It’s called “smartphone integration” and it means you can now safely make calls, listen to voice mail, play your favorite music or get directions, all while driving your new GMC truck. That capability is now available in every new GMC truck from Capitaland Motors in Glenville NY, thanks to Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Whether your smartphone is iPhone or Android, you can get a lot done safely and hands-free, just by connecting your smartphone to your GMC truck. We can show you exactly how to do it and even help with each step. Here are some benefits and basics on how it works.
How Can I Use My iPhone Without Touching It?
You can use your voice or simple steering wheel controls to safely put your iPhone to work while you drive anywhere around Schenectady, NY. That means, without touching or even looking at your iPhone, you can send audio messages via Apple CarPlay® while you drive your new GMC truck. You can also ask Siri to share your arrival time with family or friends from your contacts list while navigating with Apple Maps. That means you can keep everyone up to date, without being distracted and without the risk of trying to tap on your iPhone while you drive.
How Do I Get Apple Music and Maps?
You can access all your music content from your Apple Music subscription with CarPlay. Just use voice commands to search by artist, album, or song. You can also ask Siri to stream any of more than 100,000 live radio stations. Just let her know the kind of music you’re in the mood for. To activate Siri voice control, just press and hold the voice control button on the steering wheel. CarPlay also supports other iPhone apps like audio, messaging, and voice apps, along with newer apps like parking, EV charging, and easy food-ordering: Call for a fully-loaded pizza from the comfort of your GMC truck.
With Apple CarPlay® in your GMC truck, the simplicity of Apple Maps is available in your car. CarPlay helps identify the right destination using addresses from your contact list. One tap access helps you find where you’re going quickly and easily, whether it’s a favorite restaurant or a nearby gas station.
How Do I Get Started with Apple CarPlay®?
Connect your iPhone to your GMC truck using Apple’s Lightning Cable. The “Projection” icon on the color touch radio screen will change to the Apple CarPlay icon. To launch a CarPlay session, press the Apple CarPlay icon or long-press the infotainment “Home” button. Choose an app from CarPlay on the screen while your iPhone is safely packed away. No need to hold your iPhone or even think about it.
What About an Android Phone? Does That Work Just As Well?
Yes, Android Auto™ can let you access the features in your Android smartphone using your GMC truck’s infotainment system touchscreen or Android Auto voice commands. The technology lets you get directions, check traffic and listen to music, all with your Android phone’s voice commands and your truck’s steering wheel controls.
How Do I Get To My Android Music and Maps?
Android Auto connects you to Google Maps navigation, which gives you step-by-step directions and finds alternate routes in heavy traffic. Once again, you can control functions with your voice or simple controls in your GMC truck’s steering wheel. The software can port saved destinations from your phone, so you don’t have to type in addresses by hand.
Android Auto also gives you access to millions of songs and podcasts with a growing list of third-party apps. Stay connected by making phone calls and sending messages using Hangouts, WhatsApp, and other platforms. All these features respond to voice commands, so you can say “OK, Google, where’s the nearest gas station?”
How Do I Start Using Android Auto in My Truck?
To use Android Auto for the first time, download the Android Auto app to your phone. It’s available on Google Play™, and you can connect your smartphone to your GMC truck using a USB cable. To launch the app, press the Android Auto icon or long-press the infotainment “Home” button.
Got More Questions about Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™? We Have Answers
If you own a recent model GMC truck, we can tell you if either Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ integration is available in your vehicle, and how to access it. If you’re shopping for a new GMC truck, we can show you how smartphone connectivity can help make your life easier and safer. Talk to us soon at Capitaland Motors in Glenville, NY and find out how to safely put your smartphone to work while you drive.