Smartphone integration in your car, today and tomorrow
Smartphone integration in cars has come a long way since Bluetooth. Automakers such as Nissan, Mazda and BMW offer apps that let you control your smartphone from your car’s touchscreen. While most of these systems allow you to use voice controls to access your device while driving, they also mostly limit the types of apps you can use to those that deal with navigation, communication and audio playback.
After years of clunky infotainment systems, Apple and Google are now entering the smartphone integration market in a big way. More than 40 automakers have already signed up for Google’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While only a handful of vehicles have these systems at the moment, many automakers plan to ditch their in-house integration systems and offer both Google and Apple platforms in 2016 vehicles.
Here’s where things are heading: Google Android Auto Launched in 2014, Android Auto allows you to interact with your Android device while driving. Once your phone is connected, apps are projected onto your car’s dash and can be accessed via touchscreen or voice control. In order to combat distracted driving, Google limits available apps to those dealing with communication, navigation, weather and audio playback. The system is currently available in select 2015 Hyundai vehicles. You can also install it in your car with an aftermarket unit from Pioneer.
More than 40 automakers plan to have Android Auto available in 2016 vehicles. In the future, consumers can expect a system that enhances safe driving by making apps and information more easily accessible. Apple CarPlay Unveiled in 2014, CarPlay allows you to use your iPhone’s basic features while driving. Using BlackBerry’s QNX operating system and compatible with iPhone, CarPlay displays a selection of apps on your car’s dash, mostly dealing with communication, navigation and audio playback. Controlled with your car’s touchscreen, its knobs and dials or through voice via Siri. CarPlay can read out texts and let you reply by voice. At the moment, CarPlay is available in the Ferrari FF. Several other automakers, like Volvo and Hyundai, plan to include CarPlay in models released later this year. You can also use CarPlay with a Pioneer aftermarket unit.
More than 40 automakers plan to have CarPlay available in 2016 vehicles. Apple also plans to let third party developers add CarPlay compatibility to their apps, which means that CarPlay’s functionality will likely grow exponentially. BlackBerry QNX CAR Platform BlackBerry’s platform has been a mainstay in vehicle infotainment systems for years. The Canadian system generally operates as a smartphone integration platform that automakers are able to customize. By connecting your smartphone to your car’s dash, QNX offers touchscreen and voice-controlled navigation, audio playback and hands-free calling while also giving you access features such as lane departure warnings and rearview cameras. Third party apps are also supported. QNX is compatible with most smartphone operating systems.
In the future, QNX hopes to offer bigger displays, improved speech recognition, and better access to vehicle information on your phone when you’re away from your car. As cloud functionality improves, QNX expects that smartphones will no longer serve as intermediaries between drivers and their cars. Ford SYNC Now in its second generation, Sync allows voice-activated calling, navigation and music control as well as an emergency-assist program that uses your phone’s GPS to tell first responders where you are. The system, which is being replaced by Sync 3, is compatible with most smartphone operating systems.
Sync 3 will be available in Canada this summer and promises a more user-friendly experience by building on existing Sync functionality with more sensitive tablet-like touch screens, simple chunky dashboard displays and more intelligent voice recognition. Optimized for handsfree use, Ford is even providing tools to app developers so they can make apps Sync-compatible.