What is ApplyCarPlay and Android Auto?
If you’re shopping for a new car or are about to buy a modern used car that has either of these systems here is a beginners guide to help get you started with them and encourage you to give them a try.
Most cars will have none of these systems, but those cars built in the last few years have at least one, but often both. Many people don’t even realise these systems are part of their car and both are powerful ways to stay connected while on the go. And whilst these systems have different names, interfaces and functions, they ultimately perform in similar ways you may not be aware of.
Android Auto
Some people use Android phones (these are mostly associated with Samsung and Google Pixel smartphones), and if you do, your in-car entertainment system is called Android Auto. This is usually standard equipment on newer cars but you’ll need to double check that your phone is compatible with the system in the car you’re considering.
To hook it up, you’ll need to connect your phone to the USB port in your dash. It may be elsewhere in your vehicle so we suggest checking the vehicle handbook if this is the case. Once your phone is plugged in and your engine is on, you set it up through your phone. You never have to do this again either, unless you change phones or change cars.
To get the voice command functionality working you can simply tap the button on the steering wheel if your model of car has that option, or simply say ‘OK Google.’
The most common thing this software is used for is navigation help, and the mapping programme on your phone can alert you to traffic updates and accidents. Spotify or any other music app is never far behind either, and can follow you right into the car.
While on the road you can also text or call contacts without having to take your eyes off the road or hands off the wheel. So whatever you need to do, be it set a reminder, schedule an appointment, note down ideas or write up shopping lists, you can.
You’re easily connected to the information, navigation, communication and entertainment functions of your phone and alongside voice command help you to stay relaxed, organised and safe while on the road.
Apple Carplay
Apple CarPlay is Apple's car infotainment system powered by iPhone. Currently, brands such as Toyota are just catching up with getting carplay integrated into their vehicles.
There are four main categories within the Apple CarPlay set up that you can choose your favourite apps from: music, podcasts, maps and audiobooks.
Music- Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and Andora
Podcasts- Apple Podcasts, Pocketcast, Castro
Maps- Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze
Audiobooks- Apple’s books app, Audible
And if there’s an app you want to use but can’t appear on CarPlay, you can always use Siri shortcuts to access it, for instance the notes app. As standard you can also text and make phone calls which is incredibly convenient.
Apple CarPlay offers an advantage in terms of privacy as well. CarPlay perfectly illustrates how Apple cares about its users' privacy and their information. The only information stored by CarPlay is if the car is accelerating and when the car is in use, just to figure out if you’re safe to use certain features. However, with Android Auto, this collects a multitude of data, from vehicle speed and engine revs to oil and coolant temperatures. This basically reveals lots of information about your car's internal diagnostics to Google, as well as to car manufacturers. As a result, Apple CarPlay is the one to choose if you’re concerned about privacy.
Apple CarPlay will also enhance your car experience as you can sync with your apple watch if you have one. Additionally, a simple yet useful feature is that at any given time, you can always see the three latest app icons you’ve used and can switch easily while driving.
Have an older car but want CarPlay? No problem. You can use a usb cable if you don’t want to replace the whole head unit. This simply plugs into your old car and converts it into a carplay capable ride, and even comes with a steering wheel button controller too.
In our opinion, the best CarPlay experience is with a BMW, since it is wireless and neat. We have a variety of BMW vehicles available and CarPlay information is available by calling.
Hopefully this will have encouraged you to give either system a try if you otherwise might not have. Any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.