Apple and Google's rivalry for smartphone software dominance has gone on for years, and now it has begun to spill over to the smart cars industry with the release of the CarPlay and Android Auto systems.
Both smartphone integration systems offer impressive features for better navigation, messaging and audio streaming, but both also have their own limitations.
It's time to find out which of the two competing brands will work well for your driving needs.
Home Screen
As far as the organization of the apps on the Home screen goes, both the CarPlay and the Android Auto follow the stylistic design of the operating systems for their respective smartphone counterparts.
The apps and functions featured on CarPlay are presented in large icons and arranged in a flat organizational format reminiscent of the structure used on the iPhone.
The system is easily accessible because all of its functions do not go more than one level deep; there are no submenus, lists or folders that users would have to sift through. This simplistic style works well to the CarPlay's advantage.
The functions for Android Auto are all arranged at the bottom edge of the screen. This allows users to switch from one feature to another without having to pull up the Home screen.
To access one of the audio apps installed, all a user has to do is to tap the icon of the headphone twice and a list of cards will be brought up onscreen.
One unique feature of the Android Auto is its use of the Google Now, a live-updating system that displays various information cards the user might need while driving, such as weather updates, notifications and shortcuts to likely destinations. The types of information showed onscreen are based on the user's habits and previous searches.
The CarPlay does not display as much information onscreen as the Android Auto but it does make up for it in the way it notifies users about what they need to know.
If a user missed a text message, the CarPlay will show a small red circle on the upper-right corner of the screen, a number corresponding to how many messages have been missed.
On the other hand, notifications for missed messages on the Android Auto are shuffled into the list of cards the Google Now system displays.
Navigation System
Navigation for the Android Auto is handled by Google Maps. The onscreen maps are well-drawn and its turn-by-turn directions are easy to understand. It also provides users with suggestions on alternate routes, verbal updates on traffic and even the time when a specific business establishment you are heading to is about to close.
Google Maps also works well with Android Auto's Google Now system, integrating available maps with suggested destinations and other commute information through its shuffling cards.
CarPlay uses Apple Maps for its navigation. While the software is as effective at helping drivers find better routes as Google Maps, many people seem to prefer using Google's system over Apple's.
Both the Android Auto and the CarPlay systems do not allow the use of third-party navigation apps such as TomTom, Scout or Waze. They are also limited when it comes to offline routing and mapping capabilities.
Messaging
Much like the iPhone, the CarPlay only supports Apple's native messaging application. Users can have messages read aloud with a push of a button, and they can send out replies through the voice dictation software Siri.
The Android Auto is more inclusive when it comes to integrating third-party messaging services. It supports Google's own Hangouts, Skype, Kik, WhatsApp, ICQ and other apps. Messages received can be read aloud through the text-to-speech system and can be replied to using voice commands.
Music Streaming
Audio streaming for the two smart car systems also reflects their respective smartphone counterparts.
Android Auto features Google Play Music while also supporting third-party music apps such as Spotify, Tune-in Radio and Radioplayer, which is exclusive to users in the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, CarPlay promotes the use of Apple's iTunes and supports Rdio, Dash Radio, Stitcher, Overcast and Audible.
Compatibility
Smartphones compatible with the Apple CarPlay include the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s. Older iPhones must have a Lightning connector at the back instead of an old 30-pin connector and the latest version of iOS installed to be compatible for CarPlay.
Android Auto can be installed into any smartphone that runs Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher.
The Verdict
Choosing a clear-cut winner between the CarPlay and Android Auto won't be easy as both integration systems offer users a number of advantages in terms of functionality. So far, the only thing that separates the two is their core designs.
As an Apple product, CarPlay faithfully follows the company's formula for success, which places emphasis on a simplified design to eliminate the chance of confusion among users.
While the software provides drivers with an extensive collection of third-party audio and music apps, it offers no support for third-party messaging services. This is one aspect that could make Android Auto more preferable to some users.
Google's smart car software is more conducive to integrating third-party applications, similar to smartphones that use the Android OS. Google Now's shuffling cards allow drivers to receive updated information that they can use when determining their next destination.
Choosing which brand to go for would most likely depend on the type of smartphone you own, whether it is an iPhone or an Android phone.
