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How to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Modern cars use solutions that allow you to pair your smartphone with the car's audiovisual system. Thanks to them, you can listen to music, answer calls or use applications installed on your phone directly on the vehicle's screen. How do Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work?
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are useful systems that are a great way to improve your travel comfort.
- Such systems allow you to make and receive calls, play music, display maps, and much more.
- While it is possible to use such systems offline, connecting to the internet will provide many more options.
- See other ways to connecting your phone to your car!
- What is Apple CarPlay?
- Apple CarPlay – how to turn on?
- What is Android Auto?
- Android Auto – how to connect your smartphone?
- Android Auto or Apple CarPlay?
- The benefits of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Does Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work without internet?
- What about older cars? Radio with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay!
What is Apple CarPlay?
Let's start with an explanation, so what is Apple CarPlay? This technology was introduced by Apple in 2014. It is aimed at users of devices with the iOS operating system – iPhones and iPads. It allows you to pair your smartphone or tablet with the on-board computer, so that applications are displayed directly on the car's screen. This allows you to:
- making and receiving calls,
- playing music,
- viewing the calendar,
- receiving reminders,
- displaying maps,
- receiving SMS notifications.
The CarPlay system interface closely resembles the factory interface for a given car, which is visible, for example, when using the built-in car navigation or selecting a radio station.
Apple CarPlay – how to turn on?
You want to know, how to turn on Apple CarPlay? Just connect your smartphone to the USB port in your car and accept the message. Such a simple operation is enough to pair the device with the on-board computer. Newer cars also use wireless solutions. Then, you can also connect your smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. As you can see, installing CarPlay is not difficult.
What is Android Auto?
Primarily Android Auto system is an alternative to the Apple system, created with Android smartphone users in mind. It was created at a similar time to Apple technology, but has only recently been used in Poland. It has very similar functions, and additionally allows you to read the content of incoming text messages. In the case of the Apple system, the driver only receives notifications about messages.
Note: Android Auto is not available for older smartphones. You can check this by typing the name in the official Google Play store. If the app is not available, you can download it from a third-party source, but this solution can be risky.
Android Auto – how to connect your smartphone?
Connecting a smartphone to the on-board computer in Android Auto is more difficult compared to Apple's system. In this case, you also have to use a USB cable, but then you have to scroll and accept a few consents. What's more, some applications in this technology are displayed in a less clear way or even prevent you from performing selected operations. In Android, for example, you can't enter a destination in the navigation from the phone - you have to do it on the screen in the vehicle.
Some people wonder, is android auto free. We assure you, you do not have to pay for this system!
And how do you add apps to Android Auto? Just download them to your smartphone. However, you need to remember that not all items from Google Play are compatible with this system. So you will only play some of them on the car screen.
Also read: How does the infotainment system work in modern cars?
Android Auto or Apple CarPlay?
The choice between these systems depends on what phone you use. The differences in the operation of both technologies are minor, so there is no point in buying a smartphone compatible with a specific software. Importantly, most cars have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You can therefore benefit from these technologies even if you have a different phone model than the other user of the vehicle.
The benefits of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Modern audiovisual systems compatible with smartphones allow, among other things, to select destinations in an application on the phone, as well as display the route on a larger screen in the car. What's more, many of them also allow you to issue voice commands. Thanks to them, you can also continue listening to the same music from your phone after starting the car or read text messages using a speech synthesizer.
Thanks to systems from Apple and Google, you don't have to touch your smartphone while driving, and at the same time you can easily use the car applications installed on it. This makes it easier to use navigation, choose your own music or even get information about speed cameras in the area. These are solutions that increase safety and driving comfort.
Does Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work without internet?
As it turns out, both the Apple system and Android Auto works without internet. It is worth remembering, however, that we will only be able to use some of the system's functions. You can of course receive calls. You can also use what you have already downloaded - such as offline maps or podcasts. However, if we want to use these systems in full and, for example, use real-time navigation - you will need an internet connection.
What about older cars? Radio with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay!
If your car is a bit older and doesn't work with these systems, there's a solution. Finally replacing the car radio to those that support these systems, is possible. Of course radio with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay is usually more expensive than the classic one. However, the touch screen compensates a lot. Especially if the car was not equipped with something like that before. How much does such a radio cost? Prices start from a few hundred zlotys for more basic models.
Car systems from Google and Apple are a way to make car journeys more enjoyable. It is worth checking whether the car is equipped with such a system. If not, it may be a good idea to buy a suitable radio that supports such a system.
