Wireless Android Auto (Android 11)

Google has started rolling out Android 11 today, and one of the features that caught my attention was the fact that Android Auto would support wireless connectivity.

My 2020 SR has the stock head unit (Gracenote I believe). After updating to Android 11, my phone still requires me to connect the phone via USB in order for AA to display on the head unit screen.

The compatibility list on the AA website states that 2020+ Tacomas will work:



It looks like a 5GHz wireless connection is required to connect AA wirelessly. I am not sure if the stock head unit supports a 5GHz Wi-Fi, or if it can only handle 2.4GHz.

I am not finding much information about Entune/Gracenote head units. Does anybody have a good resource for learning more? Maybe a software update on the truck's end is required, but again, there does not seem to be a lot of information on the subject.

I've read all about how much everybody hates the Entune interface, and I tend to agree with a lot of the criticism. If I can skip a step in getting the AA interface on the screen (not having to plug into USB), my experience with the stock head unit would vastly improve.

 

The limiting factor here is the stock head unit. Wireless won't work.

 

Fear not I seen an article the other day that was touting a crowd funded dongle that would allow wireless android auto in many more vehicles. Currently only a few vehicles and aftermarket radios support it.

https://www.engadget.com/android-auto-wireless-dongle-project-214711667.html

For now I'm just fine with plugging in my OnePlus 7Pro..

 

Yup, I made a thread about it too. It says it works for 2020 Corollas, and its HU looks very similar to 2020 tacos, so it might work. I ordered one and will find out
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/plug-n-play-wireless-androidauto.683867/

 

Well I guess a dongle is at least better than the current situation... Thanks for the info!

 

I'm looking at that thing and maybe I'd buy it but you still have to plug that dongle in to the media port and I would guess leave it there. You would then need to use the usb ports in the console to charge your phone or a charger in the 12v power outlet.
The usb in the Tacoma are not fast charging either.

I think the wireless dongle is a cool idea but I'm going to see what happens when it's shipped.

 

That's one of the downsides. I think the media USB port charges a bit faster than the other ones.
Depend on how it works, I might just hardware the dongle to 5V in the truck. And for the usb data connection, I'm planning on making a USB mux, so if you want to plug in your phone to charge, you don't have to unplug the dongle. It will prioritize the phone or device you plugged in over the AA dongle, but still provide power to both devices.

I relocated my media port to the center console, so it's a bit more annoying to get to, but its out of the way.

Still work on the design, but something like this:

 

Well that is pretty dumb of AA in my opinion to display these Toyotas and wireless AA wont work with stock head unit. In that case, cant you just get any aftermarket headunit that wireless AA compatible and put in any car and youll have wireless AA?

 

How is that dumb of Toyota? The headunit is only capable of wired Android Auto/Apple Carplay. Toyota or Android never say it's capable of wireless. Toyota website says you need to 'plug-in' to use it, Android Auto site just says it's capable of some form of it.

Yes you can just get a headunit that is able to do wireless AA/AC and you're good.

 

This is a situation where the hardware is not made to do wireless like that and it requires a hardware and software change to make it happen. Don't blame Toyota they were clear about what the infotainment was capable of when you bought it.
The AA dongle is trying to advance those capabilities with an added piece of hardware.
I get it that we all want the latest and best tech but relax. Technology moves fast and vehicles are usually a long term purchase. It's not realistic to expect last year's car to be software upgraded to next year's technology in many cases.

 

Well I’m not saying it’s dumb of Toyota. Toyota just happened to be listed. Blaming AA for saying it works with these Toyota specific vehicles but you need an aftermarket head unit to have true wireless AA.

 

AA does work on the listed Toyotas. It never specifies wired or wireless. Just that it has capability. It's not up to AA to implement the hardware necessary for wireless.

 

I know this is an old thread now, but has any one tried to plug a USB Bluetooth adapter into the media port to see if this would allow for a wireless AA connection?
Or a USB WiFi adapter?

 

Nope, AA works a bit differently. So you wouldn't be as to use a wifi/BT adapter

 

Ok thanks, just a thought I had haha.

 

I got my AA wireless in June and have had zero issues with it. Great tech support and several software updates since June. I would highly recommend!!!
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/aawireless#/

 

For $3000 plus, I would sure as hell hope not.

 

I have one of these too, total game changer.

 

Units are $75/ea

 

@empty_space you have the AAWireless adapter from indiegogo? How is that working for you? Can the AAWireless be connected to the back of the head unit at all? So it is not in the media port. Did you get your USB mux working?