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

As somebody who travels quite a bit 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 person 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 telephone, which is an Android, and a private iPhone. Every has its personal makes use of, and I will save debating between utilizing the 2 as telephones for an additional day, however I am right here to say one factor that is grow to be essential to me — Android Auto beats CarPlay in a giant approach.

From usability to the big selection of apps obtainable through 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 form of time or area, so I’ve chosen to placed on paper (or display screen, I suppose) the 4 predominant explanation why I will 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 screen

Merely put, you possibly can customise nearly all the things in relation to Android Auto, particularly in case you turn on developer settings. As an illustration, I will swap the edges of my display screen the place the media choice and maps seem. The far aspect of the display screen is a little bit of a attain for me, and will 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. In the event you’re like me, you in all probability fiddle together with your media a number of 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, individuals have been wanting Apple CarPlay so as to add picture backgrounds, however as a substitute, they simply preserve 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 carried out but, however it’s yet 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 inform you — even once I did or nonetheless do use CarPlay, I make certain Google Maps is my solely navigation companion. Nonetheless, you possibly can 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 way 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 customarily navigate any space a lot better. Google has been on the Maps sport for lots longer than Apple, and it actually reveals.

Gemini leaves Siri within the mud

In the case 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 inform you that the distinction is genuinely astounding. Siri was extremely cool when it first launched, and I will admit that it’s not fully ineffective. Nonetheless, in relation to in-car private assistants, Gemini beats it handily. The most effective utilization of AI that we’ve got in our non-autonomous vehicles proper now’s letting it deal with obscure duties like, “Inform my spouse I am coming residence, after which share my ETA together with her.”

Now, in case you instructed Siri this, it’d be capable of deal with care for the primary half, however in relation to 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 standard worldwide, not simply within the U.S., and there is a good cause for that.

A Good House person’s greatest buddy

Controlling my residence from the automobile is a game-changer

As somebody whose house is plagued by 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 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 Good House compatibility, you possibly can inform Gemini to show down your thermostat once you get into your automobile after work. Then, after your night commute, you possibly can 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 machine versus Apple’s shortcuts. I am positive iPhone customers will likely 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 cause. Apple can sustain in loads of departments, however in-car leisure merely is not one in all them.