Android Auto vs. Apple CarPlay: Google and Apple battle for dashboard dominance - CNET Good explanation and comparison of their respective features. Article calls it a draw. As might be expected, Apple wins on simplicity and ease of use, Android wins on Google Now and slightly better nav, and more messaging app options. As usual, support for particular android phones is hit or miss. I hope Toyota's new embrace of the Ford system will also include allowing both of these systems. Big mistake if they don't.
Some tech-savvy drivers are now choosing cars depending on which system the manufacturer supports. Here's one engineer who's given up on Toyota because there's no prospect of Android Auto: Automakers Wary of Handset Fate as Google and Apple Enter Cars - Bloomberg Business "For a growing number of consumers, especially younger ones who expect to be connected all the time, it matters less how much horsepower their cars pack, or what the brands supposedly say about their social status or aspirations, than whether they offer a screen that works like their phone."
Parrot is supposed to be coming out with a car screen that will take either iOS or Android input*. I recently bought an Alpine iLX-007 for my wife's Honda Fit and iPhone. It works great but is iOS only. If the Parrot had been available I would have chosen the bi-sexual brand. *AND, by the way, have an OBD2 input. How cool is that ?
I may be wrong, but I thought the new Ford systems are QNX based with their own special sauce on top.
That pretty much nails it. If Toyota wants to attract young buyers, particularly the Scion brand, they need to have CarPlay/Android Auto. First impressions are important and if one manufacturer (like Hyundai) offers it and yours doesn't, well they're going for the cool car that has it (Genesis coupe). Also Toyota, stop flooding the cheaper models with the lower quality crap. Blu-Logic (bluetooth handsfree and bluetooth streaming... sorta) on your tC and last gen Corollas/Matrix doesn't work as well as the integrated version found on more expensive models. Also, thankfully Toyota has updated the headunits again (sorry Gen 3 Prius owners, you're still using the last gen systems even on the 2015 version). I've had a few colleagues and friends buy Toyotas in the last few years (between 2012 and now) and the 6.1" Display Audio has been problematic. (either with issues with the headunit, to the quality of the resolution to working the navigation system). My short experience with the 2014+ units are more positive. There's no Entune in Canada so I can't evaluate that. tl;dr Include Android Auto/CarPlay Toyota if you want your younger buyers (and older techy ones too). I'm under the impression that SYNC3 is QNX too.
