2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Uses Apple CarPlay In Lieu of Built-In Navigation

Built-in navigation has had its ups and downs. Some do it well, others don't. Regardless, it typically costs extra and map data usually isn't updatable without a fee. So using CarPlay picks up the slack in these areas. It has a familiar interface, it works with our phones, and it's improving. With that in mind, it's interesting to see the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander opt not to have a built-in navigation system, and choosing to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto instead [Source: MacRumors]. I think it speaks volumes of the changing technology aspect of cars as of late. Just a few short years ago, it was impossible to find a car that supported Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but now it's hard to find a new car that doesn't. Why pour money into developing a map system when people could just use their smartphones? We may even see a transition in the audio department one day as well. 

First Wireless CarPlay Car

Apple teased wireless CarPlay years ago, however, no cars actually have support for it yet. However, that could finally change. Volkswagen has announced that their 2020 Passat will support wireless CarPlay. Wireless is a huge step up for CarPlay, especially with the potential move to USB-C. Imagine placing an iPhone on a wireless charger in your car, and having CarPlay work automatically. With Volkswagen leading the way, hopefully we can expect more car brands adding wireless CarPlay to their vehicles. The only catch with this is that the announcement is that it is intended for its European market, so this feature may vary by region.

Using iPhone to Unlock a Car

The Car Connectivity Consortium has released the specification for Digital Key Release 1.0. This is a standardized way to allow smartphones to unlock cars using NFC. In addition, Apple is part of the Car Connectivity Consortium, so we can expect this feature in iPhones. You would also be able to lock and start the engine of the car securely from your phone. A second release of the specification is due in the first quarter of 2019 as well.

Free Apple Music Trial with Select Car Purchase

By purchasing a Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Jeep, or Ram vehicle with CarPlay support, customers will receive six months of Apple Music for free. This runs until April 2019. While that may not sound like a big deal at first, I find it interesting because I remember so long ago, many dealers would offer a month of Sirius XM for free with a car purchase. I think this represents a big change with the large acceptance of CarPlay among cars today. Sirius XM hasn't been doing as well lately while streaming music has become more and more dominant. The fact that dealers are giving them out is an important point in this transition. 

Google Play Music Supports CarPlay?

I remember vividly when Apple didn't give out their CarPlay API to just anyone. They were very selective about who had access. Now, even Google is jumping on board and brining the Google Play Music app to CarPlay [Source: reddit]. While I don't use the app, I'm glad Google is committed to making it convenient and safe for users to use their app in the car even if it's not on their platform. Google Play Music for iOS is available for free from the Apple App Store [Direct Link].

iOS 10: Parked Car

One of the nice things about Maps in iOS 10 is how it tracks where you park your car. If your car works with your phone via Bluetooth or CarPlay, you should be able to see where you parked your car in the main maps menu. Depending on your Calendar events, your parked car should be second or third on the list. Just tap it and you should get walking directions to your car. Note that you should be somewhat distanced from your car. I'm not sure what determines this distance, but you typically have to park in a parking lot for it to work. I hope this helps!

Mercedes-Benz CarPlay Lineup 2016

I don't usually talk about lineups for CarPlay, but Apple and Mercedes-Benz have an interesting relationship. For one, Steve Jobs drove around a Mercedes-Benz without any license plates. Also, Apple is also often called the Mercedes-Benz of technology. Now with Apple CarPlay coming to Mercedes-Benz, there's sure to be a very refined in-car system that bridges the gap between your car's computer and your iPhone. As you can see in the picture below, CarPlay in a Mercedes-Benz looks reminiscent of an iPhone. The screen looks awesome, as if it's being levitated in midair. So, here's the lineup for which cars are compatible.

December 1, 2015 and later

2016 B-Class 

2016 CLA 

2016 CLS400 

2016 CLS550 

2016 CLS63 S 

2016 E400 Coupe 

2016 E550 Coupe 

2016 E400 Cabriolet 

2016 E550 Cabriolet 

2016 GLA

January 8, 2016 and later

2016 GLE300d 

2016 GLE350 

2016 GLE400 

2016 GLE450 

2016 GLE63 

2016 GLE63 S

Kenwood Aftermarket System Now Shipping

If you're like me, you're freaking out about how the car you want probably won't support Apple CarPlay by the end of the year. If that doesn't work out, you can always buy an aftermarket system. While this isn't the best option, it will get the job done. Kenwood has started shipping their aftermarket system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. They start at $900. It may be something to consider.

Toyota Has No Plans To Support Apple CarPlay

Toyota, one of Apple CarPlay's partners, has announced that they have no plans to support Apple CarPlay. For those who don't know, Apple CarPlay is an Apple version of an "infotainment system" for a car. It can use Siri, iMessage, iTunes, and more. It should be noted that a few months back, Toyota had a leak that showed a Prius using CarPlay and that it would be available in 2015. This is a let down for many people, including myself. As I will be turning 16 this year, I was hoping my first car would be a Toyota Prius equipped with Apple CarPlay, and I'm not a fan of aftermarket systems. What really killed me was this quote from John Hanson.

 "We may all eventually wind up there, but right now we prefer to use our in-house proprietary platforms for those kinds of functions."

This is a bad move from Toyota because they, along with many other car brands, are famous for producing some of the most awful infotainment systems. It's like I said the other day with my whole puzzle metaphor. In this case, Toyota should stick to making cars and let Apple and Google provide the software that works well with their devices. Let's hope Toyota changes their mind.

My Thoughts On The Apple Car

Recently in the Apple world, rumors have started that Apple will make a car. Believe it or not, I'm not very hyped that they're making a car. The reason I say this is because I feel that companies should stick to what they're good at. Of course, I'd love to see Jony Ive's version of a perfect car, but at the same time, this is a whole new boundary. When Google started making all of their new products, they took off a bit slowly. When Sony started making the PlayStation, was it the best thing ever? The way I see it, companies are like pieces of a puzzle. Competitors have a separate puzzle set. When it comes to Google's puzzle set, they might have Nest somewhere in there, along with a bunch of other companies they own or endorse. They have a company that does good at the one thing they do for each section of the puzzle. One of those pieces might be home automation. Granted, Google does a lot of things, but they're Google. Anyways, those are my thoughts...

MLB at Bat Will Support CarPlay

CarPlay, the technology that allows an iPhone to use the screen of select cars as an interface, will support MLB at Bat. It is interesting how MLB will incorporate the app into a car. So far, it is supposed to allow users to listen to games. The app normally allows further interaction, such as seeing play-by-play statistics. Perhaps some other features will be incorporated. However, it may not be a good idea at the same time due to distracted driving.

CarPlay Announced

Formally known as iOS in the Car, Apple has announced Apple CarPlay today. The name is a play on words from AirPlay, the media streaming method made by Apple. CarPlay is essentially a new car with a compatible interface with a connection to charge and display your phone on the screen. This method is used for allowing a simplified interface for less distracted driving. The features include phone, music, maps, messages, and a few select third-party apps (Spotify, Beats Radio, etc.). It also allows you to use Siri. The initial partners for CarPlay are Ferrari, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz. In the future, you can expect Ford, Chevrolet, Kia, Subaru, Toyota (as if Toyota didn't have enough technology in their cars), and more! CarPlay will be available with iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, and iPhone 5. Apple has had a previous attempt with bringing distraction-free driving with phones called "Siri Eyes Free." While the idea was short-lived and is at this point still trying to become a thing, hopefully CarPlay gets popular faster.