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Apple's risky bet on CarPlay

theturnsignalblog.com

331–340 of 537 posts

Re: Apple's risky bet on CarPlay

#331
post #181

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> But, between 2013 and 2017, things were a complete mess. In-car systems were too integrated to be replaceable with a third party 2-DIN unit, but too primitive to run carplay/AA Mazda sells a retrofit kit for their 2014 (Mazda 3) / 2016 (other models) and newer cars that didn't come with native CP/AA. It's about $200 and DIY if you're the least bit handy: https://mazdaparts.org/mazda-3-smartphone-mirroring-kit.html

Sadly my 2014 CX-5 is not supported.

I replaced my 2014 CX-5 head unit with a 3rd party unit which supports CarPlay/AA, integrates with the steering controls, the factory Bose amplifier and retains the ability to change the car settings through the head unit. Took about 2 1/2 hours to install it.

Re: Apple's risky bet on CarPlay

#332
post #294
post #284

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I would never consider buying GM. I was, in the past, a UAW shop steward.

I once bought a GM vehicle. Never again.

My family had GM cars when I was a child, decades ago. Never would I seriously consider buying a GM.

Re: Apple's risky bet on CarPlay

#333

It’s amusing when the author says “when the phone crashes.” My 2022 Subaru Outback head unit frequently crashes or is really unresponsive. My iPhone never crashes. Car infotainment systems are garbage. I’d never buy a car without CarPlay. It’s maybe the #1 measure I have for vehicle quality when I rent on vacation.

FWIW Teslas infotainment works better than CarPlay

It has a far more limited selection of apps and Some I use daily are not available so it really doesn’t matter if it works better because for me it doesn’t work at all.

Re: Apple's risky bet on CarPlay

#334
post #275

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Doesn't matter because CarPlay and AA allow you to bring whatever apps you want to with you. If you listen to podcasts or books on your phone, you can continue them from the CarPlay/AA interface next time you drive. CarPlay and Android Auto give you the choice of your own app and full integration with the rest of your listening life.

That's a statement about audio playing only though. To first approximation the core job of a car infotainment product is map and navigation display. Everything else is noise.

Offline maps such as Gaia don’t work on Tesla so that is it failing at its job compared to CarPlay

Re: Apple's risky bet on CarPlay

#335

It’s amusing when the author says “when the phone crashes.” My 2022 Subaru Outback head unit frequently crashes or is really unresponsive. My iPhone never crashes. Car infotainment systems are garbage. I’d never buy a car without CarPlay. It’s maybe the #1 measure I have for vehicle quality when I rent on vacation.

Also I find it CarPlay crashes or hangs you just unplug/replug and it works

Re: Apple's risky bet on CarPlay

#336

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Don't Japanese people have smartphones or tablets with navigation on them that they can use? I'd rather cars just have a place I can mount my own device, rather than include any kind of screen whatsoever with crappy un-updated, un-maintained software.

Cars can have better GPS reception, which is important when you're trying to drive in an urban area with a lot of buildings. Phones are bad at accuracy there. (CarPlay can provide car GPS to the phone though.)

My iPhone 12 has much better reception then my 22 Tacoma even when tossed on the passenger seat.

Like waaaaaay better and more accurate

Re: Apple's risky bet on CarPlay

#337
post #34

There's an interesting gap when discussing carplay/aa. Cars from the 90s up until about 2013 can be easily fitted with a $500 head unit upgrade, and support carplay quite well. With the right tools, it can be done in about two hours right in your driveway. Cars from 2018 and up pretty universally support carplay, and it's generally quite well integrated into the car's infotainment system. But, between 2013 and 2017,…

I have a 2014 Mazda CX-5 and a 2017 Subaru Outback. I have replaced the head units in both with 3rd party units which support CarPlay/AA. Both installations were easy and took about 2-3 hours. Both support changing the car settings through the 3rd party headhunt, integrate with the steering wheel controls, factory backup camera and the factory installed amplifiers (Bose and Harmon Kardon). The key to these integrations were iDatalink Maestro units. I ordered mine through Crutchfield but most decent car audio websites will generate an installation package including the appropriate wire harnesses, iDatalink unit, 2-DIN adapter and trim pieces once you select a head unit to purchase.

Re: Apple's risky bet on CarPlay

#338
post #297
post #167

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Toyota offering a V8 (both gas and diesel) in its trucks would change the market in a big way.

I’m surprised Toyota doesn’t offer a hybrid pickup similar to Ford’s. I wish any manufacturer offered a 250-class electric truck with a basic trim line. They probably want to sell more cars per battery for now.

Tacoma and tundra both come in hybrid now

Re: Apple's risky bet on CarPlay

#339

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Top of my head, most car makers aren't rolling their own. It's either off the shelf with some white labeling or they buy it from another care manufacturer. i.e. Mazda default infotainment can be found in some Toyotas

Not sure if there's any more to it than this, but the Toyota Yaris is a rebadged Mazda 2. I suspect you won't find Mazda infotainment in other Toyota models, though.

I think you're right.

Also, the Mazda infotainment in the mid-late 2010s was made by Johnson Controls. The newer systems might be too, I don't know.

Re: Apple's risky bet on CarPlay

#340
post #181

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> But, between 2013 and 2017, things were a complete mess. In-car systems were too integrated to be replaceable with a third party 2-DIN unit, but too primitive to run carplay/AA Mazda sells a retrofit kit for their 2014 (Mazda 3) / 2016 (other models) and newer cars that didn't come with native CP/AA. It's about $200 and DIY if you're the least bit handy: https://mazdaparts.org/mazda-3-smartphone-mirroring-kit.html

Sadly my 2014 CX-5 is not supported.

Seems like there are third party options if you google it
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