A small owl-shaped gadget can turn your CarPlay screen into a rearview monitor.
The Ottocast Cabin Care is a wireless CarPlay adapter that plugs into your car's USB port. It adds a built-in camera pointing at the back seat, letting drivers monitor passengers on the CarPlay display. The adapter currently sells for $119.
Most cars don't offer built-in rear seat monitoring, and aftermarket solutions tend to be clunky or require professional installation. This adapter offers a simpler route—but it's limited to CarPlay and requires a USB port you might want for other things. You'll also need to mount the owl somewhere visible, which might feel odd in a luxury vehicle.
It's a niche product that solves a specific problem, likely appealing most to parents and rideshare drivers who want eyes on the backseat without spending thousands on a new car.