[rohan_iitr]

Maruti Suzuki Introduces Smartplay Studio Dock App

Highlights

• The new app mimic's Maruti's new Smartplay Studio infotainment interface.
• It also doubles-up as a MID unit along with providing the common features
• It is available on both Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Source
https://auto.ndtv.com/news/maruti-su...ck-app-2073468

[blackwasp]

Originally Posted by rohan_iitr

Maruti Suzuki Introduces Smartplay Studio Dock App

Something similar was done by Datsun as well. While I like the idea of this system, I'm not too sure on usage for 2 reasons - size of mobile phone and location of it. Regarding size, if an iPad or a tab can be used, nothing like it but my main constraint is the location. These days, the non touch systems are not placed in direct like of sight of the driver and one needs to take eyes off the road to operate these systems.

On the other hand, low fuel, door open alerts would be displayed more visibly using this system. Further, the car needs to have some basic headunit with Bluetooth at the very least to pair with the app. So, one might as well skip this - personally I'm not a fan of touchscreen units.

Quoting myself from the WagonR review:

Originally Posted by blackwasp

Smaller yet Significant Things

VXi variants come with this 'Smartplay Dock' audio system head-unit. The circular piece at the top is where a mobile holder can be fitted, making your phone's display as the infotainment screen. It has Bluetooth, USB and Aux connectivity. Take a look at this post by BHPian CrAzY dRiVeR to check out the mobile dock in action:

Here's a video on how it works:

http://youtu.be/7cAscXrRTeI

Something similar I tried to do on my cars. iPad in my Spark:


Android Auto using a phone in Abarth:


But wasn't happy with both setups. Now a days for maps I just pair phone with car and keep the voice prompts turned on.

To sum up:
Pros:
1. Easy access to touch system on lower variants, price conscious buyers
2. With multiple drivers in the house, one can use a touch or non touch system based on preference
3. Idle / old gadgets could be repurposed (iPad, tabs etc.)

Cons:
1. It doesn't eliminate the music system from the car
2. Not as stable on bad roads (mobile holders rattle / give away)
3. Cant just get in and drive, there is some time needed to setup and dismantle

[SJM1214]

I tried to use it for 15 days. It works nicely with Spotify and Amazon Music kind of apps. The song's name display is bigger than normal music apps so its a nice thing. However, I downloaded this app to handle and operate phone numbers and recent calls on my phone from steering mounted controls. That's not possible, so I got rid of this application.

[rohan_iitr]

Originally Posted by blackwasp

Further, the car needs to have some basic headunit with Bluetooth at the very least to pair with the app. So, one might as well skip this - personally I'm not a fan of touchscreen units.

Maruti Alto, WagonR, Brezza base variants get SmartPlay features for free

https://www.rushlane.com/maruti-alto...-12318140.html

This article mentions that Maruti car base variants will be able to use SmartPlay features for free.

Does this mean that the base variants would be equipped with Bluetooth enabled head unit (similar to what is currently offered in the mid variant) ?

I am really liking this idea of using smartphone as MID / HU on need basis. Buyers of base and mid variants can also enjoy most of the fancy features of top variant using their mobile phone.

I hope this trend catches up with other manufacturers as well.

Rohan

[BoneCollector]

My Father in law's Alto has the Smartplay Studio dock integrated into its music system. He wanted his mobile to be fixed for navigation etc but after trying different mobile docks, he was not satisfied. He asked me for something that would hold the phone properly. I searched for the Smartplay Dock but couldn't find it anywhere. Then I contacted the encyclopedia of Maruti, D-BHPian Leoshashi. He got me the part number in just a few minutes and I was able to place an order on Boodmo. It cost me Rs. 649/- + Rs. 8/- as delivery charges. I received it after a few days and installed it in his car. It's really good considering it does the job. I couldn't download the Smartplay Interface but will be doing it at a later date. I'll add some pictures for better understanding.

Part number.


Order details.


Packet. Product is made in Malaysia.


Parts and Dos and Don't s.


Installation guide.


Parts before assembly neatly packed.


Parts before assembly.


Parts before assembly.


Parts before assembly.


From top after assembly, you can see the button on left side.


From front.


Button on top to open up the holder.


It opens up once you press the button on top.


Before installation.

To install it, you need to remove the central cover. And then push the rod part inside and then rotate clockwise while keeping it pushed. You'll hear a locking sound and that's it, the dock is installed.

https://youtu.be/TuVaPRCeTbk

This is after installation. We can rotate the holder as per our choice of phone orientation.

Will add more snaps when I click them.

[Maverick Avi]

Questions around this dock were the most uncomfortable questions I asked my sales guy while purchasing my Wagon R. None of the guys at dealership were aware about it. Infact I had to show them the circular fixture with the slit to make them understand what I was talking about. Even the accessories guy was clueless and said that they don't have it.

Thanks for sharing this post. Looks like the dock hides quite a bit of the already small display in both portrait/landscape mode.

[BoneCollector]

Originally Posted by Maverick Avi

Thanks for sharing this post. Looks like the dock hides quite a bit of the already small display in both portrait/landscape mode.

The dock is to hold the phone while using the Smartplay Dock app. The app takes over the display part.

[Maverick Avi]

Originally Posted by BoneCollector

The dock is to hold the phone while using the Smartplay Dock app. The app takes over the display part.

Got it. I was just thinking that we might not always want to link the phone using smartplay app and use the dock just to hold your phone during google navigation.

[greenhorn]

Does the app have full functionality over Bluetooth (Car settings etc) or does it need to be connected via the USB port on the head unit?