GoKawiilWireless Android Auto is easily one of the most convenient things for drivers, especially if they rely on their phones for navigation, music and hands-free communication. As with any wireless technology, the appeal is obvious because there are no cables involved, there's no fumbling around to plug the cable into the phone's port and the connection establishes itself automatically whenever you start the car.
The shift from wired to wireless isn't without tradeoffs. Battery drain increases noticeably, heat buildup becomes a genuine concern on longer drives and the connection quality depends on your phone's hardware and your vehicle's capabilities. Compatibility requirements add another layer to the issue, especially if you have an older model.
Whether Android Auto is the right choice depends less on the feature itself and more on how you drive, what you're driving and what you're asking your phone to do while you're behind the wheel.
Wireless Android Auto, whether present in your car natively or with the help of an adapter, delivers on the promise of making your life easier most of the time. The automatic pairing works, the interface is responsive and the interior feels tidier without a cable running across the console. The real picture, however, is more nuanced.