We can all agree that keeping one’s hands on the wheel and one’s eyes on the road is essential for safe driving. But consumers are ever-presently utilising phones and navigation gadgets in their automobiles regardless.
Since its unlikely consumers will never entirely stop, it’s critical to encourage safer behaviours instead, such as Apple CarPlay and Audio Auto. In fact, according to new studies, such car audio installation systems are somewhat simpler and safer to use than utilising portable gadgets.
What is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Available since 2014, Apple CarPlay is a smartphone interface that duplicates a reduced version of an iPhone’s home screen, applications, icons, and actions on an in-car infotainment screen. Since the iPhone 5, every iPhone has been compatible with Apple CarPlay.
Similarly, Android Auto connects your Android smartphone to your car’s infotainment system, allowing you to run apps like Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, and others directly on your car’s head unit. Drivers with Android OS versions ten and higher have the capability built-in. Fortunately, users with Android OS 9 or lower must download the separate Android Auto software to enjoy the in-car compatibility.
Siri, Apple’s voice-activated digital assistant, may access and operate most CarPlay functions. For example, CarPlay may be controlled by commands such as “call mum,””navigate to the movie theatre,” and “play Taylor Swift.” Third-party applications like Waze, iHeartRadio, and Spotify have all made their way into the UI and accessed from the CarPlay home screen.
Google’s services are sometimes praised for being more robust and user-friendly than Apple’s car audio installation, which immediately transfers to Android Auto. Google Assistant is a powerful tool that allows users to ask various queries while driving, such as “How far away is Sydney?” or “What is the weather prediction for tomorrow?”.
What are the Safety Concerns of Such Car Audio Installations?
With smartphone interfaces, safety is a mixed bag. On the one hand, using voice commands to manage a smartphone is considerably less distracting than picking one up to use while driving. On the other hand, text-to-voice functionality significantly lowers the need to focus on a screen.
Anything that needs even a brief glance at a screen draws the driver’s attention away from the road. According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and other industry experts, smartphone-driven interfaces are less distracting and safer to use than holding a phone. Still, drivers should keep their eyes on the road at all times.
According to another recent analysis, in-car infotainment systems are causing dangerous levels of attention for drivers. For example, complex operations like inputting a location into a satellite navigation system or sending a text may take a driver’s eyes off the road for up to 48 seconds.
Although, the study revealed that while dialling a phone number, CarPlay and Android Auto were 24 per cent (5 seconds) faster on average than the original equipment and 31 per cent (15 seconds) faster when inputting a satnav destination. Therefore, Apple CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto require less time to programme and are thus safer than original in-vehicle systems created by carmakers.
Despite the well-publicised dangers of using a smartphone while driving, this raises the possibility that smartphone technology is potentially safer for drivers than in-car systems.
Why Does Every Second Matter?
According to the AAA, drivers who take their gaze away from the road for more than two seconds increase their chance of colliding, with distracted driving causing over 390,000 injuries and 3,500 deaths each year.
Dr David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, said that all infotainment systems need to be improved before being considered safe, but none are currently completely safe.
“Google and Apple have demonstrated that it is possible to reduce the level of demand placed on drivers by in-vehicle infotainment technology. Smartphone-based software can provide a more straightforward, familiar interface that is less confusing for drivers and hence less demanding.”
How to Install Android Auto and Apple Carplay in a Vehicle
While many individuals would be ready to attempt DIY car audio installation, experts strongly advise hiring a professional installer. Unfortunately, it’s all too simple to forget a critical earthing strap or not have the proper module to make your new head unit work with your vehicle.
Furthermore, not all head units are compatible with all vehicles; for example, you may lose the ability to operate your stereo from your steering wheel controls. Sure, it will cost a little extra, but a professional car audio installation expert will also look after you if something goes wrong later.
Different vehicles may have deeper or shallower apertures depending on the mechanism used previously. Because CD players required a lot of room, old systems had deep apertures, but current systems had smaller openings. Fortunately, most audio installers nowadays can handle a bespoke installation (if necessary) into almost any automobile on the market.
Is it Possible to Install Android Auto or Apple Carplay in an Old Car?
Most modern vehicles now come standard with high-tech infotainment systems that incorporate Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity. However, if your car is more than five years old, it probably doesn’t have Android Auto or Apple Carplaybuilt-in.
But yes, there are three ways aftermarket specialists can do a car audio installation in an older car. The first option is connecting the phone through Bluetooth to feed music and navigation app queues car speakers. However, Bluetooth does not allow you to move between programmes on a head unit itself. So, you must attach your phone to your dashboard via a phone mount, which can be pretty annoying to manage everything from the phone screen.
Alternatively, suppose you have an Android smartphone and wish to use applications directly from your car’s infotainment screen. In that case, it is as simple as a car audio installation specialist to change your head unit. Many aftermarket entertainment systems with Android Auto and Apple Carplay integration are available, ranging in price from $200 upwards. An aftermarket radio is the simplest method to install Apple Carplay on any vehicle.
Finally, the last option for Android Auto or Apple Carplay connectivity in an old car is, by extension, retrofitting. While most vehicles will necessitate the replacement of all audio hardware, some may simply require a software update. Thanks to the flawless installation and integration, you won’t notice anything until you turn on CarPlay!
Are you ready to get Android Auto or Apple Carplay installed? Contact a reputable car audio installation specialist today and enhance the functionality of your vehicle!
