I have two usb ports in my center console. I can't use both ports at the same time. If I use one for my apple carplay, I can't use the other for my usb music stick and vise versa. Does anyone else have this problem?

 

Same, you can’t play USB music while using CarPlay.

 

I don't think this is specific to the IS300 or even Lexus. I think this is just how that interface (Android Auto/Apple Car Play) works. When that interface is connected, all other inputs - even Bluetooth are cut off.

 

Thanks for the replies..I guess my next question would be, what's the point in having 2 ports then?...

 

I could ask you the reverse - why play media from a usb stick when you can from your connected phone .
The extra port is for charging. You and another passenger can charge simultaneously.

 

I find the sound quality from the usb stick is much better, it's easier to access. I use car play for my nav apps. charging other devices is not an issue since I can use the 12v port with adapter if I need to.
There is a usb source and a car play source. why should you have to choose one or the other? why cant you use both and switch in between like the other sources?

 

I'm not a computer scientist but probably because USB is not multi-channel like HDMI. In other words I've never seen anybody be able to distinguish USB 1 from USB 2. They're all the same as far as software is concerned.

 

If you look at all the "sources", (usb, cd, radio, xm, car play) you can switch easily between any of them at anytime except between the car play and the usb source although they both have separate ports. once you plug in the car play, the usb source is no longer available. it's not a big deal, I just don't understand why you have to lose the usb source if you are using car play. I find it useful for both to be active at the same time and find no reason for them not to be.
Appreciate all the replies!

 

Apple Car Play or Android Auto is not just an audio source like the others. When you switch to it, you are effectively handing over control to your phone. While your phone is in control, the cars audio sources and navigation cannot be used. Those functions will run only off the phone that is in control. Your available audio and navigation sources are limited to what’s on the phone - that is your different navigation and audio apps on your phone. Sound quality of music should be the same if you downloaded it to your phone (not streaming) with the same bitrate/quality as what you downloaded to your USB flash drive.

 

Good post, @Kandyman1 . I have noticed some funky stuff in the BMW as well... Like, for instance, how it seems impossible to have multiple devices registered to Android Auto at once in the car. Let's say, for example, sometimes I drive the car and use my phone, but other times, my wife does. I can't have my phone work with Android Auto without first disabling her phone. If it was considered like a normal Bluetooth or USB device, I doubt this would be an issue.

Having said that, I am almost positive I have used the car's nav system while Android Auto is active. When I was driving up from South Georgia, I had very poor signal on my cell phone at the time, so I used the car's nav system instead of Google Maps for navigation. But, it's not like I unplugged Android Auto. Could I be remembering it wrong? Maybe if I get a chance later today I'll experiment with that.

 

Just bought a UL ES350 tonight and realized I can't use my USB flash music drive + android auto like I could on my 2018 Cadillac ATS. That suxxxxxxxxxx!
Definitely a litlte pissed