One of the biggest innovation today in car audio after bluetooth is the integration of smartphones to our car receivers. The two major platforms, Apple and Android has revolutionized the way we travel in our vehicles by giving us Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The two integration system works similarly but have their own unique features and user interfaces. The way these two systems work is basically make your smartphones be easily controlled on the head unit touchscreen with a simple interface without distracting the driver. Icon are made large and accessible which can also be operated while driving (not recommended).
Apple Carplay
Still the most widely used platform, iOS has been dominating the industry due to the huge following of the iPhone. Carplay is robust in terms of usability and features. If you are an avid iphone user, you will have no problem integrating your phone on your car stereo. First off, Siri is easily accessible with the use of voice command or steering wheel button. You essentially open, close and whatever you command Siri on the head unit.
Carplay has basically made travelling easier thru the integration of maps, either from Apple, Google or Waze. Finding direction is as easy as saying the address thru voice command; or typing on the screen. There is literally no need for satellite subscription to know how the traffic as map applications have live traffic updates throughout our travel.
Phone and SMS messages are also easily accessible on Carplay. You can command Siri via voice to call anyone in your contact list or send an SMS message without touching the screen. Most car manufacturers have now adopted the use of Carplay as well as major consumer electronics brands for their head units which gives us variety of models to choose from.
Android Auto
On the other side of the spectrum are Andoid geeks and they have a fair share of smartphone integration called Android Auto. First, you can easily access Google Assistant and command via voice to open and play any app on your radio. There is also a seamless compatibility to majority of the navigation apps which makes it easy to travel and you'll also be provided with live traffic updates. The user interface is also designed to be easy-to-use even while driving (not recommended). Communication on Android Auto is also simple as the call and text icons are easily launched, either via Google Assistant or on the touch screen.
Both platforms will provide users with excellent entertainment features. Carplay and Auto can be connected with a use of the proprietary cable thru USB or wireless for selected head unit models. Major music apps such as Spotify, Pandora and iHeart Radio are easily streamed and users can control the playlist and can also display album art on the radio screen.
Here are a list of some of the popular head units that incorporate both Carplay and Auto. All are available at Onlinecarstereo.com.
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