2016 Spark EV: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

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nikwax

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Apr 26, 2015
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Mary Barra seems to be saying that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available on all models in 2016. Spark EV included? Hmm, how long until the 2016 models are available?
 
It'll definitely be included and I wouldn't be surprised if it was actually the first vehicle to be implemented with it.
The Spark EV has already been seen with carplay http://9to5mac.com/2014/06/04/chevy...at-wwdc-ahead-of-announcement-from-chevrolet/

And the Spark has been seen with Android Auto. http://www.cnet.com/news/chevy-rolling-out-android-auto-apple-carplay-in-14-models/

As for when the 2016 Spark EV will be released is entirely a new question. I have doubts that it'll have the new form factor as the new 2016 and will more be a few new tech and maybe adjustments to the performance using software.
 
I leased a 2016 spark ev last week. I asked the salesman when I would need to come in to get the android auto update and he said that they weren't doing that for the spark EV. This is really too bad since he also told me there was a nav system for 99 cents, which turns out to be a half truth as you have to pay another 50 bucks to have turn by turn directions after a month. I still like the car and probably would have gotten it anyway but it is frustrating to not just be able to use google maps. I bought a no drill cell phone mount/holder from ram mounts and will just be using my phone. Hopefully they will go ahead and update it eventually.
 
Auto and or CarPlay likely would require a redesigned head unit. You could certainly buy a different unit and have it installed, or just pay the fifty bucks for the GPS app.


Personally, I feel CarPlay is vastly over rated, I wouldn't spend hundreds of dollars to get access to a cell service dependent navigation app, or anything else that CarPlay has on tap. I'm happy with Pandora, and I popped the fifty for the GPS app for when I need something more sophisticated than Waze for navigation.
 
I've had a 2016 since December 28, 2015. The more I drive it, the more happy I get. It's just a lot of fun to drive. It didn't come with CarPlay though and I'm waiting for the salesman to give me info on when I can get access to it.
 
Did the dealer indicate that you would have access to it in the future?
What is giving you the expectation that the car would be upgraded to support CarPlay?
 
unibass said:
I've had a 2016 since December 28, 2015. The more I drive it, the more happy I get. It's just a lot of fun to drive. It didn't come with CarPlay though and I'm waiting for the salesman to give me info on when I can get access to it.
Don't hold your breath - His lips were moving :twisted:
 
Yup, you were right. His lips were moving. I just got off a chat with an Infotainment Specialist name Tiffany and she said it would NOT be available for the EV. I pointed out the WWDC demonstration of CarPlay on an EV model and she just did the cyber shrug. I'm so pissed. :x :x :x :x :x :x

I get that it's not false advertising, but it is misleading. It really pisses me off. There has to be something that can be done about this.
 
unibass said:
Yup, you were right. His lips were moving. I just got off a chat with an Infotainment Specialist name Tiffany and she said it would NOT be available for the EV. I pointed out the WWDC demonstration of CarPlay on an EV model and she just did the cyber shrug. I'm so pissed. :x :x :x :x :x :x

I get that it's not false advertising, but it is misleading. It really pisses me off. There has to be something that can be done about this.



Did someone tell you explicitly that CarPlay would be available on the car that you bought?
 
In absolute honesty, I can't explicitly remember the conversation I had 3 months ago. I do remember it was on the list of things I discussed with the salesman and that was driven by the WWDC video and the Chevrolet Press releases.
 
I never saw a press release that said all GM cars were getting CarPlay or AA. Early on they said "most cars" and then they had a specific number.

As for watching a tech demo and then assuming that equates a released product....well, it doesn't.


Again, if you really want CarPlay or AA, you can buy a head unit that has either of those. For my money, it's more hype than functionality.
 
Thank you for your eloquent reply.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2927225/apple-carplays-coming-to-these-14-chevrolet-cars-in-the-2016-model-year.html

http://recode.net/2015/05/27/general-motors-goes-all-in-on-apple-carplay-android-auto-liveblog/

Yes, it was very assumptive of me to ASSume it would be included in the EV model of the Spark as well.

As far as the hype, having a better integration with the maps, phone and audio would be great.
 
I was sore about not getting CarPlay as well, believe me. And six months into it, I honestly can't say that I'd make much effort to get it. Pandora and the Apple Music app work very well for me. Siri allows me to place phone calls and send text message without taking my hands off of the wheels. BringGo does well as a GPS app, much better than Apple Maps would be (Apple Maps requires a cellular data stream and would consume a lot of my monthly data plan, BringGo does neither). There isn't anything else I want out of the center stack.


I asked myself if I would pay $500 to replace my head unit to get CarPlay. No, I would not. $200? No. $100? No. At this point, I might pay to get rid of CarPlay.
 
Onstar gives turn by turn directions, no extra charge. You can even preload the directions from your smartphone using the Onstar app. Then, when you get in and start driving the directions magically begin. Best nav system ever!
 
Alcalira said:
Onstar gives turn by turn directions, no extra charge. You can even preload the directions from your smartphone using the Onstar app. Then, when you get in and start driving the directions magically begin. Best nav system ever!

The directions are implemented in a postage-stamp window with arrows and voice instructions, no map. I've seen better directions on a 2" bicycle GPS. Compared to Google Maps, it sux. Get a cellphone holder and use Google Maps.

Oh, and did I mention that you have to pay GM $350/year to get the feature? You'd have to be foolish.

Worst nav system ever!

At least Bringo is available (for $50-60), for map-based navigation on the center display.
 
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