Entune vs Apple Carplay, what am I missing?

iPhone guy, and curious what am I missing by not having Carplay?

I can Bluetooth my music to my Entune. I can call/answer my phone handsfree on Entune.

It also has GPS.

What more would I get by having Carplay?

 

I use android auto. Better map, easier controls for my music, and better access to my phones features. I assume carplay does the same

 

CarPlay is a lot more seamless experience. For example, if I’ve recently searched a location in maps or have a calendar event with a location, it’ll automatically suggest it.

the maps are constantly updated. Live traffic. Better routing.

you can also do all the Siri stuff like ask for directions, set a reminder, change playlists, etc

After having it, I wouldn’t go back to not.

 

I use it for turn by turn directions displayed on the head unit. I’m not sure if there are other iPhone apps that support it, but I assume there are.

 

CarPlay is a bit more seamless feeling and intuitive that engine.
It’s nothing out of this world better or powerful, but it flows better and you can do other apps like onX offroad and text messages through Siri voice.
I’d replace the radio if I didn’t have entune, but not if I have entune and am happy

 

Note that not all head units have a navigation app. Mine doesn’t, but with CarPlay I have that

 

A previous poster mentioned OnX Offroad on Carplay ...I have Gaia preloaded on the Carplay, how do you get OnX on there?

 

Hmmmm, thanks for your answer Sterling, and everyone else above. Pretty well, all I'm reading is that Carplay is more seamless. As it is now, I can have my phone read my texts to me through Siri, so I guess I was hoping for more.

Other than a few Apps that would appear on the screen, is there anything else I'm missing that Entune is not providing?

 

Now I'm looking into this, if anyone has any input, would be appreciated.

CARabc Wireless Carplay Android Auto Adapter for Toyota with Entune2.0 2014-2019, Fits for Tundra/Highlander/RAV4/Tacoma/Camry/Corolla/Avalon/Prius/CH-R/Sienna, Silver

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BB2V7DCR

 

Apple CarPlay (and I assume Android Auto) vs Entune is like comparing a smartphone to a 'feature phone'.

 

I mean, I would tend to agree with you, since I'm an Apple fanboy!

 

The difference is going to be the user interface. If you've never used a vehicle with Carplay before, just check any number of the millions of YouTube video's detailing the CarPlay interface - its basically identical on every car.

As for the features themselves, yes - you can still take calls, receive messages, listen to music, podcasts and all that when your phone is connected via Bluetooth. BUT, you're using Toyota's native user interface, which is lightyear's behind Carplay's user inteface.

 

I'm trying to understand Carplay so please excuse my ignorance. I have Entune Audio Plus in my '18. Will Carplay cast my Iphone on to the Entune display? Are the $49 Carplay adapters on Amazon what I want?

 

No, unfortunately Carplay is only available in 2020+ Tacomas, via a plug in cable. The adaptors you see online are are for the 2020+ models to make their existing Carplay capability wireless.

If you want carplay on pre-2020 Tacomas you need to purchase an entire aftermarket headunit.

 

Unless you buy this $200 unit which has "very" mixed reviews.....

CARabc Wireless Carplay Android Auto Adapter for Toyota with Entune2.0 2014-2019, Fits for Tundra/Highlander/RAV4/Tacoma/Camry/Corolla/Avalon/Prius/CH-R/Sienna, Silver

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BB2V7DCR


Check out this thread, starting with Post #10

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oem-car-play-solution-for-2016-and-2017-models.792198/

 

I always dismissed Apple CarPlay, as you mentioned I can just bluetooth my music to Entune. Then I traveled to the east coast for a week for some weddings and had a rental that had Apple CarPlay--huge quality of life improvement. Unfortunately, I knew I would have to buy something to fill this void at home lol. Since I wasn't totally convinced I really needed it, I went the cheapest option via CarABC. Though now that I am a year in if it broke I would buy another one--or a CarSyncTech model as I love Apple CarPlay. (I found out about CarSyncTech months after getting the CarABC: (post #107) https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oem-car-play-solution-for-2016-and-2017-models.792198/page-6).

More thoughts and my full take/review on the CarABC: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/carabc-wireless-carplay-for-entune-2-0-gen-3-tacoma-review.843646/

 

Txs @CalWheaten

Just putting it here, in case I consider it.

$329 Wireless/Wired Adapter for CarPlay Android Auto Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 2014-2019 Entune 2.0 High Definition Audio High Screen Resolution.

https://www.amazon.com/2014-2019-Definition-Resolution-Mirroring-Compatible/dp/B0CB2ZR6QZ

 

No problem, happy to help.

 

Thanx for the replies. It's definitely not worth $300 to cast my phone on to the Entune display.