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Chrysler makes a case for the hybrid minivan
No one marvels at minivans. Well, except maybe at car-stereo events (you can get so many woofers in the back of a van). But in real life, on the streets, the world treats the minivan like a defeat: It's what you buy as an adult when you've given up all hope. Your youth has died, the body has been cremated and its ashes have been mixed with Metamucil and spread at the entrance of a chain restaurant (probably an Applebee's).
Pioneer's in-dash unit supports both Android Auto Wireless and CarPlay
Android Auto Wireless promises to make vehicle smartphone connections less of a futz, provided you have both a phone and infotainment system that supports it. Google is handling the first part, and Pioneer just announced that it has joined JVCKenwood in offering in-dash receivers with the tech. The three models (the AVIC-W8400NEX, -W6400NEX and -W4400NEX) are the first that can connect over wireless or USB to both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Pioneer claims.
Google and Apple might lose the infotainment war
Android Auto and CarPlay are both pretty great. You plug your smartphone into your car and you're greeted with a familiar set of icons. In most vehicles on the road, it's an improvement. Why wade through a confusing interface, when two of the biggest tech companies in the world have made it easy for you to use the map and media apps you already know? But in the tech world, if you're not constantly improving, something else will appear -- and automakers, they're not sitting around.
Lexus' 2019 ES will be its first model with CarPlay support
Toyota has slowly been entering the modern era with full smartphone integration in its cars, and now it's time for the company's upscale Lexus badge. Lexus has revealed that the 2019 ES sedan is its first-ever vehicle to support Apple CarPlay, giving iPhone owners familiar apps and Siri while they ride in style. There's still no Android Auto support, sadly, but you do get Alexa voice control both in and outside of the car.
Lexus is the latest carmaker to offer a subscription service
Just a day after a report about BMW's planned car subscription service, Lexus has announced its own take on the concept. The Lexus UX compact luxury crossover will be available via purchase, lease and a brand-new subscription option in December of this year. Details on how such a service will work — as well as vehicle pricing — will be announced closer to when the UX goes on sale. In addition, like the 2019 Corolla Hatchback, the new Lexus UX will come with CarPlay and Alexa functionality.
Toyota's 2019 Corolla Hatchback supports both Alexa and CarPlay
Toyota no longer requires that you pay the premium for an Avalon to get modern smartphone integration in its cars. It just unveiled the 2019 Corolla Hatchback, whose standard trim includes an 8-inch touchscreen infortainment system with both Amazon Alexa voice control and Apple CarPlay. There's no Android Auto, alas, but this still promises an affordable Toyota with cutting-edge voice and touch interfaces.
WhatsApp is the first third-party messaging service on CarPlay
Today, WhatsApp introduced a new app update that adds compatibility with Carplay. The additional functionality was first noted on the Dutch site iCulture, and it's automatically available who those who update to version 2.18.20 of the app.
Lamborghini’s 650HP Urus is equal parts muscle and infotainment
Lamborghini's Urus is more than just an absurdly overpowered SUV, it's packed with technology both on the entertainment and safety sides too. That means along with its 650 horsepower twin-turbo aluminum 4.0 liter V8 (whew) you also have the option for a pair of Android Auto tablets mounted to the back of the driver and passenger seats. Oh, and there's a digital instrument cluster as well, which will either make keeping it under the 305 KMH (189.5 MPH) top speed easier or harder, depending on your driving style.
Hyundai's new Veloster will make its debut in 'Forza Motorsport 7'
The new Hyundai Veloster just made its debut on the NAIAS 2018 show floor, but the first time we'll be able to drive one is in Forza Motorsport 7. Following a string of cars debuting in videogames (BMW M4 Coupe, Porsche 911 GT2 RS), the Veloster Turbo and Veloster N will come to Forza players tomorrow, well before the cars go on sale in Q2 2018. In real life, the refreshed three-door hatchback has a bit more power and a lower stance, while the new "N" performance version goes up to 275HP and adds track-tuned driving modes.
Toyota caves to pressure and adds CarPlay to new models
Many car manufacturers have joined the modern era by adopting Android Auto, Apple CarPlay or both, but not Toyota. It insisted on going its own way, and that has usually meant skipping its cars entirely if you cared about smartphone integration. Thankfully, the automaker has seen the light. The 2019 Avalon and future models (including Lexus vehicles) with an Entune 3.0 or Enform 2.0 system will support Apple CarPlay, letting you use the more sophisticated apps from your iPhone instead of making do with limited built-in features. CarPlay will be standard on all Avalon trim levels when the sedan goes on sale in late spring, although that's no guarantee it'll be standard on other models.
Tidal launches app for Apple and Android TVs
Today, Tidal launches its Tidal TV app, allowing subscribers to use the streaming service on their Apple TVs and Android TVs. The app's "Home" section displays recommendations and popular concerts, livestreams, music videos, albums and podcasts. And users can curate their own "My Collection" section, which can house all of their favorite content.
Tidal now works with Apple's CarPlay
Spotify, Google Play Music and the BBC's iPlayer Radio all work with Apple's CarPlay. Now Tidal users can get in on the action, too; the company tweeted the compatibility of its streaming app with the iOS-based in-car system.
Honda's 2018 Gold Wing is the first motorcycle with CarPlay
Most of the automakers announcing their adoption of Apple's CarPlay have mentioned them in reference to cars, and for good reason: It only works with screens, which are starting to become widespread on new 4-wheeled vehicles. But on Tuesday, Honda revealed that the new edition of its Gold Wing touring motorcycle would become the first bike to use Apple's iPhone-porting service.
BBC iPlayer Radio now plays nice with Carplay and Android Auto
For many, BBC radio is synonymous with driving. When you're stuck in a traffic jam, holiday road trip or boring post-work commute, sometimes the best company is a never-ending playlist punctuated with cheerful DJ chatter. For the longest time, that's meant FM airwaves, but now of course you can use the iPlayer Radio app too. Today, the BBC is going one step further with support for Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto platforms. If you have a compatible in-car entertainment system, or don't mind sticking your Android phone to the dashboard, you can now use these large, touch-friendly interfaces while you're out on the road.
Apple CarPlay now supports Google Play Music
If for some reason you're an iOS and CarPlay user that also manages your tunes with Google Play Music, you're in luck. Google's music service is now compatible with Apple's in-car system, which means you can control things from the safety of your car's display rather than fiddle with your iPhone while on the road.
Alpine's latest receiver brings wireless CarPlay to all
Apple CarPlay has finally gone wireless. After debuting the technology at CES this year, Alpine is now shipping the iLX-107, the first CarPlay receiver with support for wireless connectivity. And considering the tech world's general disdain for wires and cables, it's a surprise it's taken this long to reach the aftermarket.
iOS 11 brings a series of car safety features
Using your phone while driving is incredibly dangerous. But for a lot of us, it's tough to ignore all those notifications when we should be paying attention to the road. So Apple has created a new feature for the upcoming iOS 11, aptly titled "Do Not Disturb While Driving."
Ford adds Android Auto and CarPlay to its 2016 vehicles
As it promised last year at CES, Ford has started updating 2106 Sync 3-equipped vehicles with Android Auto and CarPlay. That means drivers who have so far settled for the automaker's in-house setup will essentially get a brand new infotainment system if they'd rather switch. Android Auto users can update via WiFi or the USB port, while drivers who want CarPlay will have to make a trip to their dealer and pay a fee.
Amazon Music's iOS app infiltrates CarPlay
Amazon Music subscribers who own a CarPlay-enabled dashboard unit are in luck. Amazon's streaming service is now available via the iOS Amazon Music app for Apple's in-car infotainment system.
Apple CarPlay is now in 200 cars, including 2017 models
Over 200 vehicles now support Apple's in-car infotainment system, the tech giant boasted on its website. Apple has updated its CarPlay-compatible vehicle list with 50 new entries, some of which are upcoming 2017 models from Audi, Honda, Kia, Maserati, Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Volkswagen. While Audi's list includes the 2018 version of the Q5 luxury crossover SUV, the other new additions to the page are current and older (2014-2016) vehicles. One older but notable entry is the 2017 BMW 5 series -- as 9to5mac noted, it'll be the first car with built-in wireless CarPlay.
