The lengthier steps to install the update would require your car to be kept running so ensure you have at least 10L of fuel in the tank

BHPian abirnale recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Apple CarPlay Update

This was probably the most pending, most talked about and desired ICE feature for me - literally, I wanted to get rid of using Google maps on my phone. With such a large flat display on the dash, I sorely missed Google maps there. But then the wait is over - after much drama and wait, finally today RedSparkle was updated with the Apple CarPlay.

As usual, the chrome CoTek engineer Prasad was well prepared and ready for me to receive today. A quick appointment and within 2 hours in and out of there - that's it! No fuss, no drama. The visit also addressed a Service Action on the DATC flashing (for Dual-zone Automatic Climate control). The process involved flashing the main software to 10.07.51 for AX7L variant (10.07.52 for non L), Offline/ Local Navigation Maps data update and then a few other steps to be performed from iFlash/ CoTek Laptop tool.

During the flashing steps, a lot of warnings and errors will appear - they need to be cleared before concluding the process. Also, since the battery is disconnected in one of the steps, losing all the TPMS last read info is normal. And due to the main software itself being flashed along with maps data, losing recent destinations, MID settings for ADAS are normal. You need to set them back again to your preferences. Also, note that the lengthier steps would require your car to be kept running - ensure you have at least about 10 litres of fuel in the fuel tank

Here are the pictures at various stages and then a bunch of interesting screens for reference:

Though the update was long due, I also had an opportunity to use CarPlay for about 15+ kms on my way back home via NICE road. I noted the below observations:

• The setup is fairly simple and easy to follow - just don’t rush, read carefully what each screen during setup and pairing says and do the needful.
• The wired, as well as wireless connections, will work. The wireless connection needs ICE to turn on its WiFi and if for any reason the WiFi gets switched off, the Apple Car Play in wireless mode will get disconnected.
• The Wireless connection will drain the battery faster. The phone may heat up. I am using iOS 16 (build 20A362) on my iPhone 12 Pro.
• The CarPlay screen is either this or that: You cannot use normal ICE menus like AC, pull down or pull over menus from the ICE. You got to select Mahindra Menu from the Apple CarPlay screen to go back and vice-versa.
• If you set the ICC control knob to control volume, the screen navigation inside CarPlay is only by touch or through Siri. If you use otherwise, volume is only through steering-mounted controls.
• The Music sounds better when on CarPlay instead of Bluetooth.
• Siri and Alexa work without fighting with each other. Since I am not an Alexa user, I have signed her out of the car now.
• If you were outside CarPlay and text messages comes, the CarPlay screen will come back for display. Same applies to Phone calls.
• There are a bunch of applications like MS Teams, Zoom, Skype which will be handy for doing the meetings while on the move! I am yet to try them. Technically any application that works well with Siri will give a better user experience on CarPlay.
• The Maps (Google or Apple) will not come on MID display unlike how Android Auto does or the in-built navigation maps in the car do. Not sure if this is how Apple CarPlay itself is designed or some pending feature enablement. The Android Auto also does not show the full map on a secondary display like MID but definitely shows the direction hints/ arrows like a heads-up display would show. I am hoping this will be fixed either in upcoming releases or when the new CarPlay with iOS 16 goes live with M&M’s next software update. Too much to ask?
• I prefer to use the phone in wired connection mode (to avoid disconnections on WiFi, Keep the phone charging without too much heating).
• Don’t raise your hopes too high - all you needed was better sounding music source and google maps on the ICE so that the phone need not be mounted on the dash or can simply be stashed away somewhere. I re-iterated this to myself and made peace with what is offered - M&M did exactly that with this update. Hope to see better integration in future though.
• Be mindful that the update process is sometimes tricky and things can go wrong - if something beyond recovery is flashing, your silver box will be the most affected unit. Although rare, this is the only issue to watch out for - hence don’t rush through the updates. Budget full three hours minimum and schedule your appointment accordingly.

The overall feel is good - only time will tell if something else screws up or breaks - being in Bangalore I know software engineers fix issues.

Stay tuned for more updates on this and other travels as I continue to explore the car further!

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Connectivity wise it's pretty quick and works wirelessly.

BHPian Tanmay007 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Finally got the CarPlay update.

Sharing some brief thoughts below:

• Connectivity wise it's pretty quick and works wirelessly. I have done 4-5 starts of the car so far and each time it connected without any major issue.
• It's a tad bit laggy, but I believe that's cause it's currently running at 30 fps. No idea if 60 fps CarPlay is even possible with the current hardware. I'll try again using a wire and see if things improve.
• Apple Maps in the instrument console didn't work for me as well. Tried several navigation restarts, switching back from native nav to CarPlay, but it still didn't work. I'm on iOS 16 beta so that could be a possible issue. Can anyone on iOS 15 please try and confirm?
• The ICC rotary dial will not work on CarPlay if it's set to Volume. The knobs' direction pad does not work in CarPlay. If people from Mahindra are reading this, please add support for the ICC dial's direction pad, CarPlay has support for it.

With the ICC dial set to volume, you get the best of both worlds in Adrenox where the dial controls volume while still allowing navigation via D-pad.

• Tapping the phone button in ICC opens the phone app inside CarPlay. I'm yet to try out what the music and fav buttons do while in CarPlay.
• Faced a bug where I was playing music and received a phone call, after the phone call, the audio source was stuck on the phone and no music could be heard. I had to disconnect and re-connect CarPlay to get music output again.
• Map version has been updated to v2021.11 on firmware v10.07.51. The earlier map version was v2021.03 on firmware v8.01.41.

Service visit experience

Mahindra Salasar service centre in Thane is really good with quick customer service and knowledgeable technicians. My regular service advisor Swapnil always goes out of his way to make the service experience a breeze.

I had a minor left-pulling issue which they seem to have fixed for now.

The key fob shortage seems to have been resolved. Many customers are now getting a service recall alert for 2nd key assignment.

The dealership was of course unaware and always give me the standard response of "we don't know". Strangely enough, Mahindra will first send the key fob to the dealership and then you have to collect it from there and go to the service centre for coding.

Sharing the re-call document below:

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The XUV700 already offers Android Auto and Alexa AI connectivity.

Mahindra has announced that Apple CarPlay will be available in the XUV700 from September 5, 2022.

Apple CarPlay connectivity feature has been missing from the XUV700 since it was launched in October 2021. It is said that the delay has been caused due to licensing issues.

According to Mahindra, owners can get the feature activated by visiting their nearest authorised service centre. The update will also enable features like enhanced Siri support and navigation rendering on the digital instrument cluster, among others.

The XUV700 already offers Android Auto and Alexa AI connectivity. The SUV comes with two engine options: 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol producing 197 BHP and 380 Nm and a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine that makes 182 BHP and 420 Nm (MT) / 450 Nm (AT). Both engines come with a choice of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive will also be available as an option.

The new fuel payment feature is expected to be rolled out sometime in the coming months.

Apple showcased a new feature at their recently held Developer Conference, which allows car owners to pay for their fuel directly from their vehicle's dashboard.

The new feature is said to be part of Apple CarPlay's major software rollout expected in the coming months. As per reports, CarPlay users will soon be able to tap an app to navigate to the nearest fuel station and pay for the fuel directly from their car screens, skipping the process of having to tap or insert a card. The new feature is said to be part of Apple's push to turn a vehicle into a store for goods and services.

Apple is yet to reveal any specific details of the technology. However, Dallas-based HF Sinclair, which has 1,600 stations across the US has already showcased their interest to use the new Apple CarPlay technology. Jack Barger, Sinclair's Senior VP for Marketing stated that the company is excited by the idea of having customers navigate to a Sinclair station and purchase fuel from their car screens.

This new fuel app though is just the latest in a number of such features offered by Apple. Reports suggest that CarPlay already has many open apps for parking, EV charging and even ordering food.

The new fuel payment feature is expected to be rolled out sometime in the coming months. iPhone users will need to download the fuel company's app on their phone and set up their payment credentials. Once the app is set up, car owners can tap on their navigation screen to activate the feature.

Source: Reuters

My car is a 2019 XZ(O) variant, and it came with a weird 5" HU which also came with the Tata Hexa & Tigor XZ for sometime.

BHPian pritanshchandra recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Installed the OEM headunit from the Tiago XZ+ in my XZ(O):

Ever since I bought my Tiago, The only things I missed from the XZ+ variant were the projector headlamps and the bigger 7" HU with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There were other things as well like the Auto AC and the bigger 15" alloy wheels, but they did not fancy me much. My car is a 2019 XZ(O) Variant and it came with a weird 5" HU which also came with the Tata Hexa & Tigor XZ for sometime. The 5" HU had no issues whatsoever, it had a passive touchscreen and map functionality in collaboration with Mapmyindia (NaviMaps), though bugged, it worked fine for the most part. I swapped the reflector headlights with the projector one's in August 2020, I have posted about it in the same thread. A few days ago in a Tiago WhatsApp group, one of the members casually asked if anyone wants to buy the OE HU from his Tiago XZ+ as he was switching to an Android Based HU. I replied faster than the speed of light and the deal was done within the hour. 2 days later, I had the HU in my hands and I couldn't keep calm. I got the HU at a mouth watering price.

The installation:

It was pretty simple. I just removed the preinstalled frame and HU and the couplers from behind and swapped the HU with the new one. It was plug and play. The only hiccup I had was with the USB Port as mine had a different kind of port and it did not work with this HU. Boodmo came to my rescue and the compatible cable was ordered the same day and delivered within 2 days. I ordered the one without the AUX port as I never used it and the one with the AUX port was double the price. When the delivery guy called, I went down with my toolkit, water bottle and towel as I was so excited to finally see it all in action. I couldn't wait anymore. As expected, it worked! Attaching some pictures of the installation process and then some of the HU in action in my Tiago XZ(O).

The new HU:

Like ChrisFix says.. Out with the old:

In with the new:

The USB+AUX combo that came with my car - The USB does not work with this HU, AUX works:

The new cable without the AUX Port. USB works:

CarPlay in action:

Bonus picture - CNG was planned and was in-making from a long time:

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The first car to come with the new software is expected to be launched only by the end of 2023.

Apple unveiled its next-gen CarPlay at the 2022 Worldwide Developer Conference recently.

The new-gen Apple CarPlay is said to be rolled out in the near future and will integrate multiple in-car screens, including the digital instrument cluster. The new software will also offer more vehicle control features, including climate control, radio and real-time vehicle data like speed, fuel level, temperatures and more.

Cars with the new software will get Apple-designed graphics across multiple screens. Drivers will also be able to customise their instrument cluster by adding multiple widgets like weather and/or music apps.

Apple, however, hasn't revealed too many details of the new-gen CarPlay. Although it did showcase a render of what the system could look like on multiple screens.

The company will start to announce specific vehicles which will support this system sometime next year. Also, the first car to come with the new software is expected to be launched only by the end of 2023.

Source: TheDrive

At present, the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the XUV700 comes with Android Auto

Apple CarPlay has been missing from the Mahindra XUV700 ever since it was launched in August 2021. However, according to a media report, the functionality will soon be introduced in the SUV.

The report states that the AX variants of the XUV700 will get Apple CarPlay from August 2022 onwards. The functionality will be installed in existing XUV700s via an OTA update.

At present, the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the XUV700 comes with Android Auto and Alexa AI connectivity. Lower variants get an 8-inch touchscreen

The XUV700 comes with two engine options: 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol producing 197 BHP and 380 Nm and a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine that makes 182 BHP and 420 Nm (MT) / 450 Nm (AT). Both engines come with a choice of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive will also be available as an option.

Source: Zigwheels

Lately however, Google Maps seems to have picked up a bad habit of trying to squeeze us car users through narrow side streets.

BHPian car_addict recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Apple Maps in India has been using MapmyIndia for map data. Because of that , the map data is seems to be as good as Google Maps, especially in Tier 1 & Tier 2 cities and towns.

Lately however, Google Maps seems to have picked up a bad habit of trying to squeeze us car users through narrow side streets. This might be because of the huge amount of 2-wheelers feeding data when compared to cars. Even though Google Maps has a "Car Nav" and "2-wheeler Nav", I have still been directed down narrow streets in cars & ended up stuck several times.

But, Apple Maps lacks the traffic capabilities of Google Maps. Further for privacy reasons, you might not want to share more data with Google & use only when required.

So given a choice in Carplay, which one would you choose?

Here's what BHPian chaitanyakrish had to say on the matter:

I feel the in-build maps in cars has better 4 wheeler friendly road recommendations,so I am using Hyundai's in-build navigation.

Google Maps always pushed me to narrow lanes, which are not easy for a car and heavily populated with 2 wheelers.

Here's what BHPian narayans80 had to say on the matter:

You are mixing Maps and Navigation here.

The map data that Google buys from is also accurate.

If you are iOS and don't want to use Google Maps, you may want to try MapmyIndia's Move app. You do get some traffic data. The UX is awful, I wasn't able to save my POIs through the account. So you'll have to use key them in the fly.

Recently tried Sygic, their navigation experience is good, but the maps are way out of date.

I pre-decide my route and let Google Maps recalculate.

Here's what BHPian SmartCat had to say on the matter:

Apple Maps if you want a traditional safe route (think "bus route") to destination. Google Maps if you are feeling a bit adventurous (think "autorickshaw route").

Mapmyindia's MAPPL app is not too bad either and worth a test drive.

Here's what BHPian Jangra had to say on the matter:

When it comes to maps and navigation, it has been Google for over 12 years for me. Yes there have been times, esp in Bengaluru, where you curse google maps to get you to a narrow zone, but by and large, it has been the most accurate and reliant in my experience.

I know it is off topic - but even Public transport data is pretty accurate in Google maps. Another reason I never bothered to use apple maps for navigation.

I'm a big fan of Apple iPhones with Google Maps.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

I am an Android user and would not really like to change my phone.

BHPian joshiviv recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

A lot of new cars come bundled with Android Auto and/or Car Play so fitting an after market unit like Sony/Blaupunkt is not a desirable option. Wanted to see what folks experience was with Android Auto or CarPlay coming with their cars. I am an Android user and would not really like to change my phone. However, I would also like to hear if CarPlay is compelling enough to change over to iOS.

Similarly wanted to seek opinion on aftermarket units, if I do need to change the HU. I could just start off with a Sony HU in my old car and move it to the new car whenever I buy one.

Here's what BHPian GreyNomad had to say on the matter:

I’ve been an Apple ecosystem user for ages now and hence CarPlay over AA. I’d suggest you choose a HU that is both AA and CarPlay compatible. Sony and Pioneer have the same. Blaupunkt models are mostly AA + MirrorLink based.

Here's what BHPian anandhsub had to say on the matter:

Not all android phones support android auto, especially wireless.

Carplay will definitely be more seamless.

However my choice, for aftermarket, would be to go for an Android system. There are many that support a sim card as well.

This makes your phone redundant ( unless you want to connect via Bluetooth to take calls which I don't recommend) and is a lot more easier to use when it comes to navigation or music since it is literally just a tab fitted to your dashboard.

Only issue is that you don't get these in the well established brands and have to go for the Chinese imports like Woodman.

Here's what BHPian JoshMachine had to say on the matter:

In almost all cars (typically mid or top variant) that roll off the production floor nowadays with an in-built HU, they will have both - Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. As long as your phone supports either of them, you should be good.

The performance is at par in terms of the app (music, navigation, phone etc.) integration- for both the competing tech. Even Google Maps, a predominant Android feature of the yesteryears, works seamlessly on CarPlay.

So I see no reason to switch your phone between Android/iOS just because of the HU having Android Auto/CarPlay.

Here's what BHPian Gannu_1 had to say on the matter:

I have used both the systems extensively including a rooted Android device for unlocking some additional functionalities on the system and will vouch for CarPlay.

CarPlay interface feels familiar to iPhone users, is a lot more smoother and lag-free, voice commands work well (call XYZ, redial, resume music, send a message to ABC over WhatsApp etc. are some I frequently use whilst driving). I also love CarPlay’s dashboard with the split-screen setup which displays a map and music side-by-side.

On the downside, you have a limited set of apps for CarPlay and no customized apps like a TPMS app developed by a vendor for the system. While using Google Maps in CarPlay, you cannot select the alternate route by selecting the greyed out route Google Maps; instead you have to go to the route options and tap the one you prefer. This is counter-intuitive!

After the recent Google I/O 2022 event however, I believe Android Auto is slated for a lot of updates and improvements including watching Youtube while parking brake is engaged, casting from the phone etc.

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The MPV would be the first car from Hyundai/Kia in the world to offer this feature with the 10.25-inch infotainment unit.

BHPian AbidIqbalShaik recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

According to the brochure, the 10.25-inch infotainment unit in the Kia Carens has wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. That's big news. If this is indeed true and not a mistake while typing, the Kia Carens would be the first car from Hyundai/Kia in the world to offer wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay in the 10.25-inch infotainment unit.

It makes sense when you consider that the Kia Sonet was the first car from Hyundai/Kia group to offer wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay in the 8-inch unit. Check out my post about it on Team-BHP here. Now, the Kia Carens would be the first to offer it with the 10.25-inch unit.

I've booked the Kia Sonet GTX Plus 1.5 Diesel Automatic and my biggest regret with it is that it does not offer wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay even though the cheaper HTX variant offers the wireless functionality.

If you search the internet, you'll find a number of threads on many forums across the world where people are discussing if Hyundai/Kia will update the 10.25-inch infotainment unit with wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. And if they won't offer the feature officially, people are trying to find ways to tinker with the unit to try and enable the wireless connectivity option on it.

Wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay might not seem like a big deal but they indeed are, at least in my opinion. You don't have to plug your smartphone into the infotainment unit each time you need to use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In my opinion, wires near the gear lever look ugly and they are also very distracting (at least for someone like me who is obsessed with keeping things organized). More importantly, you can't use the wireless charger if you want to use Android Auto / Apple CarPlay with the existing 10.25-inch infotainment units.

Considering that I will be using my car for more than 10 years, I wouldn't have to use wires for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay every day (five working days when I go to my office, I mean) for the next 10 years, if my car has the wireless connectivity option. That's a big big deal for me.

The wireless option is so damn convenient. Just get in your car and the Android Auto/Apple CarPlay will just pop up on the infotainment screen. Now, just place the phone on the wireless charger and that's it. You are all set. No ugly wires around the gear lever which will distract you while driving. Plus, you don't have to unplug the phone when you are getting out of the car. I know that unplugging is a small step but you get the gist, wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay are much more convenient.

I'm wondering if the 10.25-inch infotainment unit in the Kia Carens is the same one that we get in other Hyundai/Kia cars (with updated software to support wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay) or if it has different hardware. If it is the same unit then I'm guessing that all the existing cars with 10.25-inch infotainment units can also get wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, provided that Hyundai/Kia are generous enough to offer a software update. I'm so excited about this news.

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