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Apple CarPlay? Meh.

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by schja01, Sep 4, 2019.

  1. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

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    My son just got his 2020 Corolla LE Hybrid. It comes with Apple CarPlay which he asked me to help him get it working. We got it working but honestly I don’t see what all the hubbub is about. As far as I can see it just makes an extra copy of the iPhone screen on the car’s LCD and changes the GUI a bit. Not sure the inclusion or lack of CarPlay would be a factor in my upcoming car purchasing decisions. The fact you need a cable is a step backwards IMO.
    I was expecting something that would knock my socks off but both are still on as are both of my shoes.
    Just my two cents.
    :(
     
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  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    It’s basically allowing users to use the car’s larger screen instead of mounting the phone on the windshield or air vent.

    The idea is that it reduces distraction by coercing users that these are the “approved” apps while driving and that they won’t be tempted to fiddle with other apps if they were using their phone directly.

    Google maps on a car’s screen is nicer since it is larger. But the in-app interface leave something to be desired. (Google does intentionally leave out feature on the iPhone version).

    But, like you, I find the need to plug in my phone every time a hassle. Since 2009, I’ve been able to get in and go and have the phone automatically connect for phone and music as well as having a built in nav. Only in certain cases, will I find plugging a phone in my convenient (like travelling on a road trip - it is easier to find things on the phone and just plug and go).
     
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  3. mr88cet

    mr88cet Senior Member

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    All in all, I’m fine with the O’Toyta () built-in NAV, call-making, text-reading, etc., although it certainly has its quirks, for sure...

    As I read it, the biggest benefit is that it’s both on the car’s screen and also integrated with your phone’s other functionality. So, for example, if somebody texts you a map link, you can navigate to it, as viewed on the car’s own screen.
     
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  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    I really appreciate the Carplay setup for navigation on longer trips.

    I got over the act of plugging it in along with buckling up my seat belt. Never felt like much of a tradeoff.
     
  5. will the engineer

    will the engineer Active Member

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    plugging it in is a first world problem

    the ease of map use on google maps is leagues ahead of toyota's nav choice.

    Plus it keeps the phone charged which is nice :)

    I wonder if wired has less of a dealy issue than bluetooth.
     
  6. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Bluetooth will also use more battery life.
     
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  7. roypaik

    roypaik Member

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    I agree with most people here... at first apple carplay seems basic, BUT the small integrations like typing on the phone rather than the screen, having siri access, mirroring on a bigger screen, sound quality (vs. bluetooth), less lag, etc. I dont think I can go back to no carplay... Hence I waited for the 2020 prime.
     
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i would just like it for google nav vs toyota trash
     
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  9. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

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    Charging Pad.
     
  10. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    If the car has it. Not all Carplay equipped cars do.
     
  11. roypaik

    roypaik Member

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    Forgot about that... HUGE HUGE perk.
     
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  12. bluespruce

    bluespruce Member

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    I am considering getting a Iphone after using an Android for the last 10 years. Using carplay in my cars is a big plus from what I have seen. My family mostly has Iphones and they love them for the most part. Another benefit is I like keeping up on technology and shifting computer platforms helps you stay sharp. There is only two platforms left here in the US and I want to stay current with them. I think they have pluses and minuses but do the same things at this point and are equally amazing.
     
  13. Northerner

    Northerner Active Member

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    Like everyone else, I was a bit disappointed by having to plug my phone in. In fact a few times I realized it was still plugged in as I was checking out in the grocery store (the phone is also my wallet). It also refuses to start up at times unless I fiddle with the phone. Eventually CarPlay starts but I haven’t figured out how to get it to reliably do so on demand.
    Overall, though, I would still want it on any car with a screen. There is clearly room for improvement, though.
     
  14. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    There are now aftermarket wireless carplay/auto solutions that connect to the headunit's USB port. IIRC most of these wireless adapter solutions, which are cheaper obviously than buying a whole new wireless headunit, only work with an OEM headunit that is android based.

    Random example (not a recommendation): Carplay Dongle Display USB Adapter Auto Smartphone Link Receiver Map/Music/Navigation For Android For IPhone - Walmart.com - Walmart.com

    YMMV
     
  15. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    For me, if Toyota keeps the same rebate deal as they did for the past years, trading in my 2020 PP LE to 2021 PP LE to use the Android Auto with my good old Pixel XL would be cheaper than buying a new iPhone 12. lol

    I just can not justify paying that much for a phone. Not a big Apple fan. Unless they change the marketing strategy, I will not buy their product.
     
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  16. bluespruce

    bluespruce Member

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    Well after 10+ years I am using an Apple Iphone12 and Carplay. It works well and is easy. i would recommend the switch if your cars only have Carplay like my Prius Prime and BMW's. If anything Apple software is easier that Android but both have improved and work well. i also like how now I now know both cell phone systems pretty well which keeps my tech skills sharp.
     
    #16 bluespruce, Dec 23, 2020
    Last edited: Dec 23, 2020
  17. MichinZen

    MichinZen New Member

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    Coming to a car with CarPlay built-in after having using my phone in a car mount for so many years is like a whole new world for me right now. Really refreshing to see maps and music from the phone on the screen and I like how it really allows me to put the phone away and just get the essential functions I need. (I'm sure it must be the same experience for Android Auto)

    I feel like plugging-in for now is a small price to pay but then again I'm a newb; I'm sure I'll want wireless once I get used to it. Though, I heard there are USB dongles that can provide wireless CarPlay these days...
     
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  18. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

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    When iPhone goes portless is there a connectivity workaround?
     
  19. bluespruce

    bluespruce Member

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    Another option is getting an Apple Se Iphone or a Iphone 11 on sale so you can keep your 2020. The phone switch is easy. I still use Gmail and Google photos and all the same music, waze, google maps, search engines and a ton of apps. I have switched from an Iphone to Android a few times in the past but they have made it really easy now. Easier and cheaper than changing cars that is for sure. I really can't say if Iphone or Android is better than the other as they do the same functions. I also haven't found any key feature one can do that the other can't do. And lastly the Apple Carplay on the Prius prime is fine even if you have to plug it in. It is worth the effort to switch phones.
     
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  20. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Thanks for the reply. I just sold my 2020 PP for a ~$4000 profit. Dropping it off tomorrow. I didn't sell it to just change to 2021 PP to use AA, but as I said, I am not going to buy Apple products. And I am not driving a car much currently, so all are moot points for me. I have not decided what to get for my next car. It may be a newer PP again or might be Rav4Prime, but more likely a BEV like Leaf or Kona. In any case, they should all have AA by the time I need my next daily drive.;)
     
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