"mazda616" (mazda616)
05/02/2016 at 22:11 • Filed to: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
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"mazda616" (mazda616)
05/02/2016 at 22:11 • Filed to: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 1
| 6 |
Our ‘16 Buick LaCrosse rental has Apple CarPlay, and tonight, I decided to plug my phone up and test it.
My phone is an iPhone 6 Plus (I got it in early October 2014 - it’s a bit long in the tooth phone-wise). I am an Apple fan, but not fanatically so. Their phones just happen to work for me, so I stick with them. I’ve had an iPhone 4 (for 2.5 years), a 5 (for 2 years), and now my 6 Plus (1.5 years so far).
Now, all that being said, Apple CarPlay is kind of...dumb.
There, I said it. Just had to get that off my chest. For the record, I haven’t used Android Auto but it’s principles are basically the same, so I’d imagine much of what I have to say applies to it as well.
First of all, CarPlay does exactly 3 things my non-CarPlay equipped Mazda6 stereo can’t. Those three things are: reply to a text using voice, open the phone’s map application, and launch the Spotify application. The response via text is apparently a phone issue, as Android devices can send texts via the Mazda stereos.
Otherwise, I can control Pandora, browse the music on my phone, make and receive phone calls, have my texts read to me, and use voice command all without CarPlay. So, what are the benefits?
The nifty interface makes the stereo look like an iPhone (or an Android phone if you’re using Android Auto). The maps integration is excellent and cuts out the need for a car-based navigation system almost entirely (aside from the obvious issue of low or no cell reception areas or times). Other than that, well, I didn’t see much else amazing about it.
It’s also worth noting that during my 10 minute drive, CarPlay glitched twice. Both times involved the “Now Playing” screen freezing up and the stereo producing distorted audio when using the Spotify app. This may be the fault of the Buick “Intellilink” system or the car itself (or my old phone). Who knows.
Another major drawback is that your phone must be connected via USB in order to use CarPlay. My phone rarely leaves my pocket or the storage bin beneath my HVAC controls when I’m in the car, for good reason. It’d be quite annoying to have to plug it into the USB port each and every time I’m in the car if I wanted to continuously use CarPlay. Not to mention that would be hell on the phone’s battery to be charged up so frequently over time.
Conclusion: If I bought a new car that happened to have Apple CarPlay, that would be fine. But would I seek out a car and buy it based on that feature alone? Nope.
AMGtech - now with more recalls!
> mazda616
05/02/2016 at 22:48 |
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I’m so shocked an Apple idea is better on paper.
Bluetooth is way to go.
BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
> mazda616
05/03/2016 at 06:36 |
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Maps. Literally the only use for CarPlay is for maps. And maybe being able to reply to texts if you’re into that.
On long trips, my phone is plugged in anyway to charge. So I use CarPlay for showing the Nav. Otherwise, it's all Bluetooth or Sat radio.
Rico
> mazda616
05/03/2016 at 10:08 |
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CarPlay is a non starter for me until they open the API up for different developers to add their apps. I need support for 3rd party navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze (which I use every time I drive). Apple Maps are still ranked last for me behind those two.
Also I use “Hey Siri” often to write my texts when I’m driving and it works really well so again non-starter.
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Rico
> BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
05/03/2016 at 10:10 |
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Apple maps is still half baked and Hey Siri allows for you to respond to texts. It needs so much more than it currently offers.
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BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
> Rico
05/03/2016 at 10:41 |
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I don’t disagree. I use Apple Maps for their convenience. Hey Siri never works right for me, so I don’t use it.
Waze and Amazon Music need to be on CarPlay for me (email would be nice, too). Since they’re both Apple competitors, I don’t think it’s likely they’ll show up any time soon.
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Rico
> BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
05/03/2016 at 11:56 |
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Spotify is an Apple Music competitor so I have faith they’ll eventually open it.
Hey Siri works well if you set it up AWAY from you. I helped my friend set it up and his first instinct while doing so was to hold his phone 5 inches from his face and say “Hey Siri” what you should be doing is placing it on a table or surface further away from you when you’re more likely to have to call out to her.
No point in saying “Hey Siri” when you are holding your phone in your hand and can just do whatever it is you need her to do.