Tech giants Apple and Google are extending their services to mobile interfaces for vehicles with CarPlay and Android Auto.
For Apple's CarPlay, the interface is made simple. Users just need to have their iPhones plugged into the vehicle's dashboard, and when the CarPlay logo displays, it means the interface is successful. Drivers can then access their mobile devices using the car's in-dash screen. Laid out in the standard iOS format, the CarPlay app will have access to the Phone, Music, Maps, Messages, Podcasts, and Now Playing options of the iPhone. Users can also add third-party apps like iHeartRadio and Spotify.
Android Auto offers a similar experience to Apple CarPlay, right down to the interface. For fans familiar with the Android platform, the interface is like getting Google Now on their cars. The in-dash screen serves as the central hub, and users can see notifications and feeds right on the display that acts as a home screen.
In terms of design, it seems that Google's Android Auto pushes forward, although only by a slight margin. The minimalistic look and lively colors are taken from the Android 5.0 Lollipop environment, and every interface is clean and fluid especially when it comes to navigating the system. Although CarPlay is also designed to be simple and easy to use for drivers, Android Auto has more functions and navigation controls when it comes to interface.
Whatever differences these two car systems have, it seems that auto manufacturers favor both. In recent news, the newest auto manufacturer to get both CarPlay and Android Auto for their upcoming batch of cars is General Motors.
According to GM's announcement, "Cadillac CUE provides owners a smart and simple way to access both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A 'Projection' icon will appear on the CUE screen, to enable simpler, easier access to key smartphone functions, including navigation, contacts, hands-free text messaging and select applications supported by Apple or Google."
