How to set up the roav viva alexa car charger
Craig Lloyd is a smarthome expert with nearly ten years of professional writing experience. His work has been published by iFixit, Lifehacker, Digital Trends, Slashgear, and GottaBeMobile. Read more.
If you want Alexa in your car, the Roav Viva is an Alexa-enabled car charger that can make that happen for about the price of an Echo Dot. Here’s how it works and how to set it up.
What You Should Know First
The Viva, like any other car charger, plugs into the cigarette lighter in your car. From there, you can use it as a regular car charger with its two included USB ports to charge up your phone. The main feature, though, is the built-in Echo of sorts, which allows you to use Alexa while driving around.
There are a couple of requirements, though, that might be a deal breaker for you. For starters, your car’s stereo needs to have either Bluetooth connectivity or an auxiliary audio-in jack. This is so that Alexa can pipe its audio to your car’s speakers using your phone as the intermediary. It’s not absolutely necessary, as it will just use your phone’s speaker for output if you don’t connect it to your car’s stereo. However, it’s required if you want to play music through Alexa.
Secondly, you need to have your phone active and the Roav Viva app up and running whenever you want to do certain things, like get directions. This isn’t a huge deal per se, since you can just place your phone on a mount and let it do its thing, but the important thing here is that the Viva isn’t a standalone device, as it still uses your phone to do much of the leg work. The good news, however, is that for basic commands (like getting the weather or asking for a quick measurement conversion), you don’t need to have the app up.
Setting It Up
The process for setting up the Roav Viva is pretty easy, but it does require several steps and you can expect it to take around five minutes or so—and a bit longer if you choose to perform a firmware update (which is recommended).
To start, download the Roav Viva to your phone (available for both iPhone and Android).
Upon opening the app for the first time, you’ll be asked for permission to access various things like location, contacts, etc.
Next, tap the “Accept & Continue” button after reading the EULA.
You’ll now need to create an account. If you own other Anker products (from Eufy, Zolo, Nebula, etc.), you might already have an account.
When you’re signed in, plug the Viva car charger into your car’s cigarette lighter. The app will scan for and find it. Hit “Connect” when found.
You’ll then go through the fairly quick process of connecting the charger to your phone via Bluetooth. Select the charger from the list, and then hit the “Pair” button. If it tells you to confirm a string of numbers, you can ignore this and hit “Pair” anyway.
Next, you’ll select how you’re going to connect your phone to your car’s stereo. In this case, we’re going with the auxiliary audio in jack. Make your selection, and then tap the “Select” button.
When you have your phone connected to your car’s stereo, tap the “Play Test Audio” button.
You should hear audio tones playing through your car’s speakers. Hit “Yes” if all is good.
Next, you’ll sign in to your Amazon/Alexa account.
This opens the Amazon app on your phone if you have it. Otherwise, it will just load Amazon.com in the web browser and then you’ll sign in to your Amazon account. Tap the “Allow” button to give the Viva permission to access your account to use with Alexa.
Once that’s complete, you’ll be given a quick tutorial on some things you can try. Hit “Next” in the top-right corner of the screen to continue.
You’ll probably be prompted to download a firmware update, which is recommended. This will take a few minutes.
Once that’s complete, you’re all set and ready to use Alexa in your car. At this point, the main screen of the Viva app will simply be the Alexa logo, letting you know that it’s ready to go whenever you are.
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I have a real passion for classic cars. Having never owned a car released later than 1993 by choice, I personally think that cars of the late 80s and early 90s are better looking, more conversational, and more fun to drive.
But the nostalgia and enjoyment of owning an older car can quickly fade away when you enter the cockpit and are instantly reminded of how out outdated the included technology is — especially when every other aspect of your life is filled with smart devices, music streamers, voice assistants, and other modern amenities. I’m sure anyone with a slightly outdated car can relate.
I used to get jealous of the tech features most modern cars come equipped with and was often tempted to fully upgrade, but I resisted with the justification that a minimally equipped interior was a small trade-off for owning a car I liked much more. However, the tipping point for upgrading my car’s tech actually came from a device I recently incorporated into my home: the Echo Dot.
I bought the third-generation Echo Dot a few months ago, and it’s been the best tech upgrade I’ve made in a long time. In just a short period of time, I’ve used it to ask Alexa for plenty of things — from getting the news and weather to playing music and setting reminders — and I wanted to have similar access to those features while in my car, so I decided to give the Anker Roav Viva Pro a try.
The Anker Roav Viva Pro is an Alexa-enabled smart device that plugs into your car’s 12-volt socket/cigarette lighter. Using the power of Alexa, you can ask for directions, stream music, listen to audio books, control smart-home devices, make hands-free calls, and take advantage of thousands of other skills. It also doubles as a car charger with two high-speed USB ports on the side.
How to set it up:
The first step is to turn your car on and plug it in. Next, you’ll need to download the Roav Viva app from the App Store or Google Play. From there, you can sign into your Amazon account and select your preferred method of pairing it to your car radio. You’ll have three choices: Bluetooth , 35 mm auxiliary, and FM tuner.
I have since upgraded to a newer radio head unit from the cassette radio that originally came in my car, so I chose the Bluetooth method. Just make sure you pair the Anker Roav Viva Pro through the app, not your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings, and it’ll be ready to go.
For the sake of testing, I also tried the FM tuner method because anyone with a working radio, no matter how old, can use this method. All you have to do is scan through your FM tuner and find a frequency with dead air space. Then, in the app, set the Anker Roav Viva Pro to that same frequency. It worked without any issues for me, but just like all things dealing with radio frequencies, it has the potential to be spotty. Variables such as your car antenna’s signal strength and frequencies that interfere with other transmissions are factors in how clear and consistent your connection will be. If you have the option to pair via Bluetooth or aux, choose either one for a more reliable connection.
Using the Anker Roav Viva Pro for the basics:
In my opinion, the most important feature of the Anker Roav Viva Pro is its ability to use voice commands to safely complete tasks that would otherwise be done on your smartphone, including finding directions and making phone calls.
You should never take your attention off the road to type in an address, but drivers do it all the time. With the hands-free functionality of the Roav Viva Pro, that’s no longer an issue. Anker Roav Viva has access to Google Maps, Waze , and your smartphone’s standard service, such as Apple Maps. You can ask for directions to a specific place or say something as simple as “Alexa, where’s the nearest gas station?” and it will automatically search for it in your preferred app.
You can also use the Anker Roav Viva Pro for hands-free calling. If you opted to link your contacts during the setup process, just ask Alexa to call anyone stored in your phone. Lately, I’ve been using and loving the Scooch Wingman, an iPhone case I recently reviewed that features a built-in dash mount, and after combining it with the Anker device, I’m now able to drive completely hands-free.
Although most drivers get away with using their phones while driving, it’s dangerous and a very expensive ticket if caught. Between steering my car and shifting gears, I almost never use my phone while in motion, but for those that do, let the Anker Roav Viva Pro help you break those habits. If you were to buy the Anker Roav Viva Pro strictly for the hands-free usage, and it saves you from one ticket, it’s worth it — even at $69.99.
As for music, you can ask Alexa to play your favorite artists, genres, or specific songs. It supports apps such as Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, and Tune-In Radio, but Apple Music and Spotify are not supported. As an Apple Music subscriber myself, I understand that could be disappointing for people who use an unsupported app, but with all the other benefits that the Anker Roav Viva Pro offers, it’s an easy decision to make the switch to Amazon Music.
Taking advantage of Alexa in other ways:
If you already own an Echo device, using the Anker Roav Viva Pro for other skills should be second nature. Audiobooks, timers, weather updates, games such as Jeopardy, controlling smart-home devices, and much more are all available. Whether you want to ask Alexa to place an order on Amazon, to order your favorite pizza, or to do something more pragmatic, such as open your garage door and turn on the lights as you’re pulling into the driveway, it’s completely doable. I’m personally not (yet) at the level of reliance on Alexa where it does everything for me, but I did ask it to turn on my home air purifier, and it worked seamlessly. People with a fully integrated smart home will get a lot more use out of Alexa in this regard.
The bottom line:
I really like the Anker Roav Viva Pro because everything from the setup process to putting it into everyday use is easy. Sure, I don’t have a huge touch-screen infotainment system built into my car’s interior, but with many of the same functions as a brand new car, I don’t need one. Compared with similar devices that need to be mounted on the dash with wires running to them, the Roav Viva Pro is small and unobtrusive. Just as easy as I can plug it in, I can also uninstall it. I’d rather not leave it in the cigarette lighter when my car is parked, so I regularly take it out. It’s also great for using in other cars without hassle.
The two USB chargers are another simple but extremely useful feature. I no longer have to share the single charger port on my radio face with my passenger. I think we’ve all experienced car chargers so weak that they merely keep your phone on, rather than actually charging the battery, but that is not the case here. The Roav Viva Pro delivers a fast charge.
If you’re clinging onto a classic car like I am, your mid-2000s model is just slightly outdated, or you can’t live without Alexa even in your brand-new ride, the Anker Roav Viva Pro is exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Digital assistants are all the rage these days, including Amazon Alexa. While we mostly use our digital assistants with our phones and home audio products, did you know that you can get them, specifically Alexa, in your car as well? That’s right! You can ask Alexa to help you get directions in your car, tell you how the weather is before you set out, or even ask her to play some music for the ride. The Roav VIVA Car Charger with Alexa will charge your phone and provide you with Alexa in the car, and it’s on sale right now.
Hey Alexa, get me directions home
Roav VIVA Alexa 2-port Car Charger
Alexa everywhere, even on the road
The Roav VIVA Car Charger has 2 USB-A ports so you can get high-speed charging to two devices simultaneously. It also has built-in Amazon Alexa, so you can ask Alexa to get directions, hear the news, play music, and more, all over Bluetooth, CarPlay, Android Auto, or an AUX-in connection. This kit also includes a magnetic car mount for convenience.
When we’re on the road, it’s the perfect time to charge up our mobile phones. But have you ever wanted to have your own digital assistant while driving too? That’s what you get with the Roav VIVA Car Charger with Alexa.
This simple looking car charger has two USB-A ports for high-speed charging to two devices simultaneously. But don’t get it confused with Qualcomm Quick Charge, because that isn’t supported (not enough power output).
This car charger also has built-in Alexa, which separates it from the rest. It’s easy to set up the Alexa assistant with the Roav VIVA app, and once everything is paired up, Alexa connects to your device each time you start the car up. From there, you can simply ask Alexa to get you directions, play music, check the weather, tell you the news, do online shopping, control your smart home items, and more, all with just your voice. And if you don’t want to use Alexa right now, just tap the button to mute the mics. The music streaming also works for any app, so you can use Apple Music, Spotify, or whatever other streaming service.
Driving should always be your focus, but having digital assistant Alexa in the car just makes it easier for you.
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Roav VIVA Pro by Anker Alexa-Enabled 2-Port USB Car Charger
Roav VIVA Pro by Anker Alexa-Enabled 2-Port USB Car Charger
Roav VIVA Pro by Anker Alexa-Enabled 2-Port USB Car Charger for Navigation, Hands-Free Calling, and Music. For Cars with Bluetooth/CarPlay/Android Auto/Aux-In/FM Reception
- ALEXA INSIDE: Amazon’s voice service gives you complete voice control in your car. Just say the word to get directions, ask Alexa to read an Audible book, shop online, play music, and more. Spotify feature will be added as soon as third party support is available.
- VOICE ISOLATION: 2 integrated microphones provide noise cancellation and accurate voice identification.
- HIGH-SPEED CHARGING: Dual charging ports equipped with Anker’s exclusive PowerIQ technology deliver blazing charging speeds to both driver and passenger.
- EXTENSIVE CONNECTIVITY: Use in virtually any car by connecting via Bluetooth, Carplay, Android Auto, AUX-Out, or FM transmission.
- WHAT YOU GET: Roav VIVA Pro, Manual, Quick Guide, Happy Card, Skills Cards, 12-month warranty and our friendly customer service.
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Description
Description
Roav VIVA Pro by Anker Alexa-Enabled 2-Port USB Car Charger
Roav VIVA Pro by Anker Alexa-Enabled 2-Port USB Car Charger for Navigation, Hands-Free Calling, and Music. For Cars with Bluetooth/CarPlay/Android Auto/Aux-In/FM Reception
Key features
Voice-Initiated Calling
Just say the word and call anyone while keeping your eyes on the road.
Order Food
Place an order, while you drive, to arrive at your home when you do.
Stream Music
Play music from nearly any app.
Key features
Control Smart Devices
Remotely activate and control any smart devices on your network.
In-Car Sound Isolation
With Acoustic Echo Cancellation, VIVA accurately relays every word to Alexa.
Simultaneous High-Speed Charging
Dual USB ports equipped with Anker’s patented technology deliver the fastest possible charge to driver and passenger.
Alexa on the Road
VIVA Pro brings Amazon’s advanced voice service into any vehicle. Just ask Alexa to get directions, play music, get a flash briefing of your day, shop online, and more.
Voice-Activated Navigation
Just ask for directions and Alexa will open Google Maps or Waze to seamlessly guide you to your destination.
Soundtrack Your Commute
Enjoy complete voice-control while you drive. Just ask Alexa to instantly play your favorite songs from Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, or Tunein. (Please note: Spotify is not supported.)
Noise Cancellation
2 powerful mics use cutting-edge technology to filter out sounds outside of normal speaking frequency. Alexa hears what you say, not the noise in your car or from the road.
Car models with possible issues:
Acura: 2017 ILX. Audi: 2010 A5. BMW: 2014 325xi; 2012-2018 328 GT. Cadillac: 2014 ATS Premium; 2014 CTS. Chevrolet: 2010 Malibu LTZ. Chrysler: 2008 Sebring; 2014 300.
Dodge: 2012 and 2018 Challenger. Ford: 2004 Focus; 2010 Fusion; 2011 Mustang GT.
Honda: All Accord models; 2005 and 2007 Civic; 2011 Crosstory; 2015 Fit; 2007 Odyssey.
Hyundai: 2011 Genesis Coupe; 2004 Tiburon. Infiniti: 2005 G35; 2013 G37; 2010 G37 XS.
Jaguar: 2017-2018 XE. Kia: 2016 Soul. Lexus: 2007 GS 350; 2015 RX 350; 2017 NX 200t; 2011 RX 350. Mazda: 2014 CX-5; 2015 CX-5 Grand Touring; 2016 CX-9; 2009 and 2015 Mazda 6; 2008 RX-8.
Mercedes: 2012 C 250 Coupe; 2015 C 300; 2008 CLK 350; 2013 SL 550.
Nissan: 2015 Sentra, 2017-2018 Altima. Pontiac: 2005 Grand Am. Subaru: 2010 Impreza.
Toyota: 2006 Scion tC; 2007 4Runner; 2011 Sequoia; 2016 Corolla. Volkswagen: 2013 CC; 2016 Golf GTI; 2013 Jetta; 2011 Tiguan. Volvo: 2008 S80.
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Description
“With the Roav VIVA app connected to a VIVA car charger you can enjoy smarter driving through your phone with easy-to-use features. Enjoy smarter driving with Alexa voice-activated navigation, music, calling, and more.
Stream Music
Play all your music from Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and more. Just say the word.
Hands-free Alexa Communication
Calling, Messaging, Drop In, and Announcements all hands-free.
Voice Controlled Navigation
Tell Alexa to navigate. Just say something like: “Alexa, take me to the zoo.”
About Roav VIVA
The world’s first Alexa-enabled car charger. VIVA seamlessly integrates superior voice-control technologies and an ever-expanding library of 50,000+ Alexa skills into any vehicle. Give your car cutting-edge intelligence and capability.
Add Amazon’s Alexa service to almost any modern car with this amped up car charger from Anker’s Roav sub-brand.
The Viva combines a USB charger, a noise-canceling microphone and a Bluetooth connection to Amazon’s Alexa service.
Anker’s Roav sub-brand just announced the Viva, a new car kit and USB charger that brings the Alexa voice service instantly to almost any modern car.
For the unfamiliar, the Roav focuses on automotive accessories such as phone chargers and dashcams and Viva is the latest product in the brand’s small portfolio. It’s also part of a growing wave of aftermarket accessories, like Logitech’s ZeroTouch and Garmin’s Speak , that bring Amazon’s Alexa service on the road.
The Viva connects to the host vehicle and phone via Bluetooth 4.0, so your car needs to support wireless audio streaming for everything to work. Once connected, the Viva’s dual noise-canceling microphones allow the driver to use the “Alexa” key phrase and Alexa skills for navigation, news, music and all sorts of smart home stuff.
The unit itself looks like a standard USB car charger with a larger-than-average business end and plugs directly into the car’s 12-volt power point. That’s where you’ll find the dual “PowerIQ” 2.4A USB charging ports for your phone, a multicolor LED light ring that indicates Alexa status and two pinhole microphones. There’s also a microphone mute button for when you don’t want Viva and Alexa listening in on you.
All the cool new gadgets at CES 2018
When you’re not using the Roav Viva to chat with Alexa, the Bluetooth connection and voice-isolating, noise-canceling microphones should come in handy for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
In the US, the Roav Viva will be available for preorder on Amazon.com with an MSRP of $50 with shipment expected in early 2018. Global availability will follow, but for now that roughly converts to AU$63 or £35.
What to expect from the smart home at CES 2018 : We take a look at the smart home and appliance trends we expect to see this year.
CES 2018 : CNET’s complete coverage of tech’s biggest show.
This $49.99 adapter is good for cars with Bluetooth, but bad for voice activation systems
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Amazon’s Alexa assistant has slowly been making its way into cars in recent years; BMW, Ford, and Nissan are among the automakers adding capabilities to remotely start or lock vehicles, for example. The level of integration with cars has been limited to those brands and only the newest models, however. That’s where Anker’s Roav Viva comes in.
China-based accessory maker Anker announced on Monday that it is venturing deeper into the automotive space with what it says is the first plug-in device intended to give a full complement of Alexa skills to drivers. In addition to weather and music, the Viva can control voice calls and navigation instructions through voice commands — something even the newest cars still struggle to do sometimes. In theory, many of Alexa’s skills that would be useful for managing tasks relevant to drivers or car trips could be enabled with the Viva.
Anker’s Roav line, a sub-brand of the popular USB charging and smartphone battery company, began first with a dash cam and a plug-in phone charger. Similar to how Anker has pushed into the smart home with its Eufy brand and into wireless audio and home entertainment with its Zolo and Nebula lines, Roav is the company’s way into the smart car. The Viva is Anker’s biggest push yet as an attempt to replace the built-in infotainment and charging features of modern-day cars, while also being a path for owners of older cars to make those vehicles smart via plug-in adapters.
In theory, the Viva should appeal to people who own those slightly older vehicles that do not support features such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The fact that it uses a Bluetooth as old as Version 4.0 makes it possible to connect with vehicles from early in the decade that may be quickly falling behind the in-car tech curve.
I used a Volvo S60, which has Bluetooth and some connected services for weather and parking using a 3G hot spot, but the company’s older infotainment system lacks Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. (It has a pretty clunky voice recognition system, too.)
Downloading the app to an iPhone or Android is easy enough, but the battle will always be about how easily your car and your Bluetooth devices get along. In the case of the Volvo I was using, the car’s Bluetooth sometimes stumbles in recognizing when you’re trying to connect with anything other than a phone to stream audio. For that reason, I made it a point to unplug my phone from the car’s built-in USB port to stop it from trying to play music directly off my iPhone. To alleviate the issue a bit, the Viva does include two USB ports that can keep charging your phone without confusing your car’s infotainment system as much.
Once working, the Viva mostly functions with all of the standard Alexa skills — or as well as it might work on an Echo in a house with other ambient noises. Navigation works with Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze, and music can be requested from more than just Amazon’s service.
Of course, all cars are different, but given how much faster infotainment systems have become in recent years, one might suspect those using older platforms in older cars may get frustrated with the way the Viva interacts with stubborn systems. Owners of newer vehicles may find the actual usage of this limited, since connected services that are cropping up in cars equipped with hot spots work slightly more seamlessly with built-in services. Many newer cars also have built-in Siri compatibility, which is ultimately a plus for those who use iPhones.
Anker says the Viva will go on sale early this year for $49.99. That seems like a fair price if your car is caught somewhere in the gap between having Bluetooth and lacking anything meaningful in terms of smartphone integration. It’s also a decent indicator of how voice assistants will integrate into cars in a way that goes beyond basic locking, lighting, and starting functions.
This offer has expired!
Today only, as part of its ShellShocker Deals of the Day, Anker via Newegg is offering its Roav Viva Pro Alexa-enabled Car Charger for $19.99 shipped. Today’s deal saves $40 from its list price, $25 from the current sale at Best Buy, and beats our last mention by $10. The Roav Viva is perfect to use in addition to your car’s existing CarPlay or Android Auto setup and really shines if your vehicle only has Bluetooth. There are two microphones built-in that support Amazon Alexa, allowing you to ask questions, get driving directions, take calls, change the music, and more. Plus, there are even two PowerIQ charging ports that ensure your phone is always powered when you arrive at a destination. Rated 4/5 stars.
The Anker Roav SmartCharge F0 is a great alternative for those on a tighter budget. It includes two PowerIQ charging ports and the ability to pair your phone over Bluetooth to transmit your device’s audio over a local FM station. This allows you to tune the radio to play music from a smartphone. At $13, this is a great option if you don’t want to spend $20 for today’s lead deal, or need to leverage the FM transmission available here.
Anker Roav Viva Pro features:
- Alexa Inside: Amazon’s voice service gives you complete voice control in your car. Just say the word to get directions, ask Alexa to read an Audible book, shop online, play music, and more. (Please note: Spotify is not supported.)
- Voice Isolation: 2 integrated microphones provide noise cancellation and accurate voice identification.
- High-Speed Charging: Dual charging ports equipped with Anker’s exclusive PowerIQ technology deliver blazing charging speeds to both driver and passenger.
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The Anker Roav Viva turns your 12-volt power port into a two-USB phone charger and brings Amazon Alexa into your car. And right now, it’s marked down to $27.
Modern vehicles are adding technology features so quickly, it can be hard to keep up. And unless you’re like Steve Jobs and swap your car out for a new one every six months (seriously —he did it to take advantage of a California loophole that would keep him from having to put license plates on his SL55 AMG), odds are good your sedan, sports car, SUV or pickup truck doesn’t have all the latest and greatest silicon-based convenience features automakers have on offer.
Still, don’t lose hope; there are ways to bring modern, advanced tech to even the oldest rides. 12-volt power ports have been a feature of cars for a century — they first began appearing in the mid-1920s — and one of them is all it takes to bring fast smartphone charging and the voice control powers of Amazon Alexa to your car.
The Anker Roav Viva connects with your phone and uses its data connection to sync up with your Alexa account, enabling you to use its built-in microphones to dial the phone, change the temperature in your house with an Alexa-connected thermostat, play music, or do all sorts of other things. It also offers two quick-charging USB ports, so all that won’t drain your phone’s battery.
The best part? The Roav Viva is an incredible bargain right now. Normally, buying one at B&H will set you back $80, but right now, it can be yours for $27 — just one-third of the normal price.
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Roav VIVA Pro is an Alexa-enabled two-port USB car charger. It allows you to bring Alexa voice assistance into your car. It’s the same concept as the original Roav VIVA, and they look almost identical. The differences are that an Aux-Out port and an FM transmitter are equipped in the Pro. So, there are extra options to connect to your car’s stereo in addition to Bluetooth and USB.
Design
It looks the same as the original Roav VIVA except for the existence of the Aux-Out port. The face of the VIVA consists of the two microphones, a big button, and a LED ring.
The button works as Action and Mute
When you press the button, you don’t have to say, “Alexa.” Just start with your command or question, and Alexa will respond. Holding down the button mutes the microphones, and the LED ring and the microphone icon turn red. Holding down the button again will un-mute.
LED Indications
The LED will change colors and behaviors depending on the status of the device. It even turns yellow when you get a notification just like Amazon Echo devices. You can look up a full list in the image on the right.
Anker Fast Charging Technology
Roav is a subsidiary of Anker, which is popular and famous for their mobile device’s accessories like portable chargers. Two USB ports of the VIVA can charge two mobile devices simultaneously. They both have the Anker’s exclusive fast-charging technologies; PowerIQ and VoltageBoost, and provide up to 2.4 A to charge your device quickly.
Setup
- Plug the VIVA into your car’s cigarette lighter socket. Start the car, and the LED ring will turn blue with a circulating cyan light.
- Download the Roav VIVA app from Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the app, select “Roav VIVA_XXXX” to complete a Bluetooth connection to your phone.
- Follow the instruction in the app to link with your Amazon Alexa’s account. If you never use any Alexa-enabled devices such as Echo, Fire tablet, or Fire TV, you need to create Amazon Alexa’s account. Install the Amazon Alexa app for iOS or Android and create the account. It’s free, meaning that you don’t have to own other Alexa-enabled devices in your home. It’s totally fine that the VIVA is your first or only Alexa-enabled device.
Lastly, choose how you connect with your car’s stereo to have sound come out of vehicle’s speakers. The Pro has more connection options than the original Roav VIVA. The choices are Bluetooth, Aux cable, USB, and FM transmitter. If your car’s stereo has an Aux-in port, you can directly connect the Pro to a car’s stereo (a cable is not included.) If you use an FM transmitter, choose a frequency which is dead in your area and set up through the app.
Firmware Update
After completing setup, check if a firmware update is available. Firmware update doesn’t start automatically. You will need to open the app and start for yourself. An update needs to be done in your vehicle, with the engine on, and your phone connected to the VIVA.
Who is Roav VIVA for?
The VIVA always needs a smartphone to work with. And the smartphone already has its voice assistance feature such as Google Assistant or Siri. Why would you need an extra gadget for a voice assistance feature? Here is the thing.
For those who have Alexa-enabled devices
If you are heavily invested in the Amazon Alexa’s ecosystem, you probably want Alexa with you everywhere even while driving. If you subscribe to Amazon Music Unlimited, you’d be happy with a complete hands-free control of the music player on demand with tens of millions of songs. If you have some Alexa-enabled devices in your home, you’d prefer the same voice assistance in your car. And thousands of Alexa skills enhances the experience with Alexa-enabled devices, which other voice assistance can’t even compete.
For those who want a Hands-free operation with Alexa
Amazon Alexa app is evolving. It has more features than it used to be. Tap the circle icon in the center at the bottom and command or ask a question, and Alexa will respond. Unlike the Reverb app, it can play music, news, podcast, etc. You can create a widget and place it on the home screen of your smartphone instead of opening the app and tap the icon so you can speak to Alexa quickly. But, this is not hands-free. If you want a hand-free feature with Alexa, you still need an Alexa-enabled device.
Roav VIVA Pro or Roav VIVA
The difference between the Pro and the original Roav VIVA is only a selection of connecting methods to your car’s stereo. For older cars whose stereos don’t have Bluetooth, Aux-in port, or USB port. FM transmitter may be the only option to get it to connect. So, you need the Pro. In other words, if your car stereo has either Bluetooth, Aux-in port or USB port, you don’t have to pay extra money to get the Pro. The original Roav VIVA will be just fine.
Conclusion
The Roav VIVA is not for everyone. If you are happy using Google Assistant, Samsung Galaxy’s Bixby, or Apple’s Siri, there is no reason to buy it to bring Alexa into your car. But, if you prefer Alexa, the Roav VIVA will work seamlessly in your vehicle just like Echo devices in your home. If your car’s stereo doesn’t have either Bluetooth, Aux-in port or USB port, the Pro offers a wireless connection with a built-in FM transmitter. And remember, the VIVA is also a car charger with two USB outputs equipped Anker’s fast-charging technology. Click here to see the latest price of Roav VIVA Pro.
4 Comments
I have a 2017 Toyota Rav4. I want the best Alexa for my Rav. Is the Roav Viva Pro the best for my Rav4 or is there a better unit you sell?
If your car’s audio has Bluetooth or Aux input, you don’t need the Pro. The difference between the pro and standard Roav Viva is the pro has built-in FM transmitter.
I believe Roav Viva is the best Alexa-enabled device for a car. There aren’t many comparative products in the first place. Garmin Speak is one Alexa-enabled devices for a car. It needs to be mounted on the windshield and connected with a micro USB cable from a cigar socket. And it doesn’t sync to map apps like Google Map or Waze.
Viva Pro smart car charger runs Amazon’s Alexa and supports voice-controlled navigation, music streaming, voice-initiated calling and more.
Anker sub-brand Roav has launched its first product in the Indian market, dubbed Viva Pro. The Roav Viva Pro is an Alexa-enabled car charger. It is priced at Rs 5,490 and is available via all major electronics and auto accessories stores in the country. The company states that the Viva Pro will be made available on Amazon starting June.
Viva Pro smart car charger runs Amazon’s Alexa and supports voice-controlled navigation, music streaming, voice-initiated calling and more. You can also browse the Alexa store for skills that will improve the usability of the Roav Viva Pro smart car charger.
You can plug in the Viva Pro into the cigarette lighter port of your car and along with the ability to use Alexa, you can enjoy two USB ports with high-speed charging support. On the faceplate of the device, there is a physical button to mute the microphone and an LED notification light.
The device sports two microphones with Acoustic Echo Cancellation to accurately hear a users commands. The company states that with these microphones the Viva Pro can hear both the driver’s and passenger’s voices clearly even if there is a lot of background noise.
The Roav Viva Pro according to the company can work with any car, due to it coming with support for Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, AUX-Out and FM Transmission.
“The smart home has grown at a fast clip, but there’s another space that we spend a whole lot of time living in “Our Car”, said Gopal Jeyaraj, Head, India and SAARC, Anker Innovations.
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With all the recent bans on cellphone use while driving, it might be time for you to start thinking about ways to keep your phone out of your hands while you’re on the road. A car mount for your phone is a good first step, but it doesn’t truly solve the problem. However, Anker’s Roav Viva can. Though it looks like a simple USB car charger, it’s actually much more than that. It features Amazon Alexa functionality built-in, allowing you to give voice commands like “Alexa, check the weather at my destination”, “Alexa, get directions to the nearest gas station”, and “Alexa, play some 90s music”.
If you’re ready to drive safer, the Roav Viva is currently on sale for just $17.99 at B&H as a deal of the day. That’s one of the best prices we’ve seen it reach recently at over $10 off its usual price at Amazon and a pretty stellar deal for all that it can accomplish. Shipping is free.
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Anker Roav Viva Alexa-Enabled Car Charger
This gadget is much more than just a car charger. It adds Alexa to your car, allowing you to get directions, play music or audiobooks, and more with a few spoken words. The deal is good for today only, though.
$17.99 $28.78 $11 off
The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals
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They last for up to eight hours on a single charge with up to 32 hours total using the charging case. They have quick charge so you can get two hours after 10 minutes spent charging. They also charge via USB-C or a Qi wireless charger.
The Viva connects to your phone via Bluetooth, and then you connect your phone to your car’s stereo either via Bluetooth or an auxiliary jack. It will use your phone’s internet to access Alexa’s services and relay them through your car’s speakers. You can access the full range of Alexa’s skills, including playing your favorite music, getting directions, or hearing the news. You can make and receive phone calls without taking your hand off the wheel. It also has voice isolation via two integrated mics that can accurately identify your voice over other car noises.
The dual charging ports have PowerIQ technology to detect what’s plugged in and deliver the fastest charge. Meanwhile, the top of the device has a mute button that makes it easy to turn off the mics if you don’t want Alexa to listen to everything you say.
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Если вы хотите, чтобы Alexa была в вашей машине,Роав ВиваЭто автомобильное зарядное устройство с поддержкой Alexa, которое может сделать это примерно по цене Echo Dot. Херес, как это работает и как это настроить.
Что вы должны знать в первую очередь
Viva, как и любое другое автомобильное зарядное устройство, подключается к прикуривателю в вашей машине. Оттуда вы можете использовать его как обычное автомобильное зарядное устройство с двумя включенными USB-портами для зарядки телефона. Однако главной особенностью является своего рода встроенный Echo, который позволяет использовать Alexa во время езды.
Однако есть несколько требований, которые могут стать для вас препятствием. Во-первых, стереосистема вашего автомобиля должна иметь возможность подключения по Bluetooth или дополнительный аудиоразъем. Это для того, чтобы Alexa могла использовать звук в колонках ваших автомобилей, используя ваш телефон в качестве посредника. Это не абсолютно необходимо, так как он будет просто использовать ваш телефон динамик для вывода, если вы не подключите его к автомобильному стерео. Однако его требуется, если вы хотите играть музыку через Alexa.
Во-вторых, вам нужно, чтобы ваш телефон был активным, а приложение Roav Viva было запущено и запущено всякий раз, когда вы хотите сделать определенные вещи, например, проехать. Это не очень важно как таковой, так как вы можете просто разместить свой телефон на креплении и позволить ему делать свое дело, но здесь важно то, что Viva не является автономным устройством, поскольку он все еще использует ваш телефон, чтобы делать большую часть работа ног. Однако хорошая новость заключается в том, что для основных команд (например, получение погоды или быстрое преобразование измерений) вам не нужно иметь приложение.
Setting It Up
Процесс настройки Roav Viva довольно прост, но он требует нескольких шагов, и вы можете ожидать, что он займет около пяти минут или немного больше времени, если вы решите выполнить обновление прошивки (что рекомендуется).
Для начала загрузите Roav Viva на свой телефон (доступно для обоихАйфонИАндроид).
При открытии приложения в первый раз, вы будете просить разрешение на доступ к различным вещам, как местоположение, контакты и т. д.
Затем коснитесь кнопки «Принять продолжение» после чтения EULA.
Теперь вам нужно создать учетную запись. Если у вас есть другие продукты Anker (от Eufy, Zolo, Nebula и т. Д.), Возможно, у вас уже есть учетная запись.
Когда вы зарегистрировались, подключите автомобильное зарядное устройство Viva к прикуривателю. Приложение будет сканировать и найти его. Ударьте Connect при обнаружении.
Затем вы пройдете довольно быстрый процесс подключения зарядного устройства к телефону через Bluetooth. Выберите зарядное устройство из списка, а затем нажмите кнопку «Пара». Если он говорит вам подтвердить строку чисел, вы можете проигнорировать это и все равно ударить Pair.
Затем вы выберете, как вы собираетесь подключить свой телефон к стереосистеме автомобилей. В этом случае шли со вспомогательным аудио в гнезде. Сделайте свой выбор, а затем нажмите кнопку Select.
Когда телефон подключен к автомобильному стереосистеме, нажмите кнопку Play Test Audio.
Вы должны слышать звуковые тона, воспроизводящие через динамики ваших автомобилей. Ударьте Да, если все хорошо.
Затем вы войдите в свою учетную запись Amazon/Alexa.
Это открывает приложение Amazon на вашем телефоне, если оно у вас есть. В противном случае он просто загрузит Amazon.com в веб-браузере, а затем вы войдите в свою учетную запись Amazon. Нажмите кнопку «Разрешить», чтобы дать Viva разрешение на доступ к вашей учетной записи для использования с Alexa.
После того, как это будет завершено, вы получите быстрый учебник по некоторым вещам, которые вы можете попробовать. Нажмите Next в правом верхнем углу экрана, чтобы продолжить.
Вам, вероятно, будет предложено загрузить обновление прошивки, которое рекомендуется. Это займет несколько минут.
Как только это будет завершено, вы будете готовы использовать Alexa в своей машине. На этом этапе главным экраном приложения Viva будет просто логотип Alexa, сообщая вам, что он готов к работе, когда вы находитесь.
- Description
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Alexa on the Road
VIVA brings Amazon’s advanced voice service into any vehicle. Get directions, play music, get a flash briefing of your day, shop online, and more. Just ask Alexa.
Just ask for directions and Alexa will open Google Maps or Waze to seamlessly guide you to your destination.
Music and Calls
Calling, Messaging, Drop In, and Announcements, in addition to playing music (supports Amazon Music, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Deezer, and more)—all hands-free. (Note: does NOT support Spotify or Apple Music.)
2 powerful mics use cutting-edge technology to filter out sounds outside of normal speaking frequency. Alexa hears what you say, not the noise in your car or from the road.
Car models with possible issues:
Acura: 2017 ILX. Audi: 2010 A5. BMW: 2014 325xi; 2012-2018 328 GT. Cadillac: 2014 ATS Premium; 2014 CTS. Chevrolet: 2010 Malibu LTZ. Chrysler: 2008 Sebring; 2014 300.
Dodge: 2012 and 2018 Challenger. Ford: 2004 Focus; 2010 Fusion; 2011 Mustang GT.
Honda: All Accord models; 2005 and 2007 Civic; 2011 Crosstory; 2015 Fit; 2007 Odyssey.
Hyundai: 2011 Genesis Coupe; 2004 Tiburon. Infiniti: 2005 G35; 2013 G37; 2010 G37 XS.
Jaguar: 2017-2018 XE. Kia: 2016 Soul. Lexus: 2007 GS 350; 2015 RX 350; 2017 NX 200t; 2011 RX 350. Mazda: 2014 CX-5; 2015 CX-5 Grand Touring; 2016 CX-9; 2009 and 2015
Mazda 6; 2008 RX-8. Mercedes: 2012 C 250 Coupe; 2015 C 300; 2008 CLK 350; 2013 SL 550.
Nissan: 2015 Sentra, 2017-2018 Altima. Pontiac: 2005 Grand Am. Subaru: 2010 Impreza and 2016 Outback.
Toyota: 2006 Scion tC; 2007 4Runner; 2011 Sequoia; 2016 Corolla. Volkswagen: 2013 CC; 2016 Golf GTI; 2013 Jetta; 2011 Tiguan. Volvo: 2008 S80.
- Alexa Inside: Amazon’s voice service gives you complete voice control in your car. Just say the word to get directions, listen to audiobooks from Audible, shop online, play music, and more over Bluetooth, Carplay, or Android Auto. (Note: FM transmission, AUX, and Spotify are not supported.)
- High-Speed Charging: Dual charging ports equipped with Anker’s exclusive PowerIQ technology deliver blazing charging speeds to both driver and passenger. Qualcomm Quick Charge not supported.
- Supports Alexa Communication: Calling, Messaging, Drop In, and Announcements—all hands-free.
- What You Get: Roav VIVA, user manual, quick start guide, happy card, 12-month warranty, and our friendly customer service. (Note: Roav VIVA is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones.)
- Note: Please check the dimensions of the space surrounding your car’s cigarette lighter to see if VIVA will fit before purchasing. If your VIVA cannot be plugged in or has Bluetooth connection issues, Please check the list of unsuitable car models VIVA is incompatible with in the User Guide found in the Technical Specifications section below.
Almost every month, new cool techy car gadgets and accessories come up that most drivers find really useful when installed in their vehicles.One of such smart devices that is very useful to drivers is the Anker Roav VIVA with Car Mount, Alexa Enabled 2-Port USB Car Charger.
With these arrays of products, you get to purchase smart devices that aim at ensuring that you get to experience the best driving with comfort and ease.
This product allows you stream music, navigate your locations, hear the latest news and driving routes, does your online shopping and any many more activities
Table of Contents
About Product
The Roav VIVA with car mount Alexa Enabled, 2-port USB charger by Anker is a smart device that has a product dimension of 6.1 x 4.3 x 2.1 inches and weighs 6.9 ounces. It comes with an Amazon voice service (Alexa controlled) that allows you to control your device verbally. All you have to do is speak a command and the Roav VIVA devices obey.
With Alexa, you can listen to your favourite song, stream the latest news, navigate the maps and your direction, listen to audio files and you can connect via Bluetooth, AUX-In connection, Android Auto or iOS CarPlay.
The device comes with a magnetic car mount where you can mount your phone securely. Also, the Roav VIVA with Car Mount, Alexa Enabled 2-port USB charger also comes with two integrated microphones that allows for easy voice identification and to reduce/eliminate noise.
Another amazing feature of the Roav VIVA with Car Mount Alexa Enabled 2-port USB charger is that it comes with dual charging ports and cables that allows for super fast charging of your smartphones while you drive it.
Powered by Anker’s exclusive PowerIQ technology, this charger ensures that your phones are charged really fast and is great for drivers or passengers who are always on the road.
What is Product For
This product is a compact smart car accessory that is used to carry out certain functions like getting weather updates, stream music and news, navigating the map, locating an area, receiving phone calls hands free and so many other online functions.
Who is it For and How Helpful can it Be
The Roav VIVA with Car Mount, Alexa Enabled 2-port USB charger is great for all vehicle owners. It comes with an inbuilt Alexa voice control system that allows to use the device via voice control.
It is helpful in carrying out some pretty smart functions like carrying out an online shopping, checking the weather update, exploring and navigating an unknown geographical location, stream and listen to the latest music and news, etc.
FAQ’s Related too Roav VIVA with Car Mount
How many phones can be connected to the device at once?
Only one phone can connect to the Roav Viva app. Trying to use two phones simultaneously doesn’t work.
Does this device connect to my phone provider directly for the Internet or does it need a mobile hotspot?
The Roav VIVA device directly connects to your phone’s service provider for the Internet.
Does this product come with speakers or does it have to be connected to your phone or the car’s audio system?
This product doesn’t come with a speaker and you can only listen to audio from lea once you connect to your vehicle’s speaker.
How to Install it in a Car
Installing the Roav VIVA with Car Mount, Alexa-Enabled 2-port USB charger is pretty easy. Just follow these steps to install.
- Plug the charger to your car as it is turned on
- Download the Roav Viva app from Google Play or App store.
- Sign in to the app using your amazon account.
- Select your preferred method of pairing which can either be via Bluetooth, FM tuner, CarPlay or Android Auto
After that, your device is installed successfully and ready to use.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Portable
- Great product design
- Hands free functionality
- Navigation function
- Fast charging
Cons
- Alexa doesn’t work as advertised.
- Requires an app solely to function.
- Doesn’t come with sound amplifiers or speakers
- Disrupt phone calls and texts.
- App malfunctions
- Has firmware issues
- False triggers
- Drains the phone battery easily as the display is always on.
- Microphones aren’t super sensitive as advertised
Conclusion
The Roav VIVA with car mount, 2-port USB charger by Anker is a smart, Alexa Enabled device that allows you to make hand free phone calls, stream music, explore locations, listen to audio files and a host of other functions.
Although, not without its setbacks, the Roav VIVA car charger sold for a price of $47.95 on Amazon is easy to use and performs some functions that can be termed extraordinary but of course, there are other products that also perform these functions, perhaps excellently.
Perhaps what sets the Roav VIVA with Car Mount, Alexa Enabled 2-port USB charger apart from other similar devices, is that it also comes with dual USB ports that creates charging space for both driver and passenger to charge their phone conveniently.
The good thing with purchasing this product is that you get to return the item once you discover it isn’t compatible with your car cigarette lighter. As long as it is return within 30 days of purchase, you get a full refund. Many users would probably be happy with this as there have been a lot of complaints about the overall functionality of the product.
If purchasing this product is on your To-do list, you’d probably have to widen your search and look for a better product as it has low user ratings.
Viva Pro packs two USB ports with high-speed charging support.
Viva Pro is the first product to be launched bu Roav by Anker in India
- Viva Pro offers four options to stream phone’s audio to car
- Viva Pro has been priced at Rs. 5,490
- The smart car charger is already on sale in India
Roav by Anker is finally entering the Indian market with the launch of its Alexa-enabled car charger – Viva Pro. The company claims that this is the first Alexa-enabled car charger to be released in the country. The Viva Pro has been priced at Rs. 5,490 and is already available via all major electronics and auto accessories stores in the country. It will also be offered via Amazon beginning June.
According to Roav by Anker, the Viva Pro smart car charger supports voice-controlled navigation, music streaming, voice-initiated calling, and a lot more, all using the Amazon Alexa capabilities. Given the availability of thousands of skills on Alexa, there is plenty that Viva Pro users can do with the smart car charger.
Viva Pro can be plugged into the cigarette lighter of your car and features two USB ports with high-speed charging support. It also packs two microphones with Acoustic Echo Cancellation to accurately hear every command being relayed by the user. The company notes that Viva Pro can hear both driver and passenger’s voice clearly even when music is being played in the car.
The smart car charger also comes with a physical button to mute the microphone and an LED that lights up when the device is actively listening to voice commands.
Roav by Anker Innovations says that Viva Pro can work with pretty much every car, thanks to the support for Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, AUX-Out, and FM Transmission.
The debut of Roav by Anker follows the entry of Anker, Eufy, and Soundcore brands from the company in India. Anker Innovations made its entry in India in June last year with Eufy and Anker brands, and Soundcore followed later.
Gopal Jeyaraj – Head, India and SAARC said, “The smart home has grown at a fast clip, but there’s another space that we spend a whole lot of time living in “Our Car”, said Gopal Jeyaraj, Head, India and SAARC, Anker Innovations, said in a statement. “Roav by Anker Innovations offers products which will transform any car into connected smart car with its product line ranging from Dashcam’s, Voice-activated car charger and Jump Starter.”
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Anker, the US-based popular smartphone and PC accessory, maker entered the Indian market last year under the leadership of Gopal Jeyaraj. The company has since launched various products in India, including Alexa-enabled speakers, Bluetooth wireless speakers, car chargers, power banks, robotic vacuum cleaner, USB cables, and wireless earphones under Anker, Eufy, and Soundcore. Now, the company has launched a unique car charger under its Roav brand, and it does something extra: bringing Alexa AI voice assistant to your car.
The Anker Roav Viva Pro is a two-port charger for the car, and it features Bluetooth connectivity, FM and AUX-Out connectivity. There are two microphones which are used to listen to voice commands and for calls. The Roav Viva Pro is also Amazon Alexa compatible, so you can order voice commands without touching a button.
Anker Roav Viva Pro Price in India, Availability
The Anker Roav Viva Pro is available in India at a price of INR 5,490. It is available through all major electronics stores and car accessories stores. This car charger will also be available through Amazon.in starting early June 2019. The Anker Roav Viva Pro comes with a standard 12-month warranty.
Anker Roav Viva Pro Features Alexa, Bluetooth, Fast Charging
The Anker Roav Viva Pro has two USB Type-A ports, and both support faster than usual charging (with PowerIQ technology, at 10W each). While it isn’t as fast as Quick Charge 2.0 or Quick Charge 3.0 (at 18W), it is still faster than most other car chargers which output just 5W of power. This car charger can be used in almost any car that has a cigarette lighter port and a working music system.
It connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The corresponding Roav Viva app can be installed on an Android or iOS smartphone, which in turn helps phone connect with the Roav Viva Pro, and listen to voice commands and change its settings. This car accessory is also compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It can connect to a music system through an AUX cable or through FM radio transmission. There’s a big, mute button at the top of the Viva Pro, which can be pressed to mute or unmute the device’s microphones. By the way, there are two microphones on the Roav Viva Pro, and Anker claims that they can help the accessory listen to both driver’s and passenger’s voice commands with clarity, thanks to Echo Acoustic Cancellation technology.
Once everything is set up, you can just say the Alexa hotword and the Roav Viva Pro will recognise it and listen to the voice command. After understanding it, it will make things happen on the phone. For example, you can ask Alexa for navigation through Google Maps or Waze, play music or a certain station, order food, or even control Alexa-compatible smart home devices.
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Если вы хотите использовать Alexa в своем автомобиле, Roav Viva – это автомобильное зарядное устройство с поддержкой Alexa, которое может сделать это примерно по цене Echo Dot. Вот как это работает и как это настроить.
Что вы должны знать в первую очередь
Viva, как и любое другое автомобильное зарядное устройство, подключается к прикуривателю в вашей машине. Оттуда вы можете использовать его как обычное автомобильное зарядное устройство с двумя входящими в него USB-портами для зарядки телефона. Главной особенностью, однако, является встроенное своего рода Echo, которое позволяет использовать Alexa во время движения.
Тем не менее, есть пара требований, которые могут нарушить условия сделки. Для начала, стереосистема вашего автомобиля должна иметь либо соединение Bluetooth, либо дополнительный аудиовход. Это сделано для того, чтобы Alexa могла передавать звук через динамики вашего автомобиля, используя ваш телефон в качестве посредника. Это не является абсолютно необходимым, так как он будет просто использовать динамик вашего телефона для выхода, если вы не подключите его к стереосистеме вашего автомобиля. Однако, это необходимо, если вы хотите воспроизводить музыку через Alexa.
Во-вторых, вам нужно, чтобы ваш телефон был активным, а приложение Roav Viva было запущено и работало всякий раз, когда вы хотите сделать что-то, например, проложить маршрут. Само по себе это не так уж и сложно, так как вы можете просто поставить телефон на подставку и позволить ему делать свое дело, но здесь важно то, что Viva не является автономным устройством, так как он все еще использует ваш телефон делать большую часть работы ног. Хорошая новость заключается в том, что для базовых команд (таких как получение прогноза погоды или быстрое преобразование измерений) приложение не требуется.
Настройка
Процесс настройки Roav Viva довольно прост, но он требует нескольких шагов, и вы можете ожидать, что он займет около пяти минут или около того – и немного больше, если вы решите выполнить обновление прошивки (что рекомендуется).
Для начала загрузите Roav Viva на свой телефон (доступно как для iPhone, так и для Android).
При первом запуске приложения вам будет предложено разрешение на доступ к различным вещам, таким как местоположение, контакты и т. Д.
Затем нажмите кнопку «Принять и продолжить» после прочтения лицензионного соглашения.
Теперь вам нужно создать учетную запись. Если у вас есть другие продукты Anker (от Eufy, Zolo, Nebula и т. Д.), Возможно, у вас уже есть аккаунт.
Подключившись, подключите автомобильное зарядное устройство Viva к прикуривателю вашего автомобиля. Приложение отсканирует и найдет его. Нажмите «Подключиться», когда найдете.
Затем вы пройдете довольно быстрый процесс подключения зарядного устройства к вашему телефону через Bluetooth. Выберите зарядное устройство из списка и нажмите кнопку «Pair». Если он говорит вам подтвердить строку чисел, вы можете проигнорировать это и в любом случае нажать «Pair».
Далее вы выберете способ подключения телефона к стереосистеме вашего автомобиля. В этом случае мы идем со вспомогательным аудио входом. Сделайте свой выбор, а затем нажмите кнопку «Выбрать».
Когда ваш телефон подключен к стереосистеме вашего автомобиля, нажмите кнопку «Play Test Audio».
Вы должны услышать звуковые сигналы, воспроизводимые через динамики вашего автомобиля. Нажмите «Да», если все хорошо.
Далее вы войдете в свой аккаунт Amazon / Alexa.
Откроется приложение Amazon на вашем телефоне, если оно у вас есть. В противном случае, он просто загрузит Amazon.com в веб-браузер, а затем вы войдете в свою учетную запись Amazon. Нажмите кнопку «Разрешить», чтобы дать Viva разрешение на доступ к вашей учетной записи для использования с Alexa.
Как только это будет завершено, вы получите краткое руководство по некоторым вещам, которые вы можете попробовать. Нажмите «Далее» в правом верхнем углу экрана, чтобы продолжить.
Вероятно, вам будет предложено загрузить обновление прошивки, что рекомендуется. Это займет несколько минут.
Когда все будет готово, вы готовы и готовы использовать Alexa в своей машине. На этом этапе основным экраном приложения Viva будет просто логотип Alexa, сообщающий, что он готов к работе в любое время.
If you want Alexa in your car, the Roav Viva is a compatible Alexa car charger capable of doing this for about the price of a Dot Echo. Here is how it works and how to configure it.
What you need to know first
The Viva, like any other car charger, plugs into the cigarette lighter of your car. From here you can use it as a regular car charger with its two included USB ports to charge your phone. The main feature is the built-in echo, which allows you to use Alexa while driving.
There are some requirements, however, that could be a decisive factor for you. For starters, your car stereo must have Bluetooth connectivity or an auxiliary audio input jack. This so that Alexa can transmit its audio to the speakers of your car using your phone as an intermediary. This is not absolutely necessary because it will simply use your phone’s speaker for output if you do not connect it to your car stereo. However, it is necessary if you want to play music via Alexa.
Second, you must have your phone active and the Roav Viva application operational whenever you want to do certain things, like getting instructions. This is not a big problem in itself, since you can just place your phone on a mount and let it do its job, but the important thing is that the Viva is not a stand-alone device because it uses always your phone to do a lot of leg work. The good news, though, is that for basic orders (like getting the weather or asking for a quick conversion of measurements), you do not need the app.
Setting up
The setup process of Roav Viva is quite simple, but it requires several steps and you can expect it to take about five minutes, if not a little longer, if you choose to perform an update firmware (which is recommended).
To get started, download Roav Viva to your phone (available for both iPhone and Android).
At the opening of the application for the first time, you will be asked permission to access various things, such as location, contacts, and so on.
Then press the “Accept and Continue” button after reading the EULA.
You must now create an account. If you own other Anker products (from Eufy, Zolo, Nebula, etc.), you may already have an account.
When you are connected, plug the Viva car charger into the cigarette lighter of your car. The application will search and find it. Hit “Connect” when found.
You will then go through the rather fast process of connecting the charger to your phone via Bluetooth. Select the charger from the list, then press the “Pair” button. If this tells you to confirm a string of numbers, you can ignore this and click on “Pair”.
Then you will choose how you will connect your phone to your car stereo. In this case we are going with the auxiliary audio input jack. Make your choice, then press the “Select” button.
When your phone is connected to your car stereo, press the “Play Test Audio” button.
You should hear sounds from your car speakers. Press “Yes” if all is well.
Then you will sign in to your Amazon / Alexa account.
This opens the Amazon app on your phone if you have one. Otherwise, simply load Amazon.com into the web browser and then sign in to your Amazon account. Press the “Allow” button to allow Viva to access your account for use with Alexa.
Once done, you will receive a quick tutorial on some things you can try. Tap “Next” in the upper right corner of the screen to continue.
You will probably be prompted to download a firmware update, which is recommended. It will take a few minutes.
Once that’s done, you’re ready to use Alexa in your car. At this point, the main screen of the Viva app will simply be the Alexa logo, letting you know that it is ready to be used at any time.
Published February 16, 2018
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Amazon’s Alexa, the voice-controlled assistant that lives within the Echo speaker, has become a household name. Now a few companies are betting that people who like Alexa in their homes will like it on the road, as well. But is an Alexa dongle for your car actually useful? I tested four Alexa add-on units to find out. The short answer: not yet.
These add-ons vary slightly in design, but at their core, they’re mostly the same type of device. You get a dongle that plugs into your car’s accessory power (aka, cigarette lighter) jack and connects to your car stereo (either via aux cable or Bluetooth). It then wirelessly tethers to your smartphone for an Internet connection. From there, you can ask Alexa to check traffic, weather, and news; play music; control smart-home devices; answer basic search queries; and perform other simple skills. Some have screens, others have a built-in speakers, still others have USB charging ports, but they all function similarly.
I recently took a trip across Queens and Brooklyn with the Garmin Speak, a tiny dash-mounted OLED display with a built-in speaker and microphone, to see what it was like. Once I plugged the Speak into my car’s accessory-power port and tethered it to my iPhone’s data connection via Bluetooth (it automatically reconnects as long as you haven’t closed the Garmin app), in-car Alexa worked as expected. I was able to stream a podcast from TuneIn over Bluetooth, and with Garmin’s Alexa skill, I got directions, both spoken and visible on the Speak’s small display. I was even able to turn on a lamp in my apartment on my way home so I had the pleasure of coming home to a lit-up living room.
To be compelling, these gadgets need to be more than just “Alexa in the car”—they have to be more useful than the phone you already have.
Unfortunately, because most of these Alexa add-on devices lack a built-in speaker, you can use them only while connected to your car’s stereo system. That means that anytime you change the system input to listen to the radio, take a call, or listen to an unsupported streaming service, you have to manually change it back to the correct source before asking Alexa to do anything. This isn’t a big issue if everything you want to listen to happens to be in the Alexa ecosystem, but that’s rarely the case. None of these devices support Apple Music and few support Spotify as of this writing. (Logitech’s ZeroTouch supports Spotify, but it works only with Android.)
This brings us to the biggest issue: All of these devices need an iPhone 5 or later or an Android phone running Android OS 5.0 or later to function, so why wouldn’t I just use my phone’s built-in Siri or Google Assistant? For half the price of the cheapest Alexa add-on, I could buy our pick for the best smartphone car mount, put my iPhone on it, and use Siri to get directions, send messages, take calls, listen to whatever I want on Apple Music, and more. Navigation would be better too because I could use any app I want and get full-screen navigation. Going with Alexa makes even less sense if your car stereo supports CarPlay or Android Auto, which give you a full-screen display and voice control and are specifically designed to be used while driving, unlike Alexa (there are no directly Alexa-compatible car stereos right now).
There are some tricks that Alexa can do that the other two can’t, but not many. In particular, Alexa supports more smart-home devices than Google Assistant and HomeKit. This enables you to, for example, adjust your smart thermostat so it’s comfortable by the time you get home. But, again, chances are you can already do these with your phone automatically via geofencing, so the tasks happen when you reach a set distance from your home. A lot of other Alexa’s skills—playing Jeopardy, ordering socks—simply don’t make sense to use while driving most of the time.
If you’re truly curious to try this for yourself, Anker’s Roav Viva is the least objectionable Alexa add-on I tried. It’s basically just an Alexa-enabled version of our preferred car charger and at $50, it’s among the cheapest options we tested. But seriously, just wait. You can always buy it later if Alexa in the car proves to be useful at a later date—there’s no advantage to adopting early.
If Alexa’s car-appropriate skills improve, and these add-on Alexa dongles gain features such as built-in cellular connectivity and better integration with car stereos, we will revisit this advice. But to be compelling, these gadgets need to be more than just “Alexa in the car.” They have to be more useful than the phone you already have. We don’t see that happening anytime soon.
Roav VIVA by Anker
- Overall
Summary
Having Alexa in your car is a relatively cheap reality now. The Roav VIVA’s ‘Alexa’ function needs a bit more polish, but it’s very good. However, it fails as a charger.
User Review
We’re a household heavily invested in the Amazon Echo (Alexa) ecosystem in this household. When I saw the Roav VIVA which is an Alexa for your car – I was excited to give it a try. The Roav VIVA is made by Anker, whose phone chargers and charging cables I swear by. I was expecting a quality product with excellent customer support – how did the Roav VIVA fare? Well, read on…
Unboxing the Roav VIVA
Like all Anker products, the Roav VIVA is nicely packaged. Unfolding the front of the box reveals the Roav VIVA. It’s a relatively small product that pushes into the 12v socket of your car. Underneath are two USB sockets that you can use to charge your phone. Around the front of the device is a large ‘mute’ button which is surrounded by an LED ‘ring’ (similar to the ring on Amazon Echo devices.
How does the Roav VIVA work?
The Roav VIVA is unlike standard Echo devices – the Roav requires you to install and run the companion app on either your Android or iOS phone. When you run the Roav VIVA app for the first time, it pairs via Bluetooth to the Roav VIVA unit. It then asks you a few questions about how the audio on your phone is connected to the car (via Bluetooth or AUX Cable). You log in to your Amazon account so it’s all linked to your other Alexa devices and skills. You can then select your preferred Navigation app (Google Maps or Waze). You’re then ready to rock!
In short the Roav VIVA listens to the ‘Alexa’ trigger word and your request. It’s then sent to the app (via Bluetooth) and off to the Amazon servers for processing. It will use the phone’s data connection for this and any other requests that need data (such as listening to music). I was slightly concerned that the fact the Roav VIVA has to pass the instructions to the app, and then out into the internet (and back again). Thankfully those concerns were unfounded, it’s certainly not as snappy as the ‘home’ Amazon Echo devices, but it’s not terrible. You are at the mercy at of your phone’s data connection. If you’re without signal – it won’t work.
The Roav VIVA plugged into the car.
Does the Roav VIVA work exactly like a normal Amazon Echo?
Yes – pretty much. There are a few limitations. Firstly it only supports Amazon Music for music playback. Spotify support is coming, but unless you’re an Amazon Music subscriber you’re a little stuck. James was a little miffed he could only hear a snippet of ‘Shape of You’ by Ed Sheeran. I could control all of my smart home gear with the Roav VIVA. Which meant I could get Alexa to switch on the heating via Nest as I drove home, and turn on the Hue lights as I arrived home.
You can’t make calls via Alexa, or ‘Drop In’ to Alexa devices. However, you can use the Roav VIVA to make phone calls on your phone and it works very well. You can also fire up your chosen navigation app and navigate you to where you want to go. “Alexa Navigate me Home” worked perfectly every time. Asking for specific road names or places didn’t always work as expected.
So the Roav VIVA sounds pretty good? Is it worth getting?
It is pretty good – the speech recognition, even in my noisy old car was pretty good. The ‘Alexa’ wake word was heard around 95% of the time. Plus once the car was started and the Roav VIVA was powered up it connected to the companion app on my phone very quickly. I did miss having Spotify on the Roav VIVA and the promise of it ‘Coming Soon’ is great – but.. WHEN?
My Roav VIVA went back to Anker though for one simple reason. It wasn’t great at charging my phone when it was connected to the Roav VIVA. It has ‘Power IQ’ which is said to ‘deliver blazing charging speeds to both driver and passenger’. It doesn’t though – most Android phones use ‘Qualcomm Quick Charge’ which allows your handset to ‘Fast Charge’.
My Anker Car Charger that I normally have plugged into the 12v socket supports Qualcomm Quick Charge and will charge my Samsung Note 9 very quickly. However the Roav VIVA is just seen as a standard charger by the phone. If your phone is doing stuff, like running Google Maps and streaming music, it really needs the facility to charge quickly. I found that even after a long journey my phone had only gained a few percent.
I messaged Anker and they confirmed that Quick Charge wasn’t supported ‘at the moment’. If you’re an iPhone user then the ‘Power IQ’ might adequately charge your phone and have navigation running and music streaming.
Overall
Bottom line is, if the Roav VIVA supported Quick Charge it would be a fantastic device. Having Alexa in your car is a relatively cheap reality now. The Roav VIVA’s ‘Alexa’ function needs a bit more polish, but it’s very good. However, it fails as a charger. I need my car charger to work well, and quickly, however the Roav VIVA doesn’t. It felt pointless keeping the Roav VIVA in the one 12v socket I have at the front of my car. If you want Alexa for your car, then this is a good start, but if you want it to charge your phone too – it might be worth waiting for the next generation.
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Anker’s Roav sub-brand just announced the Viva, a new car kit and USB charger that brings Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant instantly to almost any modern car.
According to a new report from Engadget, the device plugs into a 12-volt cigarette lighter outlet and turns Alexa into your own personal co-pilot. The Viva connects to the host vehicle and phone via Bluetooth 4.0, so one’s car needs to support wireless audio streaming for everything to work.
Revealing the Roav Viva at CES 2018, Anker Innovations CEO Steven Yang said that the device would remove “…both the pricing and technical barriers for consumers who want to make their driving experiences both safer and smarter.”
Once connected, the Viva’s dual noise-canceling microphones allow the driver to use the “Alexa” key phrase and Alexa skills for navigation, news, music and more:
You can do anything you can usually do with Alexa through Roav Viva, such as checking for weather conditions or ordering a coffee. If you want to play music, you can ask Alexa to connect to iHeartRadio or Pandora. You can also listen to audiobooks on Audible, play Jeopardy with friends during a road trip and use voice commands to look up directions on Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze. If you want to use Roav Viva as a charger, you can plug in two devices at once. Since it’s powered by Anker’s super-fast PowerIQ charging technology, you may even be able to quickly switch between the gadgets you’re charging if you need to.
The Viva’a microphones are designed to isolate voices, filter out background noise, and eliminate echoes that inherently come with ambient car noise to make sure Alexa doesn’t misinterpret its user.
The device features two USB charging points for phones or other devices, an LED light ring indicating Alexa status, and two pinhole microphones, as well as a mute button when you’d rather Alexa wasn’t listening in to your family arguments.
Anker’s Roav Viva works with both Android and iPhone, and will only set you back $50 USD. It’s now available for pre-order on Amazon in the United States, and will also launch globally in the coming months.
The raw chicken moment.
This is what every company developing an app or skill for the likes of Amazon Echo or Google Assistant is focused on. The raw chicken moment is about finding the perfect moment in a person’s day where voice-controlled assistance is needed. You’re making dinner, cutting chicken and need to set a timer. “Alexa, set a ten-minute timer”. And there you have it. The raw chicken moment. Driving is another obvious example of this and I’ve been testing out the ROAV Viva which is effectively an Echo Dot in your car.
What is ROAV?
ROAV is the automotive element from one of my favourite brands; Anker. They are focused on bringing smart home tech into the car including dashcams, smart chargers and, as you might have guessed, voice controlled devices through the VIVA range.
My ROAV Viva Pro in my KIA C’eed
Voice control is the most exciting in my eyes given the additional control over gadgets and communication this gives you in the car.
ROAV Viva Pro: Features
The ROAV Viva is both like and unlike traditional in-car phone chargers. In the ‘like’ pile, you get in-car charging by plugging a device into your cigarette lighter socket. The exciting stuff comes from the ‘unlike’ features.
Amazon Alexa: Like an Echo Dot in Your Car
The biggest feature of the ROAV Viva is the fact it’s powered by Amazon Alexa. Effectively, this means popping a ROAV Viva into your car is the same as having an Echo Dot in your motor. More on what that means for your driving experience later.
New Age Charging Technology
ROAV’s parent company, Anker, was founded on the idea of making top-notch power products.
No surprise then that ROAV packs in some fast charging technology and two USB-out ports allow you to charge your phone. I’ve had in-car chargers in the past that only slow down your battery dying, so having a great in-car power source for my phone is fantastic.
Universal Connectivity
Modern cars are coming fitting with a range of great tech, including Apple CarPlay, voice control and Android Auto. Great if you want to fork out for a new car, but ROVA Viva Pro lets you add all this tech to a much older car. This is possible down to how versatile the device is. You can connect the Viva to your car through Bluetooth if your stereo supports it, AUX if it’s available and you have an AUX cable and even through a built-in FM transmitter if all else fails.
It’s important to note there are two devices: the ROAV Viva and ROAV Viva Pro. Both are very similar but the Viva Pro gives you the additional connection options of AUX and FM transmission.
Benefits of Having Something Like Echo Dot in the Car
What are the raw chicken moments you have in your car? Having something like an Echo Dot in your car thanks to the Viva Pro can overcome some common problems and enrich your in-car entertainment experience.
Making Calls
One of the most obvious benefits of Alexa in your car is making calls. the Viva Pro comes with the additional benefits of offering great call quality and noise cancellation. If you know other people with Amazon devices, you can also drop in on their Echo just like you would Echo to Echo.
Bonkers Amount of Radio Stations
Amazon Alexa supports TuneIn radio which features a wide range of radio stations from around the globe. Sure, you have a perfectly good radio in the car, but having a ROAV Viva means I can listen to local radio from Kilkenny in Dublin. It goes beyond that too. If you’re living in Ireland but come from abroad, having a Roav Viva means you can listen to your favourite radio stations from back home. I love this feature.
Navigation
GPS navigation is another logical feature for when you’re in the car. If you’re driving along and need a route change, you can simply tell Alexa where you need to go and your phone will start navigating.
Smart Controls
Once you have Alexa controls in the car, you also have the power to control other devices. Now, this is going to be a great feature in the States where nearly everyone, according to TV and Hollywood, has a garage with electric doors. In Ireland, there might be limited uses for these features. Like, I can control my smart lights in my gaff from the car now. Honestly, that’s pretty useless to me, but if you have an automatic gate or external lights at home, I could see connecting all these together being really useful.
Spotify: The One Catch
The only catch with the ROAV Viva and Viva Pro is that they don’t support Spotify yet. This wasn’t too big a problem for me because I’m an Amazon Prime member. I just swapped over to Amazon Prime Music. But if you don’t have that luxury, I could see you being a little let down by the lack of support for Spotify.
Surely it’s only a matter of time until ROAV gets Spotify onboard considering it’s on the average Echo Dot, so watch this space.
ROAV Viva Pro: The Verdict
I love this thing. I’ve got both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant devices in my home, so I’m already well versed in how to use smart assistants in my daily life. I don’t think you do need to have other Amazon Alexa devices to get the most out of the Viva or Viva Pro. These gadgets immediately transform your in-car experience to be much smarter.
The ROAV Viva is another brilliant gadget from Anker that can give you a lot in return for less than €100. As always, pop your questions in the comments or drop us a line on social.
Pick up the ROAV Viva Pro for around €60. I also recommend pairing this with a magnetic phone holder that I reviewed ages ago and is still going!
The Roav Viva from Anker is a Bluetooth enabled smart speaker charger that would charge for car accessories such as mobile phone or tablet whilst you are out and about but it will also allow you to utilise the power of Amazon Alexa for search. The actual unit itself is small and compact and is presented well. I have been using one now for about 2 to 3 weeks as my main source of power for my Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus.
Let’s have a look at the device in more detail and run it through its paces however before we do that here is a demo video to show you what it looks like and what it can do.
The real secret behind the functionality of the Roav Viva is down to the Roav app. This app allows the integration of the Alexa voice assistant and the mobile phone to deliver bluetooth signals to your in-car entertainment System.
When connecting to the Roav Viva the app will self-launch and we’ll be ready to handle the interpretation of your various voice commands. To initiate an action all you need to do is say Alexa or whatever other key phrases you have set up and then the appropriate action will be attempted. The reason I say attempted is that the Alexa command has to be interpreted by the Roav app and this, in turn, requires you to have a consistent mobile data connection. When a data connection is not present then the app will not respond correctly and the action will not be carried out I noticed this whilst driving home one night trying to play Rock Paper Scissor Lizard Spock (other games are available). It proved to be quite a frustrating experience this is nothing to do with the app but more to do with my mobile phone signal.
At other times I also had issues with commands being interpreted correctly such as when trying to navigate back to my home address again these are issues that are related to my mobile phone and not the actual Roav unit.
One thing of note is when asking the system to play music. The music played will be from Amazon’s music store, not any local music stored on your phone. I cannot see this being an issue for the majority of users however for me I have a lot of locally stored music and very little music stored in Amazon’s music service, therefore, it was not the best experience. If like me you are not a boring old man and you use Amazon’s music service you will find that this setup is ideal for playing music in your car. The integration of the mobile phones Bluetooth into your car system there for playing any music or sound over your car’s speakers is nearly closed and I was very impressed with the quality of sound.
One negative for me was that the charger aspect will only charge my phone at 2.4 amps this means I am not capable of fast charging my Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus.This is assuming that you are using both ports if only one port is being used then the charger will deliver 4.8 amps as it’s out which is still not enough to fast charge.I can only hope that in the near future anchor will release a fast charge capable version of this device.
I suppose the real question that needs to be answered is do I need Alexa in my car?
I have a fairly modern car and it comes with its own integrated sat nav and other convenience features like that it also has voice control all day it’s not the greatest so for me the answer is no..that being said this product is not designed for someone like me who has a fairly modern car my impression is that this product is designed for people driving older vehicles that do not have the features that we have all grown accustomed to having on our cars. If you find yourself falling into that category then the row have is a great addition to your in-car setup and it will allow you to utilise a lot of functionality without having to take your hands off the steering wheel there for allowing much safer use of your mobile phone whilst driving.
The Roav Viva Alexa enabled car charger is available from Amazon for £49.99 and is a worthy investment if you have a car without a dedicated voice assistant or all singing all dancing ICE system.
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Key Features:
- Alexa Inside: Amazon’s voice service gives you complete voice control in your car. Just say the word to get directions, ask Alexa to read an Audible book, shop online, play music, and more. (Please note: Spotify is not supported.)
- Voice Isolation: 2 integrated microphones provide noise cancellation and accurate voice identification.
- High-Speed Charging: Dual charging ports equipped with Anker’s exclusive PowerIQ technology deliver blazing charging speeds to both driver and passenger.
- Extensive Connectivity: Use in virtually any car by connecting via Bluetooth, Carplay, Android Auto, AUX-Out, or FM transmission. What You Get: Roav VIVA Pro, Manual, Quick Guide, Happy Card, 12-month warranty and our friendly customer service.
- Note: Please check the dimensions of the space surrounding your car’s cigarette lighter to see if VIVA Pro will fit before purchasing. If your VIVA Pro cannot be plugged in or has Bluetooth connection issues, return it for a full refund within 30 days of purchasing. Please check the list of car models VIVA Pro is incompatible with inside the User Guide found in the Technical Specifications section below. If you have other issues, contact us via Live Chat in the app.