What Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can and can’t do

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay: Your Smartphone on Your Dashboard

Both Google and Apple offer seamless smartphone integration for your car's infotainment system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are compatible with most modern vehicles, and third-party stereo units are available for those that aren't. These platforms offer superior integration compared to built-in car systems, providing access to maps, contacts, messages, and more.

Android Auto

To use Android Auto, you'll need a compatible car stereo and an Android phone (Android 6.0 or later). Android 10 and later versions have it built-in; otherwise, download it from the Google Play Store. Connection can be wired or wireless (Bluetooth), depending on your car's capabilities. Your car's infotainment system will guide you through the connection process.

Once connected, the default view displays Google Maps. A circular icon (bottom left) accesses apps and settings. A microphone icon activates Google Assistant, and a bell icon displays notifications. On widescreen dashboards, these icons may be positioned on the left.

Google Assistant functions similarly to its phone counterpart, allowing for weather checks, directions, reminders, calls, and text messaging (hands-free).

Incoming calls and texts appear on the dashboard, with options to respond via touch or voice commands ("read my messages," etc.). The notification screen (bell icon) allows for message previews and the option to mute conversations.

Supported apps include Google Messages, WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and Signal for messaging and calling. Google Maps and Waze are available for navigation, and numerous music and audio apps are supported, including Spotify, YouTube Music, and more.

Customization options allow you to select which apps appear on the dashboard and adjust their order. Settings allow for tweaking notifications, auto-play media, and wallpaper changes. Further settings on your phone include enabling Do Not Disturb mode when Android Auto is active.

Android Auto provides a streamlined and intuitive experience, prioritizing core dashboard functions. Future enhancements could include video and game support (for passengers or when stationary).

Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone (iOS 13 or later) and a compatible car head unit. No separate app is needed; it's integrated into iOS. Connection is via wired or wireless (Bluetooth).

The initial screen displays recently used apps, with a left-hand menu for app selection and view toggling (installed apps or Apple Maps with active media).

Siri integration mirrors its iPhone functionality, enabling smart home control, calls, directions, weather checks, and more.

Incoming calls and texts appear at the bottom, with options for voice-activated reading and replies.

Besides Apple Messages, WhatsApp is the only other supported messaging app. Mapping options include Google Maps, Waze, and TomTom, alongside Apple Maps. Music and audio apps include Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Tidal.

Settings allow for color scheme, wallpaper, and album art adjustments. "Driving Focus" enables automatic Do Not Disturb mode. App customization allows you to select and order apps displayed on the dashboard.

Apple CarPlay offers a clean and efficient interface, prioritizing core apps. The left-hand panel displaying recently used apps is a particularly useful feature. Siri integration is excellent, and while it works best with Apple apps, it provides good third-party support.

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