For the past decade, most new cars, trucks, and SUVs have come with Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. This phone interface was designed to make tasks like placing phone calls, sending text messages, choosing entertainment options and getting navigation information a safe, hands-free process. The folks at ZZ-2 have a unique expansion option for your Apple CarPlay-equipped radio called the ZZAIR-PRO2. This unique device provides a wireless connection to your smartphone and offers a variety of video sources you can enjoy right on your vehicle’s factory display. Let’s check it out!
Wireless CarPlay Connectivity
Initially, you had to connect a Lightning or USB-C cable to your iPhone for Apple CarPlay to work. A significant benefit of this connection method is that the radio, whether aftermarket or factory-installed, will charge your phone fairly quickly while providing access to commonly used phone features.
Around 2016, BMW introduced the first car radio with wireless CarPlay. The system uses Wi-Fi to connect your phone to the radio and transmit information. The high-speed data connection is initially established through Bluetooth pairing. Just as with a wired connection, the screen in your car mirrors a virtual display on your phone to provide the information you want.
The ZZ-2 ZZAIR-PRO2 adds wireless connectivity to radios that use wired CarPlay connections exclusively. Now, when you get into the car, your phone will automatically connect to the ZZAIR-PRO2, allowing you to send text messages or make phone calls while your iPhone is in your pocket or purse.
Watch Videos in Your Car
What really gets people excited about the ZZ-2 ZZAIR-PRO2 is that it’s a stand-alone computer with built-in Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and HBOMAX apps. The ZZAIR-PRO2 effectively hijacks the CarPlay video stream, letting you control and view these apps on your factory radio. If you are bored at lunch or are waiting to pick someone up from an appointment, you can catch up on the latest Cleetus McFarland or MrBeast video.
How does the ZZAIR-PRO2 work? It’s pretty simple. The unit plugs into the Apple CarPlay-enabled USB-A or USB-C port in your vehicle. The radio detects it as an iPhone. The computer in the ZZAIR-PRO2 outputs its own video, which the radio interprets as a CarPlay display. However, you can now watch your favorite video sources.
The ZZ-2 ZZAIR-PRO2 requires an Internet connection to stream videos. You can use the Wi-Fi hotspot in your car or truck, or more likely, pair your phone to the device and use your cellular data plan for streaming.
The ZZAIR-PRO2 has an SD card slot on the chassis side. You can download shows and movies to a card and play them for the kids. The maximum card size is 512 GB, which is enough for more than 150 full-length movies or entire television series.
If you want to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, click the associated icon on the ZZAIR-PRO2 screen, and the associated smartphone connectivity app will launch, just like you’d see without the ZZAIR-PRO2 connected.
Installation and Requirements
There’s no elaborate installation required with the ZZAIR-PRO2. Plug it into the USB port of your CarPlay-equipped radio. From there, you launch CarPlay on the factory radio, and you’ll see the main screen of the ZZAIR-PRO2. Set up your Wi-Fi hotspot just like you would on any Android device, and you are ready to roll. The radio you are using must have a touchscreen to work with the ZZAIR-PRO2.
Unlock the Potential of Your Car Radio
If you have always wanted to watch or stream video in your car or truck, the ZZ-2 ZZAIR-PRO2 is a hassle-free, easy-to-use solution. To learn more about the ZZAIR-PRO2 or the other cool products available from ZZ-2, visit their website. Be sure to follow ZZ-2 on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to stay up to date with all their latest product releases.
