Apple CarPlay is arguably one of the best device-to-car applications introduced in the history of the automobile. It offers seamless connectivity between an Apple device and a car, but one of the major drawbacks is that CarPlay does not integrate vehicle settings, which means that a user will have to backtrack to the main menu to change vehicle settings, which can be annoying and distracting.
But Porsche seems to have figured it out, and claims to be the first manufacturer to do so.
The Porsche companion app, which is available on the App Store and lets users access a car’s status and get real time data such as travel range, tyre pressure, trip data, close status of the windows and doors, among others. It also allows users to remotely turn on the air-conditioning, and even supports remote parking.
The app has obviously been useful but it has now been upgraded to make it simpler for drivers to control numerous car functions from within the CarPlay interface. A supposed first for any car maker.
The My Porsche app, which was updated on Monday, gives users access to several aspects of the car, including the battery’s level of charge, destinations for the navigation system, and air conditioning settings. These features have been added to CarPlay in an update to the app.
Drivers can now view images of their exact car model within CarPlay, as well as sound profiles, radio station controls, climate management, and ambient lighting, according to the upgrade. The various settings can be configured inside wellness modes like “relax” or “warm up,” and can be called up using Siri, using quick actions in CarPlay.
More than 650,000 Volvo vehicles will benefit from the most recent over-the-air update, which will enhance Apple CarPlay. The manufacturer will alter the layout of the feature on the main infotainment screen and better integrate Apple’s capabilities across the interior, adding more information to the driver display.
The most major change enables Apple Maps and other navigation applications to be supported natively on the driver display, placing the information at the driver’s fingertips. Using the controls on their vehicle’s steering wheel, drivers can use the screen to display call details and answer, refuse, or cancel calls.
Electric vehicles require special handling when operating and maintaining them because they are intricate. Thus, navigational software is crucial to an EV. That has been General Motors‘ justification for excluding CarPlay and Android Auto from its next models and directing owners to its own Google-based built-in map app instead.
But Porsche has revealed that the Taycan now supports Apple Maps EV routing as a reminder that enabling CarPlay doesn’t always mean giving up such services.
The widely used Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technologies, which let users bypass a car’s infotainment system, will gradually be phased out by General Motors (GM), who will instead switch to built-in infotainment systems created with Google for future electric vehicles.
The new built-in infotainment system will be featured in the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer. According to GM, with this system, they will be able to capture data on how users drive and charge EVs.
Bermaz Motor has announced that the 2022 Mazda3, CX-3 and CX-30 models are now available in Malaysia. All three are imported from Mazda factories in Japan and come with feature upgrades, with a special versions of the Mazda3 and CX-30 also being offered.
Mazda3
The model that was developed from the Kai concept car of 2017 is available with 1.5-litre and 2-litre SKYACTIV engines and sedan as well as liftback bodystyles. For 2022, the models get improved connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto installed. This allows favourite apps from the smartphone to be interfaced with the infotainment system which is managed by an 8.8 touchscreen on the dashboard.
A special version known as the ‘Ignition Edition’ is also available but only for the 2-litre liftback variant. While the rest of the Mazda3 range has a choice of 7 colours, the Ignite Edition is only available in Polymetal Grey. The model also has distinctive gloss black door mirror covers and the 18-inch alloy wheels are finished in metallic black. Inside, the Ignite Edition has exclusive, burgundy-coloured leather upholstery which gives a classy touch.
The Ignite Edition comes with the latest i-Activsense active safety system with driver assistance features such as Front Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Attention Alert, and Driver Monitoring as well as Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS). For easier manoeuvring, especially in tight parking spaces, there is a 360o View Monitor to help the driver see the areas on all sides of the car.
The latest Mazda3 prices start from RM138,660 (excluding insurance) and until June 30, 2022, half of the sales tax applicable is exempted by the government.
Mazda CX-3
The CX3 crossover SUV retains the same compact proportions that are ideal for the urban jungle. Under the skin is the SKYACTIV-vehicle Architecture which gives the CX-3 the same jinba-ittai (the unity between ride and horse) character that every Mazda has. It is powered by a 2-litre 154 bhp/206 Nm SKYACTIV-G engine that is mated to a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE transmission sending power to the front wheels.
Updates for the 2022 model are wireless Apple Carplay along with Android Auto for smartphone connectivity and also a Qi Wireless Charger for compatible smartphones. The infotainment system has an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen with a bright clear display. Also added is a 360o View Monitor to give the driver a better idea of the surroundings. A seatbelt reminder is now installed for all seats, especially useful as rear passengers must also be belted up by law.
Bookings are now accepted with the price starting from RM131,929 (excluding insurance and with 50% sales tax until June 30, 2022). Customers can choose from 6 colours – Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Polymetal Gray, Deep Crystal Blue and the new Platinum Quartz Metallic.
Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 has received some updating with connectivity improvements that allow for smartphones to interface with the infotainment system using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 8.8-inch touchscreen functions as a command centre to make various selections and adjustments.
Additionally, there are two ‘Ignite Edition’ variants added with a choice of FWD or AWD. Like the Mazda3 Ignite Edition, they come with black door mirrors (auto-folding) and black 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior has burgundy-themed upholstery on the seats with black interior trim. Also includes is a 360o View Monitor which uses the central display.
The CX-30, which has i-Activsense, has scored full marks in Euro NCAP stringent evaluations. In fact, it was one of the models to score the highest-ever rating in the Adult Occupancy Protection assessment. It also performed impressively in the other categories such as Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User (pedestrian safety) and Safety Assist.
The latest CX-30 (High Spec upwards) has a full suite of i-Activsense features and Front Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Attention Alert with Driver Monitoring and Cruising & Traffic Support are also added for the ‘Ignite Edition’.
There are 7 colour choices for the CX-30 which is priced from RM145,759 (without insurance/50% sales tax until June 30, 2022).
All new Mazda vehicles (except for the BT-50 pick-up truck) come with a 5-year/100,000 km manufacturer’s warranty and during the first 5 years (or 100,000 kms) after registration, owners can enjoy free scheduled maintenance.
Customer Convenience seems to be of paramount importance to Cadillac when it comes to cramming new tech into its cars. As a result, they have now made it even easier for their customers to interact with its vehicles with just a smartwatch.
Through the use of the myCadillac app which is only available for iOS, Cadillac owners can now control functions such as:
Vehicle locate
Remote start and stop
Lock and unlock doors
Activate and cancel horn and lights
Walking directions to vehicle
These functions can be controlled with an Apple Watch (Watch OS 3) via its Apple CarPlay compatible infotainment system. The technology is standard across the automaker’s lineup and offers other features such as quick access to phone contacts, messages, music and navigation as well as wireless phone charging.
“The Apple Watch integration is another example of the seamless integration of technology Apple aficionados have come to expect from the Cadillac brand,” said John McFarland, director of Global Digital Experience.
For those who have an Escalade or CT6, things get a bit more intereting. Passengers of these vehicels will be able to stream their favorite shows from devices such as Apple TV to the rear infotainment screens using the HDMI port and the vehicle’s built-in Wi-Fi connection.
Apple CarPlay is a proprietary bit of software that allows vehicle infotainment systems to play nicely with iPhones and their various functions. Many carmakers offer this tech in their latest offering but very few are able to match the flexibility and ‘ease of use’ of that offered by Cadillac.
The myCadillac app was launched in 2010 but it was only recently that it became available across the entire model range starting with those of model-year 2011 and newer. The American automaker has stated that it has recorded an increase of 50% in usage of its app as of 2017. The seamless connectivity functions, especially with the Apple Watch has intrigued many and should boost sales somewhat.
