When shopping for a new vehicle, there are many things that buyers compare and consider. These days, between commuting to work, running errands, and chauffeuring kids around, people spend a lot of time in their cars. To make the time more enjoyable, it is time to consider a vehicle that comes equipped with Apple CarPlay.
Apple CarPlay is a feature that allows you to control the same apps you have on your iPhone. The vehicle’s dashboard displays the apps, which you can access via touchscreen, voice, knobs, or buttons. One of the reasons people love the feature is that you can customize the interface. This means you can move your favorite apps and the ones you use most frequently to the first screen, making them easy and quick to access. The following are other popular reasons people love Apple CarPlay.
1. Safe Hands-Free Driving
Distracted driving is one of the main causes of car accidents, and hands-free driving is one way to stay safe on the road. Apple CarPlay allows for hands-free driving in numerous ways. A standard one is to be able to receive and make calls.
For many people, especially younger drivers, a great feature of this system is it allows you to hear text messages and then respond without removing your hands from the wheel or your eyes away from the road. In fact, the messages do not even show up in writing to tempt you to read them – Siri politely reads you the message. As with your iPhone, you can also ask Siri a variety of questions.
2. Easy Navigation
Nothing is more irritating than trying to find a location you have never been before and not having a good-working navigation system. In the past, a vehicle’s built-in GPS (if it even had one) would often have outdated maps, and it would cost money to update them. With CarPlay, you have access not only to Apple Maps but also to third-party ones, such as Waze and Google Maps.
Using the maps on your phone not only makes it easy to find your way, but it also directs you with current information. Updates are also free, which is nice for the bottom line.
3. Play Apple Music and More
Many people could not imagine driving without having music to keep them entertained. CarPlay allows you to listen to a wide variety of music or talk show apps. A popular one is Apple Music and iTunes. A great feature is if you hear a song on iTunes that you like, you can create a station made up of similar music. Other apps that people take advantage of include Google Play Music, Amazon Music, and Sirius XM.
Perhaps you enjoy listening to podcasts while you drive. Apple CarPlay allows you to access podcasts from a wide variety of topics, such as culture, health, religion, and politics. Stay informed and entertained while sitting in traffic or waiting for your child’s soccer practice to be over.
4. Access a Variety of Apps
Along with entertainment apps, Apple CarPlay allows you to access a wide variety of apps from your phone. Access your Audiobooks app to catch up on your reading. If it is time for dinner, have Siri call your favorite restaurant and make a reservation. Catch up on sports scores or set the temperature at home, so it is comfortable for your arrival.
Keep in mind that not all apps are compatible with Apple CarPlay. The ones that do work will show up on the screen when you connect your phone to CarPlay.
5. Access Your Calendar Easily
People with busy schedules often have a hard time keeping up with their calendars, and it is definitely not safe to check it while driving. CarPlay fixes this issue by giving you a quick and straightforward view of the day. If you have a scheduled phone meeting, CarPlay will help connect you, and you can stay hands-free by using the vehicle’s microphones and speakers.
Contact Autohaus Automotive Solutions
Once someone has discovered Apple CarPlay, it is hard to turn back. Even if you do not currently have Apple CarPlay in your vehicle, you may be able to get it installed in an older vehicle. Contact Autohaus Automotive for installation services and to find out other ways they can support your vehicle.