For now, more about the seller than the product
For USB C Splitter for Android Auto / Apple Carplay
I have a power-hungry phone (a Galaxy Note 10+, which is listed as compatible), and the car's native connecter is just not up to the task. More than once my phone has died during the day (due to a toddler who loves to play on Daddy's phone), and then was unavailable for GPS that evening. When a trip to the Renaissance Festival and a dead phone almost stranded my whole family, I decided I needed a fix.
A quick Google search brought me to Reddit, where this very device was being discussed. It seemed perfect! The answer to my conundrum! But they were out of stock. I placed myself on the waiting list and checked every day until it was available again. I ordered immediately.
The splitter itself arrived very quickly, but I also needed to buy some short cables so that my front seat wasn't a pile of spaghetti. The last one came in today, and with bated breath, I hooked it all up. No power, no connection to Android Auto... nothing. Imagine my disappointment. I tried different cables, made sure that the PD adapter could charge the phone on its own, made sure the Android Auto connection was working by itself. Everything seemed fine, until I tried to route through the splitter. (Splitter? It's really a combiner, isn't it?)
I was about to write an unkind review, or at least a frustrated one, when I decided that no, I really needed to give the seller/maker the chance to help without me badmouthing him in front of others. I had seen on reviews already that he was quick to respond and very helpful, so that seemed the most fair option. I tried very carefully to detail my issue, the hardware I had, and what steps I had taken to troubleshoot the issue, and even my own amateur theory on what was happening.
I didn't expect a response the same day. I would have been impressed with Mr. Koripalli if he had replied tomorrow, or the next day. Instead, I believe it took him... four hours?
I should admit my shame here: I work in IT, and have for a couple of decades. I'm used to troubleshooting, but I also know that I don't always think of everything to try, and that I have a tendency to bypass the basics and go right for the more complicated stuff. I thought the combined length of the two cables I was using was causing problems, since USB-C PD has a rather short max length specification. Mr. Koripalli very gently suggested a different, simpler solution while also pointing out, very kindly, that I had neglected to read the instructions that he had already provided. RTFM, and all that, but much nicer.
Please, please, if you buy one of these things, and you get no power going through it, take the cable going between the splitter and the power adapter, and flip it end-for-end. Swap the connectors that are in the splitter and the power adapter. I have a strong feeling it will work. Mine did, and I felt dumb.
I haven't had a chance to fully test this out yet, only having time to confirm that my phone was charging and that Android Auto recognized it and could play audio from it. The only reason I didn't rate the product as 5 stars is because I haven't had the opportunity to use it yet. If possible, I'll edit this review later, and if not, I'll just write another one.
If your phone is power hungry like mine, and you want to use Android Auto, buy this. Don't hesitate. Buy it. Now. Go.
Response from Rohan Koripalli | June 5, 2022
Steven, thanks for writing the review! Glad you like it. Let me know if you have any further feedback after fully testing it.
