There are plenty of cars still on the road that are mechanically sound, comfortable and enjoyable to own, but their technology has started to show its age. Wired Apple CarPlay was once a big step forward, but having to dig around for a cable every time you get in the car is clumsy and behind the times.
Then there is the dash cam which a lot of drivers know they should probably have, but don’t. In 2026 almost no cars have built-in dashcams despite having cameras galore.
OttoSafe Cam combines a dash cam and a wireless CarPlay adapter for $202, and in this review, we look at the good and the bad of this budget-friendly piece of tech.
But, there is a twist, it does not support Android Auto.
What is OttoSafe Cam?
OttoSafe Cam is a dash cam and wireless Apple CarPlay adapter bundle for infotainment systems that already have factory wired Apple CarPlay.
The package combines a wireless CarPlay adapter with front and rear cameras. It is two separate systems in one, with the camera paired to the CarPlay dongle from factory.
The price is $202 AUD ($232 with 64GB SD card).
GayCarBoys readers can receive 10% off using our discount link, reducing the price to $181.80 AUD plus shipping.
10% off code: CarBoys10 (works for all products on the site)
Product link: https://www.ottocast.com/OttoSafeCam-Gaycarboys
Above: Wireless CarPlay AND a Dash Cam For $202 | OttoSafe Cam Review
#OttoSafeCam #Ottocast #AppleCarPlay #DashCam #GayCarBoys #CarTech #TechReview
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ABOVE: The OttoSafe Cam
What makes it different?
The biggest advantage of OttoSafe Cam is that it keeps the factory look of the vehicle.
The camera uses the wireless connection to allow drivers to select the CarPlay icon as usual. The OttoSafe dashboard is then displayed with an option to select CarPlay or Dashcam with the other option only ever one press away.
Like CarPlay, OttoSafe Cam uses the screen already fitted. Once your phone is paired, wireless Apple CarPlay connects the moment the ignition is switched on.
The dash cams are there when needed, without becoming the focus of the interior because of the discreet size.
Installation
Installation is similar to other dual-camera dash cams.
The front camera mounts near the top of the windscreen, while the rear camera requires the cable to be routed through the cabin. A competent DIYer could manage this but I would get it professionally done, adding the optional hardwire parking kit at the same time.
The wireless CarPlay adapter connects through the vehicle’s USB port, and once installed the system is designed to begin recording automatically. Be sure to use the port you previously used for wired CarPlay. In most cars other USB outlets are for power only.
Camera performance and features
OttoSafe Cam uses a 2K QHD camera system with a 130-degree wide-angle view.
The system includes front and rear recording, night vision capability, loop recording, event detection and TF card storage support.
The front camera provides a decent level of detail, though a sudden change from light to dark takes a moment to adjust.
The ability to view footage through the infotainment screen is a useful feature. Instead of using a tiny screen on the dashcam, or removing a memory card and searching through files on a computer, recordings can be accessed through the system, Tesla-style.
There is a one-touch button for photo capture but none for events. There are many times when you see something you want to save, a careless lane change, a pedestrian, an e-biker, or an event not triggered by the g-sensor. The only way to save the file is to go into the folder, locate the video and lock it, thus moving it to another folder.
Strangely, a lock icon appears during an event triggered by the g-sensor so we think it should always be available to select at will. A camera button for pictures, and a lock button for emergency recordings not already triggered by the aforementioned G-sensor.
There is a single button on the camera unit, but it is for WiFi on/off and Cam on/off.
There is no GPS, so no position or speed is displayed or recorded, and no voice control.
The rear camera
The 1080p rear camera view and recorded footage were mirrored.
For a rearview mirror, that’s what you expect from a mirror. But most reversing cameras and rear dashcams are designed to replicate what you see if you were to turn around and look out the rear window, helping the driver judge distance and position.
Some cams give the option of mirroring the rear or not. The menu gives the option of mirroring the front camera only.
If a recording is needed for an insurance claim or supplied to police after an accident, it needs to show exactly what happened. A mirrored recording can create confusion about which lane a vehicle was travelling in, where another car was positioned or which direction an event occurred.
This could be fixed with a software update, giving the driver the option.
The app issue
We downloaded the OttoSafe Cam app, but during testing we could not connect it to the camera, so were not able to fully test the app-based functions.
We’ve raised both the mirrored rear cam and inability to connect with the app with the company and will update the story with their response.
Living with OttoSafe Cam
The OttoSafe Cam is a brilliant concept, and the mirrored rear footage and app connection issue in no way affect our opinion.
It solves two common complaints in one package. Wireless CarPlay updates owner convenience, and the dash cam adds extra security without adding more clutter to the cabin.
For owners of older vehicles that still have plenty of life left, it offers a way to bring some newer technology without replacing the car or its screen.
The hardware idea is handsome, discreet, and nice quality. Viewing live footage on the infotainment screen can be jittery but is perfectly acceptable. We’ve tested the cam on one system only so the jittery live view might have been the result of sub-par infotainment hardware. Either way it was mentioned only for accuracy.
The WiFi connection was stable throughout with no CarPlay dropouts. In fact it was far more stable and had a faster connect time than most inbuilt CarPlay units.
There are few things holding it back from being a complete package. It may sound like the issues ruined our experience, but quite the opposite.
Not only were the issues not deal breakers, but we think it can’t be beaten for features VS price.
OttoSafe Cam Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | OttoSafe Cam 2-in-1 Dash Cam Wireless CarPlay Adapter |
| Price | $202 AUD |
| With 64GB SD card | $232 AUD |
| GayCarBoys discount | 10% off, $181.80 AUD plus shipping |
| Compatibility | Vehicles with factory wired Apple CarPlay |
| Connectivity | Wireless Apple CarPlay |
| Cameras | Front and rear cameras |
| Camera resolution | Front 2K QHD, Rear 1080p |
| Front view angle | 130-degree wide-angle adjustable |
| Display | Uses the vehicle’s existing factory infotainment screen |
| Recording | Automatic on startup, loop recording |
| Night vision | Yes, for low-light recording |
| Event detection | G-sensor locks critical footage |
| Snapshot | Quick snapshot via a double-tap control |
| Storage | TF / microSD card |
| File management | Viewing, locking or deleting clips through the car screen or companion smartphone app |
| Software updates | Over-the-air (FOTA) upgrade support |
| Android Auto | Not supported |
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Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
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