Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are Bringing More Features to the Masses
Spreading connectivity and redefining basic transportation
Driving the 2018 Hyundai Accent is proof that the idea of basic transportation has evolved. Like its sister vehicle, the 2018 Kia Rio, the 2018 Accent offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, two apps that are bringing new features and in-car connectivity to more consumers across a wide range of segments, including entry-level vehicles bought primarily by price-conscious customers.
In addition to the 2018 Hyundai Accent and 2018 Kia Rio, a number of vehicles from other automakers have eschewed built-in navigation systems. Instead, they rely on Android Auto or Apple CarPlay as the center piece of the multimedia experience. Even if this is a cost-cutting measure, it's one that doesn't come with much repercussions because you gain access to a wide range of apps including Google Maps, Waze, and Spotify on the car's main screen by merely having a compatible smartphone.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are the democratization of features once unavailable to affordable vehicles. Just a few years ago, you'd needed to move up to at least a compact car to get features such as navigation and a USB port. However, now that USB ports are standard in many vehicles, your mobile device can be fully integrated with your vehicle and give you access to features such as navigation and music apps with minimal distraction. You do, however, need to watch your mobile data because using apps within Android Auto and Apple CarPlay does eat into that. Additionally, the map apps become less useful when you lose cell signal, meaning you won't have be able to use Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze in specific areas. That means they can be unusable if you plan on going out on an adventure into the wilderness. Thankfully, Google Maps and Waze allow you to download maps to use offline, which should help alleviate that issue. Keep in mind, however, that you'll need to re-download the maps on Google Maps after a certain time to keep it updated. The phone and media apps won't have the same level of functionality because your contact list and media folders can't be accessed while Android Auto or Apple CarPlay are active, forcing you to guess a person's phone number and whether or not you have songs from a specific artist.
Expect an increasing number of cars to get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as automakers debut updated versions of their infotainment systems, keeping everyone well connected.
