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Watch Netflix on Your Car's Screen with This Simple Device · Captain Overfit (KO)

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain Speaking.
• 0:02
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome aboard, Captain Overfit, the podcast where we push technology to its limits, question everything manufacturers tell us, and occasionally discover that the engineers designing our gadgets might need a vacation.
• 0:14
  SPEAKER_00: I'm your host, Captain Overfit.
• 0:17
  SPEAKER_00: Former commercial airline pilot, lifelong technology enthusiast, and a man who firmly believes that if something has a screen, somebody, somewhere, is gonna figure out how to run Netflix on it.
• 0:29
  SPEAKER_00: And today, that's exactly what we're talking about.
• 0:33
  SPEAKER_00: I've got a little device called the Autolinker Pro, and this thing promises to transform your boring factory infotainment system into a full-blown Android entertainment center.
• 0:43
  SPEAKER_00: Netflix, YouTube, HBO Max, Google Play Store, Wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and even local media playback, all without replacing your factory radio.
• 0:55
  SPEAKER_00: Sounds amazing, right?
• 0:57
  SPEAKER_00: Well, buckle up, because while this thing genuinely impressed me, there's one major catch that might drive you absolutely crazy.
• 1:05
  SPEAKER_00: And no, it's not the passengers who immediately stand up when the airplane lands.
• 1:11
  SPEAKER_00: Seriously, people, the door isn't even open yet.
• 1:14
  SPEAKER_00: Anyway, let's get into it.
• 1:16
  SPEAKER_00: The folks at Autolinker sent me their AutoLinker Pro to review.
• 1:21
  SPEAKER_00: They provided the product, but the opinions are entirely mine.
• 1:25
  SPEAKER_00: For testing, I used a 2020 Ford Explorer running Ford Sync3.
• 1:30
  SPEAKER_00: Now there's nothing particularly wrong with Sync3.
• 1:33
  SPEAKER_00: It works.
• 1:34
  SPEAKER_00: It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• 1:38
  SPEAKER_00: But exciting?
• 1:39
  SPEAKER_00: Not exactly.
• 1:40
  SPEAKER_00: It's basically the economy class of infotainment systems.
• 1:44
  SPEAKER_00: It'll get you where you're going, but nobody's celebrating the experience.
• 1:48
  SPEAKER_00: Installation couldn't have been easier.
• 1:50
  SPEAKER_00: The autolinker comes with USB-A and USB-C connection options.
• 1:55
  SPEAKER_00: I connected it to the Explorer's USB port, selected Apple CarPlay, and suddenly, my boring Ford dashboard was displaying an entirely different operating system.
• 2:06
  SPEAKER_00: Netflix, YouTube, HBO Max, Google Play Store.
• 2:10
  SPEAKER_00: All right there.
• 2:12
  SPEAKER_00: No dashboard modifications, no complicated wiring.
• 2:16
  SPEAKER_00: Just plug it in and you're ready.
• 2:18
  SPEAKER_00: And that brings me to something important.
• 2:20
  SPEAKER_00: Your vehicle must already support Apple CarPlay for this device to work.
• 2:25
  SPEAKER_00: If your car doesn't have Apple CarPlay, the AutoLinker won't magically add it, so check compatibility before purchasing.
• 2:33
  SPEAKER_00: Now here's where things got interesting.
• 2:35
  SPEAKER_00: I wanted to know whether installing this device meant losing access to Android Auto.
• 2:41
  SPEAKER_00: Because that would be ridiculous.
• 2:44
  SPEAKER_00: Imagine upgrading your infotainment system only to lose the features you actually use every day.
• 2:50
  SPEAKER_00: That's not an upgrade.
• 2:52
  SPEAKER_00: That's turbulence.
• 2:54
  SPEAKER_00: Fortunately, the AutoLinker supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
• 2:59
  SPEAKER_00: I paired my Android phone, launched Android Auto, and boom, there it was.
• 3:05
  SPEAKER_00: My phone's navigation, music, and familiar Android Auto interface, all running wirelessly through the AutoLinker.
• 3:13
  SPEAKER_00: And I could jump back into the AutoLinker's own interface without unplugging anything.
• 3:17
  SPEAKER_00: That alone is pretty impressive.
• 3:19
  SPEAKER_00: But hold that thought, because there's a connectivity complication we'll discuss shortly.
• 3:24
  SPEAKER_00: Next, I tested something I genuinely appreciate: the micro SD card slot.
• 3:30
  SPEAKER_00: Yes, ladies and gentlemen, local media storage.
• 3:33
  SPEAKER_00: Remember when we actually owned our music instead of renting it from six different streaming services?
• 3:38
  SPEAKER_00: What a concept! I loaded a micro SD card with music, inserted it into the autolinker, and opened the built-in media player.
• 3:47
  SPEAKER_00: Everything worked beautifully.
• 3:49
  SPEAKER_00: My music appeared, playback was smooth, and I didn't need an internet connection.
• 3:54
  SPEAKER_00: You can also store local video files, making this particularly useful when you're parked somewhere without reliable Wi-Fi.
• 4:01
  SPEAKER_00: My only complaint?
• 4:03
  SPEAKER_00: The media player has this ridiculous default picture of what looks like a princess holding a blue guitar, and apparently, you can't get rid of her.
• 4:11
  SPEAKER_00: It doesn't matter what music you're playing, she's there.
• 4:14
  SPEAKER_00: I don't know who this princess is, but apparently she has a lifetime contract with Autolinker.
• 4:20
  SPEAKER_00: Now let's talk about the feature everybody probably wants streaming.
• 4:25
  SPEAKER_00: Netflix, YouTube, HBO Max, Paramount Plus, and Prime Video.
• 4:30
  SPEAKER_00: I tested several streaming applications, and for the most part, they worked surprisingly well.
• 4:36
  SPEAKER_00: Menus were responsive, videos played smoothly, and the experience was much better than I expected from such a small device.
• 4:44
  SPEAKER_00: But I did encounter one annoying issue.
• 4:47
  SPEAKER_00: While watching Paramount Plus, an advertisement finished playing, and suddenly the video disappeared.
• 4:54
  SPEAKER_00: The audio continued, but the screen was completely black.
• 4:58
  SPEAKER_00: Interestingly, I've experienced the exact same problem on my Roku television at home, so I'm not entirely convinced the auto linker itself is responsible.
• 5:08
  SPEAKER_00: It could be an application issue.
• 5:10
  SPEAKER_00: Either way, it's frustrating.
• 5:13
  SPEAKER_00: Now, before anybody gets any bright ideas, let me make something perfectly clear.
• 5:18
  SPEAKER_00: Do not watch videos while driving.
• 5:22
  SPEAKER_00: Seriously.
• 5:23
  SPEAKER_00: As a former airline pilot, I understand the consequences of distractions.
• 5:27
  SPEAKER_00: There's a reason we don't watch Netflix while landing a Boeing 737.
• 5:32
  SPEAKER_00: Although, considering some of the landings I've experienced as a passenger, maybe somebody was watching something.
• 5:38
  SPEAKER_00: I'm kidding.
• 5:39
  SPEAKER_00: But seriously, keep your eyes on the road.
• 5:41
  SPEAKER_00: Save the entertainment for when you're safely parked.
• 5:45
  SPEAKER_00: Now remember that connectivity complication I mentioned earlier?
• 5:48
  SPEAKER_00: Well, here it is.
• 5:50
  SPEAKER_00: The Auto Linker essentially has two operating modes.
• 5:53
  SPEAKER_00: You can use its Android-based interface to stream content, or you can use wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
• 6:00
  SPEAKER_00: Here's the problem.
• 6:01
  SPEAKER_00: Both functions depend on Wi-Fi, but in my testing they couldn't use it simultaneously.
• 6:07
  SPEAKER_00: When you're using wireless Android Auto, the Auto Linker's regular Wi-Fi internet connection becomes unavailable.
• 6:13
  SPEAKER_00: So imagine you're driving with Android Auto, you arrive at your destination, park, and decide to watch Netflix.
• 6:20
  SPEAKER_00: Now you've got to go into settings, enable Wi-Fi, and connect to your hotspot or vehicle's internet.
• 6:26
  SPEAKER_00: But doing that disconnects wireless Android Auto.
• 6:29
  SPEAKER_00: And when you're ready to drive again, you've got to switch back.
• 6:32
  SPEAKER_00: It's not a deal breaker, but it's definitely inconvenient.
• 6:35
  SPEAKER_00: As a pilot, I've dealt with my fair share of communication problems, but at least when air traffic control tells you to change frequencies, they don't disconnect your Netflix account.
• 6:45
  SPEAKER_00: Now, what about navigation?
• 6:47
  SPEAKER_00: Here's another limitation.
• 6:49
  SPEAKER_00: You can install Google Maps directly onto the auto linker.
• 6:52
  SPEAKER_00: But the device doesn't have built-in GPS.
• 6:55
  SPEAKER_00: That means you won't get proper standalone turn-by-turn navigation like you would on your smartphone.
• 7:01
  SPEAKER_00: You can browse maps, but for actual navigation you're better off using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
• 7:07
  SPEAKER_00: I also tested Gemini and Chat GPT, and surprisingly, both worked.
• 7:12
  SPEAKER_00: You can ask questions, have voice conversations, and interact using the touchscreen.
• 7:18
  SPEAKER_00: But don't expect miracles.
• 7:20
  SPEAKER_00: They're slow, sometimes painfully slow.
• 7:24
  SPEAKER_00: It's like asking your co-pilot a question and getting an answer three airports later.
• 7:29
  SPEAKER_00: Functional?
• 7:30
  SPEAKER_00: Yes.
• 7:31
  SPEAKER_00: Something I'd buy this device specifically for?
• 7:34
  SPEAKER_00: Absolutely not.
• 7:35
  SPEAKER_00: Steering wheel controls were another mixed experience.
• 7:39
  SPEAKER_00: Previous track and next track buttons worked perfectly for media playback.
• 7:43
  SPEAKER_00: But the Voice Assistant button didn't activate Gemini or Chat GPT.
• 7:49
  SPEAKER_00: Again, not surprising, but worth knowing.
• 7:52
  SPEAKER_00: Performance overall was decent, the interface felt reasonably responsive, and everyday applications worked well.
• 8:00
  SPEAKER_00: However, installing more demanding applications like Google Maps noticeably slowed things down.
• 8:06
  SPEAKER_00: So my advice?
• 8:08
  SPEAKER_00: Don't overload it with unnecessary apps.
• 8:11
  SPEAKER_00: Just because it has the Google Play Store, doesn't mean you should install everything.
• 8:15
  SPEAKER_00: Think of it like an airplane.
• 8:17
  SPEAKER_00: You can only add so much cargo before performance starts suffering.
• 8:21
  SPEAKER_00: And unfortunately, unlike an airplane, you can't solve this problem by dumping fuel.
• 8:27
  SPEAKER_00: Now here's something I absolutely love about the autolinker.
• 8:31
  SPEAKER_00: If you don't want it anymore, just unplug it.
• 8:34
  SPEAKER_00: That's it.
• 8:34
  SPEAKER_00: Your original infotainment system returns immediately.
• 8:38
  SPEAKER_00: No permanent modifications, no complicated restoration, no expensive dashboard surgery.
• 8:44
  SPEAKER_00: And I think that's fantastic.
• 8:46
  SPEAKER_00: Because sometimes the best technology upgrades are the ones that improve what you already own, instead of forcing you to replace it.
• 8:55
  SPEAKER_00: So, what's my final verdict?
• 8:58
  SPEAKER_00: I genuinely like the AutoLinker Pro, it transforms an otherwise basic infotainment system into something significantly more capable.
• 9:07
  SPEAKER_00: Streaming works well, local media playback is excellent, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are fantastic additions.
• 9:16
  SPEAKER_00: But it's not perfect.
• 9:18
  SPEAKER_00: The Wi-Fi switching limitation is annoying.
• 9:21
  SPEAKER_00: There's no onboard GPS.
• 9:23
  SPEAKER_00: Artificial intelligence applications are sluggish, and performance can deteriorate when you start loading it with demanding software.
• 9:31
  SPEAKER_00: And of course, there's that mysterious princess with the blue guitar.
• 9:35
  SPEAKER_00: Seriously, Autolinker, who is she?
• 9:37
  SPEAKER_00: But despite those complaints, I think this is one of the more interesting automotive gadgets I've tested.
• 9:44
  SPEAKER_00: Would I recommend it?
• 9:46
  SPEAKER_00: Absolutely, provided your vehicle is compatible and you understand its limitations.
• 9:51
  SPEAKER_00: If all you want is navigation and music, your existing Android Auto or Apple CarPlay might already be enough.
• 9:58
  SPEAKER_00: But if you want streaming entertainment, local media playback, and additional Android applications without replacing your factory head unit, the Auto Linker Pro is definitely worth considering.
• 10:10
  SPEAKER_00: And that brings us to our final approach.
• 10:13
  SPEAKER_00: You know, technology companies constantly tell us we need newer cars, newer phones, and newer gadgets.
• 10:19
  SPEAKER_00: But products like the Autolinker demonstrate that sometimes innovation isn't about replacing what you own.
• 10:24
  SPEAKER_00: It's about making what you already have better.
• 10:27
  SPEAKER_00: And that's something I can appreciate.
• 10:29
  SPEAKER_00: A special thanks to AutoLinker for providing the review unit.
• 10:33
  SPEAKER_00: And to everyone listening, remember, around here technology has to earn its wings.
• 10:38
  SPEAKER_00: And while the Auto Linker experienced a little turbulence, I'd say it made a pretty successful landing.
• 10:44
  SPEAKER_00: Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached our destination.
• 10:48
  SPEAKER_00: Please remain seated until the aircraft has come to a complete stop.
• 10:52
  SPEAKER_00: Collect your belongings, check your overhead compartments, and please, if you've been kicking the seat in front of you this entire flight, consider taking the bus next time.
• 11:02
  SPEAKER_00: I'm Captain Overfit.
• 11:04
  SPEAKER_00: Thanks for flying with me.
• 11:05
  SPEAKER_00: And as always, remember the future doesn't wait for permission.