The Roav Bolt Dongle: Navigating the Future of Hands-Free Driving

Driving a decades-old car without the budget for fancy upgrades can be a charmingly frugal experience. However, keeping up with modern safety and convenience features becomes a challenge. My trusty vehicle, needing a lot of TLC for its electric components and shocks, has often skipped updates like in-car technology upgrades. But a recent teardown of the Google app APK has me rethinking my stance on the “stereo” in my car. With a trip to Los Angeles coming up, I need hands-free controls, which might be impossible with the Roav Bolt dongle.

Google Assistant on your car accessory will be discontinued in coming weeks. To keep using Assistant, invoke queries either on your Mobile or via Android Auto.

Contacting Google to verify this news, the notification seemed unclear, especially the phrase “invoke queries.” Google’s approach doesn’t feel entirely user-friendly, especially for those who rely on accessories for safe driving in the U.S.

The Roav Bolt: A Relic of a Bygone Era

Bought in 2019, the Roav Bolt by Anker was a game-changer for hands-free driving. It plugged into the auxiliary power outlet and streamed audio through my car’s Bluetooth, allowing me to use Google Assistant for commands like calling and skipping songs. It powered through queries on the fly too, a feature that sometimes amused my passengers.

Google’s Evolving Landscape

Google’s pivot towards Android Auto integration within Google Maps and the transition of Google Assistant to Gemini disrupted the compatibility of the Roav Bolt. The assistant would rarely respond, and the whole setup felt unreliable on the road.

With these changes, the future of phone-only driving modes seems uncertain for a specific subset of drivers. Modern cars now often come equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, eliminating the need for third-party accessories.

Alternatives on the Horizon

The extinction of the Roav Bolt leaves me seeking new solutions. For my upcoming trip, I might revert to a USB-C to auxiliary plug setup, though it’s not ideal. Alternatively, I might dive into hacking the Spotify Car Thing, a non-traditional but potentially viable option for hands-free control.

The Future of DIY Solutions

While the Roav Bolt may be obsolete, the DIY community remains vibrant. Innovators like the dedicated tinkerers keeping the Spotify Car Thing alive show that there are always alternative ways to achieve hands-free functionality in older cars.

What started as a nostalgic attachment to my car’s setup has turned into a lesson in adapting to change. The future of hands-free driving is promising, but it requires flexibility and a willingness to embrace new solutions.

As I prepare for my journey to Los Angeles, it’s clear that traditional hands-free accessories are becoming a thing of the past. The evolution towards integrated car systems ensures a smoother, more reliable driving experience.

Conclusion

The future of hands-free driving lies in the seamless integration of phone and car systems. While the Roav Bolt holds sentimental value, it’s clear that newer, integrated solutions will dominate. As technology advances, drivers will have access to safer, more reliable options for their vehicles.

Do you have any DIY solutions for hands-free driving in older cars? Share your ideas in the comments below!