Every Uber driver has to be on their A-game to make the most of their time behind the wheel. There are many distractions to look out for, from road conditions to traffic lights to other drivers’ behavior. It would help if you remained entirely in control at all times, so we are addressing an important question about using CarPlay or Android Auto for your Uber app as an Uber driver. However, most experts say no to Uber drivers using these apps. Let’s dive in!
A Brief Explanation of What Exactly Are CarPlay and Android Auto
Both CarPlay and Android Auto let you interact with your smartphone through your car’s dashboard display. You can send texts, get directions, and manage playlists without taking your eyes off the wheel with either app.�?
If you’re an Uber driver, it may be tempting to switch over from using the company’s official app to one of these third-party options.�?
Unfortunately, there are no good alternatives; hence, you’ll need to stick with what is already built into your car dashboard. It’s a little less convenient than taking out your phone while in between trips, but at least now you know what’s what!�?
Additionally, it is unfortunate that Apple Carplay is not compatible with the Uber app. However, Android Auto is compatible; thus, an Uber driver might opt to use it. However, remember that CarPlay works with Google maps so you may choose CarPlay for the screen navigation features.
Why Would an Uber Driver Need a Smartphone Mirroring Solution in the Car?
Location and destination information is key to being an Uber driver. With Android Auto/CarPlay, they can avoid issues with inconsistent GPS info between apps and their phones, plus they will have both Google Maps and their app at one location on the screen.�?
Because of how vital navigation is to Uber drivers, it’s safe to say that smart mirroring solutions could be an extra incentive to drive with a company like Uber. It would also allow them to use other smartphone features while driving without having to look down from their windshields.
This would reduce accidents by keeping drivers focused on their roads instead of looking at their phone screens. In addition, some may consider a car as a private space where they don’t want to be disturbed by notifications or calls. A solution such as Android Auto/CarPlay allows you to choose which notifications you receive so you’re not interrupted during your trip.�?
You can focus on your passengers’ needs and ensure everyone gets where they need to go safely!
Does Google Maps Have a Similar Solution to Apple Maps and Waze?
Google Maps has a great solution to access maps and directions, even while using another app. Most drivers use Google Maps because of its superior destination alert options. With Google Maps (and other GPS services), you can set your destination, then let go of your phone, and it will sound an alert when you get close to your destination.�?
This feature is called Cancel Detour in Google Maps, and similar features are available on Waze, Apple Maps, etc.�?
The best part about Google Maps Cancel Detour is that you don’t have to keep your phone on. It uses your location history to determine when you’re approaching a location and alerts you accordingly. It would be awesome if Uber had something like this!
Apple CarPlay: A New Way to Use Your Phone While Driving the Uber
Let’s face it; when you’re driving your car, you have to focus on one thing: driving. But suppose you could use your phone and not take your eyes off the road? That’s where Apple CarPlay comes in. Apple CarPlay is a new way to use iPhone in your car, using a built-in display and connecting directly to your vehicle’s system.�?
Many smartphones come with apps that let you make calls and listen to music from within their apps.�?
However, Apple CarPlay brings these services directly into your dashboard using Apple’s tried-and-true user interface. It also lets you access Siri hands-free, so instead of fumbling around with your phone trying to find an app or texting, you can ask Siri to do it for you. You don’t even need to look at your phone!
However Impressive the CarPlay app is, it is not compatible with the Uber app, so its usage is limited to map navigation.
Android Auto in Your Uber: Your Google Assistant on Wheels
The newest version of Android has a feature that could make navigation much easier and more professional for your everyday commute. Thanks to Google Assistant on Android, you can now access local information and set location-based reminders inside your Google Maps app.�?
When you’re in your car and connected to Bluetooth, you can speak aloud as if you were in an actual conversation with your Virtual assistant. Even when Google Maps is closed, it works perfectly for hands-free driving (though technically not legal in all states).�?
You can still get directions, call friends and family, play music from any service that supports it (including Spotify), track package delivery, and ask other questions related to places of interest nearby. All without touching your phone. In short: Your smartphone will be way less distracting when you’re behind the wheel, and that means safer roads for everyone!
What Are Your Options for Connecting an Android smartphone with in-car technology while Driving Uber?
There are multiple options. The most efficient is using your smartphone and connecting it to your car’s infotainment system via a USB data cable. Most vehicles have at least one of these ports, even if they’re not regularly used.�?
If your vehicle’s infotainment system has Bluetooth capability, you can pair a Bluetooth-enabled device with it; whether that’s an Android smartphone or an iPhone is up to you.�?
However, there are some issues with both of these methods. First off, using a smartphone will drain its battery quickly—possibly too quickly for long rides. Second off, connecting your phone via USB may cause problems when using certain apps on your phone (such as Google Maps).
�?Also, remember that pairing a Bluetooth-enabled device will require you to take time out of driving to set up and configure everything properly—not precisely ideal while trying to make money by driving people around town!
Apple vs. Google: A Comparison
There are two major players in our car for most drivers: Apple and Google. Which is more popular with drivers using both companies’ systems, and why do they like their products so much?�?
Most drivers get attached to CarPlay right away because they can easily access Siri without taking their eyes off the road or taking their hands off the wheel while driving around town.�?
CarPlay also allows your phone to automatically connect every time you get into your car via Bluetooth, so you don’t have to worry about remembering to connect it before starting your drive.�?
The only downside is that there are still some bugs in Apple Maps that need fixing (the navigation doesn’t always work correctly). But overall, Apple CarPlay is pretty great!
On the other hand, other Drivers are attached to Android Auto because of the excellent Google Maps. The app lets you play music while getting directions and tells you how long it’ll take to drive to your destination based on traffic conditions along your route.�?
You can also listen to Spotify through its interface and create a custom playlist that matches your mood.
Why Do Some Experts Say No to Using CarPlay and Android Auto on Ubers?
Technically, drivers aren’t allowed to use their smartphones while in driver mode. This means that using any smartphone app can be dangerous because it requires a driver to look away from where they should be looking—the road.�?
Even though experts say no, there is no specific code of conduct related to smartphones during an Uber drive. Technically, you could download these applications and use them during your next ride-share trip without getting into trouble with your company.�?
Still, it is best to stay safe and avoid using your phone if you want nothing wrong to happen. You may also not want to use a navigation app since you might get lost trying to follow directions on your phone when you need to pay attention to the road.
How Does the Car’s Native Navigation System Compare with Google Maps Navigation Features?�?
In short, how does Apple Carplay compare with Android Auto and other third-party services in terms of price, range of features, and ease of use?�?
It is understood that Google Maps will let you make restaurant reservations directly through your phone, and Apple Maps is said to be coming out with Yelp integration soon. The bottom line: It’s hard to tell who’s ahead in creating better options for drivers in terms of navigation apps.
�?Apple has been working on its own turn-by-turn navigation service since early 2015, when it acquired Coherent Navigation and HopStop (users can access these features now by typing maps into Siri).�?�?
However, that doesn’t mean Google hasn’t been working on something similar. For now, if you’re looking for a solution that works across multiple platforms, Waze might be worth checking out, though it’s only available on select cars. Your best bet is probably sticking with what works best for you and using both systems simultaneously.
In conclusion, it’s currently not possible to use your Android Auto or Apple Carplay apps while logged into an Uber account. In theory, both Google and Apple could change their policies to allow drivers to use these services in a car, but there’s no evidence that either company is changing its policy.�?Suppose you want more information about your specific state laws governing smartphone usage in cars; check out a list of every state’s cellphone laws. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to leave a comment below!