While there isn't any confirmation on the Project Titan yet, the Apple CarPlay infotainment system is finally coming to supported vehicles. But Apple isn't the only one diving into the automotive industry. Google also has also its own Android Auto application for cars.
Drivers can use their Android-powered smartphones or their iPhones to integrate the car's high-tech system. By doing so, they reduce the distractions as most of the notifications can be seen on the car's cabin screen.
Apple CarPlay also lets the driver use Siri, the popular digital assistant. Siri can tell the directions to a destination or to play a song through the car's speakers, according to USA Today. The infotainment system from the Cupertino-based tech giant aims to make the iPhone a big part of the driving experience. However, the app is still in its early stages as cars that support them are just starting to roll out.
Apple CEO Tim Cook told the audience at a WSD.D Live conference: "We'd like people as they enter their car to have an iPhone-like experience. That's why we developed CarPlay. It's trying to make your life outside the car and inside the car seamless."
One problem with the Apple CarPlay software is that it doesn't allow third-party apps, unlike Android Auto. Apple's own map isn't exactly reliable at the moment, according to the International Business Times.
Another potential problem drivers may face is that the newer cars that have Apple CarPlay support are expensive. What if the user already has a car that is five years old? Will Apple force interested users to buy a new car for the sake of experiencing their infotainment system?
Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives. Instead of buying a new car, the owner can just purchase a new head unit and install it in their car. One such example is the Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX head unit, according to The Verge.
It may not be as smooth as with the updated cars that natively support the system, but it can make it work. The aftermarket microphones may not really work well though.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both supported on the newer cars. Which of the two will be used by more drivers?
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