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| Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
Apple and Google have been traditional rivals in the smartphone software industry for many years now. However, with the launch of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, this rivalry has now taken front seat and the new arena for it is your car. Will you allow Android to win the battle or Apple? Let's find out.
What is CarPlay and Android Auto
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are smart systems designed for your modern day car. These offer a ton of impressive features that includes better navigation, messaging, as well as audio streaming. However, let us discover whether they have any limitations or not, how useful they are for us, and do they really meet our driving needs.
Home Screen
To begin with the home screen, both these smart car systems adopt a competing approach right from the start. Apple Car Play features the various apps as well as functions in the form of large icons, that immediately reminds one of the iPhone screen. The style is simplistic and works in CarPlay's favor.
Features
When it comes to Android Auto, the features are arranged at the bottom of the home screen, which means that the user does not need to pull up the home screen. Accessing the audio apps is also very easy. The user just needs to tap the headphone icon twice so that a list of cards is brought up on the screen for the user' benefit.
Another advantage of using Android Auto is that Google Now is integrated with the system. This is a live updating system that is capable of displaying various information cards that the user might need while driving. This includes typical information such as weather updates, notifications, as well as shortcuts to typical and likely destinations.
However, CarPlay does not display as much information as a user needs onscreen. Nevertheless, this does not mean that information is not presented. It notifies you about what you need to know.
Text Messages
Carplay shows the missed text messages with a small red circle and a number that corresponds to how many messages have been missed. Comparing the similar feature in Android Auto, the missed messages notifications are now a part of the list of cards that are displayed by the Google Now system.
Navigation
Whilst navigation for Android is handled by Google Maps, ApplePlay uses a corresponding system Apple Maps for a similar purpose. With Google Maps, the onscreen maps are well-drawn and include easy to understand turn-by-turn directions. Users also are provided suggestions on alternate routes as well as verbal updates on traffic. You can also access the time when the particular business is closing. Google Maps also works well with Android Auto's Google Now.
When compared to Apple Maps, although the software is very effective, many people prefer using Google's system over Apple's CarPlay. Both systems do not use the third-party navigation apps. Hence apps such as TomTom or Waze are not permitted.
Messaging
When it comes to messaging, the Apple CarPlay supports apple's native messaging application. Contrarily, The Android Auto is more inclusive and supports Hangouts, Kik, Whatsapp, ICQ, and other such apps. The on-board text-to-speech can read the messages and voice commands can be used to reply to them.
Music Streaming & Compatibility
Regarding music streaming, both systems reflect their superior abilities. About compatibility, Android Auto is compatible with any smartphone that runs Android Lollipop 5.0 or higher. At the same time, Apple CarPlay requires the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Also compatible are the iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, and the iPhone 5s. Older phones require a lightning connector and the latest iOS version.
Conclusion
Although it is very difficult to predict the winner between CarPlay and Android Auto, it can be said that those who prefer Apple will choose CarPlay and those who choose Google Android will go in for Android Auto.
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