Android Auto and CarPlay Users Rejoice: New App Now Available for Download
On the one hand, you can run navigation on the larger screen in the dashboard. An increased screen estate makes observing the map and following the suggested route much easier. On the other hand, Android Auto and CarPlay also pack voice command support, so you can control everything on the screen hands-free.
The car-optimized experience makes driving safer as well, so at the end of the day, it’s no surprise that the adoption of Android Auto and CarPlay is on the rise – Apple says nearly 8 in 10 U.S. car buyers see CarPlay as a must-have feature and wouldn’t otherwise consider buying a vehicle without this system.
The growing adoption wouldn’t be possible without a continuously expanding app ecosystem, as users must be able to access their favourite services and software right from the dashboard screen. This is precisely what’s happening right now, as more and more apps land on Android Auto and CarPlay.
The latest app that launches on both platforms is WGN Radio, with the official Android and iOS app now coming with a car-optimized interface as well. The feature lineup includes all the options you’d normally expect from such an app, so you can listen to your favourite content, including previous shows. The UI is based on the template available for the other audio apps, so it sports nothing special, but the good news is that it’s really easy to use, requiring just a few taps to start listening to content.
While this app’s debut on Android Auto and CarPlay might not seem much, it’s actually living proof the two-screen projection systems become more appealing for users and developers.
This makes General Motors’ decision to block them even more surprising, especially when looking at Apple’s CarPlay adoption data. The American carmaker will no longer offer Android Auto and CarPlay in its new cars, beginning with the 2024 Blazer EV. The company will go all-in on Android Automotive, promising a more modern experience and new capabilities that wouldn’t otherwise be available via screen mirroring platforms.
Needless to say, GM’s decision generated much criticism in the automotive industry, with potential customers threatening to move to other brands if CarPlay would no longer be offered.
In the meantime, more apps keep landing on Android Auto and CarPlay. Not long ago, Domino’s announced its official app for CarPlay, allowing users to order pizza right from the dashboard screen. OBD apps also make their way to CarPlay, and so do weather apps that will allow users to see the weather forecast for their destination while driving towards it.
