Apple Car Play and Android Auto

[CX-Fiver]

Another promise from Mazda on providing AA and Apple CP for MZD Connect. More BS from Mazda? I guess only time will tell but they've been promising for an awful long time now...... 

https://www.macrumors.com/2018/01/15/mazda-still-committed-to-carplay/

[HighlanderUK]

Suppose will believe it when i see it, they are a bit behind the curve on this.  Stick to using my 16GB USB for now, and the 2-3mins start up time it takes to continue play from last point played!!

[twabrigs]

Okay I've never actually seen Car Play in action, but I am fairly Apple-savvy...although they frustrate me in some ways our house has 3 iPhones, 2 iPads and a Mac.

What exactly am I missing out on with Car Play that I don't already get very efficiently from Spotify / Bluetooth from phone to car, making and receiving phone calls in-car and built in sat nav? Reviews I've read give me the impression I'm missing the nice appley icons and (God forbid) the ability to have text messages read to me. Is there anything else?

[Bert321]

What exactly am I missing out on with Car Play...
...the ability to have text messages read to me.

You can use Siri to read and reply to texts while the phone is connected to the car bluetooth.  Activate Siri using the usual home button on the phone, then do the rest via voice.

Obviously the phone must be in a suitable holder such that you can operate the home button safely and using only one hand.

[twabrigs]

What exactly am I missing out on with Car Play...
...the ability to have text messages read to me.

You can use Siri

Thanks - I have learned something! Not a Siri fan really to be honest so I'm content with my early millennium tech..!

[HighlanderUK]

should be arriving before September, but for older owners, could be a cost for the upgrade, 2018 owners MAY get a free upgrade. 

Though there has also been talk of the front USB ports not providing enough charge for some newer/bigger devices, which may need addressing.

[Deepjoy22]

I'd seen an announcement in Europe that the hardware and software for the AA / CP update was becoming available in Europe on 6th August.  However the email I've just got from Mazda UK says:

"I can confirm at this moment in time, Mazda UK do not have any confirmed dates for the release of the software and hardware for Android Auto. To ensure you are kept updated, please register your interest with the local Mazda Dealership."

I guess we wait a little longer; though I will be in Spain later in August so might go to the local dealer there.

[Anchorman]

The front ports are connectivity ports for the Audio input.  The rear ports are for charging only and most makes don’t even have those.  I’ve got a 2.1amp charger plugged in right under the heater controls for my iPhone.