Android Auto vs Apple Car Play 2018 E400
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5
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C300
Android Auto vs Apple Car Play 2018 E400
Hi everyone,
I recently traded in my 2017 C300 for a 2018 E400. I was an iphone user and found apple carplay to be very intuitive. It just worked on its own without me having to tinker with it.
I recently got a galaxy note 8 and find android auto very difficult to use. Has anyone else figured out the following:
1. USB Cable - audio through Command USB will only play whats on the phone memory. It will not route media from apps unless its on bluetooth
2. Steering touch controls - they dont work with Android auto. Is there a setting i am missing. With carplay it just worked without enabling anything. On AA i can only use the rotary dial. None of the touch controls on th steering or the centre console work
3. Is there a way to make AA full screen
Unfortunately if i dont find a fix for these i will be returning my Note 8 and getting an iPhone X. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
I recently traded in my 2017 C300 for a 2018 E400. I was an iphone user and found apple carplay to be very intuitive. It just worked on its own without me having to tinker with it.
I recently got a galaxy note 8 and find android auto very difficult to use. Has anyone else figured out the following:
1. USB Cable - audio through Command USB will only play whats on the phone memory. It will not route media from apps unless its on bluetooth
2. Steering touch controls - they dont work with Android auto. Is there a setting i am missing. With carplay it just worked without enabling anything. On AA i can only use the rotary dial. None of the touch controls on th steering or the centre console work
3. Is there a way to make AA full screen
Unfortunately if i dont find a fix for these i will be returning my Note 8 and getting an iPhone X. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 70
Likes: 6
2015 C300 Sport
Hi everyone,
I recently traded in my 2017 C300 for a 2018 E400. I was an iphone user and found apple carplay to be very intuitive. It just worked on its own without me having to tinker with it.
I recently got a galaxy note 8 and find android auto very difficult to use. Has anyone else figured out the following:
1. USB Cable - audio through Command USB will only play whats on the phone memory. It will not route media from apps unless its on bluetooth
2. Steering touch controls - they dont work with Android auto. Is there a setting i am missing. With carplay it just worked without enabling anything. On AA i can only use the rotary dial. None of the touch controls on th steering or the centre console work
3. Is there a way to make AA full screen
Unfortunately if i dont find a fix for these i will be returning my Note 8 and getting an iPhone X. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
I recently traded in my 2017 C300 for a 2018 E400. I was an iphone user and found apple carplay to be very intuitive. It just worked on its own without me having to tinker with it.
I recently got a galaxy note 8 and find android auto very difficult to use. Has anyone else figured out the following:
1. USB Cable - audio through Command USB will only play whats on the phone memory. It will not route media from apps unless its on bluetooth
2. Steering touch controls - they dont work with Android auto. Is there a setting i am missing. With carplay it just worked without enabling anything. On AA i can only use the rotary dial. None of the touch controls on th steering or the centre console work
3. Is there a way to make AA full screen
Unfortunately if i dont find a fix for these i will be returning my Note 8 and getting an iPhone X. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
I’m curious though: were you able to use anything other than the click wheel with the 2018?
Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 206
Likes: 15
From: san francisco
c class
The audio thing is frustrating ! you have to use Bluetooth or go through android auto not USB audio , this is just how android code is , no fix.
I think full full screen isn’t available due to the widescreen nature of your screen, android auto doesn’t support the resolution , it goes full screen in 8 inch systems but usaully not in the 10 widescreen displays.
i strongly disagree with you ! Android Auto is amazing , feels mature like it’s an actual product built from the ground up to be useful in the car , android auto is the only reason I buy an android device ( I’m an iPhone person)
the car play apps look like / feel like dumb versions or stripped down versions of iPhone apps , Siri is completely no fun to interact with
the android thing is more competent with less errors and gets more done.
i can see album art on songs , google maps works so well my preferred podcast app look and feels so well done , android auto in my opinion is way better !
Google has done a very good job with it , just my opinion.
I think full full screen isn’t available due to the widescreen nature of your screen, android auto doesn’t support the resolution , it goes full screen in 8 inch systems but usaully not in the 10 widescreen displays.
i strongly disagree with you ! Android Auto is amazing , feels mature like it’s an actual product built from the ground up to be useful in the car , android auto is the only reason I buy an android device ( I’m an iPhone person)
the car play apps look like / feel like dumb versions or stripped down versions of iPhone apps , Siri is completely no fun to interact with
the android thing is more competent with less errors and gets more done.i can see album art on songs , google maps works so well my preferred podcast app look and feels so well done , android auto in my opinion is way better !
Google has done a very good job with it , just my opinion.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
C300
I am about to go on a RANT here.
I agree for some things android auto is very capable. but not having full screen is such a bummer. Google maps would just look glorious on it. Such a missed opportunity. If apple the kings of inflexibility when it comes to UI can customize based on car screens what excuse does android the king of customization have ?
Also without any of the steering wheel controls working it feels soooo backward. especially in a $90,000 dollar car. ........
I agree for some things android auto is very capable. but not having full screen is such a bummer. Google maps would just look glorious on it. Such a missed opportunity. If apple the kings of inflexibility when it comes to UI can customize based on car screens what excuse does android the king of customization have ?
Also without any of the steering wheel controls working it feels soooo backward. especially in a $90,000 dollar car. ........
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
C300
I’ve heard of other people having the same bad experience because android auto is not as well optimized as Apple CarPlay. However, it may be different with other phone makers, but you know it will be good with the iPhone X.
I’m curious though: were you able to use anything other than the click wheel with the 2018?
I’m curious though: were you able to use anything other than the click wheel with the 2018?
nope. nothing other than the click wheel works.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
E220d
I am about to go on a RANT here.
I agree for some things android auto is very capable. but not having full screen is such a bummer. Google maps would just look glorious on it. Such a missed opportunity. If apple the kings of inflexibility when it comes to UI can customize based on car screens what excuse does android the king of customization have ?
Also without any of the steering wheel controls working it feels soooo backward. especially in a $90,000 dollar car. ........
I agree for some things android auto is very capable. but not having full screen is such a bummer. Google maps would just look glorious on it. Such a missed opportunity. If apple the kings of inflexibility when it comes to UI can customize based on car screens what excuse does android the king of customization have ?
Also without any of the steering wheel controls working it feels soooo backward. especially in a $90,000 dollar car. ........
I agree with you completely. I have searched everywhere for a solution to the full screen issue and the implementation of Android Auto is just amateurish. The resolution cannot be changed (only 720p or 1080p options but they do nothing) because the aspect ratio is locked. The wheel controls don't work. There is no dedicated button to go back to android auto once you left it.
Then the thing that makes AA unusable: the idiotic 6-tap limit. If you have a podcast list that is somewhat lengthy you will never be able to reach the items further down the list. Carplay does not have that but I hate the Apple eco system so I won't be using that.
I had to root my old phone (S6) to get rid of the tap limit via an XPosed module. But that does not work anymore with my new phone (S7).
I'm back to bluetooth streaming and using the phone to choose my media while driving. Much safer that way and a lot less frustration.
When you look at the videos of AA it might seem a good system to use but in reality it is not.
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Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 206
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From: san francisco
c class
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 70
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2015 C300 Sport
So I can confirm that in the 2018 models (or at least my e400s) you can use the click wheel, touch pad and wheel touch pad with Apple CarPlay.
It makes it far superior to the previous implementation this way and I found I am quite at home using the wheel touch pad with it.
It makes it far superior to the previous implementation this way and I found I am quite at home using the wheel touch pad with it.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 39
Likes: 6
From: Orange County, CA
2017 E-300 Sport
I use Android Auto frequently because of one "killer app" that Car Play doesn't have- WAZE ! It's great. I turn off all audio except for announcements- and occasionally I'll hear "watch out, police reported ahead" or "watch out, stopped vehicle on the side of the road". I routinely use spotify, pandora, radio paradise, google play music all through the USB cable too.
I've read Apple Car Play won't let you use any navigation app except Apple Maps. Having a Waze is really nice.
(Samsung Galaxy S8, 2017 E300). John
I've read Apple Car Play won't let you use any navigation app except Apple Maps. Having a Waze is really nice.
(Samsung Galaxy S8, 2017 E300). John
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
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2015 C300 Sport
I don't use CarPlay much, if ever, so not a big issue. Likely will be solved in the next update.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I use Android Auto frequently because of one "killer app" that Car Play doesn't have- WAZE ! It's great. I turn off all audio except for announcements- and occasionally I'll hear "watch out, police reported ahead" or "watch out, stopped vehicle on the side of the road". I routinely use spotify, pandora, radio paradise, google play music all through the USB cable too.
I've read Apple Car Play won't let you use any navigation app except Apple Maps. Having a Waze is really nice.
(Samsung Galaxy S8, 2017 E300). John
I've read Apple Car Play won't let you use any navigation app except Apple Maps. Having a Waze is really nice.
(Samsung Galaxy S8, 2017 E300). John
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Funny enough, I tried it this evening and the wheel touch pad was totally unreliable and the center touch pad didn't work at all. I think this is an issue with the CarPlay software a I rebooted the phone and it was fine for a moment before it became an issue again.
I don't use CarPlay much, if ever, so not a big issue. Likely will be solved in the next update.
I don't use CarPlay much, if ever, so not a big issue. Likely will be solved in the next update.
Super Member
Joined: May 2014
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From: Florida
2018 E300 Luxury - P3 and more
Not true, at least the last time I played with CarPlay. Only Apple Maps and apps using Apple's base maps were allowed to be used.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
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2015 C300 Sport
So I tried again this morning after updating to iOS 11.2 and the touch pads and wheel pad work fine. Go figure.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
I use Android Auto frequently because of one "killer app" that Car Play doesn't have- WAZE ! It's great. I turn off all audio except for announcements- and occasionally I'll hear "watch out, police reported ahead" or "watch out, stopped vehicle on the side of the road". I routinely use spotify, pandora, radio paradise, google play music all through the USB cable too.
I've read Apple Car Play won't let you use any navigation app except Apple Maps. Having a Waze is really nice.
(Samsung Galaxy S8, 2017 E300). John
I've read Apple Car Play won't let you use any navigation app except Apple Maps. Having a Waze is really nice.
(Samsung Galaxy S8, 2017 E300). John
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Our version is also missing a couple screen options. We'll have the software updated next week so that will hopefully also take care of the CarPlay
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2017
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2018 E400 Wagon
I am still trying to figure out Android Auto with my Samsung S7. I took delivery of an E400 wagon a few weeks ago. It sounds like it doesn't work with USB -- the only thing that has come up when it connected (after 20 minutes!) was a video of my dog barking -- a little monotonous when I was hoping for Spotify. I will try using Bluetooth. Any tips would help, I really am not eager to switch over to the Apple dynasty...
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
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Past 03 SL500,03 C240, 07 E350, 07 ML350, 10 ML350,11&14 E350 X2 2017 E300, 2017 C350e & 2000 S500
I am still trying to figure out Android Auto with my Samsung S7. I took delivery of an E400 wagon a few weeks ago. It sounds like it doesn't work with USB -- the only thing that has come up when it connected (after 20 minutes!) was a video of my dog barking -- a little monotonous when I was hoping for Spotify. I will try using Bluetooth. Any tips would help, I really am not eager to switch over to the Apple dynasty...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,107
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From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
I had a similar Android Auto experience using my LG G6 charging cable on a loaner GLC. Was able to get it to work finally and get Waze going but it took several tries and I didn't find the connection reliable after a restart. Overall, I wasn't impressed enough that I would care.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Christchurch, New Zealand
17 E220D, 11 E350 CDI(sold), 06 CLS320 CDI (sold), 05 Cadillac DeVille (gone), 04 E320 CDI (sold)
I revisited Apple Play today, after I read this thread. It seemed a lot better, or at least the Spotify app seemed to work a lot better than it used to. It now does everything I expect without hanging or going to strange screens, or just refusing to do anything. I don't know what has changed, but I always apply all the updates, so someone has fixed most of the issues I struck.
I'm going to try using it more now.
I still much prefer the MB navigation, I wish there was a way to use that when Car Play is running, but everything seems to just go to the apple maps app, which I don't like so much.
I'm going to try using it more now.
I still much prefer the MB navigation, I wish there was a way to use that when Car Play is running, but everything seems to just go to the apple maps app, which I don't like so much.
