Due to the amazing features of this package developed by Apple, you will be able to use your phone while driving without being worried that you will lose concentration, because with CarPlay, everything you want to do with your phone is now placed in your car’s built-in display. Imagine that you can write a text message and read the ones you receive, make calls, get directions and also listen to music while staying focused on the road ahead of you.
Apple CarPlay will connect to the infotainment of your car through the lightning port of your iPhone and not via Bluetooth, which means that it’s compatible only with iPhone 5, 5C and 5S. Unfortunately, this could represent a real problem for people who are not accustomed with Apple’s products and for those who are loyal to their Android based smartphones. At this moment Apple has signed partnerships to deliver CarPlay with five car manufacturers: Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, but in the near future that group will expand and it will contain names like, Jaguar, Land Rover, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Toyota and many more. But what exactly makes Apple’s CarPlay so special? A couple of days ago, we put it in a head to head test against the all-might QNX car platform, and we’ve drawn some powerful conclusions. But let’s extend them, shall we?
Apple CarPlay – Tips and Tricks
Learn to Control CarPlay
It was never simpler to control your car’s infotainment, because now, with Apple CarPlay, you can do this in three different manners: using voice, touch or knobs and other buttons. To be more specifically, after you connect your iPhone to the car you will only have to press the voice control button, which is placed on the steering wheel, and Siri will serve you. The second way is to use the touch screen of your car’s built-in display and the third one is referring to the buttons, knobs and other things that are able to control your car’s infotainment. It’s good to know that whatever way you will choose, the CarPlay is very easy to be controlled.
Install Audio Application
Listen to your favorite music directly in your car, because Apple CarPlay supports additional audio applications besides the default Music app, which permits users to access their playlists and iTunes Radio. The other apps that can be downloaded on the iPhone device and used with CarPlay are BeatsMusic, iHeartRadio, Stitcher and even the well-known Spotify. So whenever you want to listen your favorite radio station or band, just go to one of the music apps that you have previously installed on your phone.
Get the Best Out of Siri
This new and excellent app works great with Siri voice control and also with the controls available on your car, such as buttons, dials, knobs and touchscreen, if you vehicle is equipped with one. Keep in mind that in order to activate the voice control of Siri, you should simply press and hold the voice button that can be found on the car’s steering wheel and you will be able to control your iPhone in a very easy way, without having to pay attention to your phone while driving. To be more specifically, Siri will help you to make phone calls by simply telling her a contact’s name, access your agenda and listen to voice mails, but the most interesting feature is the one makes Siri to read your messages and let you dictate the responses.
Master Maps
All of these are intended to minimize things that might distract you when you are on the road. Another thing that is thought to make the navigation simpler, is the Apple Maps application which is integrated into the car’s built-in display through CarPlay. The good thing is that you can use this app to get turn-by-turn directions, real time updates on traffic conditions and estimated times of arrival. Furthermore, the app is also able to predict where you want to go depending on addresses that are collected from your emails, calendar, SMSs and contacts. All in all, we think is too soon to draw a full conclusion about this system and about its utility. If you are interested in buying a new car then you should go to a showroom and test the Apple CarPlay by yourself. Though, it’s clear that some improvements should be done, such as populating the applications list that are compatible with Apple CarPlay.
