How Easy Is It To Use Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

How Easy Is It To Use Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?
Tegan Lawson

Writer

Apr 28, 2016

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are popping up everywhere. The majority of manufacturers are either already offering the technology in cars in Australia, or are planning to in the very near future.

How Easy Is It To Use Apple CarPlay & Android Auto? apple

It’s essentially software, installed into the infotainment system that gives you access to a simple version of your phones operating system on the car’s media display.

How Easy Is It To Use Apple CarPlay & Android Auto? screen

Apple CarPlay is distinctly similar to what is displayed on your phone. Android Auto is a little different, requiring an app to be downloaded but still facilitates access to recognisable apps.

Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are incredibly simple to set up and use. We have a Holden Captiva in the CarAdvice garage, it is compatible with both systems so we took the opportunity to test them both out.

First up, Apple CarPlay. Just connect the USB cable to the phone and plug it into the USB port. There’s no need for tedious Bluetooth pairing and your phone is constantly charging which is a lifesaver for those constantly on the move.

How Easy Is It To Use Apple CarPlay & Android Auto? usb

Siri is at your beck and call to help access the apps you need without touching your phone, which is of course illegal to do while driving. You can use the touchscreen, controls on the steering wheel or buttons and dials on the centre stack to navigate the system.

The maps app will suggest addresses it finds in your emails and messages when you go to input a destination, and you can search for nearby petrol stations, cafes, parking, shopping, restaurants and more.

Using voice control you can listen to and respond to text messages and Siri also helps to make calls, listen to voicemail or stream music via supported apps like Spotify or iTunes.

How Easy Is It To Use Apple CarPlay & Android Auto? spotify

Android Auto is a simpler system and you need to download the app to your phone before you can plug and go. It’s the same process from there; just plug the cable into the USB port and the system fires up. Its functionality is essentially the same as Apple CarPlay, with access to navigation, communication and music via apps. It’s also voice controlled and you can use the steering wheel controls and buttons on the centre stack.

How Easy Is It To Use Apple CarPlay & Android Auto? android

A word of warning; keep in mind you’re using your mobile data and streaming music on a road trip may prove costly. Some phone plans have a huge amount of data and won’t bust the bank so just be sure to check and monitor your usage.

To switch between Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, just unplug one and connect the other. It’s as simple as that.

The Carousel thanks Tegan Lawson from Car Advice for this article. Read their 2016 Holden Captiva LTZ review on their website. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

By Tegan Lawson

Writer

Tegan Lawson is the Lifestyle writer and Motoring Expert for The Carousel. Tegan produces in-depth interviews and reviews and helps readers make the best choice for their next car purchase. Tegan got her first taste of motorsports journalism working for a regional newspaper. She was still a student at the University of Southern Queensland but was moonlighting patrolling the pits at the Leyburn sprints and heading to the drags, as well as working trackside at the Queensland Raceway V8 supercar rounds in the early 2000s. With petrol firmly in her blood, these early days spawned her love of all things automotive. Her driving career as a 17 year-old began with the unique experience of a Suzuki Carry Van that was quickly upgraded to a more image-appropriate Holden Barina.

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