4 causes I all the time select Android Auto over Apple CarPlay (and why you need to, too)

As somebody who travels lots for work, I take my in-car expertise extremely critically. Whether or not it is ensuring I’ve the very best apps for my listening or that my person interface fully matches the vibe I am on the lookout for, I am a bit specific about something associated to my automobile and the way I get pleasure from 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 an additional day, however I am right here to say one factor that is change into crucial to me — Android Auto beats CarPlay in an enormous approach.

From usability to the wide 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. Nonetheless, we do not have that type of time or house, so I’ve chosen to placed on paper (or display screen, I assume) the 4 fundamental 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 approach to your automobile display screen

Merely put, you may customise nearly all the pieces on the subject of Android Auto, particularly should you turn on developer settings. As an illustration, I can 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 might be distracting. Nonetheless, how typically do you alter your maps on street journeys? Now, take into consideration how typically you alter your media software program. I think about you, like me, fiddle together with your media a couple 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 a substitute, they simply maintain 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 performed, however alas, it is one other space the place Android Auto beats CarPlay.

Google Maps interfaces a lot better

You do not really feel such as you’re committing taboo through the use of the superior map

I’ve a little bit of a secret to let you know, pricey reader — even after I did or nonetheless do use CarPlay, I be certain 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 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, 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 a lot better. Google has been on the Maps recreation for lots longer than Apple, and it really reveals.

Gemini leaves Siri within the mud

On the subject of AI assistants, Apple is much behind

Credit score: Google

If Apple customers are uninterested in listening to how a lot 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, on the subject of in-car private assistants, Gemini beats it handidly. The perfect utilization of AI that we’ve in our non-autonomous automobiles proper now could be letting it deal with obscure duties like, “Inform my spouse I am coming house, after which share my ETA along with her.”

Now, should you advised Siri this, it’d have the ability to deal with care for the primary half, however on the subject of linking instructions collectively? Neglect about it. Gemini can do all of this and extra far more simply. There is a cause why a few of the high automakers are ditching CarPlay for Android-based methods. They’re standard everywhere in the globe as a substitute of simply within the U.S., and there is a good cause for that.

A Sensible House person’s finest buddy

Controlling my house 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 a whole game-changer. As an illustration, say you need to save in your energy invoice by turning up the thermostat in your approach out the door within the mornings — a totally regular factor to do. With Android Auto’s Sensible House compatibility, you may inform Gemini to show down your thermostat if you get into your automobile after work. Then, after your night commute, you may come house and never have to fret about letting the home cool off earlier than you get comfy.

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 machine versus Apple’s shortcuts. I am certain iPhone customers can 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 cause. Apple can sustain in quite a lot of departments, however in-car leisure merely is not considered one of them.