Integration of Android Auto and CarPlay into the Car-Net App-Connect service of Volkswagen

Car-Net App-Connect

More and more gadgets and technology are making their way into car equipment. With the addition of Android Auto and CarPlay to the Car-Net App-Connect service, joining Mirror Link, infotainment and the connection between smartphone and car are expanded even further.

The Volkswagen Passat and the new Touran and Sharan, as well as the Polo, Golf, Golf Sportsvan, Golf Variant, Scirocco, Beetle, Beetle Cabrio and Volkswagen CC, will be the first to incorporate these new technologies.

Car-Net App-Connect

Through a USB connection with the smartphone’s own cable, it offers access to individual apps, content and infotainment services in the user’s car. These are organized into three main areas: Guide & Inform, e-Remote and App-Connect, where Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now integrated.

App management in the vehicle was previously done through MirrorLink, but now Google’s Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay will also be added, thus increasing the capacity for information, entertainment and connectivity services. Optionally, they will be available alongside the “Composition Media” radio systems or the “Discover Media” navigation systems, and as standard for “Discover Pro”.

Apple CarPlay

Transfers the iPhone apps “Phone”, “News”, “Maps” and “Music” to the vehicle’s infotainment system via a USB connector. Owners of the iPhone 5, 5C, 5S, 6 and 6 Plus models can use this system. The apps are operated via the touchscreen or through the “Siri” application using voice control.

Apple CarPlay

• Phone: Users can answer and end calls, mute the phone, display the keypad, access the phone book and retrieve voicemail messages. These operations can be carried out via the touchscreen or through “Siri”.
• News: “Siri” reads texts aloud. Text messages can also be composed while driving.
• Maps: Includes detailed route descriptions, traffic information and estimated journey times.
• Music: The library is accessed via the touchscreen and/or “Siri”. It also recognises audio apps such as Spotify, Beats Music, Stitcher Radio, iHeartRadio, Podcasts or Audiobooks.com.

Android Auto

Android Auto

Smartphone apps running the “Android” operating system are displayed on the infotainment system’s touchscreen via a USB connector. They can be operated via the touchscreen, and also through “Google Voice” voice control, which is activated via the multifunction steering wheel.

In addition to Google Maps or Google Play Music, other applications such as WhatsApp, Spotify, Skype, Stitcher, Joyride Podcast Player, Umano or Pocket Casts can be integrated through this system.

Source | Volkswagen