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

As somebody who travels lots for work, I take my in-car expertise extremely critically. Whether or not it is ensuring I’ve the most effective 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 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 utilizing the 2 as telephones for an additional day, however I am right here to say one factor that is develop into essential to me — Android Auto beats CarPlay in an enormous approach.

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 occasions than not. Nonetheless, we do not have that sort of time or area, so I’ve chosen to placed on paper (or display screen, I assume) the 4 predominant the reason 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 option to your automobile display screen

Merely put, you’ll be able to customise nearly all the pieces on the subject of Android Auto, particularly in the event you turn on developer settings. As an example, I will swap the perimeters of my display screen the place the media choice and maps seem. The far facet of the display screen is a little bit of a attain for me, and may 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. If you happen to’re like me, you in all probability fiddle together with your media just a few 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, folks have been wanting Apple CarPlay so as to add picture backgrounds, however as a substitute, they only preserve 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 executed 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 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 ensure 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 far 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 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 routinely, 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 actually exhibits.

Gemini leaves Siri within the mud

On the subject of AI assistants, Apple is much behind

Credit score: Google

If Apple customers are bored with 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, on the subject of in-car private assistants, Gemini beats it handily. The very best utilization of AI that we’ve got in our non-autonomous automobiles proper now’s letting it deal with obscure duties like, “Inform my spouse I am coming residence, after which share my ETA along with her.”

Now, in the event you informed Siri this, it’d have the ability to deal with maintain the primary half, however on the subject of linking instructions collectively? Overlook about it. Gemini can do all of this and extra a lot simply. There is a cause why a few of the prime automakers are ditching CarPlay for Android-based programs. They’re common worldwide, not simply within the U.S., and there is a good cause for that.

A Sensible Residence person’s finest pal

Controlling my residence 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 example, say you wish 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 Residence compatibility, you’ll be able to inform Gemini to show down your thermostat if you get into your automobile after work. Then, after your night commute, you’ll be able to come residence and never have to fret about letting the home cool off earlier than you get snug.

Apple has made some strides in the 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 can be a bit perturbed that their beloved CarPlay OS is actually being stacked up towards Android Auto, however the actuality is that it is for good cause. Apple can sustain in numerous departments, however in-car leisure merely is not one in every of them.