Spotify beta tests endless playlists on CarPlay

You no longer have to worry about switching from a track you don't like while driving with this new feature Spotify is testing out on its CarPlay app. The audio streaming service brings its Go to Song Radio function to the CarPlay app's Now Playing screen. The feature will make sure the service plays tracks similar to the ones you're listening to. Plus, it'll be an endless playlist of sorts if you keep hitting the button, so you don't have to be distracted by making a song choice while you're on the road.

Members of Spotify's beta program are the first ones to try this out. But it isn't clear when the feature will roll out to all users. It might be something to look forward to.

Source: 9to5Mac

iOS 14 can turn your iPhone into a car key

iOS 14 offers a lot of new features for users to take advantage of, but we haven't mentioned the automotive and mobility features the mobile platform offers. Apple is also improving Apple Maps and CarPlay experience with this new version of its operating system.

One of the more notable additions is turning your iPhone into your car's key with the aptly named Car Key. The feature is coming in the fall, with support for iOS 13 as well. It'll first work with the new 2021 BMW 5-Series, with other vehicles and automakers expected to support the feature next year. 

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Google Podcasts adds CarPlay support on iOS

Google Podcasts now supports CarPlay on iOS to make it "more easily and safely listen while you drive." It arrives as part of version 2.0 of the app's iOS version. Google Podcasts will now have a simpler interface with three tabs: Home, Explore, and Activity. The Home tab shows you new episodes of subscribed shows, Explore has recommended shows and episodes, and Activity displays your listening history, downloaded podcasts, and queued episodes. You get an option to download new episodes of podcasts you subscribe to automatically. 

The update also brings with it "several bug fixes to improve performance. You can download Google Podcasts here.

Source: 9to5Google

Apple CarPlay now supports third-party maps on its dashboard

Thanks to iOS 13.4, Apple CarPlay gets third-party map integration in the dashboard. Apple's in-car interface supports different apps on its dashboard to work side by side. But for navigation, Apple Maps was your only option until this update appeared. Now, apps like Google Maps and Waze can be used on the dashboard's split-screen option.

Apple has been working on improving its own Maps app, but a lot of people still prefer Google's options and other third-party map apps. This inclusion will help make CarPlay more useful to more users. iOS 13.4 also brings in-call information on the CarPlay dashboard.

Source: The Verge