4 causes I all the time select Android Auto over Apple CarPlay

As somebody who travels lots for work, I take my in-car expertise extremely severely. Whether or not it is ensuring I’ve the perfect apps for my listening or that my person interface utterly matches the vibe I am searching for, I am explicit about something associated to my automotive and the way I take pleasure in utilizing it. A lot in order that I’ve each a piece cellphone, which is an Android, and a private iPhone. Every has its personal makes use of, and I am going to save debating between utilizing the 2 as telephones for one more day, however I am right here to say one factor that is grow to be essential to me — Android Auto beats CarPlay in an enormous method.

From usability to the wide selection of apps out there through the Google Play Retailer, to the settings that may be manipulated with ease, there are a number of explanation why I select to run Android Auto over Apple CarPlay extra instances than not. Nonetheless, we do not have that sort of time or house, so I’ve chosen to placed on paper (or display, I suppose) the 4 major explanation why I am going to all the time select Android Auto over Apple CarPlay.

Customization is king

One of many largest Apple gripes makes its technique to your automotive display

Merely put, you may customise nearly every part in terms of Android Auto, particularly for those who turn on developer settings. As an example, I can swap the edges of my display the place the media choice and maps seem. The far aspect of the display is a little bit of a attain for me, and will be distracting. Nonetheless, how typically do you modify your maps on highway journeys? Now, take into consideration how typically you modify your media software program. For those who’re like me, you most likely fiddle along with your media a couple of extra instances.

Not solely that, however your Android Auto app choice display background can be your cellphone’s background extra instances than not. For years, folks have been wanting Apple CarPlay so as to add picture backgrounds, however as an alternative, they only maintain churning out the identical model of gradient backgrounds that do not actually add a private contact to your automotive. It makes zero sense why this hasn’t been completed but, however it’s yet one more space the place Android Auto beats CarPlay.

Google Maps interfaces significantly better

You do not really feel such as you’re violating an unwritten regulation through the use of a superior map

I’ve a little bit of a secret to let you know — even after I did or nonetheless do use CarPlay, I make sure that Google Maps is my solely navigation companion. Nonetheless, you may all the time inform that Google Maps wasn’t precisely made to cater to CarPlay customers, given the native OS all the time steers you again to Apple Maps. As an alternative, Android Auto makes use of Google Maps as its native navigation system, making synchronization far more seamless.

Along with the software program working smoother, issues like satellite tv for pc viewing can be found to assist customers get a greater sense of the place the following flip is. Talking of performance, Google Maps is jam-packed with extra useful options than Apple Maps. I can save my parking spot with only a faucet (Apple is meant to do that routinely, however it misses), filter eating places by dietary wants — which is tremendous useful when my vegan in-laws go to us — and customarily navigate any space significantly better. Google has been on the Maps sport for lots longer than Apple, and it really exhibits.

Gemini leaves Siri within the mud

In the case of AI assistants, Apple is way behind

Credit score: Google

If Apple customers are uninterested in listening to how significantly better Gemini is than Apple Intelligence or Siri, simply cowl your ears now, as a result of I am right here to let you know that the distinction is genuinely astounding. Siri was extremely cool when it first launched, and I am going to admit that it is not utterly ineffective. Nonetheless, in terms of in-car private assistants, Gemini beats it handily. The most effective utilization of AI that now we have in our non-autonomous automobiles proper now’s letting it deal with imprecise duties like, “Inform my spouse I am coming residence, after which share my ETA along with her.”

Now, for those who advised Siri this, it’d be capable to deal with maintain the primary half, however in terms of linking instructions collectively? Neglect about it. Gemini can do all of this and extra a lot simply. There is a motive why a number of the prime automakers are ditching CarPlay for Android-based techniques. They’re standard worldwide, not simply within the U.S., and there is a good motive for that.

A Sensible Dwelling person’s finest pal

Controlling my residence from the automotive is a game-changer

As somebody whose house is plagued by Google Smart Home devices, being able to regulate all of them from my automotive has been an entire game-changer. As an example, say you need to save in your energy invoice by turning up the thermostat in your method out the door within the mornings — a totally regular factor to do. With Android Auto’s Sensible Dwelling compatibility, you may inform Gemini to show down your thermostat while you get into your automotive after work. Then, after your night commute, you may come residence and never have to fret about letting the home cool off earlier than you get snug.

Apple has made some strides in the direction of this with iOS 26, positive, however as I’ve already mentioned, there’s actual worth within the native capabilities of an Android gadget versus Apple’s shortcuts. I am positive iPhone customers can be a bit perturbed that their beloved CarPlay OS is really being stacked up towards Android Auto, however the actuality is that it is for good motive. Apple can sustain in a variety of departments, however in-car leisure merely is not one in every of them.