Many automotive manufacturers, in fact almost all, now include Apple Car Play and Android Auto as part of their infotainment system. Its all part of the drive to make sure you are connected at all times.
For many drivers, who have their life on their smart phones, the availability of these features is an integral part of the decision making process for buying a car.
Having these connectivity systems is now expected, as is seat belts, indicators and an engine. It is a revolution happening before our eyes.
There are advantages though, it is inherently safer to use the voice activated system, rather than hold the phone in your hand and use while driving, not to mention that doing so is illegal and just plain dumb!
There are also some disadvantages, like where the system uses your smart phone for the GPS. That is all good until you run out of reception. Then its not so much fun.
Personally I prefer to be somewhat detatched at times so Apple Car Play can be annoying. One of these days I will learnto use SIRI.
Anyway watch the video where Alan, who is an avid Apple Car Play user, tries to teach David the why’s and wherefores of Apple Car Play
For those that like to read I have taken the following from the Apple website, thanks Apple. It details how to use Apple Car Play and what to do if it doesnt work.
Set up CarPlay with your iPhone
With select cars and stereos, you can use CarPlay to get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, and more.
Set up CarPlay
- Make sure that your car or stereo supports Carplay.
- Plug your iPhone into the CarPlay USB port. The USB port might be labeled with a CarPlay icon or a smartphone icon. If the CarPlay Home screen doesn’t appear, select the CarPlay logo on your car’s display.
- If your car supports CarPlay over a wired solution, plug your iPhone into the USB port of your car. The USB port might be labeled with a CarPlay icon or a smartphone icon.
- If your car supports wireless CarPlay, press and hold the Voice Control button on your steering wheel to set up CarPlay. Or make sure that your car is in wireless or Bluetooth pairing mode. Then on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay > Available Cars and select your car. See your car’s manual for more information.
- Make sure that your car is running.
- Ask Siri for what you need. You can do this in a few ways:
- Touch and hold the Home button on your iPhone until Siri appears on your stereo display. Then ask what you need.
- If your car has one, press and hold the Voice Control button on your steering wheel. Then ask what you need.
Get help
If CarPlay doesn’t work like you expect, here’s what you can check. After each step, try using CarPlay again.
- Make sure that Siri is turned on.
- Restart your iPhone and your car. Depending on your car, you might see the CarPlay Home screen when you turn it on. If you don’t, look for the CarPlay logo on your car’s display.
- If possible, connect your iPhone to a different USB port in your car.
- Try a different Lightning to USB cable. Make sure that the cable is certified.
- Update to the latest version of iOS.
- Check your car’s manual for help. You might need to install firmware updates for your stereo.
