Dec 27, 2025
3 min read
Since Android Auto and CarPlay have become crucial for daily driving, the core problem remains.Wired connections charge your phone slowly and wireless connections drain the battery quickly.That's where "PDFriender" comes in as a very subtle solution.
"PDFRIENDER 2PAD" is a 65V machine charger at its core, connecting to your car's power port, it expects to use full speed charging, allows you to use Vired Android auto and carplay.
The first of the two USB-C ports connects to your phone, while the second is used to connect to your car.
When using both, your car's signals are transferred from one port to the other while charging faster.It's a simple idea, but one that hasn't been so elegant yet.
In practice, even with this type of launch that I use, it works well.I've tested it on every phone (3) and the Galaxy Z Fold 7, it's exactly what it promises.The phone receives fast charging - I cover it at about 25W when it's at 80% capacity, which is when the charging rate drops - because it works like a fully wired Android Auto experience.Connects quickly and connects The body is strong.It supports CarPlay if you use an iPhone.The company that manufactures the device told me that it supports USB-PD properly.
On the other hand, the little face hidden in the design is pretty cute.
There's an obvious question here, and that's why you're thinking about something like Android Automate or wireless CarPlay.
Personally, I have been a big fan of these adapters for the past few years and plugging in my phone while driving feels a bit strange.But there are some notable benefits to this experience.From experience, using a standard adapter cable like this means you can get from charging to charging faster when charging.But compared to wireless adapters, you are putting less stress on your device.Recharging it with a battery charger makes things worse.
The main benefit is really to run the whole experience with a little less effort.Another benefit I noticed was how much faster it connected compared to those wireless adapters.They work well, don't get me wrong, but I forgot how instant Android Auto and CarPlay can be until I went back to try them out.Wired, of course, also eliminates those occasional hiccups you inevitably encounter with wireless.
Currently, the "PDFriender 2Pad" is just a prototype and will be released in 2026.The goal is to ship at the same price as a regular wireless adapter, and I'd say the first version will cost €50 ($60) or more.for whatThey are not interchangeable, the left side is used for phone communication and the right side is used for steering.
If you are interested in such a device, you can register your interest on the company's website. Meanwhile, the same basic technology is present in the same company's product, the "TreePod", which acts as an intermediary between your phone, your car and a dedicated car charger. The final functionality is not that different, but it is certainly not as elegant as the "2Pad".
What do you think?
More about Android Auto:
- Android Auto Update Tips on Support, Device Music Design [Image Gallery]
- Gemini is everywhere now, but Android Auto was the first thing that got me
- Android Auto adds new Google Maps EV filters for charging speed, payment method
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