4 causes I at all times select Android Auto over Apple CarPlay

As somebody who travels quite a bit 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 utterly matches the vibe I am searching for, I am 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 cellphone, 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 develop into essential to me — Android Auto beats CarPlay in a giant method.

From usability to the wide selection of apps out there through the Google Play Retailer, to the settings that may be manipulated with ease, there are a number of the reason why I select to run Android Auto over Apple CarPlay extra instances than not. Nonetheless, we do not have that type of time or house, so I’ve chosen to placed on paper (or display, I assume) the 4 principal the reason why I am going to at all times select Android Auto over Apple CarPlay.

Customization is king

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

Merely put, you possibly can customise nearly all the things relating to Android Auto, particularly in the event you turn on developer settings. As an illustration, I can swap the edges of my display the place the media choice and maps seem. The far aspect of the display is a little bit of a attain for me, and might 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. In case you’re like me, you in all probability fiddle along with your media just a few extra instances.

Not solely that, however your Android Auto app choice display background can also be your cellphone’s background extra instances than not. For years, folks have been wanting Apple CarPlay so as to add picture backgrounds, however as an alternative, 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 hasn’t been performed but, however it’s one more space the place Android Auto beats CarPlay.

Google Maps interfaces a lot better

You do not really feel such as you’re violating an unwritten legislation through the use of a superior map

I’ve a little bit of a secret to let you know — even after I did or nonetheless do use CarPlay, I ensure Google Maps is my solely navigation companion. Nonetheless, you possibly can at all times inform that Google Maps wasn’t precisely made to cater to CarPlay customers, given the native OS at all times steers you again to Apple Maps. As a substitute, Android Auto makes use of Google Maps as its native navigation system, making synchronization way 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 subsequent 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 usually navigate any space a lot better. Google has been on the Maps recreation for lots longer than Apple, and it really exhibits.

Gemini leaves Siri within the mud

Relating to 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 is not utterly ineffective. Nonetheless, relating to in-car private assistants, Gemini beats it handily. The perfect utilization of AI that we’ve got in our non-autonomous vehicles proper now could be letting it deal with obscure duties like, “Inform my spouse I am coming house, after which share my ETA together with her.”

Now, in the event you advised Siri this, it would be capable to deal with deal with the primary half, however relating to linking instructions collectively? Neglect about it. Gemini can do all of this and extra a lot simply. There is a purpose why among the prime automakers are ditching CarPlay for Android-based programs. They’re standard worldwide, not simply within the U.S., and there is a good purpose for that.

A Sensible Dwelling person’s finest good friend

Controlling my house from the automobile is a game-changer

As somebody whose house is affected 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 wish to save in your energy invoice by turning up the thermostat in your method out the door within the mornings — a totally regular factor to do. With Android Auto’s Sensible Dwelling 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 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 might be a bit perturbed that their beloved CarPlay OS is really being stacked up in opposition to Android Auto, however the actuality is that it is for good purpose. Apple can sustain in a variety of departments, however in-car leisure merely is not one among them.