Kenwood ships multimedia receivers with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Want to bless your current ride with the latest, greatest in connected car entertainment? Kenwood just shipped new multimedia receivers that offer Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto compatibility so you can connect them with your smartphone of choice and access all the best features for about the same price you would pay for an off-contract flagship smartphone.

The KENWOOD Excelon DDX9902S and KENWOOD DDX9702S are shipping to retailers, with suggested MSRPs of $950.00 and $900.00, respectively.   

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GMC and Buick cars to get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto to follow

Two more car brands will be getting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support in the near future. General Motors announced the GMC and Buick models that will be Apple and Google’s car software. The 2016 GMC Canyon, Yukon, and Sierra models will be getting an 8-inch IntelliLink infotainment system that has Apple CarPlay. The base model Sierra is unique in the sense that it gets a smaller 7-inch version of IntelliLink. The first three models will get Android Auto at a later date, while the entry-level Sierra will launch in 2016 with both CarPlay and Android Auto support. For Buick, the 2016 Buick Regal and LaCrosse models will be betting an 8-inch IntelliLink system as well. CarPlay will also be arriving first before Android Auto.

CarPlay on both brands will have a similar implementation. The software will give full-screen access to navigation, audio controls, etc. It’ll also let you toggle between Apple’s software, onboard OnStar 4G LTE-connected IntelliLink software, and, eventually, Google’s Android Auto.

Source: CNET

Android Auto to come to most 2016 Cadillac models coming out later this year

Most of the upcoming 2016 Cadillac models will be getting support for Android Auto a bit after the launch. According to General Motors, the support for Google’s car ecosystem will be part of the improvement of Cadillac’s CUE system. The new Cadillac cars will begin arriving summer of this year. There’s no list which cars will be getting Android Auto but the current-gen SRX and the base trim ATS won’t be getting it. The former because its nearing the end of its production life and the latter if you didn’t include the option for the CUE system.

Those who want to take advantage of Android Auto would need an Android device running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher. And you’ll need to have the Android Auto app.

Source: Android Police

Chevrolet's MyLink set to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration to 14 models in 2015

2015 will be the year that smartphone functionality integrates with in-dash infotainment and satnav systems and it looks like Chevrolet is investing heavily to bring new car owners access to their smartphone ecosystem of choice.

For the 2016 model year, Chevrolet will offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility in more models than any automotive brand. The 14 Chevrolet models include the all-new 2016 Cruze, which will debut on June 24. Cruze is Chevrolet’s best-selling passenger car, with more than 3 million sold since launch. 

“For most of us, our smartphones are essential,” said Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors. “Partnering with Apple and Google to offer CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility across the widest range of models in the industry is a great example of how Chevrolet continues to democratize technology that’s important to our customers.”

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