CarPlay and Android Auto coming to 14 Chevrolet 2016 models

Google and Apple have dedicated a lot of time and resources partnering with automakers to provide mass adoption of hands-free solutions for vehicles. Yesterday, Hyundai unveiled its first vehicle to support Android Auto, the Sonata, and today Chevrolet has revealed that it will be supporting both Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto for 14 of its production models beginning late this summer.

This is quite a large step in terms of adoption, and the main benefit is that users of both iPhones and Androids will be able to connect their smartphones to the vehicles. A number of automakers have chosen to support only one or the other, so the decision by Chevy to add both systems is definitely a smart move. By focusing on inclusion rather than forcing prospective buyers to decide on car brand based on what kind of cell phone they have, Chevrolet can attract a larger amount of customers.

The different models will come with either a 7 inch or 8 inch display, and some will support both sizes. The 7 inch display will support both hands-free solutions at release, but for the 8 inch, Android Auto support may come sometime later on. The smaller display will rely heavily on CarPlay and Android Auto for most of its features, while the larger one will include many features on its own without requiring a smartphone.

Source(s)