Car Play Radio

[Richard A Thackeray]

Iirc it was the Tempera, we had a 1.9 TD estate and christ, it could easily wheelspin in second gear (not sure i should admit it )
It seemed all those 1.9 turbo diesels on Fiats, Citroën etc in the 90s went like absolute stink

Our red Uno was a 1.7 diesel, the blue Punto a 1.7TD
That was the same!

 

[Adam4868]

We had a circa 2010 polo. I was able to buy a double din Kenwood radio which allowed apple car play. I dont know if they still do them, but there are some double din aftermarket radios available. They are usually straight forward to swap. The connectors are standardised for power and speakers. Most radios come with extra connectors if yours are different

Bought one of eBay and fitted last week in daughter's car....I'm surprised how good it is for the money,think it was 60 quid.
Anyway all works...voice controlled etc.Only thing I didn't bother with was the reversing camera as didn't have time to mess about fitting it.She will just have to learn to park the old way 😁

 

[Electric_Andy]

@Adam4868 how is the new unit working out? I only ask because we have a fairly new car with Android auto/apples car play built in, and want to know if they are all the same. At first it was really nice but having used it for a couple months now I don't see any benefit. I compare it of course to a standard bluetooth connection which has been my go to in my last 3 cars (over 12 years)

Firstly the Android auto only works when you plug the phone in (I know wireless units are available but this one isn't). But it won't work with any old USB-C cable, not even a 20w fast charger. I had to buy a 10GB data transfer cable rated at 3.1A. I might in future try one of them wireless adapters but I don't think I can be bothered.

Secondly, being a factory unit it is linked to the centre console controller knob, but it is not easy (or safe) to use. You have to turn the wheel, click left-right or scroll to select different apps, and even then it's not always possible to go "back" without exiting the app completely. When I say Apps, I'm only talking spotify and maps. I don't use any of the others. Yes you do have use of the factory infotainment screen which is bigger than my phone, but that's only useful for maps and, to be honest, I had already got used to the 6.7" phone screen anyway.

In contrast, I can easily use just the bluetooth and my phone for music and for telling google to phone people or read my messages. No need to even look at the screen or touch any buttons at all. No need to plug the phone in (unless it needs charging).

Finally (and this is the cars fault, not necessarily android auto) - there is nowhere convenient to keep your phone plugged in. It hardly fits in the arm rest with the lid closed, and if using the front USB then there is nowhere to rest the phone unless you use an aftermarket phone holder which sits right in front of the infotainment screen. You could stick phone mounts elsewhere but who wants to rely on sticky mounts these days, especially when most interiors have a dappled surface which is hard to stick to.

I just don't see the benefit of things like this, they seem to provide solutions to a problem that never existed.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

@Adam4868 how is the new unit working out? I only ask because we have a fairly new car with Android auto/apples car play built in, and want to know if they are all the same. At first it was really nice but having used it for a couple months now I don't see any benefit. I compare it of course to a standard bluetooth connection which has been my go to in my last 3 cars (over 12 years)

Firstly the Android auto only works when you plug the phone in (I know wireless units are available but this one isn't). But it won't work with any old USB-C cable, not even a 20w fast charger. I had to buy a 10GB data transfer cable rated at 3.1A. I might in future try one of them wireless adapters but I don't think I can be bothered.

Secondly, being a factory unit it is linked to the centre console controller knob, but it is not easy (or safe) to use. You have to turn the wheel, click left-right or scroll to select different apps, and even then it's not always possible to go "back" without exiting the app completely. When I say Apps, I'm only talking spotify and maps. I don't use any of the others. Yes you do have use of the factory infotainment screen which is bigger than my phone, but that's only useful for maps and, to be honest, I had already got used to the 6.7" phone screen anyway.

In contrast, I can easily use just the bluetooth and my phone for music and for telling google to phone people or read my messages. No need to even look at the screen or touch any buttons at all. No need to plug the phone in (unless it needs charging).

Finally (and this is the cars fault, not necessarily android auto) - there is nowhere convenient to keep your phone plugged in. It hardly fits in the arm rest with the lid closed, and if using the front USB then there is nowhere to rest the phone unless you use an aftermarket phone holder which sits right in front of the infotainment screen. You could stick phone mounts elsewhere but who wants to rely on sticky mounts these days, especially when most interiors have a dappled surface which is hard to stick to.

I just don't see the benefit of things like this, they seem to provide solutions to a problem that never existed.

Surprised your fairly new car hasn't got wireless connection.

We have AA via wireless and it is brilliant, tbh. With Maps or Waze it saves us a fortune by not specifying manufacturers stupidly overpriced satnav system.

Good luck getting sorted!

 

[Electric_Andy]

Surprised your fairly new car hasn't got wireless connection.

We have AA via wireless and it is brilliant, tbh. With Maps or Waze it saves us a fortune by not specifying manufacturers stupidly overpriced satnav system.

Good luck getting sorted!

It's a 2021 so I guess not so new any more! Yes the good thing is you can you google maps from your phone, but the only benefit I see is the larger factory screen instead of my phone screen. The car not being touchscreen, you still have to touch the phone to change anything (which defeats the object) e.g mute navigation voice on/off, or change destination. You can use the cars control knob to do this but it involves lots of navigation and clicks; not something I'd even think about doing whilst driving.

 

[figbat]

Surprised your fairly new car hasn't got wireless connection.

My wife’s 2023 Volvo uses a cable for CarPlay/Android Auto but my 2023 MINI is wireless. Wireless connection isn’t (or wasnt) as widespread as cabled even quite recently.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

It's a 2021 so I guess not so new any more! Yes the good thing is you can you google maps from your phone, but the only benefit I see is the larger factory screen instead of my phone screen. The car not being touchscreen, you still have to touch the phone to change anything (which defeats the object) e.g mute navigation voice on/off, or change destination. You can use the cars control knob to do this but it involves lots of navigation and clicks; not something I'd even think about doing whilst driving.

Shame you don't have a touchscreen - makes a world of difference.

We are ordering our next new car this Friday and are debating whether or not to upgrade our phones to Qi models to take advantage of induction charging - first World 'problems'!

 

[SpokeyDokey]

My wife’s 2023 Volvo uses a cable for CarPlay/Android Auto but my 2023 MINI is wireless. Wireless connection isn’t (or wasnt) as widespread as cabled even quite recently.

Thought everything was wireless now. Must vary by manufacturer?

 

[Electric_Andy]

Thought everything was wireless now. Must vary by manufacturer?

It probably varies my make, model and year. Wired is ultimately cheaper though. It's very odd that our 2021 Audi Q2 (which I'm guessing is a very base model) still has a physical key which you have to poke into one of those old fashioned ignition barrels. Whereas our 2014 Renault has keyless entry and push button start

 

[SpokeyDokey]

@Adam4868 how is the new unit working out? I only ask because we have a fairly new car with Android auto/apples car play built in, and want to know if they are all the same. At first it was really nice but having used it for a couple months now I don't see any benefit. I compare it of course to a standard bluetooth connection which has been my go to in my last 3 cars (over 12 years)

Firstly the Android auto only works when you plug the phone in (I know wireless units are available but this one isn't). But it won't work with any old USB-C cable, not even a 20w fast charger. I had to buy a 10GB data transfer cable rated at 3.1A. I might in future try one of them wireless adapters but I don't think I can be bothered.

Secondly, being a factory unit it is linked to the centre console controller knob, but it is not easy (or safe) to use. You have to turn the wheel, click left-right or scroll to select different apps, and even then it's not always possible to go "back" without exiting the app completely. When I say Apps, I'm only talking spotify and maps. I don't use any of the others. Yes you do have use of the factory infotainment screen which is bigger than my phone, but that's only useful for maps and, to be honest, I had already got used to the 6.7" phone screen anyway.

In contrast, I can easily use just the bluetooth and my phone for music and for telling google to phone people or read my messages. No need to even look at the screen or touch any buttons at all. No need to plug the phone in (unless it needs charging).

Finally (and this is the cars fault, not necessarily android auto) - there is nowhere convenient to keep your phone plugged in. It hardly fits in the arm rest with the lid closed, and if using the front USB then there is nowhere to rest the phone unless you use an aftermarket phone holder which sits right in front of the infotainment screen. You could stick phone mounts elsewhere but who wants to rely on sticky mounts these days, especially when most interiors have a dappled surface which is hard to stick to.

I just don't see the benefit of things like this, they seem to provide solutions to a problem that never existed.

Have you had a look at the "In praise of Ottocast" thread in Motoring?

Might help on the wireless front.

 

[DRM]

It probably varies my make, model and year. Wired is ultimately cheaper though. It's very odd that our 2021 Audi Q2 (which I'm guessing is a very base model) still has a physical key which you have to poke into one of those old fashioned ignition barrels. Whereas our 2014 Renault has keyless entry and push button start

I can't believe that the Apple car Play & Android Auto aren't wireless in an Audi, it was wireless (Bluetooth) in our old 2017 Suzuki Swift & My 2021 ProAce work van, the new 2025 work van is both bluetooth & WiFi as is our new Suzuki S-Cross

 

[Electric_Andy]

I can't believe that the Apple car Play & Android Auto aren't wireless in an Audi, it was wireless (Bluetooth) in our old 2017 Suzuki Swift & My 2021 ProAce work van, the new 2025 work van is both bluetooth & WiFi as is our new Suzuki S-Cross

Yep, it's not wireless. Nor is the screen touchscreen. But the Bluetooth is flawless which is all I'm concerned about, and I've just ordered one of the wifi dongles for the android auto

 

[fossyant]

My 21 plate van is wired but is happy with a short 'u-green' data/charge cable. Many cars used wired for 'safety' - disables the phone.

My son's Fabia was really fussy with the cables, and I'm not sure what his Superb is like, but he's bought a quality cable for his.

Mine doesn't disable the phone. Often have music and maps on the bigger screen in 'split screen' mode. Might be worth learning voice commands. I know Amazon music only lets me select more recent play lists when on the car screen - so if I want something specific before setting off, I'll search for it on the phone. I suppose it's there for safety. Stops you faffing about. Similar with maps, won't let me search for anywhere when moving, I can only press the search button and/or speak my destination.

As for somewhere to fit the phone - common issue with big phones these days. I bought a Broadit kit. Comes with a 'no screw' car mount, then a phone cradle - pick the type that suits the car location, and a holder that suits the phone type. A bit pricey, but you don't need to drill the dash, they neatly fit between certain dash panels depending on the 'location' you chose. Very professional looking.

You can get a wireless adapter, but they all look a little big, and not as neat as my 30cm cable with right angle USB connectors.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

My 21 plate van is wired but is happy with a short 'u-green' data/charge cable. Many cars used wired for 'safety' - disables the phone.

My son's Fabia was really fussy with the cables, and I'm not sure what his Superb is like, but he's bought a quality cable for his.

Mine doesn't disable the phone. Often have music and maps on the bigger screen in 'split screen' mode. Might be worth learning voice commands. I know Amazon music only lets me select more recent play lists when on the car screen - so if I want something specific before setting off, I'll search for it on the phone. I suppose it's there for safety. Stops you faffing about. Similar with maps, won't let me search for anywhere when moving, I can only press the search button and/or speak my destination.

As for somewhere to fit the phone - common issue with big phones these days. I bought a Broadit kit. Comes with a 'no screw' car mount, then a phone cradle - pick the type that suits the car location, and a holder that suits the phone type. A bit pricey, but you don't need to drill the dash, they neatly fit between certain dash panels depending on the 'location' you chose. Very professional looking.

You can get a wireless adapter, but they all look a little big, and not as neat as my 30cm cable with right angle USB connectors.

On our previous car (not wireless) we had to use high spec cables that were specifically for data transfer in order for AA to work at all.