CarPlay runs on top of the stock head units, it doesn't replace it.
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Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep to Offer CarPlay in Select Vehicles This Year
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CarPlay runs on top of the stock head units, it doesn't replace it.
While shopping for cars last summer/fall, I looked at the Q7, the MDX, and the XC90. Both of the first two are still running on not just the same media platform but the same basic design for years. The XC90 was almost like something out of the future by comparison and cost less than the Q7. Of course, there were a lot of unexpected disappointments with the XC90 too but I do not regret overlooking Audi and Acura in 2016.
Written like somebody who knows the pain of Toyota's lame cabin electronics. I have a 2015 4Runner, top of the line, and using the systems is a trip straight back to the 90s. Making stuff happen requires a combination of screen touches and button pushes, where the buttons aren't really logically distinct. It's awful.
My 2007 BMW with iDrive had far fewer tricks, but worked reliably and, maybe more importantly, worked logically.
Either Toyota should hire better engineers and human-factors thinkers, or get over their DIY obsession and outsource things to somebody like Apple. Heck, even some Android-based thing would be better than what they're offering. Ugh.
I have yet to see a decent cabin system from ANYONE, it's not Toyota's fault. It's like expecting a great UI on a printer's touch screen, or a microwave with only the necessary functions and buttons - it'll NEVER happen.
I bought a 2016 Cadillac Premium XTS last month and would not buy a 2015 model even for less money because it had no CarPlay. I like CarPlay a lot but I wish I had a manual that covers the interaction between Cadillac Cue and CarPlay. The Speak button on the steering column works differently for Cadillac Cue vs CarPlay and I would like to see the info written down. I have contacted Apple and Cadillac to get the answers last week and hope I get a response soon. I love my new XTS; my wife says the interior looks like an airplane cockpit. I have an 8 inch and a 12.3 inch display that is configurable. The airplane cockpit is bit exaggerated but all of the driver aware features (surround vision cameras, blind side alerts) as well as the driver assist features (adaptive cruise control, lane departure correction, collision avoidance, etc.) are awesome.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles ahead of CES today announced the fourth-generation of its Uconnect infotainment automobile system, which will bring Apple CarPlay support to select cars manufactured by the company in 2016.
Really wish they would be forthcoming about existing uConnect systems. I got tired of waiting for a vehicle that interested me that offered CarPlay...finally broke down and am in the process right now of buying a new 2016 Jeep Cherokee...it's a great price, too! If i knew it was a software update for the top of the line 2016UConnect (which this one has) it would make me a lot happier making the purchase. If this is a "later this year and only on 2016 model built after XX date"- well, that makes it a more painful decision.
Yeah exactly. And when CarPlay is running on top of my UConnect OS I lose the ability to know something as simple as what the cabin temperature is. Not that I couldn't leave CarPlay to gain back those abilities but that seems clunky. From everything I've seen CarPlay looks basically like the iOS interface and nothing more.
Believe it or not, the first cars to support this for MBUSA are going to be the GLA/CLA cars! I work for Mercedes and I am bombarded by these questions. It really irks me that they don't tell anyone information about this stuff. They shot themselves in the foot saying they were on board and we yet to have a car in inventory that can demo this feature!
What I really think is happening...BMW and Mercedes acquired NEXT and they are reluctant to hand over the user-experience to Apple, even though Apple's UI is far superior to what they have proved they could come up with in the past.
I really hope we have some nice things to come and not another way for the Manufacturer to nickel and dime us on "updates" when the phones could be capable of doing that.
Oh, and not to mention their attempt at the "all new touchpad!" If you haven't used that joke of innovation! go check it out. Talk about a distraction while driving! There is no tactile feedback when driving. This is coming from a younger, technical person as well. I really feel for the older customers that buy Mercedes. Keep the cars simple!
I love my older BMW and TDI...they have 3 pedals and don't require a module to do this and another to do that, etc.!
Ok, rant over!
I wish they'd have love for the '16 GLC300. Wondering if there will be an upgrade option?
Fortunately, while I'd like to have these things, I doubt I'd even use any of them very often.
Also:
ANother existing Jeep user here that would love to update the software to use car play. I don't use uconnect functionality at all other than to connect my iPhone via Bluetooth. It is a horrible connection process and uconnect is exceptionally slow. Mind you it is a massive step up from the Blue&Me in my wfie's Fioat 500.
#17
I bought in The Netherlands in July for my Kia Venga from 2010 a Pioneer SPH-DA-120 app radio which is CarPlay compatible. It works very well although the Dutch siri is not optimal in use with Apple Maps. But for normal driving it is very pleasant to use all my apps I use normal on my iPhone 6.
The only one information what I miss during navigation is my real speed. I used to have it on my TomTom equipment before I bought the pioneer and my speed control was adjusted to this 'real speed'.
I bought in The Netherlands in July for my Kia Venga from 2010 a Pioneer SPH-DA-120 app radio which is CarPlay compatible. It works very well although the Dutch siri is not optimal in use with Apple Maps. But for normal driving it is very pleasant to use all my apps I use normal on my iPhone 6.
The only one information what I miss during navigation is my real speed. I used to have it on my TomTom equipment before I bought the pioneer and my speed control was adjusted to this 'real speed'.
Supposed to be MY 2016 in a few classes. I don't know, I drove an old C240, and soon to be an E320, as the 02-06 Benzes are the best model years (in my opinion)
I just purchased a new 2016 Jeep Cherokee Limited last week. Hopefully I will be able to upgrade mine.
Exactly. I got a 2015 Cherokee a few months ago and have been getting emails and letters to buy Connect after the trail expires. Hell no. Its way too expensive and doesn't provide my vehicle with many features. Not going to pay those prices to be able to unlock my car, set off the horn or remote start it with the app. The fob does all those things.
I was considering a Jeep Cherokee when I bought a new car a month ago. No Carplay so I didn't buy a Jeep. The Jeep dealer didn't even know what CarPlay was (rolls eyes)
You don't have to pay for it to read messages to you.
Paying for the service would allow you to do voice to text using the Uconnect system to send texts but like you said Cupertino won't let us do that. You also are able to start your truck from your phone which is why I pay for the subscription.
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Yeah the fob does that when you are within eye sight of your vehicle, that's not what the Uconnect subscription is meant to replace. There's a couple minute delay anyway, so when I'm a mile away from my truck and I want it to be warm when I get there I use the app to start my truck.
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I'm shocked that you're shocked someone at a dealership didn't know about a feature that wasn't on any of the cars sitting in their showroom.
Honestly car salesmen aren't the smartest people in the world, when did a car salesman know more about the car you were interested in than you did?
I have CarPlay in my XC90, it is a "blade" in the UI of my console, nothing like you are saying. It runs as an app, it's closeable, I can swipe away from it, even minimize it. I can still control temperature, heated seats, 360 degree camera, etc all while CarPlay is running. In other words, there is no requirement that CarPlay be full screen whatsoever.
Yes, it is the basic iOS interface and nothing more. That's exactly the kind of thing that auto developers just don't grasp, simplicity. Nevermind the fact that when you move from car to car, you're now dealing with the same exact interface. This is particularly useful if you travel and rent a lot of cars, having to learn and relearn every different interface is maddening.
That looks pretty decent and would certainly answer the questions I had about it. Thanks!
If you want a Wrangler, wait until the redesign, which should be in the next 3 years
Dunno... but on the other hand, be glad you have a system as advanced as you do on your Grand Cherokee. Chrysler is still putting the WAY outdated RHR-730n or RHR-430n stereos in the Jeep Wranglers as the "premium" options -- even in the high spec Jeep Rubicon Unlimited.
The 730n stereo has a display and interface that looks straight out of 1990.
The 730n stereo has a display and interface that looks straight out of 1990.
I did not say I was shocked or surprised in any way. Jeep is listed as a CarPlay partner and have been for some time, so you would think he would have heard of the name of the thing at least.
I just leased a new vehicle over the weekend with carplay, and I freaking love it. Easily the best dash system I have used.
I feel for car manufacturers here. On the one hand, they know that this will likely be a big factor for a lot of people. CarPlay has me considering Chevys for the first time in my life. On the other hand, they also that Apple is developing their own car soon and will likely be a direct competitor in the next decade. The smart move for them is to not allow CarPlay, or at least allow it in a limited way only, while they see how things "play" out (sorry, bad pun).
I dunno, I think they make the coolest, best looking cars with the best features.
Unfortunately I can't really argue the reliability thing. I had a 300c that ran 107,000 miles without issue, and then suddenly valve seats dropped and killed the engine. Then we stupidly went out and bought another 300. Just couldn't find another car we liked enough. This one has also been great, but you can bet when it hits 100k miles we're going to sell it lol.
Our first batch of CLA's/GLA's came in with CarPlay! Finally a Mercedes with the option.
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