4 causes I all the time select Android Auto over Apple CarPlay (and why it is best to, too)

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

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

Customization is king

One of many greatest Apple gripes makes its solution to your automobile display screen

Merely put, you possibly can customise nearly all the things with regards to Android Auto, particularly when you turn on developer settings. As an example, I will swap the perimeters of my display screen the media choice and maps seem on. The far aspect of the display screen is a little bit of a attain for me, and could be distracting. Nevertheless, how typically do you alter your maps on highway journeys? Now, take into consideration how typically you alter your media software program. I think about you, like me, fiddle along with your media a number of extra occasions.

Not solely that, however your Android Auto app choice display screen background can be your telephone’s background extra occasions than not. For years, individuals have been wanting Apple CarPlay so as to add picture backgrounds, however as an alternative, they only hold churning out the identical fashion of gradient backgrounds that do not actually add a private contact to your automobile. It makes zero sense why this merely hasn’t been accomplished, however alas, it is one other space the place Android Auto beats CarPlay.

Google Maps interfaces significantly better

You do not really feel such as you’re committing taboo by utilizing the superior map

I’ve a little bit of a secret to let you know, expensive reader — even once I did or nonetheless do use CarPlay, I be sure Google Maps is my solely navigation companion. Nevertheless, you possibly can 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 a substitute, Android Auto makes use of Google Maps as its native navigation system, making synchronization far more seamless.

Along with the software program operating 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 robotically, nevertheless 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 recreation for lots longer than Apple, and it actually reveals.

Gemini leaves Siri within the mud

In relation to 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’s not utterly ineffective. Nevertheless, with regards to in-car private assistants, Gemini beats it handidly. The perfect utilization of AI that now we have in our non-autonomous vehicles proper now could be letting it deal with obscure duties like, “Inform my spouse I am coming dwelling, after which share my ETA along with her.”

Now, when you advised Siri this, it would be capable of deal with deal with the primary half, however with regards to linking instructions collectively? Neglect about it. Gemini can do all of this and extra far more simply. There is a purpose why a few of the prime automakers are ditching CarPlay for Android-based programs. They’re fashionable everywhere in the globe as an alternative of simply within the U.S., and there is a good purpose for that.

A Good Residence consumer’s greatest pal

Controlling my dwelling from the automobile is a recreation changer

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

Apple has made some strides in direction of this with iOS 26, certain, however as I’ve already mentioned, there’s actual worth within the native capabilities of an Android system versus Apple’s shortcuts. I am certain iPhone customers will probably 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 purpose. Apple can sustain in a number of departments, however in-car leisure merely is not considered one of them.