Chevrolet is making history, and it benefits tech enthusiasts. It is the first automaker to launch both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Previously, auto manufacturers have favored one version or the other, rather than first. The new technology will apply to 14 Chevrolet models.
The simultaneous use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be on Chevrolets in their 2016 lineup. The models will have the tech starting in late summer of this year. The news came soon after Hyundai’s announcement that it would have Android Auto available on its Sonata car.
However Chevrolet is expanding to most of its 2016 line of vehicles and, unlike Hyundai, CarPlay and Android Auto won’t be backward compatible in cars already manufactured this year. The reason for not being backward compatible is a new firmware update.
The choices for users of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay won’t be too extravagant to start. There will be a small range of apps available, with an average of one app per category. For example, CarPlay will give you Apple Maps while Android Auto offers Google Maps.
For CarPlay users, if you will get phone, messaging and Apple music, as well as access to third-party applications that are compatible with CarPlay. As for Android Auto, users can enjoy the personal assistant app Google Now (like Apple’s Siri) and Google Play Music.
To be able to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you will need a recent phone, which is compatible and has the recent software installed. Then simply plug your phone into the car’s USB port and the center stack display fills with the app. Users can switch between Android Auto or CarPlay and the apps that come with the car.
Compatable Chevrolet 2016 model cars include: Corvette, 7” Spark, 8” Volt, 8” Impala, 8” Tahoe, 8” Colarado, and 7” or 8” Malibu.