Today we talk about LAMTTO RC22, a dongle that allows you to use Android Auto and CarPlay wireless on cars that natively only support the wired version. Compared to other competitors, this dongle is a bit special because of its decidedly small size and the double USB-A / USB-C connector, effectively eliminating any cable, even those typically supplied in the package. In this review we tell you how it works, its pros and cons!
First of all, let's specify some important details that will be useful to you to better understand what we are talking about, but above all to understand if this gadget can be useful to you in some way. LAMTTO RC22 is a dongle that must be connected to the USB socket of the car's infotainment system, a socket that must support data transfer, after which it pairs wirelessly with the smartphone and therefore allows you to enable Android Auto / CarPlay in the wireless version on all cars that normally only support the cable connection. It is therefore important to know that this gadget will be suitable for you only and only if your car natively supports CarPlay, otherwise you will not be able to do anything with it. Generally, support is given to cars produced from 2016 onwards, with particular limitations for BMW vehicles.
The advantage of having a car with wireless Android Auto/CarPlay is fundamentally inherent in the convenience of not having cables running around the passenger compartment, as well as that of not having to connect your smartphone every time even for short trips in which you want to use the multimedia system for navigation, calls, music and more.
LAMTTO RC22 looks like a small USB stick, actually equipped with a USB-A connector on one side and a Type-C connector on the other, accessing one or the other simply by removing the protective cap. This also eliminates any cables typically supplied in the package or extensions if necessary, adapting to any car, as long as it has a USB port that performs a data exchange function and not just charging. The absence of any extensions on the one hand is a good thing, because it limits the price, on the other hand it could mean that the product is not suitable for all those who have a USB port in the car that is difficult to access.
The product finishes are honestly a bit cheap but overall for the job it has to do they are more than fine. However, there is an LED on the front back, which certifies the activity status of the dongle. LAMTTO RC22 does not require the installation of applications on the smartphone, a first configuration will be enough that goes through the Bluetooth association between the dongle and the phone, subsequently the same dongle will create a 5 GHz WiFi network through which the connection for Android Auto / CarPlay Wireless will take place. After the first configuration the entire system will work automatically, entering the car the dongle will turn on and within just 7 seconds, the possibility of wireless connection will appear on the infotainment system. This immediacy in the initial configuration and in use makes the LAMTTO gadget extremely simple and practical.
The overall user experience is very positive, AA and CarPlay run smoothly, also supporting any steering wheel controls, in addition to the touchscreen of course. It is not possible to pair two smartphones to the dongle, for example one with iOS and one Android, switching from one to the other simply by pressing a button. Bluetooth calls have always been without delays and with perfect audio, something not to be underestimated on this type of product so cheap.
Ease of use and speed in switching on, we can summarize in these two aspects the main advantages of LAMTTO RC22. Compared to other similar dongles, it is faster in switching on and therefore in connecting to the smartphone, it is also more stable in wireless association and performing in the execution of commands. Another advantage of no small importance is the fact that it is sold on Amazon, with Prime service. We also include among the advantages the possibility of dual connectivity, via USB-A or Type-C, truly adapting to any type of car. I also add the possibility of being able to update the firmware or report any bugs, all by reaching the site 192.168.1.101. 88888888, using the wifi network generated by the dongle, which if it asks for the password this turns out to be XNUMX.
Regarding automatic switching on and off, there is a potential problem related to the power supply of the car's USB port, if this is not interrupted with the vehicle off then there will be the risk that LAMTTO RC22 will slowly completely discharge the battery. Here it depends on the car's system, in our case (DR 5.0) the power supply is disconnected after a few minutes from the car's switching off, but this is not always the case and the lack of settings that can regulate the dongle's behavior is a major shortcoming.
LAMTTO RC22 can be purchased both on Amazon and on the manufacturer's official website at a price starting from $29,99, a very competitive price and within everyone's reach. It works well and we can recommend it especially if you change cars, which perhaps have a different USB port than the main one. A plug and play product, so even the less experienced can benefit from it right from the start. Present on Amazon, the same product is also available branded VOLAM which always belongs to the LAMTTO company, so if the main product is not available you can safely proceed with the purchase of its alternative.
