I just wanted to share my experience with the AA Wireless USB interface to add wireless Android Auto to my Kenwood head-unit.

The BLUF: It works great, syncs quickly when I get in the car, and I have no complaints at all. I wish I bought it sooner. I'm running a Google Pixel 5a with Kenwood DMX7706s.

For those who may not know, the last few Android Auto updates, particularly on newer Android devices, have made the wired connections to head units very unstable. This is across the board, whether it's a stock head unit or aftermarket. The connection might work at first, but it will cut in-and-out, say the device is unsupported, etc.

To fix it, I tried enabling developer options on my phone and enabling USB debugging, which seemed to help slightly, but the issue persisted and my phone would drop from the head unit multiple times every drive.

When I first installed my Kenwood in late 2021, the USB Android Auto worked great, no complaints. I upgraded to a newer Pixel phone and that's when the issues started.

I read across many forums and this seems to be a common issue, even if you're using other Android phones than the Google phones. It seems related to the latest software, not a particular device.

There are two very popular wireless devices being sold as add-ons to make wired kits wireless; the "tried and true" AA Wireless (link) and the newer Motorola MA1 ( ), which is the first wireless device officially supported by Google. I haven't been able to get my hands on an MA1, so I ordered the AA Wireless device and have been happy since.

If anyone else is having this issue, rest assured, you are not alone. This solved the issue for me. I can plug my phone in and have it charging through the standard 12V outlet while the USB AA Wireless is running.

A friend of mine had a Samsung phone on his stock 2019 Ridgeline running wired Android Auto and it was fine until the latest update. Then he had all the same issues I had. He was able to get the MA1 and it worked for him, but he says it really drains his phone battery. To the point where the phone will still lose % while charging.

Hope you find this info helpful!

 

Do you have the same battery draining issue with the AAWireless unit? I've been having the same Android Auto issue in my Jetta with the factory head unit, and it's nearly impossible to upgrade the head unit with it integrated into the car's software the way they have it.

 

No issues that I've noticed but I honestly don't keep a close eye on my exact percentage. I'll take notes when I drive it tonight or tomorrow; it's car wash time for a show on Saturday.

I'll drive around with the phone in my pocket to monitor how much it drains while using AA wireless without charging. On the way home I'll do the same but plugged in.

I use a USB cable from the center console to my phone on a ProClip mount on the side to charge.



Really want floor mats and new seat leathers.

 

That would awesome, thanks! If it's not an issue for the AAWireless I might just get a few to cover the whole fleet.

 

The results are in...

I drove to the car wash with my phone unplugged, then let it recharge a bit while washing and drying the car. Then I measured the battery usage on the way home. Waze and music were active on both trips. Did this to try to have close to the same charging level when I started in case the phone battery discharges differently at different % levels. And then of course wanted to replicate the same phone usage on both trips.

Not charging on the way to the car wash:
81% at 5:48pm when I left
76% at 6:18pm (30 minute mark)
72% at 6:38pm

Charging on the way back:
90% at 7:25 pm when I left
98% 7:51
100% at 7:56 (1 minute past 30 minute mark)


TLDR; No issues with phone battery draining excessively with the AA Wireless unit.

 

This is awesome, I really appreciate the information and the effort. I'll be ordering two this afternoon.