The smartphone industry is dead. Here is the new screen marketers need to gear towards. The screen in the car. Apples CarPlay and Googles Android Auto are set to take off very soon. These 2 players will incorporate you smartphone life to the car – seamlessly. I love both platforms and not partial to either one for the car. I’m sure they will both be good. Check out the pre launch video from Google and a review for CarPlay.
The big question will be whether car makers will offer both in a car or will they go down separate paths? Right now its looking like separate paths – yikes! So the phone you own may determine the purchase of your next car.
Car Manufacturer have to decide.
CarPlay from Apple (the software platform that synchronizes iPhones to vehicle infotainment systems) was first-to-market and had the backing of OEMs such as BMW, Citron, Ferrari, Jaguar/Land Rover, Mercedes, Peugeot, and Toyota. It was announced in August 2014 that some car manufacturers are delaying their rollouts of CarPlay due to unresolved issues.
This delay could cause Android Auto to speed things up and launch quicker than previously expected. So far five car models from Audi, GM, Honda, Hyundai, and Volvo have announced that they will include Android Auto in 2015 models.
Don’t forget, the demographics for different car brands may align better with different smartphones. For instance, if a large percentage of Mercedes or BMW buyers are iPhone owners, overall smartphone market share is inconsequential.
So, for the time being, offering both Android Auto and CarPlay is a smart choice for car manufacturers; however, it is not the most cost-effective and wont last forever. Eventually, car manufacturers will have to make a decision as to which platform to support. Let the race begin!
