as with earlier versions.

 

So, if I'm to replace my phone what can I expect to work ? (at a reasonable price - say up to £200)

The answer may be in the Android Auto Wireless requirements, https://support.google.com/androidauto/answer/6348019?hl=en#zippy=%2Candroid-auto-on-your-car-display-wireless, which says it needs 5Ghz - which the A20 doesnt have. So although AAWireless tries to set up with 2.4Ghz, I suspect Wireless isnt turned on in the Android Auto app without 5Ghz

3 hours ago, RobbieW said:

Tried one these the other day and couldnt get it to work. The issue seems to be the version of Android and, within that, whether some specific features are supported on the phone. I have a Huawei with 9.0, it took some digging to find that the issue is probably a lack of support for Wireless in Android Auto. Turning On developer mode and rebooting kills Android Auto completely, wouldnt connect by cable at all. 

 

Also tried a Samsung A20 with 11.0 installed, much smoother but still didnt connect - Android Auto still didnt have the Wireless option to select so I'm guessing that was the issue. According to AAWireless, Android 11 should just work - no caveats as with earlier versions.

 

So, if I'm to replace my phone what can I expect to work ? (at a reasonable price - say up to £200)

 

Send a support ticket to aawireless, you don't need 5ghz, it also works without the wireless option. The app allows you to set it up so the headunit still thinks it's plugged in.

How much power does the unit draw, as it is connected to the USB which is permanently powered up.

 

If the device is disconnected from the USB, how long does it take to boot up?

 

TIA

10 minutes ago, JD52 said:

How much power does the unit draw, as it is connected to the USB which is permanently powered up.

 

If the device is disconnected from the USB, how long does it take to boot up?

 

TIA

Not sure about the amount of power, but mine is left always plugged in.

 

I'm pretty sure the usb does disconnect after a while. 

 

With my octavia it powers up when I unlock the car. Then is connected before I drive off. Its actually the headunit loading smartlink that takes the longest not the device booting.

 

Just tested plugging it in a few times and it's about 12 seconds from the USB going in to android auto being on the screen.