Why Hasn’t Lexus Embraced Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
It’s pretty widely regarded that most automakers are really terrible at creating software for their in-car infotainments system.
Subaru’s latest system feels like its being operated by a computer made of molasses, Cadillac CUE is laughably bad at understanding voice commands, and Jaguar’s software suite feels like it was built by a seven year old C student. It’s not all bad though, the Lexus Enform system is miles ahead of many of its competitors, and its fancy mouse interaction is quick to learn and easy to use.
But it’s easy to see why most automakers can’t seem to get this stuff right—and it has to do with time, expertise and consumer expectation.
Time is one of the biggest factors. Technology in today’s world moves at a pace that is so fast, it’s almost impossible for even the largest companies to keep up. Every week something smarter, faster, more efficient and smaller comes out. Comparatively, cars move at a snail’s pace. New models are in development for years, and all their parts have to be created in a way that they can be used for far longer than the lifespan of a smartphone. In other words, the stereo in your brand new car is already at least a year old before it arrives, and that same unit and software suite will be used or many years after that.
All in, you could be getting a brand new car that’s basically using a seven year old software program in its dash. You know what else existed seven years ago? Windows Vista.
On the expertise and consumer expectation front, we need to look to the large software players in the business like Google, Microsoft and Apple. These are companies that make their entire living off of creating software that is full of cutting edge technology that is also easy to use and operate. These companies make tablet and smartphone operating systems that are capable of incredibly complex functions that can be activated with little more than a tap and swipe of your finger. And that frankly is what we as buyers want. We want a car stereo that works as smoothly and easily as our new smartphone.
So it makes sense Google and Apple are both working on their own in-dash operating systems that will link the same great features you love on your phone to your stereo—but not everyone is on board. While Ford, Volkswagen, GM and Hyundai are all jumping onto the bandwagon of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but Lexus isn’t having it—and I can’t figure out why.
I understand that the Enform/Entune software suite Toyota has created is great to use, and very intuitive, but can it really be better than what Apple or Google can create? It also seems weird that Lexus was one of the first brands to integrate Siri Eyes-Free functionality, but they are not willing to let Apple technology into the dash.
In many ways, it does make sense for Lexus to hold its cards and see what happens in the market, but I don’t think I am alone in my thought that I expect a new Lexus to be packed with the absolute best technology and features like they always have been. Leaving out new features from these two Silicon Valley behemoths feels like Lexus is leaving some very good stuff on the shelf .
What do you guys think? Sound off on whether you feel that Lexus is making the right move by sticking with its proprietary software, or if you think better smartphone integration in the dash thanks to Google and Apple is the smarter decision.
