Unexpected Hacks for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Get Started with Apple CarPlay Installation Near You in San Diego
The past decade has been pretty amazing in terms of the feature packages included in modern vehicles. Intelligent driver assistance features have significantly improved driver awareness of potential hazards. Meanwhile, seats with built-in back massagers and ventilation make driving a more spa-like experience.
However, nothing elevates a ride quite like infotainment, and Bluetooth car stereos have been huge game-changers in how smartphones connect with vehicles. As car stereo technology has continued to advance, smartphones are now more integrated than ever with audio products. The two core software products included with most modern car stereo systems are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Essentially, these pieces of software allow for full integration of your smartphone to give access to your favorite apps on the car stereo’s touchscreen display. By taking advantage of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto installation in San Diego, drivers will easily be able to access their smartphone’s navigation app, text messages, music streaming services, and more.
Of course, to get the most out of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it helps to learn about the features and functions beyond what’s shown on the home screen. The following are some of the top things your Bluetooth car stereo can do with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Top Apple CarPlay Features
Ready to get the most out of Apple CarPlay? Refer to these six features and functions:
#1 - How to add more apps to your display: Go to Settings > General. Then, select your vehicle and hit the “customize” button. This will take you to a screen where you can pick and choose which apps appear on your display.
#2 - Easily find EV chargers: Running low on battery? Simply search the term “EV chargers” in Apple Maps and the closest charging stations near you will display.
#3 - Have Siri announce your messages: This next feature is great for those who need to be able to check their messages while driving in a safe way. Just have Siri take care of it. Go to Settings > Siri & Search > Announce Notifications and activate “Announce Notifications.” Next, hit the CarPlay button and enable “Announce Messages.”
#4 - Issue simple commands to Siri: Siri works well in vehicles. Drivers can use voice commands to request directions from their address, send audio messages, and more. Next time you need an assist, simply say, “Hey, Siri.”
#5 - Use multiple apps at the same time: Older versions of Apple CarPlay only displayed one app at a time. With the most recent version, drivers can display two apps at once. This makes it much easier to switch between maps and music.
#6 - Focus mode: For drivers who absolutely want to cut all distractions, they can set Focus mode to activate automatically while driving in their settings. Drivers can further customize this by allowing calls only from certain contacts.
Top Android Auto Features
Did you recently get an Android Auto installation in San Diego? There’s a few tips and tricks to learn that will maximize your experience. The top six include:
#1 - Google Assistant: Need to send a text, make a call, or retrieve directions to the nearest gas station? You can do all that with your voice using Google Assistant. Dictating your texts may feel funny at first, but Google Assistant is great for executing simple commands so you can keep both hands on the wheel.
#2 - Customizing your display: Like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto allows you to pick and choose your apps and how they appear. Simply go into settings and hit the “Customize Launcher” button. This will take you to a screen where you can select which apps will show up on the display and the order they appear in.
#3 - Mobile gaming: Obviously, you can’t game and drive at the same time. But perhaps when you’re parked somewhere with time to kill, you might enjoy playing one of the many games found in the GameSnacks section of Android Auto.
#4 - Viewing traffic conditions: There’s nothing worse than taking your normal route to work only to find it completely clogged with traffic. Fortunately, Android Auto has a helpful solution. Simply press the gear button when using Google Maps, and it’ll show you the current traffic conditions on your route. This will help you avoid getting stuck in gridlock.
#5 - Customize your wallpaper: Want your display to look a little more stylish? Hit “Settings” and go to “Customize Wallpaper.” You’ll find several options that are bound to meet your aesthetic preferences.
#6 - Muting a conversation: Got a certain someone who won’t stop blowing up your phone? You can stop the conversation in its tracks by simply hitting the “mute conversation” button. This puts a digital muzzle on overzealous texters so you can focus on the road.
Looking for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay Installation Near You? Visit Car Stereo City in San Diego Today!
When it comes to high-end car audio and finding professional Bluetooth stereo installation near you, Car Stereo City in San Diego is your go-to resource for aftermarket audio products from the industry’s top brands.
We have a wide array of Bluetooth car stereos that feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto software. Once you’ve figured out which stereo is right for your ride, our team of audio pros can get your new car audio professionally installed right here at our shop.
Visit Car Stereo City at 8252 Clairemont Mesa Blvd to check out our stock of aftermarket car audio products. You can also contact us by phone at (858) 277-1823 or via email using the contact form on our site.