I just found a life-changing car gadget at Kmart for $49 – and I had no idea such an item existed

Australian shoppers are heading to Kmart Australia stores in droves to snap up a new car transforming tech gadget.

Cars fitted with wired Apple CarPlay can now be converted to a wireless Bluetooth set-up with the aid of the nifty Kmart Wireless CarPlay Adapter $49.

The popular item has already sold out online and is listed as ‘out of stock’ at several Kmart stores.

The online product description for the Bluetooth enabled device explains that it’s a simple way to ‘upgrade your drive’ by offering an ‘effortless way to enjoy CarPlay without the cables’.

A recent viral TikTok video highlighting the ease of use of the device has delighted legions of shoppers.

A video shared by Australian woman Jas to her TikTok account sees her explain that the bargain tech find is ideal for anyone who’s ‘sick to death’ of having to use cords to connect their smart phone to their Apple CarPlay.

In place of the messy cord set up, the video demonstrates how the compact Kmart Wireless CarPlay Adapter can simply be plugged into the car’s USB portal and then connected to your smart phone via Bluetooth.

Once set up, the phone will automatically connect to the in-car screen anytime you hop into the car. This means the instant ability to do things like change songs or adjust the volume using the steering wheel controls – just as you would if the device were plugged in and connected via a cord.

The video quickly amassed over 672,000 views and 27,000 likes.

The comments section was also filled with replies from excited shoppers who planned to upgrade their in-car setup with the clever device.

‘The way I sprinted to the Kmart website!’ read one reply.

‘This is lifechanging,’ added another.

One already convinced customer wrote: ‘I bought one a month ago. So good! Jump in and instant connection. Don’t even take phone out of pocket. It’s instant with no lag. Fantastic.’

Those who had struggled with various issues while using a cord for their CarPlay were also pleased to learn about the Bluetooth adapter.

‘I hate having the cord so this will be awesome,’ replied one person.

Another explained that their wired CarPlay regularly ‘cuts out’ on ‘every bump or corner’ while using a cord. ‘I was livid but now I have hope,’ they added.

Other replies noted that the budget retailer’s adapter was well-priced compared to similar ones on the market, which are generally upwards of $80.

For Android phone users, commenters noted that the device appeared to be similarly compatible with Android Auto – despite the product name. 

However not everyone was convinced that switching from a wired to a wireless CarPlay set-up was a great idea.

One person wrote: ‘Wireless CarPlay delivers lower quality music. If you use Apple Music, wired CarPlay delivers CD quality audio.’

Another agreed, explaining that they’d previously tried wireless CarPlay but reverted back to using the cord ‘because of lag with music playback’.

Others noted that they relied on the cord not only to connect to their CarPlay but also to simultaneously charge their phone, because their car didn’t feature an in-built wireless charging pad.

‘I use my cord to keep the phone charged,’ confirmed one person.

‘I hate the cord but it’s the only thing keeping my iPhone 13 from running flat throughout the day,’ read another reply.

A third person noted: ‘Wireless will chew ya battery. Use the cable and use the CarPlay and keep the phones battery full.’