Anker's Roav Bolt load works like a Google Home Mini in your car

The Roav Bolt by Anker is a little product. It's a load with two USB ports that fits into a lighter plug. It's also a tiny little way to go home. It even has the traditional LED lights when you're active. It's available today at Best Buy for $ 49.99.

After I've been here for a few hours, I've been a little impressed, but not so much that I think it's an obvious buy for many people. If you've gotten an older and more complete life in the Google ecosystem, I could see it being an interesting product – albeit a little expensive. Once it's plugged in and set up, you can just say "Hey Google" and it will get your phone connected. It works with Android phones mainly, but there is a beta for iPhone users too.

For sound, Google recommends using the input – there is one on the Bolt and a 3.5mm-to-3.5 mm cable included in the box. When you do that, the Bolt really does work just like a Google Home in your car. It can do the usual stuff at home can do – or maybe more specifically, all the things the Google Assistant can do on your phone.

If you ask for directions, it'll automatically open Google Maps on your phone and start navigation. It can read out notifications as they come in, too, but Google tells me it's not easy to overload you. If your friend is one of you, it will be the first one but then you will be able to hear them. You can reply to messages, too.

I can see why Google recommends using the jack for audio. You can also use your phone's Bluetooth connection to your car stereo. Doing so introduces a little delay between saying "Hey Google" and the audio quieting Bolt so it can hear your response.

I was impressed with how well the Bolt was able to hear the wake word. Even with music blasting, I did not want to get me to hear me.

If you're going to be interested in this thing, you're probably aware that, well, this thing is not strictly necessary. Your phone can not wait for you "Hey Google" and you can just run Android Auto directly on your phone. Fair point, and one that I agree with.

What the Bolt is doing is a little simpler, better setup. It has a direct line to your car, which could be great if your stereo does not support Bluetooth. It also has better speech recognition than your phone, especially when music is playing.

Is that worth $ 49.99? For most people, I doubt it. but it worked well in my testing and did it exactly what it was doing. It's not as nice as Android Auto, but it's something. It will be at Best Buy Stores, on Walmart's website, and other retail stores like Target soon.