Harman Could Bring Wireless CarPlay to Audi, VW, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, and Other Automakers

[Juicy Box]

I find it funny that you can install a wireless CarPlay system for $900 when you can get a decently spec'd iPad Mini for under $300 which is probably faster and better. I remember a while back seeing some users installing them in their cars. I guess the main benefit of CarPlay is that you can hook it up to the car's audio controls, radio, and backup camera? Is that the only reason to get that instead of an iPad installation? My backup camera runs through my rear view mirror, I don't listen to the radio, but I would like to use hardware controls. Anyone still recommend doing this?

I was thinking about doing this as a mod on my MR2. The iPad-Mini fits it almost perfectly. I even bought my mini just for this purpose.

But, CarPlay came out about the same time, so I decided that all the work to do the mod was not worth the trouble since most of the stuff I would do would be built into CarPlay..... Or so I thought....

Having used CarPlay in my Wife's car since 2015, it has been disappointing for the most part. It is so limited, no navigation apps, missing a bunch of music apps, and the bugs can be very annoying.

I did end up installing the Alpine iLX-007 in my MR2, but I returned it not long after buying it. Not because of CP, but because I could not get the sound right on my amps.

Although this ended up being a good thing, because I didn't have much time with my Wife's CP unit yet and if I would have know what the CP experience would have really been like I would have never paid as much as I did for the headunit.

 

[DudeDad]

Which it will likely do wirelessly. Can't wait to never have to plug my phone in again, in places I frequently use it.

Unless you have wireless charging, aren't you concerned about your battery life? I place mine in my console where it plugs in. I stream, and when I get out, the phone is fully charged.

 

[Tech198]

I wonder why u need Bluetooth for handshaking only ? why isn't that possible over Wifi,,? i would have thought would make more sense, since only need one connection. to manage. More stable over shorter range?

 

[Juicy Box]

As for wireless...meh....I'd rather have my phone charging, especially if I'm streaming music from Apple Music.

Together with wireless charging, this is cool. Otherwise, meh. You're going to plug it in anyway to charge.

Even if you had wireless CP, you could still charge your phone with a cable when you needed to. It would just give you an option to go wireless if you would like.

Wireless CarPlay with wireless charging is surely a goal, but even without wireless charging it is useful. If I'm on a road trip I want to charge, but if I'm just doing a quick milk run it'd be great to just hop in the car, leave the phone in the pocket, but still use CarPlay.

Exactly....


Two big issues that I see with wireless CP that might need to be addressed:

1. How to fix the bugs. Right now, the best/easiest/quickest way to fix the bugs is to unplug the iPhone and plug it back in. Occasionally, you have to restart the head unit, (or the car for most people).

If CP is wireless, how do you quickly disconnect it? Will you have to turn off WiFI and turn it back on? This will be a PITA.

2. Multiple iPhones. Right now, if I am in my Wife's car, the only iPhone that is connected with CP is the one that is plugged in. How does this work with wireless? Can you easily switch between the two while driving?

Maybe some people that are using wireless CP could answer this?

 

[EdT]

I find it funny that you can install a wireless CarPlay system for $900 when you can get a decently spec'd iPad Mini for under $300 which is probably faster and better. I remember a while back seeing some users installing them in their cars. I guess the main benefit of CarPlay is that you can hook it up to the car's audio controls, radio, and backup camera? Is that the only reason to get that instead of an iPad installation? My backup camera runs through my rear view mirror, I don't listen to the radio, but I would like to use hardware controls. Anyone still recommend doing this?

I have a built in DVD based car Navigation system. It was way out of date the day I first drove my car home. It would cost $450.00 to get a new DVD, which also would be out of date. Car Play would use my Nav screen and my steering wheel controls and would be updated constantly. Yes, Apple Maps. Try using an non updatable system for a few months before you ridicule what Apple Maps is doing now. It may not be the best but what I have is very close to the worst. I mostly use my phone for navigation, sometimes Google, Sometimes Apple. I've had both give me erroneous directions, though neither as comically bad as my cars native system.

So there's one reason, though with your mind made up I doubt you'll consider any other point of view.

 

[praetorian909]

Something tells me, Android Auto is gonna get more attention very soon from Harmon. Most likely with extra support for Samsung devices.

Yeah doesn't Samsung now own Harman? Ah well, can't we all get along?

 

[Sevanw]

Yeah doesn't Samsung now own Harman? Ah well, can't we all get along?

Yes indeed they do. Their new upcoming Tab S3 and GS8 are both already showing the fruits of that acquisition with AKG tuned audio.

 

[BoltmanLives]

Yeah doesn't Samsung now own Harman? Ah well, can't we all get along?

Samsung and Microsoft are teaming up... Already Galaxy S8 will be able to authenticate Windows login, also HK Famtana device speaker coming, possibly W10M S8

 

[JamesPDX]

I find it funny that you can install a wireless CarPlay system for $900 when you can get a decently spec'd iPad Mini for under $300 which is probably faster and better. I remember a while back seeing some users installing them in their cars. I guess the main benefit of CarPlay is that you can hook it up to the car's audio controls, radio, and backup camera? Is that the only reason to get that instead of an iPad installation? My backup camera runs through my rear view mirror, I don't listen to the radio, but I would like to use hardware controls. Anyone still recommend doing this?

I do remember that one of the big car stereo manufacturers had an SD slot next to the CD slot. Simple, portable, durable; no moving parts or dongles or bluetooth nonsense. 64GB about the size of a postage stamp.
[doublepost=1487919904][/doublepost]

Yes indeed they do. Their new upcoming Tab S3 and GS8 are both already showing the fruits of that acquisition with AKG tuned audio.

Which means Studer = Samsung, JBL= Samsung, AKG= Samsung, Lexicon= Samsung, DBX = Samsung, Soundcraft = Samsung. I hoping for continued quality and stability of the professional brands. Hope they don't Gibson/Henry Juszkiewicz-it-up.

 

[macduke]

So there's one reason, though with your mind made up I doubt you'll consider any other point of view.

I thought you wrote a good post up until this point. Why would you say that about me? If anything I'm one of the forum members who listens to logic and reason and have changed my mind plenty of times when asking for input from people with more knowledge than me. We need to get away from the idea that everyone is a mindless follower who only sticks to their predetermined world view (which is a big problem with political views these days). I pride myself on my ability to learn and grow and change and become a better person while exchanging new ideas and information with my fellow man. I help other people and they help me—as it should be.

 

[EdT]

I thought you wrote a good post up until this point. Why would you say that about me? If anything I'm one of the forum members who listens to logic and reason and have changed my mind plenty of times when asking for input from people with more knowledge than me. We need to get away from the idea that everyone is a mindless follower who only sticks to their predetermined world view (which is a big problem with political views these days). I pride myself on my ability to learn and grow and change and become a better person while exchanging new ideas and information with my fellow man. I help other people and they help me—as it should be.

If you consider a point of view and really think about what that person is trying to say, even if it doesn't ultimately change your own opinion then I owe you an apology. But on most forums, whether here or elsewhere people who disagree end up posting and reposting their points while completely ignoring what the other person said, except to call them an idiot or worse. And that is what I am starting to expect as a reply , I guess.

So, I am sorry for automatically lumping you into that category when I had no reason to do so.

 

[Juicy Box]

I thought you wrote a good post up until this point. Why would you say that about me? If anything I'm one of the forum members who listens to logic and reason and have changed my mind plenty of times when asking for input from people with more knowledge than me. We need to get away from the idea that everyone is a mindless follower who only sticks to their predetermined world view (which is a big problem with political views these days). I pride myself on my ability to learn and grow and change and become a better person while exchanging new ideas and information with my fellow man. I help other people and they help me—as it should be.

It is kind of funny, that post, while I agree with most of it, has nothing to do with your post about using iPads in place of head units.

The post goes on about DVD navigation systems always needing expensive updates, which I agree with, and talks about how Apple Maps via CarPlay is great because it is always updated for free.

But, you can still you Apple Maps on iOS device if it replaced the head unit. Better yet, you have many options of navigation apps to use, unlike CarPlay.

I think maybe the poster quoted your post by accident, because the response has little to do with your post.

 

[EdT]

It is kind of funny, that post, while I agree with most of it, has nothing to do with your post about using iPads in place of head units.

The post goes on about DVD navigation systems always needing expensive updates, which I agree with, and talks about how Apple Maps via CarPlay is great because it is always updated for free.

But, you can still you Apple Maps on iOS device if it replaced the head unit. Better yet, you have many options of navigation apps to use, unlike CarPlay.

I think maybe the poster quoted your post by accident, because the response has little to do with your post.

No, my point was why someone would consider buying CarPlay instead of using an iPad or iPod as a cheap music substitute and for a lot of people those reasons would be streaming music, especially having steering wheel controls and/or voice control, hands free phone calls, and navigation. One thing I've learned is if you imply that Apple Maps is not a complete POS you will have lots of people tell you what an idiot you are. Because of what Apple maps was it was originally released. I don't have a CarPlay unit, I own a Toyota and they didn't and still don't offer it, but I paid a $1500.00 dollar up charge to get a 'better' stereo, with a navigation system and screen, that I was supposed to be able to plug my phone into and operate by voice or buttons on the steering wheel. Music will play, but good luck finding or selecting songs using the cars system And it would not matter if you were trying to use an iPad or an iPod as your source.

 

[Juicy Box]

No, my point was why someone would consider buying CarPlay instead of using an iPad or iPod as a cheap music substitute and for a lot of people those reasons would be streaming music, especially having steering wheel controls and/or voice control, hands free phone calls, and navigation. One thing I've learned is if you imply that Apple Maps is not a complete POS you will have lots of people tell you what an idiot you are. Because of what Apple maps was it was originally released. I don't have a CarPlay unit, I own a Toyota and they didn't and still don't offer it, but I paid a $1500.00 dollar up charge to get a 'better' stereo, with a navigation system and screen, that I was supposed to be able to plug my phone into and operate by voice or buttons on the steering wheel. Music will play, but good luck finding or selecting songs using the cars system And it would not matter if you were trying to use an iPad or an iPod as your source.

This is all true, but the last post didn't seem to have anything to do with macduke's post. That is why I though you quoted him by accident.

You only mentioned having Apple Maps in your other post, which iPads have Apple Maps, so it didn't make sense to compare.

Also, I have CarPlay in one of my cars, and I do not use Apple Maps with it. I use Waze, and just look at my phone when I need to.

 

[macduke]

If you consider a point of view and really think about what that person is trying to say, even if it doesn't ultimately change your own opinion then I owe you an apology. But on most forums, whether here or elsewhere people who disagree end up posting and reposting their points while completely ignoring what the other person said, except to call them an idiot or worse. And that is what I am starting to expect as a reply , I guess.

So, I am sorry for automatically lumping you into that category when I had no reason to do so.

No problem man. Glad I could help (unintentionally) teach you something today, lol. Not everyone on the internet is seeking to validate their world view.

For example, there was just a thread the other day about Apple Pay and Australian Banks wanting access to the NFC hardware. I had a top comment where I blasted the banks for trying to compromise iOS security. Some people called me out on it, so I provided some documentation from Apple that I thought validated my point, conceded I was not an expert in this area, and invited those with more technical knowledge in this area to let me know if I'm wrong about this. That happened and I changed my opinion.

There are some great people in the community here, even if the quality of new members has been trending downwards in recent years. Those of us with an open mind and critical thinking skills need to stick together and encourage others—now more than ever! It's a sad, dark day when we default to assuming everyone is closed minded and unwilling to learn. I'm unwilling to concede that we're a society of people who only seek validation of their world view. As long as there is one of us left, there is hope for change.

 

[dwaltwhit]

I'm assuming CarPlay would only be available in the Grand Cherokee Limited or The Wrangler Limited. It wouldn't be available in the base models, would it? Unless you add the option.

I'd be ok with that

 

[LatinaC09]

I bought a VW Tiguan in December. I love CarPlay. It's simple enough, works great and hopefully one day they'll allow more apps to be used in it. Don't really understand why people complain about it so much or what more they expect it to do since it's supposed to minimize distractions. It's definitely better than the stock stereo interface that's for sure! To each his own though....

 

[EdT]

I bought a VW Tiguan in December. I love CarPlay. It's simple enough, works great and hopefully one day they'll allow more apps to be used in it. Don't really understand why people complain about it so much or what more they expect it to do since it's supposed to minimize distractions. It's definitely better than the stock stereo interface that's for sure! To each his own though....

No car entertainment system seems to be adding very many apps to their car system, whether it's Apple or someone else. With all of the legislation aimed at driver distractions, mostly texting but not exclusively so, it may be awhile before any allows new apps that legislators can complain about and potentially make illegal to use.

 

[Juicy Box]

Don't really understand why people complain about it so much or what more they expect it to do since it's supposed to minimize distractions.

How about fix the bugs?

hopefully one day they'll allow more apps

That would be a valid complaint too, and I will add to that... Hopefully one day they'll allow any other navigation app besides CarPlay.

I understand what you are saying, as I expected too much. I was really excited to use CarPlay after it came out thinking it would be a simplified extension of iOS. It has so much potential. I understood that it was meant to minimize distractions, but I think it took it too far.

I have been using CP since 2015, and sadly I have found out that it is not anything special. Personally, I wouldn't pay extra to have it in a new car.

With all of the legislation aimed at driver distractions, mostly texting but not exclusively so, it may be awhile before any allows new apps that legislators can complain about and potentially make illegal to use.

Why not some new music apps?

 

[mattopotamus]

I now have a new car with carplay in it. I'm really enjoying it. As for wireless...meh....I'd rather have my phone charging, especially if I'm streaming music from Apple Music.

I've had CarPlay for a little over a year now, and I actually am finding that higher end vehicles usually have much better built in software and even HUDs. For me, CarPlay is not the killer feature I was hoping it would be.

 

[EdT]

Why not some new music apps?

I don't know, but as far as I know no one is adding many (if any) new apps to their car infotainment system. It's been 8-9 months since I looked at CarPlay as a replacement for an Entune system in my car, but I also looked at Android Auto and I don't remember a lot of variations compared to CarPlay. I don't think my version of Entune has had more than 1 update and that was in 2012, but if Toyota is still offering it on new cars there may be new apps. I can't speak to Ford Sync and GM's OnStar systems.

 

[automactic]

I now have a new car with carplay in it. I'm really enjoying it. As for wireless...meh....I'd rather have my phone charging, especially if I'm streaming music from Apple Music.

But if it is just a short commute, like a 5 min drive to the supermarket, I would love to not to have to plug and unplug my phone.

 

[Primejimbo]

I find it funny that you can install a wireless CarPlay system for $900 when you can get a decently spec'd iPad Mini for under $300 which is probably faster and better. I remember a while back seeing some users installing them in their cars. I guess the main benefit of CarPlay is that you can hook it up to the car's audio controls, radio, and backup camera? Is that the only reason to get that instead of an iPad installation? My backup camera runs through my rear view mirror, I don't listen to the radio, but I would like to use hardware controls. Anyone still recommend doing this?

I don't see the benefit in just having an iPad. Going this route, you most likely need a data plan. I just got CarPlay and I love it.

 

[macduke]

I don't see the benefit in just having an iPad. Going this route, you most likely need a data plan. I just got CarPlay and I love it.

Many data plans these days include tethering. But it would be annoying that it's not an automatic pairing—at least my iPad doesn't automatically pair. I should Google if that's possible…

 

[DudeDad]

But if it is just a short commute, like a 5 min drive to the supermarket, I would love to not to have to plug and unplug my phone.

I certainly understand...plugging it in has not been an issue, but I get it. I do really enjoy Carplay so far....easy to use, easy access to my music, voice calling/texting is really nice. The car has a touch screen, so it's nice to be able to use voice and not look away.