Apple CarPlay: Does it Really Give You Hands-free Music Control?
In this article we explore the idea behind Apple's CarPlay and how it can be used for listening to digital music.
You may think that CarPlay comes already built into a car's stereo system or dashboard screen display, but in fact it is integrated into iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad. The idea behind CarPlay is to have a more seamless way to use your device in a vehicle. CarPlay, which was first made available with the release of iOS 7.1, can be thought of as the 'go-between interface' which makes using your device in the car safer and more convenient.
It has been designed to make using the apps on your iPhone, iPad, etc. easier while you concentrate on driving. Rather than operating your iOS device independently, you plug it into your car via a USB port. Your CarPlay compatible vehicle will then communicate with your device and be able to display information on its built-in dashboard screen and play music through the stereo.
You can use different types of apps like Maps, Messages, and Phone -- but, what about music? From a digital music perspective it gives you a more seamless way to enjoy music without having to take your eye off the road just to get to the right app. As well as being able to play the songs stored on your iOS device, CarPlay caters for other types of audio that you might want to enjoy while driving too such as podcasts and audio books. Even music videos from YouTube can be played, but this last option seems a bit of a distraction which is best enjoyed while stationary.
As well as a vehicle that is CarPlay compatible you have to ensure that your Apple device can use it too.
Your portable will need to have at least iOS version 7.1 installed and also sport a lightning connector. Older hardware that uses the 30-pin connector won't be compatible with CarPlay (and not just because of the connection) and so you'll need to upgrade.
The first thing you'll probably think about is the songs in your iTunes library. CarPlay can be used to do this, but it also does a lot more besides. You can for example use iTunes Radio to listen to your favorite artist / band, songs, etc. You can also listen to streaming music from services such as Spotify and Beats Music. Internet radio is also catered for via apps from iHeart Radio and Stitcher.
If you have downloaded podcasts to your iOS device then you can also use CarPlay to listen to them while you drive.
Yes you can. Voice control via Siri is the preferred way to use CarPlay because provides a completely hands-free way which keeps you more focused on the road. Vehicle's with CarPlay will typically have a voice control button on the steering wheel which can be pressed to launch Siri. For digital music you can then use it to play one of the songs in your iTunes library for instance or launch iTunes Radio.
What is CarPlay?
You may think that CarPlay comes already built into a car's stereo system or dashboard screen display, but in fact it is integrated into iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad. The idea behind CarPlay is to have a more seamless way to use your device in a vehicle. CarPlay, which was first made available with the release of iOS 7.1, can be thought of as the 'go-between interface' which makes using your device in the car safer and more convenient.
It has been designed to make using the apps on your iPhone, iPad, etc. easier while you concentrate on driving. Rather than operating your iOS device independently, you plug it into your car via a USB port. Your CarPlay compatible vehicle will then communicate with your device and be able to display information on its built-in dashboard screen and play music through the stereo.
You can use different types of apps like Maps, Messages, and Phone -- but, what about music? From a digital music perspective it gives you a more seamless way to enjoy music without having to take your eye off the road just to get to the right app. As well as being able to play the songs stored on your iOS device, CarPlay caters for other types of audio that you might want to enjoy while driving too such as podcasts and audio books. Even music videos from YouTube can be played, but this last option seems a bit of a distraction which is best enjoyed while stationary.
What Do I Need to Use CarPlay?
As well as a vehicle that is CarPlay compatible you have to ensure that your Apple device can use it too.
Your portable will need to have at least iOS version 7.1 installed and also sport a lightning connector. Older hardware that uses the 30-pin connector won't be compatible with CarPlay (and not just because of the connection) and so you'll need to upgrade.
What Kind of Audio Can be Played Using CarPlay?
The first thing you'll probably think about is the songs in your iTunes library. CarPlay can be used to do this, but it also does a lot more besides. You can for example use iTunes Radio to listen to your favorite artist / band, songs, etc. You can also listen to streaming music from services such as Spotify and Beats Music. Internet radio is also catered for via apps from iHeart Radio and Stitcher.
If you have downloaded podcasts to your iOS device then you can also use CarPlay to listen to them while you drive.
Can Siri be Used to Control CarPlay?
Yes you can. Voice control via Siri is the preferred way to use CarPlay because provides a completely hands-free way which keeps you more focused on the road. Vehicle's with CarPlay will typically have a voice control button on the steering wheel which can be pressed to launch Siri. For digital music you can then use it to play one of the songs in your iTunes library for instance or launch iTunes Radio.