New clients usually inquire about costs and timelines first, while teams encountering certification failures tend to ask about applicable standards, test items and product classification. These three elements are closely connected, and clarifying them helps estimate costs and arrange schedules reasonably.
AA Certification is a multi-standard hybrid system. Google formulates upper-layer rules, while underlying data links follow universal international technical specifications.
1.1 Wired Connection: AOAP Protocol
The core protocol for wired connection is AOAP (Android Open Accessory Protocol) 2.0. It manages data transmission, audio streams and control commands between mobile phones and head units. AOAP 2.0 is the default requirement for all new projects under AA 2.0. AOAP 1.0 is only reserved for legacy device compatibility.
1.2 Physical Layer: USB Specifications
AA basic requirements are based on USB 2.0. Products equipped with USB 3.0 interfaces must maintain backward compatibility with USB 2.0 mode. A critical risk: USB 3.0 high-speed transmission generates RF interference on the 2.4GHz band, which conflicts with Bluetooth signals. This interference is a common failure point for wireless products using USB 3.0.
1.3 Bluetooth Standards
Bluetooth 4.0 and above meet AA requirements; most current products adopt Bluetooth 5.0 and higher as an industry practice instead of Google’s mandatory rule. Two core Bluetooth protocols are applied:
·HFP (Hands-Free Profile): Manages in-vehicle call audio channels.
·AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile): Synchronizes and controls media content on mobile phones.
Important Note: Bluetooth BQB certification is a mandatory market compliance requirement for Bluetooth devices, but not a pre-requisite for AA Certification. Google only verifies actual Bluetooth link performance during tests and does not check BQB certificates.
1.4 Wireless Connection: Wi-Fi Standards
AA 2.0 prioritizes Wi-Fi Direct for wireless projection (replacing the traditional vehicle AP hotspot mode). The main test band is 5GHz, complying with 802.11a, 802.11n (5GHz) and 802.11ac standards. The 2.4GHz band is only for backward compatibility and not used as the official acceptance standard.Similarly, Wi-Fi Alliance certification is a market access requirement rather than a document verified during AA testing.
1.5 In-Vehicle Acoustic Standards
Voice quality tests follow ITU-T P.1100 (narrowband hands-free) and ITU-T P.1110 (broadband hands-free), covering echo cancellation, noise suppression and voice clarity. Acoustic tests are a major failure point for aftermarket head units due to complex in-vehicle acoustic environments.
2. Core Test Items for Google AA Certification
All official tests are conducted at Google authorized 3PL labs:
·Full PCTS protocol compliance tests and dedicated AOAP link tests for data transmission & control commands.
·Plugbot automated USB hot-swap stability tests.
·Bluetooth & Wi-Fi link tests for pairing success rate, connection stability and RF compatibility.
·In-vehicle acoustic tests based on ITU-T P.1100 and P.1110.
·Device log format and content verification.
Test quantity varies by product configuration: wired products have fewer cases, while wireless products add Wi-Fi Direct RF tests.
3. Eligible Product Categories for Google AA Certification
3.1 Aftermarket Projection Adapters
Compact plug-and-play devices that project mobile phone content onto original vehicle screens. Apple classifies them as external accessories. Although their functions are simple, protocol bridging and transparent transmission logic face stricter verification rules, making them prone to test failures.
3.2 Aftermarket Smart Head Units
Replacement head units for used vehicles. Products integrated with additional functions such as DAB+ digital radio or Wi-Fi hotspots have expanded test scope.
3.3 OEM Factory-Installed Head Units
Matching complete vehicles for automakers. They follow the same AA test framework as aftermarket products, with higher vehicle-grade hardware quality requirements.
Key Distinction between AA Projection and AAOS
AA projection certification does not require access to vehicle CAN bus for vehicle speed or gear signals. Such vehicle data is provided by mobile phones. CAN bus integration and on-vehicle road tests are exclusive to AAOS native systems and customized vehicle functions, not part of standard AA projection certification. Higher costs for factory-installed products come from stricter vehicle-grade control, not more test items.
Classification by Connection Mode
·Wired-only products: Single USB link, fewer test items and low revision probability.
·Wireless products: Dual links of BLE (initial pairing) and Wi-Fi Direct (high-speed transmission), higher test complexity and longer certification cycles.
For Google AA Certification, please contact Benson at Blueasia: +86 13534225140
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