Gadgets: Car-phone adapter

No CarPlay, no problem. The new Carluex Air is an in-car wireless CarPlay/Android auto adapter connectivity device.

The pocket-sized adapter with a car-shaped design wirelessly bridges the gap between your smartphone and a vehicle's audio system. Every time you get in the car, there's no need to plug in wires and wait for a connection. With the Carluex Air, after the initial connection, which takes less than a minute, the phone links each time you enter the vehicle. Hands-free calls, GPS and music will be on the dashboard screen, assuming the car is compatible.

The Carluex website has a vehicle compatibility link to check if the Carluex Air will work for your vehicle. The company says it’s designed for cars with built-in wired CarPlay from 2016-2024 (incompatible with BMW models). And support for the iPhone 5 or higher and Android 6.0 or higher, compatible with iOS and Android operating systems.

Plug the device into the car's USB port; the quick start guide walks you through the setup. Once the Bluetooth pairing is done, voice commands, steering wheel functionality, and features as simple as answering calls will be done to ensure your eyes are kept on the road. It also allows access to any app on the Google Play Store and the APK Store, providing real-time directions and traffic updates.

When software updates are needed, it is connected directly to the Internet. When playing audio files, Carluex states it does not compromise the original sound quality of your car.

Depending on your vehicle, Carluex has a wireless adapter available ($59.99) for those requiring it. With it, you'll plug it in to add wireless connectivity. It is not compatible with 2021 and later models.

www.carluex.com. $175.00

Kids' tech brand myFirst has launched new digital frames: myFirst Frame Doodle and myFirst Frame Live.

The 9-inch myFirst Frame Doodle ($129) and 10-inch myFirst Frame ($149) are designed to keep friends and family connected with an instant display of digital images and videos, no matter the distance between them. They work with the myFirst Circle app (iOS and Android) for whoever you give access to upload their images.

The myFirst Frame Doodle digital photo frame is sleek and modern and ideal for families with young children. It's made with a durable, child-friendly design and a range of engaging features to captivate young minds and encourage creativity. One feature allows children to draw and doodle directly on the frame's surface.

The screen is anti-glare and fingerprint-resistant, making it compatible with being placed on almost any mantelpiece, bookshelf or desk. A screen saver can kick on for night mode, ensuring the screen is turned off until morning. For waking up, the myFirst Frame Doodle digital photo frame will simulate a natural sunrise with sunrise alarms.

It can be placed vertically or horizontally, and the auto-rotate feature will ensure the proper image orientation for viewing.

The myFirst Frame Live has many of the same features, but it has a larger display and a 16:10 aspect ratio. It has a modern look and a detachable wooden frame.

Both frames have a power-saving and motion-detection feature. They turn on when anyone walks near them and off when they walk away. Customizable timers and white noise sleep aid features are also included. The frames can be synced to other myFirst devices for a common feed of images and videos.

The myFirst website has a note about Colored Protective Cases coming soon. They will supply a layer of protection and will be available in various colors to match your mood, style or the current season.

https://us.myfirst.tech