This week, we have a little device that my wife picked up for me for Father's day and it is life-changing. The name is a mouthful, but it's the Anker Roav SmartCharge F0 Bluetooth FM Transmitter. It's a device that plugs into the car's power outlet and it tucks away nicely. On the face are two USB type A ports for charging, a microphone hole, a digital readout, and three buttons across the bottom. As the name implies, this is Bluetooth to FM transmitter which allows you to connect your phone to your car, if you don't already have a way to do that.
These days, not only is Bluetooth coming standard in cars, but Android auto and Apple Carplay are too. But if you have an older vehicle you can replace the head unit, but this is actually a lot cheaper and a lot easier. You just plug it in and pair it up to your phone. Then you find an unused radio frequency in your area and tune your radio to that frequency. Just like that, you're hands free and you're listening to podcasts and music, and making phone calls while keeping your eyes on the road.
It's honestly a great little device. Normally, this is the part where I start listing the downsides, but here, there really isn't one. The top of the plug is a little on the chunky side. At first, I wasn't sure it would fit in the recessed area where my car's power outlet is, but it did. Another thing, and this is totally not Anker's fault, but my car doesn't turn off the power outlets when the car is turned off, so I have to remember to turn off the power on the transmitter when i get out of the car. I would like to see an auto-off feature if you disconnect from bluetooth for a long time, but that's really a minor thing.
The only thing this doesn't do is add a screen to my car so i can enjoy all of android auto, but it's very inexpensive. So if you have a car without bluetooth capability, grab this thing. It's awesome, it's life changing, and it costs less than a trip to the ATM. As always, as an Amazon affiliate, I may get a small commission. But i'll also have the satisfaction of knowing that your life just got a lot better.
Ok, "life changing" and "a lot better" might be over selling it, but it's a great little device, so pick up up if you can!