Apple's CarPlay
AudiWorld Member
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Didn't we read that Audi was teaming up with google for their in car system? Audi is going to fall behind once CarPlay starts hitting the new model cars for the adopters, including Mercedes. In this market segment, I would imagine IOS users dominate over Android users and alot of them will purchase a particular model car just to get CarPlay.
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Nope. Unlike many other brands which have announced support for CarPlay, i.e. BMW group, Mercedes and others, the VAG group has announced they have partnered with Android/Google for advanced infotainment integration. Not great news for those who own iDevices from Apple and would consider an Audi purchase next year.
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No kidding here. It could be a tipping point for some who are heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem and may be considering one of the three German brands. The same might be true if Android is their device of choice and they were looking at a BMW and an Audi down the road. While you may not, as evidenced by the numerous AW forum threads, there are many owners with both systems that place a great deal of importance in the car's tech compatibility.
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From: Toronto, Canada
Nope. Unlike many other brands which have announced support for CarPlay, i.e. BMW group, Mercedes and others, the VAG group has announced they have partnered with Android/Google for advanced infotainment integration. Not great news for those who own iDevices from Apple and would consider an Audi purchase next year.
He told me that the MMI/Bluetooth system works really well with the iPhone but there are some interesting (his word) issues with Android devices, like some of the things I am experiencing.
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This is rather interesting. I just recently changed to an Android phone (from a Blackberry). A few days ago I had a chat with the very knowledgeable tech manager at the Audi service center because I ran into a few strange issues in the MMM/Bluetooth interactions (things that were not there with the Blackberry).
He told me that the MMI/Bluetooth system works really well with the iPhone but there are some interesting (his word) issues with Android devices, like some of the things I am experiencing.
He told me that the MMI/Bluetooth system works really well with the iPhone but there are some interesting (his word) issues with Android devices, like some of the things I am experiencing.
It's not yet clear what future Apple integration there might be, if any, for the next gen of advanced MMI. Will Audi eventually add CarPlay on top of the Google system or at least keep the AMI option as it is today? Bluetooth audio will work with most any phone but it does not have the tighter audio/video MMI integration with the current AMI cable. Nor will it have the complete experience of CarPlay or the Android in-car system. No one knows yet exactly what the final Audi end game will be re Apple.
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The Android integration and Apple CarPlay being discussed are announced systems for future cars. What he's probably referring to are the current Audi models which use the Apple based AMI cable audio/video integration with the MMI. It appears that could change in future years with their announced partnership with Google/Android. Both the Google and CarPlay systems will provide a more complete portable device integration experience with the MMI/device controlling many aspects of infotainment including maps, nav, voice control, etc. Way beyond today's entertainment only application from a phone.
It's not yet clear what future Apple integration there might be, if any, for the next gen of advanced MMI. Will Audi eventually add CarPlay on top of the Google system or at least keep the AMI option as it is today? Bluetooth audio will work with most any phone but it does not have the tighter audio/video MMI integration with the current AMI cable. Nor will it have the complete experience of CarPlay or the Android in-car system. No one knows yet exactly what the final Audi end game will be re Apple.
It's not yet clear what future Apple integration there might be, if any, for the next gen of advanced MMI. Will Audi eventually add CarPlay on top of the Google system or at least keep the AMI option as it is today? Bluetooth audio will work with most any phone but it does not have the tighter audio/video MMI integration with the current AMI cable. Nor will it have the complete experience of CarPlay or the Android in-car system. No one knows yet exactly what the final Audi end game will be re Apple.
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So, it's unclear if Audi is willing to alienate any existing Apple customers in the U.S. if they ultimately decide to ignore some level of iOS compatibility. I would imagine they would be less concerned with the overall global picture. BMW, Mercedes and others, on the other hand, have made a different decision and will support CarPlay. Time will tell. The in-car advanced infotainment game is just beginning.