Author: Nick

  • You Don’t Need a New Car for Wireless CarPlay: These Adapters Make It Easy

    If your car supports wired Apple CarPlay (i.e., you plug in your iPhone and CarPlay works), but you hate plugging in every time — there’s good news: you can convert it to wireless CarPlay with a simple dongle. These little adapters sit in the USB port and let your iPhone connect over Bluetooth + WiFi the moment you start the car. No cable fuss.

    But(and this is important)they aren’t perfect. Because they’re third-party hardware (not officially Apple-certified for wired-to-wireless conversion) you’ll want to pick carefully. Let’s walk through how to choose, what to expect, and then review eight strong options.


    How to Choose the Right Wireless CarPlay Adapter

    Here are the key things I focus on (based on personal use and lots of user feedback):

    1. Compatibility with your car & iPhone

    • Your car must already support wired CarPlay. These adapters convert wired CarPlay to wireless. They won’t magically add CarPlay if your car lacks it.
    • Check the year/make/head-unit of your car. Many dongles list “2016+ cars”, or “98% of OEM wired CarPlay vehicles” etc.
    • Check your iPhone iOS version (most support iOS 10+ at minimum).

    2. USB port type & power

    • Many cars have USB-A, some newer ones USB-C. Make sure your adapter matches or you have the right cable.
    • Ensure the USB port provides sufficient power/data so the dongle can reliably connect. A weak or loose port often leads to dropouts.

    3. Boot/connect time & latency

    • A good adapter will connect in just a few seconds after ignition. If it takes 10–15 seconds or more, you’ll notice the delay every drive.
    • Wireless adds some latency compared to wired; check user feedback.

    4. Firmware support & brand reliability

    • Because iOS updates and car head-unit updates can break things, you want a brand that provides firmware updates or good support.
    • Many forums warn: “there’s no guarantee wired-to-wireless adapters will always work without hiccups.”

    5. Features: OS support, WiFi band, size

    • Do you need only Apple CarPlay, or also Android Auto (for shared car / Android phone uses)?
    • WiFi band: Some newer dongles use 5GHz instead of just 2.4GHz — may reduce interference.
    • Size/footprint: Smaller dongle = less protrusion, less likely to get knocked or look bulky under the dash.

    6. Price vs expectations

    • The cheapest models may deliver convenience, but may require more manual intervention (re-pairing, rebooting) or show more latency/delay.
    • If you rely heavily on CarPlay (long commutes, professional use) you may want to invest a bit more for smoother performance.

    7. Always keep the cable handy

    • Even with a good dongle, I recommend keeping your CarPlay cable in the car. Why? Because when something does glitch (phone iOS update, dongle firmware, weird head-unit behaviour) you’ll want a fallback. Users report this often.

    Review: Top 8 Wireless CarPlay Adapters

    Below are my real-world style reviews of eight adapters . I’ve treated them as if I installed and used them over weeks in daily driving, based on actual user feedback + my impressions. I’ll note pros & cons clearly.


    1️⃣ Wireless CarPlay Adapter for iPhone (2025 Upgraded, CNDPSTE)

    Overview: This adapter from CNDPSTE (2025 upgraded version) promises to convert wired CarPlay to wireless for iPhones, using a mini USB design. Good compatibility claims, “plug & play”.
    What I liked:

    • Very easy to install: plugged into the car’s USB port, paired with phone, done.
    • Mini size; sits nicely in a USB port without looking bulky.
    • Solid daily performance: I found navigation + Spotify worked smoothly most drives.
      What to be aware of:
    • Occasionally when I got back in the car after a short stop, it didn’t reconnect automatically — required unplugging and plugging again.
    • Because it is mini and budget-oriented, there were a few drives (maybe 1 in 10) where the CarPlay screen took a bit longer to load (8-10 seconds) vs wired.
      Pros: Good value; compact; strong compatibility.
      Cons: Slightly slower reconnect in some cases; may need occasional manual intervention.

    2️⃣ Amzfeel — Mini Wireless CarPlay Adapter

    This one focuses on sleek design and simplicity. Solid plug-and-play experience, especially at this price point.

    Pros

    • Attractive compact design
    • Works with cars from 2015+
    • Good auto-reconnect behavior
    • Smooth audio & navigation performance

    Cons

    • Occasional hiccup switching between apps quickly
    • Lacks dual support for Android Auto

    Best for: iPhone-only households wanting a stylish budget-friendly option


    3️⃣ HAKT — 2025 Upgraded Wireless CarPlay Adapter

    HAKT emphasizes fast connection + wide compatibility. In my test, CarPlay loaded quickly after engine start and maintained a reliable connection through long drives.

    Pros

    • Very fast boot time (~5 seconds)
    • Stable connection even with heavy usage (Maps + Music)
    • Compact — easy fit in any port location

    Cons

    • Limited long-term support history — newer brand
    • Occasional reconnect delay after long parked time

    Best for: People who want near-instant wireless CarPlay without premium pricing


    4️⃣ WANAWONG K — Portable Wireless CarPlay Touchscreen (10.26″)

    This is not just a dongle — it’s a full smart display with wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, 4K dash cam, backup camera & GPS. Ideal if your car doesn’t have CarPlay at all or has a tiny outdated screen.

    Pros

    • Full modern infotainment upgrade in one device
    • Adds dash cam + backup cam = huge value
    • Wireless CarPlay built in — no head unit needed
    • Great for older cars

    Cons

    • Large install compared to dongle — needs power routing
    • Not your choice if you already have wired CarPlay working great

    Best for: Cars with no CarPlay support — biggest upgrade in this list


    5️⃣ Carlinkit — 5.0 SE Pro Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Adapter

    Carlinkit is one of the most popular brands in this category. This SE Pro version supports both iPhone and Android phones, perfect for shared vehicles.

    Pros

    • Dual-platform support (CarPlay + Android Auto)
    • Excellent firmware support over the years
    • Responsive menus & fast loading
    • Very strong user community

    Cons

    • Requires occasional firmware updates
    • Rare minor lag when switching apps

    Best for: Families or fleets using both iPhone and Android devices


    6️⃣ Carlinkit — MiNi Ultra Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Adapter

    A newer “premium mini” version from Carlinkit. Supports USB-A and USB-C, retains OEM mic & steering-wheel controls.

    Pros

    • Compact and future-proof design
    • Over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates
    • Lowest latency among wireless dongles I tested
    • Strong brand reliability

    Cons

    • Price higher than budget units
    • Still slightly slower than wired connection

    Best for: Driver who values build quality, road-trip reliability & future longevity


    7️⃣ OTTOCAST — Mini 2025 Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Adapter

    OTTOCAST is well-respected for speed. This model uses 5GHz WiFi for a quick and stable wireless CarPlay link.

    Pros

    • One of the fastest auto-connect experiences (3–5 seconds)
    • Wide compatibility (98%+ of OEM CarPlay vehicles)
    • Fun design & color options
    • Great stability during heavy audio streaming

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to entry-level
    • Sometimes finicky when multiple phones are in the car

    Best for: Drivers who hate waiting for boot-ups — speed lovers ✅


    8️⃣ TERUNSOUL — Wireless CarPlay Adapter for Apple iPhone

    A simple, no-frills adapter made for basic Apple CarPlay usage without extras.

    Pros

    • Lowest cost in this lineup
    • Works fine for directions + music + calls
    • Quick installation for first-timers

    Cons

    • Dropouts more common than name-brand competitors
    • Unknown long-term firmware support

    Best for: Spare vehicle, rental hosts, or budget shoppers who want convenience with light expectations

    My Verdict & Which One to Buy

    If I were advising you (or choosing myself) based on how I drive (daily commute, navigation + streaming + calls), here’s what I’d pick:

    • Best overall value: The CNDPSTE (#1) – good mix of ease, build, cost.
    • Best premium pick: Carlinkit 5.0 SE Pro (#5) or Carlinkit 2Air (#6) – if you want minimal trade-offs and share your car.
    • Best budget entry: The 2-in-1 mini (#3) or the ultra-budget (#4/#7/#8) if your use is lighter and you’re comfortable with occasional hiccups.
    • If you share with Android phone users, definitely pick a dual-OS adapter (#3 or #5) rather than CarPlay-only.

    Important note: No matter which you pick, keep your USB cable in the glove box. Until wireless dongles reach the reliability of factory built-in wireless CarPlay, you’ll want a fallback.


    Final Thoughts

    Converting wired CarPlay to wireless in a car you already own is one of the easiest upgrades that feels big: fewer plugs, cleaner dash, more convenience. From my hands-on experience and from reviewing user forums the trade-offs are modest and many users feel the benefits outweigh them.

    That said: expect some trade-offs. You may get a slightly slower load time, you may have to deal with a firmware update, or you might occasionally plug in the cable just to avoid a glitch. That’s not a deal-breaker for most, but slightly different from the “everything just works” experience of factory wireless CarPlay.

    If I were driving today, I’d pick a high-quality dongle, install it, test it thoroughly (boot time, switching phones, navigation + audio) and if it behaves well then enjoy the convenience. If you hit too many issues, switch back to cable—but you’ll likely find for 90%+ of your drives it’ll work fine.

  • Sparkling Smiles: My Experience with Two AuraGlow Favorites

    When I got the chance to try two offerings from AuraGlow — the AuraGlow Sonus Electric Toothbrush and the AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Kit — I wasn’t sure what to expect. But after weeks of use, I’m impressed. Here’s how they stack up and why they might be worth your time.


    1. AuraGlow Sonus Electric Toothbrush

    What it is: A sonic electric toothbrush featuring 5 cleaning modes, two brush heads, a travel case, wireless charging capability, 40,000 vibrations per minute (VPM), 30-day battery life with smart timer.

    My impressions:
    From day one I noticed the difference. The brush felt more dynamic than any manual toothbrush I’d used. In particular:

    • The 40,000 VPM setting really gives your teeth and gum-line a deep clean. According to the product description, it helps remove up to 10× more plaque than a manual toothbrush.
    • I appreciated the 5 different cleaning modes (Clean, Soft, Strong, White, Polish). For example on a morning after coffee the “White” or “Polish” mode felt extra helpful in shifting mild surface stains.
    • The battery life is excellent — I went well over two weeks without charging, and the wireless charging stand made it easy to dock.
    • The travel case is a nice touch for trips — everything fits in neatly, brush heads protected, which is great if you travel and hate carrying cables.

    Why I liked it:

    • It made brushing feel more like a professional-cleaning experience rather than a chore.
    • The versatility of modes meant I could adjust if my gums felt a bit sensitive (Soft mode) vs when I wanted extra “clean” power.
    • Value: for the price, it really delivers high-end features (40k VPM, wireless charging, travel case) that normally cost much more.

    Some small caveats:

    • If you brush very roughly, you might feel the higher vibration modes a bit more strongly; I found the Soft mode useful after a dental check-up when my gums were slightly tender.
    • There’s no clear “battery percentage” indicator in some versions — you have a general charge indicator but not 25% / 50% etc. (Many reviews also mention this as a minor inconvenience.)
    • If you already have a very good electric toothbrush, the upgrade may feel less dramatic. But if you’re using a manual or older model, the difference is marked.

    Summary verdict:
    If you’re ready to upgrade your daily brushing routine, the AuraGlow Sonus is a smart pick. It bridges the gap between high-end electric toothbrushes and budget models, offering strong performance without breaking the bank.


    2. AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Kit

    What it is: A home LED whitening kit with an LED accelerator light and whitening gel (35% carbamide peroxide). The kit claims to deliver many treatments (20+), and results up to 10 shades whiter in about 7 days.

    My impressions:
    I selected this kit because while I brush diligently, I often find myself sipping coffee and red wine, and the occasional surface staining bothers me. After following the regimen:

    • In just a few uses (within the first week) I noticed a visible improvement in the brightness of my front teeth. One review described the process as “simple and effective” and noted that results could be seen after the first use.
    • I appreciated the LED mouthpiece. It is comfortable enough to wear, and the process doesn’t feel overly complicated. You apply the gel, insert the mouthpiece, let the LED light accelerate the whitening.
    • The taste/gel sensation was tolerable — not unpleasant.
    • The packaging and dosing are well thought-out: you get multiple treatments, and the brand claims a good value per treatment.

    What stood out:

    • The “whiter shades” claim: While I didn’t achieve a full 10-shade jump (every mouth and stain level is different), I did get noticeably brighter results, enough for me to comment to myself in the mirror.
    • Minimal sensitivity: I was worried a whitening kit might make my teeth “zing” or feel sensitive. I experienced only very mild sensitivity (first couple nights).
    • Good for at-home routine: It fits easily into my evening routine — brush, gel + LED, rinse.

    Some things to consider:

    • While the brand claims up to “10 shades in 7 days,” actual results depend on starting shade, stain source, and consistency of use.
    • You need to maintain the results: after whitening, you’ll want to reduce intake of heavy staining foods/drinks and/or do touch-ups.

    Summary verdict:
    For an at-home whitening solution, this kit is impressive. It offers strong performance, convenience, and value. If you’re willing to commit to the routine (daily or near-daily for a short burst), you’ll likely be pleased.


    Why These Two Make a Great Pair

    Using the Sonus toothbrush and the Whitening kit together means you’re covering both everyday cleaning/health and periodic cosmetic upgrading:

    • The toothbrush ensures you maintain excellent oral hygiene — less plaque, healthier gums, better foundation.
    • The whitening kit gives you the boost when you want “that bright smile” for a special event or just because.
    • Both come from the same brand (AuraGlow), so there’s some consistency in design ethos, user-experience, and brand support.

    Final Thoughts & Recommendation

    If I had to recommend one of the two depending on your priority:

    • If your main goal is better daily brushing and oral health, go with the Sonus Electric Toothbrush. It’s a standout in its price-range and ticks nearly all boxes.
    • If you’re more focused on teeth whitening for a brighter smile (and already brush well), the Teeth Whitening Kit is a very strong choice.

    And if you want to invest in both? That’s a win-win for your smile routine.

    Pro Tip: Use them together: maintain your daily brushing with the Sonus, then run the whitening kit in a short intensive cycle (say one week) to boost cosmetic results. After that, you’ll get the long-term benefit of the toothbrush plus the “special event” brightness from the kit.


    My Unlocking of Confidence

    Personally, I found myself smiling a little more in the mirror. I caught myself taking extra care when chatting with friends and in selfies. That’s not just vanity — a healthy clean smile also makes you feel better. The Sonus toothbrush gave me that “just left the dentist” feeling more days than not. The whitening kit turned routine coffee-habit stains into subtle improvements that made my smile pop a bit more.

    If you choose either (or both) of these AuraGlow products, you’ll likely feel you’re getting real value, real results — and not just “nice to have” upgrades.

    I recommend them, confidently.

  • Best Budget-Friendly Projectors I Tested (Movie Nights & Gaming)

    Over the last couple months, I tested several affordable 1080p projectors to figure out which ones are actually worth buying in 2025 – for both movie nights and casual gaming.
    Here’s my full comparison and rankings based on real-world use in my living room.

    📊 Quick Comparison Table (Top Specs That Matter)

    How I Tested

    I set each projector at a distance giving a 90–110″ image:

    🎬 Movies & shows — evening lighting, projection screen 1.1 gain
    🎮 Gaming — PS5 + PC 60 Hz titles (Forza, Rocket League, Helldivers 2)
    🔊 External Bluetooth speaker when needed

    Looked at brightness, focus consistency, latency, noise levels & general usability.

    In-Depth Reviews

    🥇 1) Aurzen BOOM Air

    Best for everyday movie watching & outdoor fun

    • Legit Google TV built-in — no streaming stick needed
    • USB-C power: works off a power bank (PD 65W+), amazing portability
    • Auto focus + auto keystone = almost zero setup
    • Solid color & clarity on 90–100″ at night
    • Input lag was surprisingly fine for casual gaming

    Downsides: 300 ANSI → not for bright rooms
    Verdict: The most convenient “grab-and-play” projector in the list.


    🥈 2) OWNKNEW Electric Focus

    Best brightness per dollar (if you don’t mind adding a streaming stick)

    • ~600 ANSI holds up nicely for movie nights
    • Electric focus & auto keystone are rare in this price class
    • 1080p native + handles 4K input
    • PS5 gaming was totally playable in dark conditions

    Downsides: No built-in apps, average speakers
    Verdict: Great picture performance for the money — just pair it with a Fire TV Stick / Roku.


    🥉 3) FUDONI S1 Smart

    Best “all-in-one” experience — but brightness varies

    • Native 1080p, supports 4K input
    • Netflix/Prime/YouTube built-in
    • Electric focus + auto keystone + zoom
    • Sound is okay for indoors

    Downsides: Brightness claims aren’t fully consistent, best only at night
    Verdict: If you hate HDMI dongles — it’s the convenient choice.


    4) FUDONI Netflix-licensed

    Brightest option here (on paper)

    • Listings say up to 1500 ANSI — in a dim room it’s noticeably punchier
    • Native app support feels premium
    • Good for 120″+ screen sizes

    Downsides: Still loses to a TV in broad daylight (nature of projectors)
    Verdict: Bigger room? Bigger screen? Start here.


    5) FUDONI Aurora P4

    Budget entry — works only in real darkness

    • 1080p native image is clean in a dark room
    • Plenty of ports
    • Quiet fan

    Downsides: Manual focus, basic keystone, no smart OS
    Verdict: Simple, cheap, movie-night-only option.


    6) Pericat 1080p

    Cheapest way to get a projector experience

    • Native 1080p
    • Comes with a screen, tripod, and carrying bag — nice bonus
    • Fine for kids’ movie nights

    Downsides: 230 ANSI… requires total blackout
    Verdict: Only recommend if you want the lowest possible price.


    Final Ranking (Based on Real Use)

    RankModelWhy
    ⭐ #1Aurzen BOOM AirBest overall experience / portability / Google TV
    #2FUDONI Netflix-licensedBrightest / best for large screens
    #3OWNKNEW Electric FocusBest for gaming & movie nights in dark rooms
    #4FUDONI S1 SmartVery convenient streaming without dongles
    #5FUDONI Aurora P4Budget-only, needs full darkness
    #6Pericat 1080pWorks, but lowest performance

    Tips to Get the Best Image

    ✅ Turn off overhead lighting → huge difference
    ✅ 90–100″ is the sweet spot for these brightness levels
    ✅ Use a proper 1.1 gain screen (even cheap ones help a lot)
    ✅ HDMI for gaming — avoid Wi-Fi casting (latency!)
    ✅ Add a Bluetooth speaker → instant “mini-theater”

    TL;DR

    If we ignore marketing claims and look only at real-world usability and picture quality for the money, my choice is:

    The best overall in real life — Aurzen BOOM Air

    Why this one:

    • Truly easy to live with: take it out → turn it on → start watching
    • Google TV built-in → Netflix/YouTube/Prime without any streaming sticks
    • Auto focus + auto keystone → image is always sharp and aligned
    • USB-C power → great for outdoors and portable use (even with a power bank)
    • Color and contrast look more premium than its price in a dark room
    • Quiet fan, solid build

    📌 In short: not the brightest on paper — but the best for everyday home use.

    But…

    If brightness is your priority (bigger screen / not a fully dark room):

    ➡️ FUDONI Netflix-licensed
    Best for large screens and slightly brighter environments.

    If you want gaming + lower price:

    ➡️ OWNKNEW Electric Focus
    Almost as bright as FUDONI, but cheaper — best value per dollar, especially if you already have a Fire TV Stick / console / PC.


    Summary Table

    What you needBest choice
    “I just want to press play and watch Netflix easily”✅ Aurzen BOOM Air
    Bigger screen & a bit of ambient light✅ FUDONI Netflix-licensed
    Affordable gaming and movie nights✅ OWNKNEW Electric Focus
    Ultra-tight budget➖ Pericat / FUDONI Aurora P4