Which is Better: Bluetooth Car Stereos or Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?
5 Reasons Why Apple and Android Have the Advantage
Here at Car Stereo City San Diego, we have some of the largest stock and widest selection of aftermarket car stereo systems, including those with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. However, some of our customers aren’t completely clear on which one is really better. In fact, some still believe that Bluetooth car stereos and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are one in the same. So, let’s put some misconceptions to rest right now.
Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are not the same. Bluetooth is the short-range wireless technology that allows you to connect your phone to your receiver or stereo. This allows users to stream audio and some video, but that’s about it. On the other hand, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is more like a full integration. You’ll have way more access to your phone’s capabilities. This is important to know before you proceed forward with any type of car stereo installation.
So, what are the main advantages that Apple CarPlay/Android Auto has over standard Bluetooth? We’ll break this down with a top five list.
Advantage #1 - Your In-Dash Screen Becomes Like a Second Phone Screen
As we mentioned earlier, one of the big advantages of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is the full integration you get with your phone. That means that the majority of your apps and features that you get on your phone will be made available to you right on the touchscreen panel in your vehicle.
So, what does this mean? First of all, it means that you’re not going to have to fumble with your phone anymore while driving. Everything will be laid out cleanly on your touchscreen’s panel with big icons and intuitive display menus. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is made specifically for cars, so all your most important apps are brought right to the forefront. You can even customize the layout and menu so you can get things just the way you like them.
Advantage #2 – Keep Your Hands on the Wheel with Voice Commands
We all know that texting while driving is a big no-no. Heck, even holding your phone to take a call means you have one hand off the wheel. Whichever way you look at it, using a phone while driving is relatively unsafe. This is yet another reason why we love Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. With the voice command feature, you can do anything from texting to taking a call to making a request for an alternate route, all using your voice. You don’t need to press a single button. This keeps your hands on the wheel, which encourages safer driving habits.
Advantage #3 – Better, Smarter Maps
We all know how regular maps work. You have to manually plug in the address and hope that the route you’re given isn’t clogged with traffic, construction, or accidents. However, with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto’s maps system, you’re getting a better, smarter map. First of all, you will have access to all your addresses from your email, text messages, contacts, and calendars. That makes plugging in your destination far easier. The other great thing about these maps is they’re more detailed, can provide turn-by-turn spoken directions, and they even provide a 3-D option.
Advantage #4 – All Your Favorite Apps Right on Your Screen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are optimized to integrate your phone with the in-dash touchscreen. That means having access to all your favorite apps while you’re on the road. Some of the top ones include: Podcasts, Audiobooks, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Amazon Music, Google Play, and SiriusXM Radio. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make long car trips a breeze.
Advantage #5 – Car-Specific Settings
When you have your phone in your pocket, maybe you want all those social media and text notifications. However, things might be a little different in the car. If you’re looking to tune out all distractions, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto allows you to do that with car-specific settings. You can customize which notifications you get and which ones you don’t as you see fit. As soon as you disconnect, all your regular settings revert back.
Upgrade Today with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Now that you know all the advantages that Apple CarPlay/Android Auto has over Bluetooth, all that’s left is to get a new stereo installed that has this game-changing feature. If you’ve been searching “car audio near me,” then look no further than Car Stereo City San Diego. We handle car audio installation for stereos, speakers, and subs from the industry’s top brands. If you’re interested in upgrading to a stereo that features Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, come by the shop and we’ll show you a few products that will work with your particular vehicle.
You can visit our shop directly at 8252 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. located right here in sunny San Diego. If you’d like to make an appointment, call us at (858) 277-1823 or message us using the contact form on our website.