White Automotive & Media Providers (WAMS) is promoting a approach so as to add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at LaFontaine Chevrolet in Plymouth, MI.
The package guarantees to convey full Apple CarPlay or Android Auto performance for with no points.
It’s unclear how a lot the improve prices.
Common Motors has pigheadedly caught to its weapons for its new EVs by omitting Apple CarPlay in its new software program setup. A few of my colleagues have been largely advantageous with the omission, however by and enormous, the general public’s response to GM’s lack of Apple CarPlay hasn’t been nice.
Actually, I can’t assist however marvel if a part of the explanation the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX are mildly profitable is as a result of they’re primarily GM EVs with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, however I digress.
However now individuals who need to stick to Chevy or Cadillac or GMC have choices, because of the aftermarket firm White Automotive & Media Providers (WAMS). This aftermarket package provides Apple CarPlay again to the EVs, and it appears to be like fairly good.
No, actually—it appears to be like fairly inventory. The WAMS CarPlay package permits GM Ultium vehicles to make use of CarPlay in no matter native decision they have to be. In fashions just like the Silverado EV, Equinox EV or Blazer EV, the CarPlay interface naturally makes use of many of the practically 18-inch screens present in these vehicles. For the GMC Sierra EV’s square-shaped display, the CarPlay and Android Auto resolutions comply with swimsuit and match neatly into the right side ratio and structure.
It’s not only for aesthetics, both. WAMS says the CarPlay package provides OEM-level full performance, akin to CarPlay use in some other GM car. It’s wi-fi (or wired, relying on the mannequin). It may well cross the “now taking part in” music record to the car’s primary gauge cluster. The corporate says it might probably do turn-by-turn instructions through Apple Maps—all displayed on the automotive’s HUD, in that case geared up.
2024 Honda Prologue Elite inside
I’m curious as to how this works precisely. Once I was on the Prologue launch earlier this yr, Honda’s engineers have been adamant that the Android-based software program in use on the Prologue (and ZDX) isn’t all that dissimilar to what GM is utilizing on its variants of the Ultium-based crossovers. To me, this tells me that GM’s lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto possible solely wants a flip of a change someplace within the backend to show it again on. I imply, take a look at how intentional the CarPlay sync menus look, virtually as in the event that they have been developed to completion earlier than GM determined to nix CarPlay and Android Auto later of their improvement.
WAMS hasn’t precisely mentioned how the CarPlay package works, nor have they launched a value but. Equally, it isn’t clear if this CarPlay addition will alter the guarantee when put in, or block the automotive from OTA updates. Additionally, WAMS says it’s solely obtainable for set up at LaFontaine Chevrolet in Plymouth, MI.
We’ve reached out to WAMS and GM for remark. Within the meantime, WAMS is already open for bookings, and details about the CarPlay package is on its web site.
Contact the writer: kevin.williams@insideevs.com
