Overview the vehicle multimedia platforms and their interaction with different phones.

Apple CarPlay

If you are the iPhone owner, you will definitely be interested in such communication solution as Apple CarPlay. As a matter of fact, this system translates the iOS interface to the car's built-in entertainment system, using its display and acoustics. Its functionality goes far beyond simple Bluetooth telephony and audio controls, it is a whole complex of iPhone functions that can be safely used while driving. In other words, we get a regular iPad instead of our ordinary stock head unit. You can not only send and receive calls and messages but also get access to your photos and video files, you can display the navigation from the phone to the display. Voice control is also available.

This multimedia platform will work only with connected to a stock head unit phone. It is possible to connect it with cable or use the wireless connection. All iPhones starting from iPhone 5 support Apple CarPlay connection. But not all cars support the CarPlay function. In case if your car multimedia has no such function you can install a third-party head unit, with the built-in CarPlay.

Android Auto

As for Android Auto, everything is similar to CarPlay here, only the connected phone needs to be on Android OS, no lower than version 5. In a case with Android Auto, wireless connection with the phone is not supported.

Not all cars support the Android Auto feature, but modern automakers are trying to support both platforms at once.

Aftermarket head units on Android OS

The SMARTY Trend head units based on an Android operating system, also support connection with a smartphone. With this connection, the head unit screen duplicates the screen of your phone. You can connect both Android and iOS phones. It is the most practical platform for car multimedia because it is not necessary to connect the phone constantly for its functioning. You can store a phone playlist and contacts on the device and can have constant and unhindered access to this information. At the same time, you can install any navigation software to your head unit and will not be tied to a specific program without the right to choose. An aftermarket head units on Android OS performs all the same functions as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto multimedia platforms and also has a number of advantages: ease of use, access to a huge number of applications, the ability to view a video.

The choice is obvious for us – the head unit on the Android operating system is the most optimal solution among the car multimedia platforms available on the market at this moment!