A Guy

I don’t see how people are having that many issues with CarPlay. I use it every single day on my 7+ and haven’t had a single issue.

rodsterinfl

I'll start off by saying that I am an Apple guy. Have been for years as far as computers are concerned and I worked/certified Microsoft IT. They have a solid product as evidenced by the number of users. That said, I am not blind to innovation nor other brands.

I too like open-end products but my perspective on that relates to how much "hacker" a person is has all to do with how important that feature set is to them. Some just want to use their phone, pad, computer, etc and not work on it per se. Others enjoy reloading, updating, configuring, etc. A friend of mine was Apple as well and now he is all Android but when he has issues he has to investigate it for days as the user base using his specific OS version is a subcommunity of the Android OS group whereas Windows or Mac is a large user base and usually shared issues concern. That can at least be Googled to find a solution most times if needed.

I switched to Android on a Galaxy phone years ago. I liked it but ran into issues of compatibility with my other equipment (Apple). After a year I switched back and have used an iPhone ever since. I use both Google Maps and Maps on my iPhone and most things are like that. Ironically as those have spoken about closed systems- many have moved toward Chrome Books. To me, a very specific closed limited task tool compared to a full-blown computer. Macs can be configured to run multiple OS systems - Mac, Android or Windows. People have to use what phone is easier to use or makes more sense. That is what it is all about regardless of brand.

ZeroTX

If you want dead simple reliability and don't need a lot of computing power, the Chromebooks are amazing. Light, long battery life, instant boot-up, zero downtime for updates, etc. Most of what I do these days is web-based, and if that's true for you, it'll work at least as your portable. As long as I can get away with Word Online or Google Docs, I'm fine with having no locally stored apps.

STYLEZ24

Pepsi vs coke.

MikeMcM1956

If you want great bang for the buck in an Android platform, look at the ZTE Axon 7. I picked one up after having to turn in my Samsung due to the flaming battery issue, and have been pleased with it ever since. Great price point under $400, unlocked, dual SIM slots, microSD capability, beautiful screen, stereo speakers, Dolby surround sound, 20MP/8MP cameras, 4K UHD video capture, fingerprint recognition, great battery life with QuickCharge 3 charging, and more stuff I can't remember right now. Great user community with a company that actually listens to suggestions, and they openly give you the capability to jailbreak and mod your phone. Two year parts and labor warranty with free shipping, advanced exchange, and non-warranty issues (water, cracked screen) covered at a very reasonable cost. Oh, and a thirty day trial period with full refund if not satisfied.

AricsFX

iTrader: (3)

No one has considered that it might not be the phones problem, more so the software on the ford infotainment system???? I had CarPlay in my 2016 Golf GTI and never had a single issue

F451

Recently took a 1600 mile round trip in my '17 F150 using my iPhone 7 and Carplay, mainly for the maps and to play songs from my phone.

Oh my god the Apple mapping app SUCKS!

I had to finally stop using it and used Google maps while alternately holding my phone in my hand or laying it on the center console. What a joke, its 2017 for pugs sake.

No fan of the iPhone or Apple products in general (closed platforms), only use it because the rest of the family has them and its easier to share calendars etc then if we are all on different platforms.

Bought a top of the line MacBook Pro a couple of years ago, hated it. Gave it to my kid and bought a Lenova Yoga, much happier.

Apple seems to work great if you stay on that platform and you want everything pre-packaged for you and you want to work with your files through apps. I like to manage my own work flow and files more directly and for me the PC / Windows platforms are way easier and way less locked down.

I think my next phone is going to be non Apple product even if it makes integrating with the family communications a bit less convenient.

F451

Exactly (although I do hate Apple products in general).

I would love the option to just display my phone, notebook, or laptop on the screen in my truck. I have basically everything I need on my smart phone and don't need Ford to try to re-invent the wheel with Carplay or whatever ridiculous excuse for software they are forcing on us.

Software companies are good at making software. Car companies are good at making cares. Car companies suck at software (of course) but they keep at it, year after year, re-inventing the wheel, and doing a **** poor job of it.

tbinmd

I use carplay all the time, only issue I've seen is my cooled seats don't work. Stupid Apple!!!!

banawan

What does “closed platform” mean to you guys?

Music? Use Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Play, etc.

Video? Use Netflix, Amazon, rip your own, whatever.

Photos? Use flickr, Google Photos, smugmug, whatever.

Apps? Yes, you need to go through the App Store but do you really sideload things on Android?

Files? Use Dropbox, box.net, Google Drive, OneDrive, whatever.

Don’t like iTunes? Don’t use it. I haven’t connected my iPhone to iTunes since I bought it. iTunes isn’t needed and hasn’t been in generations.

I get that people like to have variety and that’s all fine but when people throw around this closed platform nonsense, it drives me a little crazy.