The year 2017 was a significant time for automotive technology, especially for DIY car enthusiasts and professionals seeking accessible diagnostic tools. Among the gadgets making waves was the Bluetooth OBD2 adapter, promising to put real-time vehicle data and diagnostics right into the palm of your hand. In this review, we’ll delve into the landscape of Bluetooth OBD2 adapters in 2017, with a special focus on the Kiwi 3, a device that stood out for its compact design and performance.
Bluetooth OBD2 adapters emerged as a game-changer, bridging the gap between complex vehicle computer systems and user-friendly smartphone apps. These adapters plugged into a car’s OBD2 port – a standard feature in most vehicles since 1996 – and transmitted data wirelessly via Bluetooth. This innovation allowed users to monitor engine performance, diagnose issues, and even track fuel efficiency using their smartphones or tablets. The appeal was clear: affordability, ease of use, and a wealth of information previously only accessible with expensive professional tools.
Image: The compact design of the Kiwi 3 Bluetooth OBD2 adapter, highlighting its small size for discreet installation.
Kiwi 3: The Tiny Titan of OBD2 Adapters in 2017
The Kiwi 3, developed by PLX Devices, quickly gained attention for its impressive specifications and user-centric design. Marketing itself as the “smallest, fastest, and most versatile OBD adapter,” it aimed to outperform competitors in several key areas. Let’s examine what made the Kiwi 3 a notable contender in the 2017 Bluetooth OBD2 adapter market.
Speed and Performance
One of the standout claims of the Kiwi 3 was its speed. PLX Devices advertised it as being “up to 4 times faster” than competing adapters. In the context of 2017, where data transmission speeds could be a bottleneck for real-time monitoring and diagnostics, this was a significant advantage. Faster data retrieval meant smoother gauges in performance apps, quicker diagnostic readings, and an overall more responsive user experience. For users keen on performance tracking or live engine monitoring, this speed advantage was a major selling point.
Ultra-Low Power and Discreet Design
Another key feature touted by Kiwi 3 was its ultra-low power consumption. This allowed users to leave the adapter permanently plugged into their OBD2 port without fear of draining the car battery. This “set-and-forget” functionality was a welcome convenience, especially for users who wanted continuous vehicle monitoring. Complementing the low power design was its incredibly small size. Measuring just 0.68 inches thin when plugged in, the Kiwi 3 was designed to be nearly invisible, avoiding accidental bumps or interference and maintaining the clean aesthetics of the vehicle’s interior.
Image: A simple graphic illustrating the plug-and-play ease of use of the Kiwi 3 Bluetooth OBD2 adapter, emphasizing its user-friendliness.
Effortless Connectivity and Cross-Platform Compatibility
In 2017, Bluetooth pairing could sometimes be a cumbersome process. Kiwi 3 aimed to simplify this with a seamless “plug and launch” approach. Eliminating the need for complex Bluetooth pairing procedures, users could simply plug in the adapter and launch their chosen OBD2 app. This ease of use was a significant advantage for less tech-savvy users and anyone who valued a quick and hassle-free setup.
Furthermore, Kiwi 3 distinguished itself with true cross-platform compatibility. Supporting iOS, Android, and even Windows Mobile, it catered to a broad range of smartphone and tablet users. This was particularly noteworthy as some adapters at the time had limitations in platform support, especially due to Apple’s MFI program restrictions. Kiwi 3’s open approach made it developer-friendly and accessible to a wider audience.
Image: A promotional image showcasing the Kiwi 3 Bluetooth OBD2 adapter’s compatibility with various mobile platforms, highlighting its cross-platform functionality.
App Ecosystem and Functionality
The value of a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter is heavily reliant on the apps it supports. Recognizing this, Kiwi 3 was designed to be compatible with a wide array of OBD2 applications. PLX Devices partnered with popular app developers to ensure a superior user experience, supporting apps for diagnostics, performance monitoring, data logging, track use, custom gauges, and more. This broad app compatibility allowed users to tailor their OBD2 experience to their specific needs and preferences.
Image: An iconographic representation emphasizing the cross-platform compatibility of the Kiwi 3 Bluetooth OBD2 adapter across different operating systems.
Data Parameters and Vehicle Compatibility
Bluetooth OBD2 adapters unlock a wealth of data from your vehicle’s computer. Kiwi 3, in conjunction with compatible apps, could display up to 125 different parameters. These parameters spanned a wide range of engine and vehicle data, including:
- Air flow (MAF)
- Coolant Temperature
- Engine RPM
- Vehicle Speed
- Fuel Trims
- Oxygen Sensor Readings
- And many more
This level of data access empowered users to gain deep insights into their vehicle’s operation, diagnose potential issues, and monitor performance metrics.
Image: A collage of app icons representing the diverse range of applications compatible with the Kiwi 3 Bluetooth OBD2 adapter, indicating its versatility.
Vehicle compatibility is paramount for any OBD2 adapter. Kiwi 3 was designed to be compatible with all standard OBDII protocols, ensuring broad compatibility with vehicles sold in the United States after 1996, as well as many international models. This wide vehicle coverage made it a versatile tool for a large segment of car owners.
Image: Screenshots of the Kiwi OBD app interface, illustrating the display of vehicle parameters and data in different modes.
Image: A close-up view of a digital dashboard interface displaying real-time vehicle data parameters retrieved by the Kiwi 3 adapter.
Image: A graphic symbolizing vehicle compatibility, reinforcing the wide range of cars and trucks supported by OBD2 standards and the Kiwi 3 adapter.
Conclusion: Kiwi 3 in the 2017 Bluetooth OBD2 Landscape
In 2017, the Kiwi 3 Bluetooth OBD2 adapter presented a compelling package for users seeking a compact, fast, and user-friendly tool for vehicle diagnostics and monitoring. Its strengths lay in its speed, small size, ease of use, and broad app and platform compatibility. While the Bluetooth OBD2 adapter market has evolved since 2017, the Kiwi 3 served as a benchmark for features and performance during that period. For anyone looking back at the technology of the time, the Kiwi 3 stands out as a notable and capable device that contributed to the growing accessibility of vehicle data and diagnostics for everyday users.
