Wouldn’t it be great if that flat screen you have mounted on the wall could look like a picture frame? With all the wires and cables hanging down to connect to your other devices, it kind of ruins the artwork effect. This DIY video has a solution that only costs $10! Watch these easy instructions that will help you hide those annoying wires.
Is Apple CarPlay worth the money?
Psst! Click here for the Android version of this tip.
How long has it been since you purchased a new car? If it’s been a while, you might be surprised at some of the newer technologies that are available these days.
There really are some interesting options out there. Trunks that automatically open when your hands are full, built-in Wi-Fi hotspots and some vehicles actually do the driving for you.
One of the more common innovations found in new vehicles is a touch-screen computer display on the center console. They are “infotainment” systems that can deliver information and entertainment content.
A tool that is designed to team up with your vehicle’s infotainment system is Apple CarPlay. This is a relatively new feature, so you might not know much about it.
That’s why we’re going to give you details about Apple CarPlay and you can decide if it’s worth the upgrade.
Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay syncs with your iPhone so that you can safely use it in your car. Basically, CarPlay allows drivers to use certain apps through the in-dash display, rather than on the phone itself. It’s compatible with any iPhone 5 model and newer.
It’s a smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in the car. CarPlay takes the things you want to do with your gadget while driving and puts them on your vehicle’s built-in display.
You can get directions, make phone calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music. This allows you to use your iPhone while staying safe and focusing on the road.
CarPlay features Siri voice control and is designed for driving scenarios. It also works with the car’s controls, buttons, knobs, touchpad or touchscreen. Apps themselves have also been redesigned for the car, so you can use them while you’re driving.
- Voice control – To activate Siri voice control, press and hold the voice control button on the steering wheel.
- Touch control – If your CarPlay-equipped vehicle has a touchscreen, you can use it to control CarPlay.
- Knobs and Controls – CarPlay also works with the knobs, dials or buttons in the car. If it controls your screen, it controls CarPlay.
Listen to your music
One of the most popular features with CarPlay is being able to listen to your own music. You can access all of your content from iTunes, your Apple Music membership, and additional audio apps using your car’s built-in controls.
Or just tell Siri what you would like to hear. You can also enjoy For You and Browse from Apple Music. Artists, songs and albums are handpicked by experts, plus selections based on your preferences show up right on your display.
Use Maps for personal navigation
CarPlay also gives you a hand with navigation. Apple Maps is now available on your dashboard. CarPlay can predict where you most likely want to go using addresses from your email, text messages, contacts and calendars.
You can search along your route for nearby gas stations, restaurants, coffee shops and more. Or simply use your voice: “Siri, where’s the closest Italian restaurant?” Maps will even estimate how long it will take you to get to your destination.
Phone calls and text messages
Make calls, return missed calls and listen to voicemail. Siri can help you do all of these things, all you have to do is ask.
Siri can also read, reply and send text messages for you, so you never have to look at your iPhone while driving. Just say, “Siri, tell Adrian I will be there in 30 minutes,” and it’s done. CarPlay can also play audio messages through the car’s speakers.
Add additional apps
CarPlay supports other apps found on your iPhone, like your favorite audio and messaging apps. Apps developed by car manufacturers are also supported, so you can control more of your car’s features without ever leaving CarPlay. You can also personalize your experience by rearranging exactly how your apps appear in CarPlay through settings on your iPhone.
Currently, there are over 200 vehicle models that support Apple CarPlay. Click here to see every vehicle it’s available with now. There are also some aftermarket stereo systems to which you can add CarPlay.
How to set up CarPlay with your iPhone
If you decide to get Apple CarPlay, you’ll need to set it up. Here are those instructions:
- Make sure your vehicle’s stereo supports CarPlay.
- Plug your iPhone into the CarPlay USB port. The USB port might be labeled with a CarPlay icon or a smartphone icon. If the CarPlay home screen doesn’t appear, select the CarPlay logo on your car’s display.
- If your car supports CarPlay over a wired solution, plug your iPhone into the USB port of your car.
- If your car supports wireless CarPlay, press and hold the Voice Control button on your steering wheel to set up CarPlay. Or make sure that your car is in wireless or Bluetooth pairing mode. Then on your iPhone, go to Settings >> General >> CarPlay >> Available Cars and select your car.
- Make sure that your car is running.
- Ask Siri for what you need. You can do this in a few different ways:
- Touch and hold the Home button on your iPhone until Siri appears on your stereo display. Then ask what you need.
- If your car has one, press and hold the Voice Control button on your steering wheel. Then ask what you need.
It’s that easy. Now you’re ready to begin using CarPlay.
What do you think? Does CarPlay sound like something you would find useful? Leave a comment and tell us your thoughts.
More tips you can’t miss:
How to customize your iPhone and iPad inside and out
Samsung Smart TV security flaw leaves it open to hackers
Your television is one of the last places you’d expect to find malware, but a major flaw in this top brand has created an open door for hackers. You won’t believe how easy it is for these TVs to be infected.
Top search site that doesn't track you
Internet service providers like AT&T and Comcast have the green light to track you and to sell your personal information. Should you be worried? Yes. Just consider everything you search for and do online. If you want to stop this practice in its tracks, you’ll need to use a different browser to search the web anonymously.
One minute is all it takes for someone to clone your voice
Have you ever been taken out of context before, or accused of saying something you didn’t? This new technology could cause more problems like this in the future. With one minute of audio, your voice could be used to create thousands of sentences. Should you be worried?
How does an engine work?
If you’re a car enthusiast then you already know the answer to that question. But have you ever actually seen it for yourself? Not only does this video explain the process but it also shows you the inside of an engine in slow motion! Press play to see the explosion that takes place inside your car every time you turn it on.
Popular antivirus program mistakenly IDs Windows as a threat, chaos follows
Your anti-virus software has one job: Protect your computer against malware. But one overzealous anti-virus program is improperly flagging Windows files and safe websites like Facebook as malicious. Here’s how to stop this faulty software from throwing your device into a complete meltdown.
New best day to buy cheap airline tickets online
It’s never too early to start planning your next trip and scoping out airline tickets. If you’re worried about the expenses, let me reassure you: I’ve never paid an outrageous price for tickets. That’s because I wait for the best time to buy cheap airline tickets online.
5 ways you're ruining your computer without realizing it
We often take our computers for granted. We interact with them so much and rely on them so heavily, we forget what can happen when they stop working.
There are countless ways we sabotage ourselves by overloading the computer with useless data, ignoring regular maintenance and forgetting to take routine security precautions. In short, many of us are destroying our computers, one tiny mistake at a time.
20 popular router models are major security risks
In many homes, the router is the gateway to the wide and wild world of the internet. It’s that little gadget you connect your devices to for internet access. It’s an essential component in our internet-connected households and businesses.
Take control of Google's interest-based ads
You’ve heard us talk about targeted ads before, and you’ve probably experienced them firsthand. This is when ads for an online store you shop at or a product you’ve looked at recently seem to follow you around the internet.
How to boost your Wi-Fi for $50
Wi-Fi is both a blessing and a curse. When it works well, you can easily use your gadgets anywhere in your house or office without wires tying you to one spot. When it doesn’t work right, it can be incredibly frustrating.
The truth about extended warranties
If you buy a new smartphone, tablet, computer, TV or even a car stereo, it’s very likely the salesperson will try to sell you an extended warranty. You never know when something terrible might happen to your gadget, after all.
5 password mistakes that will likely get you hacked
Passwords are your first line of defense against hackers and snoops trying to break into your accounts. You want your passwords to be rock solid so hackers don’t even have a hope of breaking them, but that often isn’t the case.
The one way to know your iPad or iPhone has a virus
We used to think Apple’s iOS gadgets were pretty immune to viruses and malware. Sadly, over the past year, hackers have turned their attention to our mobile gear. Honestly, I’m not surprised at all. Why?
Stop and think about how much of your life is on your iPhone or iPad. Personal photos, contacts, your exact GPS location, your emails and probably much more are all on that handy little gadget you carry around.
3 ways to spot a malicious website
One of a hacker’s favorite tools for stealing your information is the phishing scam. Whether it’s through email, texts or on social media, sooner or later, you’ll run into messages that try to trick you into clicking on links to malicious websites.
The secret to a happy marriage
What’s the best way to solve conflicts with your spouse? A young married couple thought the answer was inside a wedding gift. After nine years, they realized it was something greater. Do you and your significant other have it all figured out?
Behind the scenes at the Kim Komando Show: Andrew teleports
When the radio stations are at commercial break, we like to have a little bit of fun, behind the scenes on the set of my show. Watch this exclusive video of Andrew, my call screener, teleporting across the office. It’s crazy and it’s fun! Watch this clip from my show now.
Free vs. paid Internet security software - What's the difference?
We are always getting emails and comments asking why anyone would pay for security software when there are plenty of free options available, and that’s a good question. In fact, we’ve covered some excellent free security options in the past. So, what does paid software give you that free options don’t? What this Komando.com report to find out!