{
  "id": 16511994,
  "title": "I thought Apple CarPlay was better than Android Auto until I tried these hidden features",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/i-thought-apple-carplay-was-better-than-android-auto-until-i-tried",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-25T18:30:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/thought-apple-carplay-better-android-auto-until-tried-hidden-features/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Apple CarPlay has long been praised for its clean interface, smooth animations, and seamless integration with iPhones. I believed Apple had perfected the in-car experience until I returned to Android Auto and explored its hidden features. Upon further investigation, I discovered that CarPlay might not be the superior choice for my needs after all. One standout feature of Android Auto is the creation of custom Gemini shortcuts, which can be accessed with a single tap. This eliminates the need to repeat voice commands every time I enter the vehicle. Setting up these shortcuts is simple. I open Android Auto settings on my Galaxy S25 Ultra, navigate to Customize launcher - Add a shortcut to the launcher - A Gemini action, enter my desired command, and assign it a name. This new shortcut will then be displayed alongside my regular apps on the car’s infotainment screen. For instance, I have created shortcuts to navigate home, locate nearby gas stations, send my ETA to my wife via Messages, or play my favorite playlist. I particularly appreciate the ETA shortcut when I’m running late and need to keep my family updated without dictating a message. Furthermore, Android Auto integrates effortlessly with Samsung’s Modes and Routines. This underrated feature allows me to automatically adjust my phone’s settings when I enter the car. I created a routine in Settings - Modes and Routines - Routines, triggered by my car’s Bluetooth connection. Through this routine, I can automate various actions without needing a third-party app like Tasker. For example, my phone turns off the Always On Display, disables fast charging, and switches to the Light Performance profile once connected to my car. When I disconnect, Samsung Routines seamlessly restore the previous settings, eliminating the need to remember to revert changes manually. Apple’s Shortcuts app offers similar automation, but Samsung's implementation provides more flexibility when controlling system settings. Siri, Apple CarPlay’s voice assistant, often struggled with complex requests, which led to me repeating or rephrasing my commands. Android Auto’s Gemini assistant has proven to be a more capable and versatile option. I can ask Gemini to find a highly-rated vegetarian restaurant along my route, draft a detailed WhatsApp message, or even play a specific song based on a movie scene. Gemini’s understanding of these requests has made hands-free interactions easier and more convenient. Local music playback on Android Auto has also won me over. While Apple CarPlay supports offline music through compatible apps, Android Auto offers a broader selection of third-party music players. My favorite app, Poweramp, is an essential part of my setup. It allows me to store over 200 songs locally on my Galaxy S25 Ultra and manage them through folder-based organization, custom playlists, and various audio formats. The app even features a powerful built-in equalizer, enabling me to tweak bass, treble, and other sound settings to my liking. Additionally, Poweramp integrates with Gemini, allowing me to ask Google’s AI assistant to play a specific track from Poweramp. While Apple CarPlay remains impressive, I’ve come to realize that a visually appealing interface is not everything. Custom Gemini shortcuts save valuable time, Samsung Routines streamline repetitive tasks, Gemini enhances hands-free interactions, and flexible local music playback provides greater control over my entertainment. I am not saying CarPlay is a bad platform, but Android Auto’s flexibility and personalization options are more appealing to me. For now, I have made the switch to Google’s platform.",
  "summary": "Google’s hidden tricks won me over.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Wired",
        "title": "Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Make Your Phone Hot. Here’s How to Keep It Cool",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/apple-carplay-and-android-auto-make-your-phone-hot-heres-how-to-keep",
        "published": "2026-10-25T10:15:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}