Waze for Apple CarPlay has arrived, bringing one of the most frequently requested navigation apps to the iPhone's car infotainment system. The update follows Apple's softening of the limits around third-party apps and CarPlay, which until recently had seen only the Cupertino company's own Apple Maps available for use.
Google Maps has navigated its way to CarPlay, with Apple's in-car infotainment interface opening up to Google's app with the arrival of iOS 12. One of the most-requested features of CarPlay since it launched, it means no longer being forced to use Apple Maps when you hook your iPhone up to a compatible in-car infotainment system.
For a time, iOS locked its doors to other web browsers like Firefox unless those used its WebKit web engine. While that is in the past, there are still other parts of Apple’s ecosystem that remain closed off to other players unless they’re to concede some ground to Apple. One of those is CarPlay, which can only use Apple Maps for its navigation. That’s changing in iOS 12 and now Google Maps has a beta that reveals just what it had to do to get in.
Mazda has announced that an optional update is coming to all new vehicles that are fitted with the MZD Connect multimedia system. The update will allow iPhone users to take advantage of Apple CarPlay integration. That means improved support for making calls, sending messages, and listening to Apple Music.
If the iPhone's CarPlay had one infuriating limitation, it's been Apple's lock-down on third-party apps, but some of the most frequently-requested are finally making an appearance. Announced at the WWDC 2018 keynote today, the good news is that apps like Google Maps and Waze are coming to the dashboard.
Connecting smartphones to car dashboards isn't exactly new. Having those dashboards support Google's Android Auto or Apple's CarPlay, or both, is just a bit newer. But doing all of that without getting tangled in USB cords is definitely fresh off the press. That's exactly what Pioneer is delivering with its three new 2018 in-dash NEX receivers, promising the convenience of wirelessly connecting your Android phone or iPhone to your car. It can even control your home from a distance too!
For a car that's so important to Toyota, the Corolla has been oddly low-key, but the 2019 Corolla Hatchback isn't going to fly under the radar. First of the new, TNGA-based twelfth generation of cars, it's more efficient than ever, packs more tech, and promises to be more affordable than rivals. Read on for five things you need to know.
Android Auto Wireless may now be arriving on select phones and head-units, but iPhone owners wanting wireless CarPlay don't have to wait - it's available now. While there's plenty to like about the 2018 BMW 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, not least its 3.0-liter, 335 horsepower engine, I had one particular spec in mind for testing. With iPhone X supporting wireless charging, and CarPlay wireless available in a growing number of vehicles, is it worth spending more on the option if you're buying a new car?
Google enabling Android Auto Wireless is great news, but Pixel phones' lagging behind iPhone in one key area does put the brakes on how useful the update is. Putting down your smartphone while you're behind the wheel is safety advice all of us would do well to remember. I just wish I could put my Pixel 2 XL down on a wireless charger when I do.
The 2019 Corolla Hatchback may have a slick new design and use the automaker's clever new TNGA platform, but it's what's going on in the cabin which really suggests Toyota is finally serious about the dashboard. Set to make its official debut at the New York International Auto Show 2018 next week, the 2.0-liter hatch couldn't quite wait for that and so Toyota spilled the details today.
Apple's CarPlay has added support for WhatsApp, allowing for voice control of the popular instant messaging service while driving. The latest update to WhatsApp quietly added CarPlay compatibility this week, making the messaging app one of a short list of third-party applications and services that Apple has allowed into its walled garden of features deemed safe enough for the road.
Toyota has finally embraced Apple CarPlay, announcing that the 2019 Toyota Avalon will feature the smartphone-powered infotainment system as standard. The car, unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show 2018 today, features the automaker's newest Entune 3.0 infotainment platform, including the Toyota Connected Services. However, for iPhone owners what'll be most exciting is covering up Entune altogether.