I switched to Android Auto, and after using it every day, I can see why I prefer it over Apple CarPlay.My husband is a die-hard CarPlay fan, but what I can do with Android Auto makes it hard for me to go back.Sorry, Apple, a pretty interface isn’t enough to win me over.
Android Auto gives me more freedom to customize things and features I actually use behind the wheel.Some of them make me wonder why CarPlay still falls short in comparison.I love my Samsung phone, and Android Auto is a big reason I enjoy using it in the car.
Here's what keeps me firmly on Team Android.Gemini makes Siri look limited I can ask Gemini like a real person Gemini was love at first command for me.I use Android Auto daily, and having an assistant that understands what I mean without making me repeat myself is a big reason I prefer it.
I think Siri still has some catching up to do.What I like about Gemini is that I can speak naturally instead of trying to remember the exact words for a command.I don’t want to sound like I’m reading instructions to a robot just to get something done.
I usually pick my daughter up from her classes.If traffic slows me down, I can ask Gemini to share my ETA with my husband on WhatsApp.It’s much easier than reaching for my phone to type an update.
I also like asking Gemini to find a song by describing a movie scene instead of trying to remember its title.If a tune is stuck in my head, I can describe what I remember and ask it to find the track on YouTube Music.Siri can handle everyday tasks, too.
But I find Gemini more natural when I want to make a specific request.My Samsung phone makes Android Auto better I don’t repeat the same steps daily Close Every morning, I like to listen to a 40-second prayer before switching to my Bollywood playlist.I could do it manually every time I get in the car, but why add another task to my morning? That’s why I use Samsung’s Modes and Routines.
I set up a driving routine that kicks in when my phone connects to my car’s Bluetooth.It opens my music app so I can start playing without digging through my phone before I leave.I already use Modes and Routines for different parts of my day, so setting one up for driving makes sense.
It saves me a few steps, and I don’t have to remember to do the same things every morning.CarPlay has automation options through Apple’s Shortcuts app, but I find Modes and Routines more convenient.Android Auto gives me more music options Poweramp gives me the audio controls I want I’m picky about my car music, and Spotify doesn’t cover everything I want to listen to.
That’s why I like having Poweramp on Android Auto.It lets me play music stored on my phone instead of relying entirely on streaming apps.Poweramp also gives me more control over the sound.
I can adjust the bass, treble, and equalizer to get the kind of audio I like.Poweramp isn’t the only option, either.Android Auto has a list of compatible apps for music, podcasts, messaging, navigation, and other tasks.
I can pick the apps that fit my routine instead of sticking to Google’s own services.CarPlay has a plethora of third-party apps, but Poweramp gives me a music-player option I can’t get on Apple’s platform.For someone who likes managing a local music library and fine-tuning audio, that’s a bonus.
Related 4 Android settings to disable for a better Android Auto experience Four tiny switches, noticeably less nonsense.Posts 3 By Sanya Shah I don’t need every message popping up Android Auto lets me mute specific conversations I don’t have a silent phone.Between my mom’s group, family chats, and work groups, my WhatsApp is buzzing throughout the day.
I don’t mind that when I’m home, but I don’t need every message popping up while I’m driving.Some messages can wait, especially when a group chat starts buzzing about weekend plans.Android Auto lets me mute notifications from individual conversations, which is handy when one group gets too noisy.
I can stop those message pop-ups without silencing every conversation on my phone.CarPlay also offers notification controls, including Driving Focus, so Apple doesn’t completely lack this.But I like being able to mute specific conversations when I need to.
My navigation deserves my attention while I’m driving.The family group can debate dinner plans without needing me to follow along at the next intersection.Android Auto fits the way I drive My driving habits have changed a lot since becoming a mom.
I don’t want to spend time fiddling with settings or figuring out how to get something working when I’m already running late.I want things to work the way I expect, without adding another task to my day.CarPlay has its strengths, and I can see why people enjoy it.
But for me, Android Auto feels like the better fit, and I’m happy to stick with it.Related 4 hidden-gem Android Auto apps I tried last week I found better ways to drive.Posts By Sanya Shah
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