I use Alexa in my house all the time and when I recently purchased a vintage 1994 Mercedes sl500, I lost my technology. No more Bluetooth, not even an aux port and no cup holders (Yikes!). This car still has a cassette player in the radio. Since I want to keep the car original, I started looking for Bluetooth alternatives. I found lots of cigarette lighter devices that can connect via the FM side of the radio. I found one on a stalk that had decent reviews so I purchased that one. Then I found out it didn't interfaces with the phone assistant. Hoping I could use the Alexa app. No go so I looked again and found one from the same company the did support assistants. Almost bought that one and then found this device with Alexa built in. Yahoo!. Got it it.
Got the package and it was very nice. Very easy install, just plug it into the cigarette lighter. Download the Roav Viva app, follow the on screen instructions, set the FM channel and off you go. I was dubious at first. I have had FM transmitters in the past and they never worked very well. This works very well. The quality of playing music over the Bose system in the car is as good as direct FM. But the best thing is, I have my Alexa back. She is the only female I can tell her what to do and she does it. Hey, I have a wife and 6 daughters. The nice thing about having Alexa built in to the device is, I can just talk. The other devices, you have to click and hold the call button for up to 5 seconds to wake up the assistant and then there can be a pause before you can ask your question. This is fast. Just say Alexa, wait a second or two for the boing, state what you want and she does it.
Obviously it is not all roses. You are connected to a cell phone and subject to the vagaries of that system. Driving around town there are dead spots and your music will cut off. A few seconds later, it will come back on. In this car, if you turn off the motor, the power goes off to the cigarette lighter leaving static on the radio. Other cars will behave differently. I found out though, if you are listening to Amazon prime or Pandora and just cut the power, you have to tell Alexa to play again when you reconnect. If I tell her to Pause before I turn off, all I have to do is tell Alexa to Resume when I reconnect. BTW, the reconnect is automatic and fast. Only a few seconds and your going again.
I have a 60 mile commute to my work which I haven't done yet due to the holidays. When I do that a few times, I will update with a long term use test. So far, this has worked perfectly. I have played local FM radio channels via the Alexa skills, Amazon Prime music and Pandora. The one Major complaint that I have with the Roav Viva is they do not support Spotify. Their booklet says coming soon. It better. I don't know if it is a Spotify thing or a Roav thing, but they need to get their act together.
Now, I need to buy another one to put in my wife's Yukon. Well, maybe not. I think she is jealous.
Ask to play music, hear the news, check the weather, control your smart home, and more with this device.
Alexa Built-in Learn more
Alexa Built-in
This device has been certified by Amazon for its built-in Alexa functionality, providing a voice-forward experience to play music, read news, control other smart home devices, and more.
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Unbox the Roav Viva Your Alexa-Enabled Anker Car Charger
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From the manufacturer
Key features
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Voice-Initiated CallingJust say the word and call anyone while keeping your eyes on the road. |
Order FoodPlace an order, while you drive, to arrive at your home when you do. |
Stream MusicPlay music from nearly any app. |
Key features
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Control Smart DevicesRemotely activate and control any smart devices on your network. |
In-Car Sound IsolationWith Acoustic Echo Cancellation, VIVA accurately relays every word to Alexa. |
Simultaneous High-Speed ChargingDual USB ports equipped with Anker’s patented technology deliver the fastest possible charge to driver and passenger. |
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| Price | $21.82 | -10% $26.99 List: $29.99 | $26.99 | -5% $19.99 List: $20.99 | -37% $18.88 List: $29.99 | -31% $17.99 List: $25.99 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Monday, May 13 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it May 28 - Jun 18 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 |
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| Sold By | Amazon Warehouse | UNBREAKcable Brand Store | Nulaxy Direct | LencentUS | li_lili | hefengxianzhonghuawujinyouxiangongsi |
| power source | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Battery Powered,Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric |
| connectivity tech | USB, Auxiliary, Bluetooth | Bluetooth, USB | Bluetooth | USB | USB, Bluetooth | USB, Bluetooth |
| style | Modern | 38W | Big Color Screen | Modern | 48W | Modern |
| special feature | fast charging, Car Charger Dual Charging | PD 20W & QC 3. 0 Quick Charger, Advanced Bluetooth 5.3 Technology, Support Siri/Google Assistant, Hi-Fi Bass Music, Multi-safety Protection, Hands-free Calls, Secure Joystick Design, Exclusive Lifetime Warranty Service | 8 Colorful LED Backlit Modes, Big Color Screen & Air Vent Clip, Smart Voice Control | Fast Charging, Noise Cancellation, Bluetooth | Bluetooth FM Transmitter | Built-In Microphone, Bluetooth FM transmitter for car, Fast Charging, Multi-Safety Protection |
Reviews with images
Better than the Echo Auto?
I could not wait any longer for Amazon to accept my invitation to take my money for the Echo Auto. So I decided to go with the Roav. I just installed it. Connection was simple. Still playing around with it. Seems to be working nicely. All I want to do is control my Smart home. Playing music and navigation are 2nd and 3rd priorities. I don't like the fact that I had to install an additional app just to integrate with Alexa and that the app needs to continuity run. But I understand why. It is just annoying.
