Honda announces that the 2017 Pilot EX will support Apple's CarPlay, Android Auto
Automotive manufacturer Honda has announced that Android Auto and Apple's CarPlay will be implemented in higher-end 2017 Pilot models.
The Pilot EX will have an 8-inch touchscreen, with a better coating which Honda says will resist fingerprints better. The Pilot EX will go on sale starting Nov. 7 with a retail price of $33,030 to start.
The 2017 Accord was Honda's first 2017 model-year car with CarPlay, but the manufacturer has had several models, dating back to the previous year that use the technology.
Apple's CarPlay was introduced in March 2014.
After connecting an iPhone to the system, a steering wheel-mounted voice control button activates Siri to cut down on distractions in the cockpit, though users can also interface with iOS-inspired controls if a car comes equipped with a touchscreen.
According to Apple, CarPlay can access all knobs, buttons and dials controlling an in-car display. Additionally, drivers can place phone calls, get directions, listen to voice mail messages, access contacts and have text messages read to them by Siri.
Apple notes that there are more than 100 models of cars to choose from that use CarPlay, made by 34 different manufacturers.
The Pilot EX will have an 8-inch touchscreen, with a better coating which Honda says will resist fingerprints better. The Pilot EX will go on sale starting Nov. 7 with a retail price of $33,030 to start.
The 2017 Accord was Honda's first 2017 model-year car with CarPlay, but the manufacturer has had several models, dating back to the previous year that use the technology.
Apple's CarPlay was introduced in March 2014.
After connecting an iPhone to the system, a steering wheel-mounted voice control button activates Siri to cut down on distractions in the cockpit, though users can also interface with iOS-inspired controls if a car comes equipped with a touchscreen.
According to Apple, CarPlay can access all knobs, buttons and dials controlling an in-car display. Additionally, drivers can place phone calls, get directions, listen to voice mail messages, access contacts and have text messages read to them by Siri.
Apple notes that there are more than 100 models of cars to choose from that use CarPlay, made by 34 different manufacturers.
Comments
I can already hear the cries of 2016 Pilot buyers who will demand an upgrade for AA/CP support. Honda have never added this feature to existing models like some manufacturers have.
I can also hear the cries of 2016 Pilot and 2017 Ridgeline buyers who have complained about the incredible affinity for fingerprints on these glossy, plastic screens.
I was excited to get CarPlay in my 2017 Ridgeline, but I find I never use it. I might tend to use it more if it were the wireless implementation, which it is not.
Owners will now be crying foul when they find out a rotary volume knob has now returned beginning with the 2017 CR-V. Civic owners with an otherwise identical infotainment system are going to be whining about not having a rotary volume knob despite the fact that they knew good and well their vehicle didn't have such when they bought it. It's hard to justify getting upset over buying something that gets updated right after you buy it. Due diligence! Caveat emptor! Some people are just never satisfied.
If there was any way to sue, I would. The Honda navigation system is completely unfit for its intended purpose.
Apple made a huge mistake by not buying Waze.
Here in Georgia, people using Apple Maps is a laughing stock. They always get lost and are always late. When someone complains of being navigated to the wrong location, the first advice given is, "Stop using Apple Maps".
I hear Apple Maps is decent in California. Perhaps it's true, but not in the rest of the country.
CarPlay without decent navigation is useless.