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

As somebody who travels loads 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 consumer interface fully matches the vibe I am on the lookout for, I am specific 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 telephone, 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 manner.

From usability to the wide selection of apps out there by way of 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 form of time or area, so I’ve chosen to placed on paper (or display screen, I suppose) the 4 foremost 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 approach to your automotive display screen

Merely put, you’ll be able to customise nearly every part in the case of Android Auto, particularly in the event you turn on developer settings. For example, I will swap the edges of my display screen the place the media choice and maps seem. The far aspect of the display screen is a little bit of a attain for me, and may be distracting. Nonetheless, how usually do you alter your maps on street journeys? Now, take into consideration how usually you alter your media software program. When you’re like me, you in all probability fiddle together with your media just a few extra instances.

Not solely that, however your Android Auto app choice display screen background can also be your telephone’s background extra instances than not. For years, individuals have been wanting Apple CarPlay so as to add picture backgrounds, however as an alternative, they simply preserve churning out the identical type of gradient backgrounds that do not actually add a private contact to your automotive. It makes zero sense why this hasn’t been carried out but, but it surely’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 once I did or nonetheless do use CarPlay, I be sure that Google Maps is my solely navigation companion. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to 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 rather 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 robotically, but it surely misses), filter eating places by dietary wants — which is tremendous useful when my vegan in-laws go to us — and usually 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 relation to AI assistants, Apple is much behind

Credit score: Google

If Apple customers are bored with 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 fully ineffective. Nonetheless, in the case of in-car private assistants, Gemini beats it handily. One of the best utilization of AI that we now have in our non-autonomous automobiles 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, in the event you informed Siri this, it’d be capable of deal with handle the primary half, however in the case of linking instructions collectively? Overlook about it. Gemini can do all of this and extra a lot simply. There is a motive why among the prime automakers are ditching CarPlay for Android-based techniques. They’re in style worldwide, not simply within the U.S., and there is a good motive for that.

A Good Dwelling consumer’s greatest buddy

Controlling my dwelling from the automotive is a game-changer

As somebody whose house is suffering from Google Smart Home devices, being able to manage all of them from my automotive has been a whole game-changer. For example, say you need to save in your energy invoice by turning up the thermostat in your manner out the door within the mornings — a totally regular factor to do. With Android Auto’s Good Dwelling compatibility, you’ll be able to inform Gemini to show down your thermostat if you get into your automotive after work. Then, after your night commute, you’ll be able to 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, positive, however as I’ve already mentioned, there’s actual worth within the native capabilities of an Android system versus Apple’s shortcuts. I am positive iPhone customers might be a bit perturbed that their beloved CarPlay OS is actually being stacked up in opposition to Android Auto, however the actuality is that it is for good motive. Apple can sustain in quite a lot of departments, however in-car leisure merely is not one in all them.