The $99 Aivo Connect by iOttie Is a Superb Way to Bring Alexa Into Your Car
iOttie Aivo Connect
If you're looking to add Alexa support to your vehicle, the Aivo Connect has you covered.
- Built-In Amazon Alexa Support
- 10W Qi Wireless Charging
- Motorized IR Cradle
- USB-C Power Adapter
- Mute Function
- Adjustable Viewing Angle
- iOttieConnect App
- Brand: iOttie
- Dimensions: 2.68 D X 3.14 W x 4.61 H
- Weight: 6.17 oz
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery Life: N/A
- Wireless Charging Is Convenient
- Alexa Support Offers Numerous Smart Assistant Capabilities
- Supports Wide Range of Smartphones
- Multiple Mounting Points Available
- Texting Support is Limited
- Will Not Replace Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- Alexa Can Display Selective Hearing
There are a number of ways you can attach your phone to your car. Whether magnetic mount or windshield suction, options for quick phone access while driving are plentiful. But many of these options don't include smart assistant support.
The iOttie Aivo Connect solves the problem of smart assistant support by adding a built-in Alexa interface into the car mount. But is it any good, and why would someone choose something like the Aivo Connect over Apple CarPlay or Android Auto? Let's find out.
An Introduction to Aivo Connect
iOttie's Aivo Connect is a $99 motorized phone mount for your car that includes Alexa Auto. This means that instead of playing with your phone, you can keep your hands on the wheel and ask Alexa to do things like make calls or get directions.
In addition to those conveniences, Aivo connect lets you keep your phone in sight, so you don't miss anything important. And the integrated Qi wireless charger provides wireless power, so you don't have to worry about plugging your phone in during long road trips.
The Aivo Connect also uses an automatic motorized cradle to keep you from wrestling with manual mounts. A sensor in the Aivo clamp detects when an object is held near, and opens the cradle's jaws so you can slide your phone snugly inside.
Who is The Aivo Connect For?
When you first see the Aivo Connect, you might ask yourself, "why the heck do I need that? I already have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay." Well, if you currently own a vehicle with one of those two smart assistants, then the Aivo Connect probably isn't for you. Probably. But, if you're a huge Alexa fan, Aivo Connect might still be something to consider.
Newer assistants like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both have significant features and make good use of your in-dash display for traffic, music, and phone calls. Unfortunately, Aivo Connect won't replace the functionality of those two services.
But, if you drive a vehicle that is a few years old, then it's likely that a smart assistant isn't something currently available in your car. If you have a late-model vehicle that you're not ready to give up, Aivo Connect is a great way to update your vehicle with smart assistant capabilities to keep you driving safely.
Finally, if you're more interested in the motorized clamping mechanism, wireless charging, and sleek look of the Aivo Connect than the Alexa functions, you'll also appreciate this device. Even without Alexa support, iOttie scores a win here.
What's in the Box?
Inside the Aivo Connect box, you'll get:
- The Aivo Connect Wireless Charging Car Mount
- The 12-volt to USB-C power cable
- (2) stick-on twist-lock plastic base plates
- The Aivo Connect instruction manual and Quick Start guide
As for installation, the Aivo Connect mounts to either the windshield of your vehicle or your dashboard. I chose the dash as I don't like objects obstructing my view while I am driving. The beauty of having two stick-on bases is that you can try different attachment points to suit your preference. On the other hand, the second plastic base can also be used for another vehicle, as the Aivo Connect locks and unlocks from the base with only a slight twist.
To attach the base plate, clean the mounting surface with something like rubbing alcohol (always test for colorfastness) and wait for the surface to dry. Then peel the red adhesive backing from the mounting plate. Align the arrow on the mounting plate in the driver's direction, and then press and stick.
From there, you'll slide the Aivo Connect onto the base and press down until the unit is flush with your surface. Then twist the mount one-quarter turn clockwise to lock it in place. Finally, plug the 12-volt power cable into the 12-volt auxiliary power port in your vehicle.
You'll want to make sure you download the iOttieConnect app and the Alexa App if you haven't done so already. From there, turn on your vehicle, and open the iOttieConnect app. Then follow the prompts to configure your device.
Download: iOttieConnect App for iOS | Android (Free)
Download: Amazon Alexa App for iOS | Android (Free)
Testing the Aivo Connect
To test the Alexa functionality of the Aivo Connect, I took the unit for a drive. Before getting out of my garage, I asked Alexa to cue up some 90's Hip-Hop, and I tried to get directions to the nearest Home Depot. As long as my internet connection wasn't spotty, then Alexa Auto functioned beautifully. But, about three hundred feet from my home, when the signal from my wireless router switched over to 5G, Alexa buzzed and told me that she was having trouble connecting. This wasn't unexpected.
As for the device's mechanical cradle, I did have occasional issues with the Aivo not recognizing that I was waving my phone at it. I found that if the phone wasn't square to the sensor at the base of the charging pad, the unit wouldn't reliably recognize something in front of it. However, if I made sure the phone was square to the sensor, then the Aivo Connect opened every time. Additionally, the unit detected my phone at a maximum distance of 4 inches away from the charging pad.
Wireless charging also functioned well. I usually keep my phone in a Moment photo case, and with this case on, I had no trouble getting the Aivo to charge. That said, I don't usually use any kind of Pop-Socket, or grip on the back of my phone. If you do, you're probably already aware that wireless charging may not work with these accessories.
Phone grips like the Pop-Socket also present another problem with the Aivo Connect. This unit's jaws are relatively shallow and seem designed to work only with a phone and case combination. Putting a grip on your phone and then trying to insert it into the Aivo doesn't give the mount enough bite to hold your phone securely.
That means if you are one of those people who cannot be without your phone grip, then you'll want to skip this offering and try and find something that will accommodate the extra accessories.
On the rear of the unit are two buttons that allow you to release your phone from the clamp. The idea is that when you need to leave your vehicle, you hit one of these buttons and wait for the clamp to open and drop your phone into your hand. You've got to be ready to catch your phone, though, because this clamp does not mess around. Instead, pressing the button lets your expensive cellphone drop faster than an amusement park water slide.
One common issue that I've had in the past with other phone mounts has been that they would not stick to my dashboard. My 2018 Honda CR-V has a pebbled leather dash, which means many mounting solutions don't adhere well. This issue was a concern for me when installing the Aivo Connect.
Fortunately, this wasn't the case. After a quick wipe down, I stuck the mounting base to my dash and held it for the required 30 seconds. I've been testing this unit for the last week, and I haven't had any trouble with the adhesion, even after removing and reinstalling the Aivo Connect multiple times.
For my final test, I wanted to see how Alexa handled loud music. One of the things that I love about Siri is its ability to respond, even when I'm blasting music at dad volume. Unfortunately, responses were where I had the most trouble with the Aivo Connect.
The unit has three microphones built into the base, and unless you've pressed the mute button, the microphones are always listening for the wake word. However, even with all three microphones active, when the music in my car was slightly higher than normal listening volume, Alexa had trouble hearing me. It's hard to determine whether this is an Alexa issue or an issue with the iOttie Aivo Connect.
On the back left of the device, there is a button that allows you to summon Alexa. This button is great and circumvents Alexa's selective hearing. I found that it came in handy when Alexa was acting like my teenage daughter and ignoring me.
But, if you're trying to use a hands-free smart assistant and you have to take your hands off of the steering wheel to scramble for a button, then the device isn't helping you be hands-free. So, if you're someone who likes to listen to loud music while you drive, then this device may not be suitable for you.
What Do We Love About the Aivo Connect?
Setup, installation, connectivity, and the motorized cradle are all well-executed in this unit. The wireless charging is one of my favorite features because it means I don't have to go digging around in my center console for a lightning cable.
Also, not having to wrestle with a clamp when I want to attach my phone to my car is a feature that I appreciate. Adding a motorized clamp is genius, and it solves one of the most annoying aspects of mounting your phone in your vehicle.
Alexa support is also excellent. However, it won't replace Apple CarPlay for me. I've relied on CarPlay since I purchased my vehicle in 2018, and even though it has its quirks, it works well 90% of the time. I can also use my dash display to interact with it. If I did not have access to CarPlay, I would certainly benefit from Alexa. Being a cautious driver is essential these days, precisely because so many people aren't.
I also liked the two included bases and the ability to swap this device between cars. This ability is something that I think people might overlook. If you've got more than one vehicle and neither has a smart assistant, then you need something like the Aivo Connect.
Finally, iOttie has put some serious attention to detail into this unit. On the right-side jaw of the Aivo Connect, for example, molded into the rubber is a slight indentation. At first glance, this might not seem like a big deal, but when you install your phone into the clamp, that indentation keeps the clamp from accidentally pressing the side button of your phone. It's a minor detail, but it addresses another common annoyance of clamp-style phone mounts.
What's Not to Love?
Alexa's selective hearing is something that might rub some people the wrong way. Again, this may not be the fault of the iOttie Aivo Connect, but it is something to be aware of. While not the end of the world, having reliable smart assistant support is arguably more important than having no support at all.
Additionally, you must be careful not to accidentally press one of the rear buttons that release your phone. If you're not attentive, then your expensive device could wind up falling out of the clamp and smacking whatever is underneath it on the way down. If you're aware of it, then you'll be much less likely to succumb to a disastrous spill.
There's also a limitation for texting support. If you'd like to text people, they must also be users of Alexa Communication. That means they must have either the Alexa app installed on their phone or have some type of Echo device to receive messages. For some, this might not be an issue, but if your primary means of communication is via text message, you might get frustrated with Aivo Connect.
Finally, as I've mentioned earlier, if you're already using a smart assistant in your car, then the Aivo Connect is not going to replace your current "boo thang." But these tiny gripes aren't stakes through the heart of the Aivo Connect by any means. They're more like minor rough edges.
Can You Repair the Aivo Connect?
On the rear of the Aivo Connect are four Philips screws that you can remove from the unit. To save you some hassle, I removed those screws and gently pried apart the wireless charging pad. Before I could get everything apart, however, I was greeted with wires, capacitors, and electronic components tightly sandwiched inside the unit.
I'm not afraid to take most things apart, but once I saw the delicate electronics inside, I snapped the charging pad back together and reinstalled the screws. I highly advise against taking this device apart. There are no user-serviceable components, and if you break something, you're likely going to be out a hundred bucks.
Should You Buy the Aivo Connect by iOttie?
iOttie has done an excellent job with the Aivo Connect. If you are looking to add a smart assistant to your vehicle, I would recommend picking it up. The motorized cradle system and the wireless charging make the device worth its $99 price tag even ignoring the Alexa support. But it really shines once you make full use of Alexa. It's also a much more capable device than Amazon's Echo Auto. Even with the limitations that we discussed.
Overall, the Aivo Connect is a cleverly-designed unit that demonstrates the many reasons why iOttie is so prevalent in the automotive accessory space. We hope to see more great products like this one in the future.
source https://www.makeuseof.com/aivo-connect-review/
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