Apple's new CarPlay Ultra: hit or miss?
Does it create a more seamless user experience, or will it make car manufacturers lazier with infotainment?
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Jack Rix: 'At last, the Apple Car has arrived! Sort of...'
If you're already hooked on Apple, and a user of CarPlay, you're going to love this even more.
Everything is integrated and shot through with Apple's hallmark clarity and familiarity – something that carmakers are so hit and miss with when it comes to their in-house software. By the way, you can always switch back to the manufacturer's UI if you prefer, or MkI CarPlay if you must.
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I'm pumped to see how other manufacturers, especially those with multiple screens measured in acres, interpret this new found freedom. At last, the Apple Car has arrived! Sort of... Ollie Kew: 'Now we can't have a bespoke digital experience'
First, they came for our lovely, uncomplicated physical dials, with their characterful clock faces and subtle illumination that didn't erase every trace of serotonin.
Now we can't even have a bespoke digital experience, because all Apple's interior invasion will promote is carmakers getting even lazier with infotainment. Why flush away trillions on a brand-specific skin for each readout when half the global smartphone population is going to default to a rounded corners playschool interface?
I'm not an Android user, by the way. I just miss a time when car interiors felt special.
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