Apple and Google platforms are battling it out to become the driver's favorite. We explain what these systems are and which one may be the best option for your vehicle.
What are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and what are they used for?
Until relatively recently, having a good co-pilot was key to a successful trip. Having someone in charge of maps, guidance, and communications could make the difference between a pleasant journey or a journey through purgatory.
However, the digital age invites us to put this task in the hands of technology, with the emergence of systems developed to provide services to the user when they get behind the wheel. We're referring, of course, to the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay apps, owned by the two main smartphone operating system providers, Google and Apple , respectively.
These products allow you to adapt your smartphone for use while driving, as they project a simplified version of a phone interface onto the vehicle's instrument panel and offer the ability to operate certain basic functions hands-free.
In addition to being a key element of road safety, preventing distractions while driving, both systems offer high functionality and a wide variety of applications for vehicles that would otherwise lack these capabilities, such as navigation systems or audio streaming.
What are the most important apps that can be used?
Google hasn't complicated the basics of Android Auto . It highlights compatibility with Google Maps and music apps . Plus, it gives you the ability to use your phone for what it was originally intended for: making calls. Therefore, Android Auto aims to be your GPS, your radio, and your hands-free kit .
Google prioritizes its own apps, so Maps, Play Music, and Hangouts are the three most popular. However, Spotify and WhatsApp are also compatible with Android Auto.
Apple CarPlay's functions are very similar , although it doesn't allow for just any app to be compatible with the system. Most are proprietary and integrate seamlessly with calls, the GPS navigation system, and music .
Through Apple Music you can access iTunes music stored on the iPhone , although it is also compatible with Spotify . As the default navigation system, CarPlay uses Apple Maps, which comes standard with the iPhone , although the latest versions now support Google Maps. Finally, in addition to being able to send iMessages and SMS, CarPlay is compatible with WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business , and allows you to send and receive messages using Siri via simple voice commands.
How do I use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?
The penetration of CarPlay and Android Auto in the industry is increasing every day, and few vehicles are left without at least one of these systems pre-installed.
CarPlay has a slight advantage upon first connecting to the vehicle, as the system comes pre-installed on all fifth-generation iPhones starting with iOS 7.1 . Just make sure Siri is enabled and its voice assistance is configured.
Android Auto, on the other hand, requires downloading and installing it from the Google Play Store . When connecting for the first time, in addition to authorizing the app to access your location and contacts, you'll also need to go through a brief presentation of its features.
The connections work very similarly. The most basic ones require the phone to have a direct USB connection to the vehicle, although some newer cars accept a wireless connection via Bluetooth on both systems.
Once connected, your phone's screen will lock, although you'll be able to see some notifications and exit the app. Your car's screen will completely change to the Android Auto or Apple CarPlay environment, just like your phone's desktop. From that moment, you can start using the various compatible apps through that screen, voice commands, and/or the steering wheel buttons.
Which mobile phones are they compatible with?
All mobile devices currently sold with both operating systems are compatible with their corresponding car app.
For the above, you'll only be able to use Android Auto with phones running at least Android 5.0 Lollipop . Google recommends running Android 6.0, but it's not required.
CarPlay, on the other hand, only works with the iPhone 5 and newer models , as long as they're using the latest software version (7.1 or later) and have a Lightning port. Siri, the voice assistant, is now compatible with third-party apps in CarPlay on iOS 13 or later.
Who wins?
It's truly difficult to decide between these two systems. Even though they share many of their features, they are very different.
CarPlay is simpler and more intuitive, while Android Auto offers a much wider range of third-party apps. While, as we've seen, both systems offer the most popular apps, the freedom Android Auto provides to install and choose between multiple apps for the same function can be an attractive factor.
On the other hand, the Android platform clearly shines in the quality of navigation. Google Maps' years of experience are evident in the app; however, Apple Maps holds its own, at least in terms of speed.
On the contrary, it is the voice assistant "Siri" that offers a superior experience to that of its Google equivalent, which, while not necessarily less precise, does give the impression of being somewhat less evolved.
In any case, we regret to inform you that having the luxury of choosing between the two won't be the norm . The phone you have and the system your car uses (assuming it doesn't have both) will limit your options.
