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

As somebody who travels rather a lot for work, I take my in-car expertise extremely severely. Whether or not it is ensuring I’ve the perfect apps for my listening or that my consumer interface fully matches the vibe I am on the lookout for, I am explicit 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 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 turn out to be essential to me — Android Auto beats CarPlay in an enormous method.

From usability to the big selection of apps accessible by way of the Google Play Retailer, to the settings that may be manipulated with ease, there are a number of 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, I assume) the 4 fundamental explanation 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 approach to your automobile display

Merely put, you may customise nearly the whole lot in terms of Android Auto, particularly for those who turn on developer settings. As an illustration, I will 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 highway journeys? Now, take into consideration how usually you alter your media software program. If you happen to’re like me, you most likely fiddle together with your media a number of extra occasions.

Not solely that, however your Android Auto app choice display background can be your cellphone’s background extra occasions than not. For years, folks have been wanting Apple CarPlay so as to add picture backgrounds, however as an alternative, they simply hold churning out the identical type of gradient backgrounds that do not actually add a private contact to your automobile. It makes zero sense why this hasn’t been completed but, however it’s yet one more space the place Android Auto beats CarPlay.

Google Maps interfaces significantly 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 inform you — even once I did or nonetheless do use CarPlay, I be sure 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 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 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 mechanically, 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 significantly better. Google has been on the Maps sport for lots longer than Apple, and it actually reveals.

Gemini leaves Siri within the mud

In terms of AI assistants, Apple is way behind

Credit score: Google

If Apple customers are uninterested in listening to how significantly better Gemini is than Apple Intelligence or Siri, simply cowl your ears now, as a result of I am right here to inform you that the distinction is genuinely astounding. Siri was extremely cool when it first launched, and I am going to admit that it is not fully ineffective. Nonetheless, in terms of in-car private assistants, Gemini beats it handily. The perfect utilization of AI that we have now in our non-autonomous automobiles proper now could be letting it deal with imprecise duties like, “Inform my spouse I am coming house, after which share my ETA together with her.”

Now, for those who advised Siri this, it’d have the ability to deal with care for the primary half, however in terms of linking instructions collectively? Neglect about it. Gemini can do all of this and extra a lot simply. There is a purpose why a number of the prime automakers are ditching CarPlay for Android-based methods. They’re widespread worldwide, not simply within the U.S., and there is a good purpose for that.

A Good Residence consumer’s finest good friend

Controlling my house from the automobile is a game-changer

As somebody whose house is suffering from Google Smart Home devices, being able to regulate all of them from my automobile has been an entire game-changer. As an illustration, say you need to save in your energy invoice by turning up the thermostat in your method out the door within the mornings — a very regular factor to do. With Android Auto’s Good Residence compatibility, you may inform Gemini to show down your thermostat while 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 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 machine versus Apple’s shortcuts. I am positive iPhone customers will probably 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 number of departments, however in-car leisure merely is not one among them.