7 ms·

Is there a specific reason why Tesla refuses to integrate CarPlay or Android Auto?

bobobooey 7y ago
Due to a lot of the controls and even speedometer only being accessible through the screen, it's probably easier for them to keep it on their own OS.
- Gaelan 7y ago
  Lots of cars display their own UI chrome around CarPlay.
  - shawnz 7y ago
    Presumably the Tesla software contains a lot more custom built functionality than just a customized UI
    - Gaelan 7y ago
      I think CarPlay runs basically entirely on the phone and the car manufacturers just add a feature to their existing software to show the pixels coming from the phone.
pokstad 7y ago
Other car manufactures have tried avoiding those two because they want to maintain control over their ecosystem. Read up on how Toyota failed at this with their special infotainment Linux OS.
- pokstad 7y ago
  https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1110821_toyota-owners-to-get-linux-system-instead-of-apple-carplay-android-auto-hooray https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1110821_toyota-owners-...
- GrayTextIsTruth 7y ago
  huh. i didn't know this was a thing: https://www.automotivelinux.org/ https://www.automotivelinux.org/ part of the linux foundation
- microtherion 7y ago
  Toyota was late to the party, but they finally appear to offer Carplay across their model line: https://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/available-models/ https://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/available-models/
apearson 7y ago
How would you expect that to work and act?
- aaomidi 7y ago
  In the model 3, the map area can be taken by AA, ACP.
nighthawk24 7y ago
I'd prefer to use Tesla's software before any Google/Apple integrations any day. Simplistic UI, no botching of privacy/restrictions within eco-systems among other reasons to only support Tesla.
xeromal 7y ago
Android Auto isn't all it's cracked up to be. I'm sure they can feel they can do better. I installed Android Auto in my 4runner a few years back and it definitely improved my 4runner experience, but I'm generally happy with my Tesla setup. I'd say the only thing missing from Tesla is Google Assistant integration. Everything else is meh.
fletchowns 7y ago
Android Auto is very underwhelming. I don't even bother, since it requires you to plug in your phone via USB. After having a wireless charger in the car and at home, I never want to have to mess with a cord again.
- pat2man 7y ago
  Both CarPlay and Android Auto support wireless connectivity.
  - jedberg 7y ago
    Sure they support it. But you have to have a head unit that supports it. Only BMW/Mini and Audi offers wireless CarPlay, and only aftermarket head units support Android.
- Ahwleung 7y ago
  Wireless android auto/carplay are shipping on certain luxury vehicles as well now, I look forward to that feature moving downmarket. It was very pricey but I got a ProClip mount for my phone. Phone slots right in, automatically starts charging and Android Auto loads right up. AA/Carplay will win in the long term, simply due to the fact that there's a larger market and app makers can publish their own apps. In other words, I can use Pocket Casts in my Chevy Volt, but need to use a phone screen + bluetooth audio in my Tesla.
- dual_basis 7y ago
  That's funny, I didn't realize Android Auto wouldn't work in a Tesla, and now I am very hesitant to buy one. It works perfectly on my wife's car, I can use whatever apps I want (eg. PocketCasts, Spotify, Plex) and the integration with the other aspects of the car is seamless. Teslas are just now getting Spotify?!?! That's exactly the sort of thing I would expect with an in-house system, and exactly why I would want to avoid it. What about navigation? Are you beholden to whatever Tesla provides, or can you use Waze and Google Maps if you want? I guess I would end up using my phone over Bluetooth, negating much of the benefit the large touchscreen in the Tesla provides, ending up fiddling with my phone to change songs etc. People are going to point out the privacy issues inherent in using Android, and I understand the complaint, but Google already knows my speed and location at all times anyway just by virtue of having my phone on me. I don't think Android Auto would have any interaction with the cameras or sensors, since most other cars do not have them, but perhaps others can speak to this. Regardless, this has really diminished my interest in getting a Tesla.
zepearl 7y ago
Could be related to what mentioned here (Volkswagen explaining why it's developing its own SW): https://arstechnica.com/cars/2019/09/volkswagen-audi-porsche-vw-group-plans-one-os-to-rule-them-all/ https://arstechnica.com/cars/2019/09/volkswagen-audi-porsche... But really be careful how much Android you're talking about. There are some brands really using Google's automotive services; this is not our strategy. When you do this, you get a great package of function and services, no doubt. But you also have to open up all the car's sensor data [to Google], and when I say all, it really is all sensor data," Senger told me. (statement from Christian Senger, mentioned by Ars as being VW Group's Digital Car and Services division)
- prongletown 7y ago
  I think you may be confusing Android Auto with Android for Cars. The former is the mobile app and headunit-only integration (audio controls) via video stream, which requires minimal integration with the vehicle. The other is Android repurposed for headunits, with full car integration, such as Volvo's integration. Car manufacturers of luxury cars shy away from Android Auto partially because they believe it turns one of their main selling points and silos (advanced technology) into yet another commodity.
  - zepearl 7y ago
    Thx for the definitions - useful/interesting (but I did not doublecheck them, hehe) :) > which requires minimal integration with the vehicle My guess: maybe VW is scared of a potential "which CURRENTLY requires minimal integration with the vehicle" (I imagine that the push for more and more integration will increase in the future) and therefore decided to give it a try now and not to become passively dependent on Google.
    - delfinom 7y ago
      The real answer: VW wants to get a cut of the datamining pie.
    - prongletown 7y ago
ubermonkey 7y ago
It's really baffling. The CarPlay experience in our Volkswagen is so good I cannot imagine ever going back to an automaker's in-house system. Even the ones in the luxury cars I've had -- BMW, Mercedes -- have been absolute crap compared to CarPlay. I don't even care that it requires USB.
- AcerbicZero 7y ago
  I can second this. I've used both CarPlay and Android Auto in my Golf R, and compared to a few rentals I've driven recently its amazing how much better VW is at this. Beyond just the normal controls (which can sometimes be hit or miss once you're in CarPlay/AndroidAuto mode) the extra little functionalities you notice are amazing. A good example is when using Google Maps I can zoom in/out by just pinching the touchscreen in the car, or I can use the physical dial (normally for changing radio stations) to control the zoom level, or scroll through selections. If you change contexts, what the physical dial control change along with them, and its really slick once you get used to it.
  - ubermonkey 7y ago
    Heh. My VW is a GTI, so we have the same system. I didn't know until I saw it in my ex-sister-in-law's Alfa, but apparently there ARE CarPlay implementations that don't have touchscreens. That makes it much less easy, though still better than any automaker's.
- kemiller 7y ago
  I have used and liked CarPlay and was put off by tesl not having it... until I tried Tesla’s. CarPlay is essential for routing around the horrible crap put out by most carmakers but the Tesla ui is awesome. It’s big, it’s fast, and it’s 100% focused on automotive use. I’d still like the option, but I can’t say I miss it.
  - automathematics 7y ago
    Second this. I love Android Auto. But I love my Model 3 UI more.
agloeregrets 7y ago
Straightforward they have no interest in losing control of the software running. I think the idea is that the product will continue to work even after smartphones. Also they were a bit miffed with Apple a while back. But yeah no nothing to do with data rights on Apple’s end, google does want more data though.
pmarreck 7y ago
My S.O. has CarPlay in her Audi and while it is definitely superior to the built-in UI (this to me says more about how bad those UI’s are to begin with!), it is a shitshow compared to the UI of my Tesla. Simple examples: 1) If you accidentally tell the car or the phone not to use CarPlay for a particular phone, there is no obvious way to get it to ask again 2) If you are connected to the same phone via Bluetooth AND CarPlay’s USB connection (...why does it even permit this to begin with??)... Wonkiness results 3) My S.O. refuses to use Waze on it because Waze’s own notifications overlay/BLOCK important elements of its own nav and are not trivially dismissed (do they even test these things??) These are just off the top of my head in an Audi, hardly a run-of-the-mill car. Try a Tesla’s UI for a while, and CarPlay will seem like garbage. It becomes very clear why they didn’t go with it. I only wish it had Waze on it, and then I could get rid of my phone mount.
zaphirplane 7y ago
Perhaps to capture both iOS and android users. On an aside isn’t it just silly that you, your partner and car Choice have to coordinate Android / google
mlindner 7y ago
Because there's no need for it?

Due to a lot of the controls and even speedometer only being accessible through the screen, it's probably easier for them to keep it on their own OS.

Gaelan 7y ago
Lots of cars display their own UI chrome around CarPlay.
- shawnz 7y ago
  Presumably the Tesla software contains a lot more custom built functionality than just a customized UI
  - Gaelan 7y ago
    I think CarPlay runs basically entirely on the phone and the car manufacturers just add a feature to their existing software to show the pixels coming from the phone.

pokstad 7y ago

Other car manufactures have tried avoiding those two because they want to maintain control over their ecosystem. Read up on how Toyota failed at this with their special infotainment Linux OS.

pokstad 7y ago
https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1110821_toyota-owners-to-get-linux-system-instead-of-apple-carplay-android-auto-hooray https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1110821_toyota-owners-...
GrayTextIsTruth 7y ago
huh. i didn't know this was a thing: https://www.automotivelinux.org/ https://www.automotivelinux.org/ part of the linux foundation
microtherion 7y ago
Toyota was late to the party, but they finally appear to offer Carplay across their model line: https://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/available-models/ https://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/available-models/

apearson 7y ago

How would you expect that to work and act?

aaomidi 7y ago
In the model 3, the map area can be taken by AA, ACP.

nighthawk24 7y ago

I'd prefer to use Tesla's software before any Google/Apple integrations any day. Simplistic UI, no botching of privacy/restrictions within eco-systems among other reasons to only support Tesla.

xeromal 7y ago

Android Auto isn't all it's cracked up to be. I'm sure they can feel they can do better. I installed Android Auto in my 4runner a few years back and it definitely improved my 4runner experience, but I'm generally happy with my Tesla setup. I'd say the only thing missing from Tesla is Google Assistant integration. Everything else is meh.

fletchowns 7y ago

Android Auto is very underwhelming. I don't even bother, since it requires you to plug in your phone via USB. After having a wireless charger in the car and at home, I never want to have to mess with a cord again.

pat2man 7y ago
Both CarPlay and Android Auto support wireless connectivity.
- jedberg 7y ago
  Sure they support it. But you have to have a head unit that supports it. Only BMW/Mini and Audi offers wireless CarPlay, and only aftermarket head units support Android.
Ahwleung 7y ago
Wireless android auto/carplay are shipping on certain luxury vehicles as well now, I look forward to that feature moving downmarket. It was very pricey but I got a ProClip mount for my phone. Phone slots right in, automatically starts charging and Android Auto loads right up. AA/Carplay will win in the long term, simply due to the fact that there's a larger market and app makers can publish their own apps. In other words, I can use Pocket Casts in my Chevy Volt, but need to use a phone screen + bluetooth audio in my Tesla.
dual_basis 7y ago
That's funny, I didn't realize Android Auto wouldn't work in a Tesla, and now I am very hesitant to buy one. It works perfectly on my wife's car, I can use whatever apps I want (eg. PocketCasts, Spotify, Plex) and the integration with the other aspects of the car is seamless. Teslas are just now getting Spotify?!?! That's exactly the sort of thing I would expect with an in-house system, and exactly why I would want to avoid it. What about navigation? Are you beholden to whatever Tesla provides, or can you use Waze and Google Maps if you want? I guess I would end up using my phone over Bluetooth, negating much of the benefit the large touchscreen in the Tesla provides, ending up fiddling with my phone to change songs etc. People are going to point out the privacy issues inherent in using Android, and I understand the complaint, but Google already knows my speed and location at all times anyway just by virtue of having my phone on me. I don't think Android Auto would have any interaction with the cameras or sensors, since most other cars do not have them, but perhaps others can speak to this. Regardless, this has really diminished my interest in getting a Tesla.

zepearl 7y ago

Could be related to what mentioned here (Volkswagen explaining why it's developing its own SW): https://arstechnica.com/cars/2019/09/volkswagen-audi-porsche-vw-group-plans-one-os-to-rule-them-all/ https://arstechnica.com/cars/2019/09/volkswagen-audi-porsche... But really be careful how much Android you're talking about. There are some brands really using Google's automotive services; this is not our strategy. When you do this, you get a great package of function and services, no doubt. But you also have to open up all the car's sensor data [to Google], and when I say all, it really is all sensor data," Senger told me. (statement from Christian Senger, mentioned by Ars as being VW Group's Digital Car and Services division)

prongletown 7y ago
I think you may be confusing Android Auto with Android for Cars. The former is the mobile app and headunit-only integration (audio controls) via video stream, which requires minimal integration with the vehicle. The other is Android repurposed for headunits, with full car integration, such as Volvo's integration. Car manufacturers of luxury cars shy away from Android Auto partially because they believe it turns one of their main selling points and silos (advanced technology) into yet another commodity.
- zepearl 7y ago
  Thx for the definitions - useful/interesting (but I did not doublecheck them, hehe) :) > which requires minimal integration with the vehicle My guess: maybe VW is scared of a potential "which CURRENTLY requires minimal integration with the vehicle" (I imagine that the push for more and more integration will increase in the future) and therefore decided to give it a try now and not to become passively dependent on Google.
  - delfinom 7y ago
    The real answer: VW wants to get a cut of the datamining pie.
  - prongletown 7y ago

ubermonkey 7y ago

It's really baffling. The CarPlay experience in our Volkswagen is so good I cannot imagine ever going back to an automaker's in-house system. Even the ones in the luxury cars I've had -- BMW, Mercedes -- have been absolute crap compared to CarPlay. I don't even care that it requires USB.

AcerbicZero 7y ago
I can second this. I've used both CarPlay and Android Auto in my Golf R, and compared to a few rentals I've driven recently its amazing how much better VW is at this. Beyond just the normal controls (which can sometimes be hit or miss once you're in CarPlay/AndroidAuto mode) the extra little functionalities you notice are amazing. A good example is when using Google Maps I can zoom in/out by just pinching the touchscreen in the car, or I can use the physical dial (normally for changing radio stations) to control the zoom level, or scroll through selections. If you change contexts, what the physical dial control change along with them, and its really slick once you get used to it.
- ubermonkey 7y ago
  Heh. My VW is a GTI, so we have the same system. I didn't know until I saw it in my ex-sister-in-law's Alfa, but apparently there ARE CarPlay implementations that don't have touchscreens. That makes it much less easy, though still better than any automaker's.
kemiller 7y ago
I have used and liked CarPlay and was put off by tesl not having it... until I tried Tesla’s. CarPlay is essential for routing around the horrible crap put out by most carmakers but the Tesla ui is awesome. It’s big, it’s fast, and it’s 100% focused on automotive use. I’d still like the option, but I can’t say I miss it.
- automathematics 7y ago
  Second this. I love Android Auto. But I love my Model 3 UI more.

agloeregrets 7y ago

Straightforward they have no interest in losing control of the software running. I think the idea is that the product will continue to work even after smartphones. Also they were a bit miffed with Apple a while back. But yeah no nothing to do with data rights on Apple’s end, google does want more data though.

pmarreck 7y ago

My S.O. has CarPlay in her Audi and while it is definitely superior to the built-in UI (this to me says more about how bad those UI’s are to begin with!), it is a shitshow compared to the UI of my Tesla. Simple examples: 1) If you accidentally tell the car or the phone not to use CarPlay for a particular phone, there is no obvious way to get it to ask again 2) If you are connected to the same phone via Bluetooth AND CarPlay’s USB connection (...why does it even permit this to begin with??)... Wonkiness results 3) My S.O. refuses to use Waze on it because Waze’s own notifications overlay/BLOCK important elements of its own nav and are not trivially dismissed (do they even test these things??) These are just off the top of my head in an Audi, hardly a run-of-the-mill car. Try a Tesla’s UI for a while, and CarPlay will seem like garbage. It becomes very clear why they didn’t go with it. I only wish it had Waze on it, and then I could get rid of my phone mount.

zaphirplane 7y ago

Perhaps to capture both iOS and android users. On an aside isn’t it just silly that you, your partner and car Choice have to coordinate Android / google

mlindner 7y ago

Because there's no need for it?