I want to share a very recent experience with the group. It involves Motorola smartphones and the new Motorola MA1 wireless Android Auto dongle. Lenovo owns the Motorola smartphone business, and the marketing mission seems to be quality mid- and low-range phones that will sell in high quantities due to popular price points that don't break the bank like iPhones and the top end of the Samsung line.
I've used Moto phones for several years now. We have two Android 10 units and they have been excellent performers, no complaints at all, and service with our carrier - a sub of T-Mobile - enjoys legendary customer service (Consumer Cellular). We have used these phones in our car, wired via the built-in USB-C connector to the car's multimedia head unit. Android Auto works wonderfully. It is far better for navigation than our earlier car's $1400 NAVI system. This is due entirely to real time Google maps. And, just press the talk button and say Hey, Google, navigate to the nearest Olive Garden. Or Taco Bell.
Earlier this year, Motorola announced the development of an $89 device that implements totally wireless Android Auto. You plug this dongle into the USB-C connector. Now, when you step into car with your smart phone in a pocket, Android Auto starts automatically and wirelessly. Great, huh? The MA1 uses both Bluetooth and WiFi to achieve the magic. Bluetooth alone lacks the bandwidth.
Except it did not work for either of our smartphones. Our Moto phones run Android 10. the new MA1 dongle requires Android 11 or later. What to do?
Surely, the 2022 models of Motorola smartphones offer Android 11 or 12. So we'll get one. Well, even the latest 5G Motorola model is stuck on Android 10. But... but... the low end Motorola G Pure model, only $129 at Consumer Cellular ($10 more at Target), runs Android 11.
So, the box arrived yesterday. I quickly set up the new Moto G Pure, transferring all the contacts, data and apps (EZ PZ). Pretty nice phone, by the way. Then I marched to the car, plugged the MA1 dongle into the USB connector, paired it with the phone and waited... about 30 seconds... for Android Auto to auto-start on the car's multimedia display. What's that word? Viola. I am in business.
And of course I tested everything, and even turned off the ignition, left the car and returned several minutes later with the Moto G Pure in my pocket. About 20 seconds after turning on the ignition, wow, wireless Android Auto popped onto the car's multimedia screen.
So, Lenovo. Get after Motorola to upgrade their darn smart phones to Android 11 or later! Please. Thanks.