Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Airstream
General Motors has definitely picked the worst time to dump Android Auto and CarPlay, as the two mobile phone projection systems keep growing thanks to developers bringing their apps to the vehicle experience.
The latest to do so is Airstream, the famous travel trailer builder that has joined the CarPlay world with a dedicated update for its mobile companion app.
Smart Control, an app already available for download from the App Store, will soon receive CarPlay support, allowing drivers to control certain functions of their trailers right from the infotainment screen.
Smart Control already packs these capabilities, but the update will bring the most important features to the CarPlay-powered dashboard, so drivers will no longer need to pick up their mobile devices.
With the CarPlay update, Airstream's mobile app will offer access to two sections called Tow Mode and Camp Mode. Their names are self-explanatory, but let me delve into their features to understand how useful the CarPlay update can be.
First, the Tow Mode is aimed at those moments when, you know, you tow your trailer. The app's interface allows drivers to access critical trailer information, such as the tank level and the battery status. Additionally, if you own a Classic Travel Trailer, the app also shows the tire pressure.
Second, the Camp Mode offers remote access to information and functions you can use while camping. The infotainment screen displays the internal temperature and lets you power systems remotely, with the company emphasizing that this feature can be used specifically when your pets wait in the trailer and you must adjust the climate control settings over the air.
Airstream hasn't said a single word about a potential update to enable Android Auto support, but the Android version hasn't been updated since November last year. With no update in 11 months, Airstream focuses more on the Apple experience, so I wouldn't hold my breath for Android Auto support.
It doesn't mean Android Auto can't have such apps. Google's platform expands on this front, as the IoT category unlocks new opportunities for software developers. Android Auto has recently received the first OBD app, as well as an influx of software allowing users to unlock their garage doors and control smart homes. A trailer control system would fit Android Auto like a glove, though no company has expressed interest in expanding to Google's in-car experience.
Airstream says the CarPlay support will go live for its customers shortly, but no further specifics are available, though the company expects the feature to be ready by the end of the year. The current app version requires at least iOS 13, so the next release could also update device requirements, considering Apple has just launched the iPhone 15 and a new operating system version.
Smart Control, an app already available for download from the App Store, will soon receive CarPlay support, allowing drivers to control certain functions of their trailers right from the infotainment screen.
Smart Control already packs these capabilities, but the update will bring the most important features to the CarPlay-powered dashboard, so drivers will no longer need to pick up their mobile devices.
With the CarPlay update, Airstream's mobile app will offer access to two sections called Tow Mode and Camp Mode. Their names are self-explanatory, but let me delve into their features to understand how useful the CarPlay update can be.
First, the Tow Mode is aimed at those moments when, you know, you tow your trailer. The app's interface allows drivers to access critical trailer information, such as the tank level and the battery status. Additionally, if you own a Classic Travel Trailer, the app also shows the tire pressure.
Second, the Camp Mode offers remote access to information and functions you can use while camping. The infotainment screen displays the internal temperature and lets you power systems remotely, with the company emphasizing that this feature can be used specifically when your pets wait in the trailer and you must adjust the climate control settings over the air.
Airstream hasn't said a single word about a potential update to enable Android Auto support, but the Android version hasn't been updated since November last year. With no update in 11 months, Airstream focuses more on the Apple experience, so I wouldn't hold my breath for Android Auto support.
It doesn't mean Android Auto can't have such apps. Google's platform expands on this front, as the IoT category unlocks new opportunities for software developers. Android Auto has recently received the first OBD app, as well as an influx of software allowing users to unlock their garage doors and control smart homes. A trailer control system would fit Android Auto like a glove, though no company has expressed interest in expanding to Google's in-car experience.
Airstream says the CarPlay support will go live for its customers shortly, but no further specifics are available, though the company expects the feature to be ready by the end of the year. The current app version requires at least iOS 13, so the next release could also update device requirements, considering Apple has just launched the iPhone 15 and a new operating system version.
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