Readers of this blog knows that I am a die-hard Apple fan - so much so as even appearing cultist and fanboism. They also know that the reason I delayed my car purchase and chose the current car is somewhat related to waiting for Apple CarPlay to arrive in Malaysia. After one month of driving the car and using CarPlay, I am afraid I have to ask the hard question of "why bother with CarPlay?"
The current CarPlay in all models of Honda is the wired models - meaning there is a lightning-USB cable that goes from the car into the iPhone. Once you plug that in, the whole infotainment system turn into one giant iPhone screen. Very responsive, very beautiful.
With the iPhone plugged in, I could say "hey Siri" and Siri is turned on and I could ask Siri to call the wife or play this playlist or play songs by Adele or even send someone a message. And with the integrated Apple Maps, I could have turn by turn navigation. No Waze yet, unfortunately - a BIG unfortunately, actually.
But you must remember to plug in the cable.
Consider the alternative - get into the car, start the engine and drive off. The iPhone automatically connects to Honda HandsFreeLink (seriously, it is super smooth connectivity, no waiting, no lag - it just connects without you having to do anything). Your finger goes to the button on the steering wheel and just click to call someone in your Speed Dial or start playing music.
And if you had music that was playing before you stopped the car, the music continues where you left off. Sure, CarPlay does that same but you HAVE TO PLUG IT IN! With the Bluetooth, it connects and play automatically where you left off, even when the phone is in your pocket, without having to take out the phone!
So, why bother with CarPlay?
I, uh, I am afraid, I can't answer that!
I could just grab an excuse - Apple Maps! coz you can't get turn by turn navigation from Honda infotainment otherwise - sure.. but Apple Maps is no Waze! All I need is a RM$50 hands free magnet thingy and I will have Waze on the iPhone on the windscreen. Why bother with CarPlay?
I find it disturbing that I waited so long for CarPlay to only realize that it is no big deal .. except it's beautiful .. but that's about it. There is no practicality over connecting via traditional Bluetooth way.
P.S. This article is an excellent complementary write up on this subject.
The current CarPlay in all models of Honda is the wired models - meaning there is a lightning-USB cable that goes from the car into the iPhone. Once you plug that in, the whole infotainment system turn into one giant iPhone screen. Very responsive, very beautiful.
With the iPhone plugged in, I could say "hey Siri" and Siri is turned on and I could ask Siri to call the wife or play this playlist or play songs by Adele or even send someone a message. And with the integrated Apple Maps, I could have turn by turn navigation. No Waze yet, unfortunately - a BIG unfortunately, actually.
But you must remember to plug in the cable.
Consider the alternative - get into the car, start the engine and drive off. The iPhone automatically connects to Honda HandsFreeLink (seriously, it is super smooth connectivity, no waiting, no lag - it just connects without you having to do anything). Your finger goes to the button on the steering wheel and just click to call someone in your Speed Dial or start playing music.
And if you had music that was playing before you stopped the car, the music continues where you left off. Sure, CarPlay does that same but you HAVE TO PLUG IT IN! With the Bluetooth, it connects and play automatically where you left off, even when the phone is in your pocket, without having to take out the phone!
So, why bother with CarPlay?
I, uh, I am afraid, I can't answer that!
I could just grab an excuse - Apple Maps! coz you can't get turn by turn navigation from Honda infotainment otherwise - sure.. but Apple Maps is no Waze! All I need is a RM$50 hands free magnet thingy and I will have Waze on the iPhone on the windscreen. Why bother with CarPlay?
I find it disturbing that I waited so long for CarPlay to only realize that it is no big deal .. except it's beautiful .. but that's about it. There is no practicality over connecting via traditional Bluetooth way.
P.S. This article is an excellent complementary write up on this subject.
IMHO , just get an android device and use AA - Waze is there and it works beautifully with your Honda
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Yours truly,
Ex-Apple Fanboi
I think I might just entertain that thought and buy a moderately cheap Android and get a supp line just for Waze! But on the other hand, someone suggested I jailbreak and old iPhone, which I do have ... so why not?
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