CarPlay/Android Auto has been a game changer for me

giuliojpg

I’ve been driving for more than 3 years now an Alfa Romeo MiTo. Nice little car, perfect for city but also for longer trips, and it’s sporty enough without being uncomfortable. I really love it. So first of all, what’s your car?
Secondly, I’ve installed an aftermarket headunit from Sony that supports CarPlay and Android Auto, and it’s been a blast. It’s great to remove the distraction of the phone in your car, and to have all your most used apps in the car in a way more comfortable and safe way. I can do phone calls and answer messages (iMessage, whatsapp and even telegram) from my headunit and with my voice thanks to siri, have the best navigation apps without buying expensive optionals and music from the streaming app of your choice.

Also it’s been pretty cheap since I bought the headunit used and installed it pretty easily.
What do you think? Do you have older cars that would need this rejuvenating treatment??
Do you have any other useful ways to use CarPlay/AndroidAuto to improve your car experience?

EDIT: this is a very similar headunit on amazon:

they don’t sell mine anymore but my post applies to every aftermarket 2-din CarPlay/Android Auto headunit

Heyo

giuliojpg that’s awesome! Very cool. I’ve debated about doing that in our Volkswagen Jetta. Luckily my mother-in-laws old car that we got already has a pretty decent system installed so I haven’t felt the need for Android Auto or CarPlay yet but it’s definitely worth considering.

Which head unit did you get? Can you share the link?

Menguelez

Thanks for share, I didn’t know about that Sony headunit. Is a product only for your car or is it universal?

giuliojpg

Menguelez no it’s a universal 2-DIN headunit, Sony XAV-3005, very similar to this one on amazon

it’s not the exact same model number but aesthetically wise is the same (and also it seems function-wise)

Janecrystal

Sounds cool. I would like to check this out. Thanks for sharing!!!

Menguelez

giuliojpg thank you giuliojpg

DarkPikaJP

My vehicle has it built in but I wish it was wireless instead of having to be plugged into USB port. Do you have to plug yours in or is it wireless like more newer cars these days?

giuliojpg

DarkPikaJP Unfortunately mine’s wired, but online you can buy some adapters to make CarPlay wireless. I want one but still have bought it, but I’m pretty interested in it. The most famous is Carlinkit, there’s the 4.0 revision out right now, but at 70-120 euros depending from the store you buy it from it’s a little bit expensive for me at the moment

DarkPikaJP

giuliojpg yea sounds like it could get pricey, not sure that high of a price would justify not just plugging it in 😅

giuliojpg

DarkPikaJP exactly, but we’ll see B)