Next-generation Apple CarPlay offers more controls and customization

The 2024 WWDC focused on a number of things: Apple Intelligence, a new OS for its devices, improved Siri, and more. But buried under the hype of Apple’s bigger announcements was the introduction of new and pretty exciting Apple CarPlay features

With the integration of AI, Apple CarPlay now has access to your vehicle’s information and can seamlessly integrate itself to make operating it even easier. From comfort controls to maintenance, here’s what the next-generation Apple CarPlay is set to offer:

New Apple CarPlay Features

Multi-Display Support

A notable update to the system is multi-display support. CarPlay will now be able to appear on all the displays of a vehicle and not just on the center dash.

Essentials for modern vehicles that utilize more than one display within the cabin, CarPlay will offer the same amount of controls on every screen.

The UI is supposedly responsive enough as well that it will be able to resize itself to smaller-sized displays.

Instrument Cluster Integration

Probably the most interesting addition, the next-generation CarPlay will be able to directly integrate into the vehicle’s instrument cluster to display relevant information. Access to these details will depend on the manufacturer, however, but CarPlay can now access essential vehicle metrics like speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, and even oil pressure gauge.

Additionally, CarPlay can now notify you of certain conditions such as slow tire pressure.

You can also customize the look of these gauges on your screen. Apple will provide several customization options from colors, layouts, and even brand-specific themes.

Climate Controls

If the vehicle allows, Apple CarPlay can now control your car’s air conditioning. It will not just be able to control the fan speed but also display the different temperature readings within the cabin.

Apart from climate controls, CarPlay can also access window and seat controls.

Widgets

The next-generation Apple CarPlay now has customizable widgets that you can place across the dashboard. Depending on what the manufacturer will allow, widgets available include maps, calendars, clocks, weather, charging, tire pressure, seatbelt alerts, ADAS alerts, and music controls.

Much like the instrument cluster, you can also customize the placement and visibility of these widgets to your liking. Widgets are seemingly planned, however, to only be available on passenger displays.

Media app

Apple introduced an all-new Media app that can not just control music from your phone but now also offers access to your vehicle’s FM/AM radio.

You will no longer need to switch out of the CarPlay interface should you want to listen to the radio.

Additionally, the Media app also provides more ways to search for music such as genre selection, and also aims to provide a more unified interface for media and entertainment controls.

When are we getting the next generation of Apple Carplay?

Apple has confirmed on its website that the next-generation Apple Carplay will arrive in 2024 though a more specific timeline has yet to be announced.

Given that Apple will have to work with automakers and their respective vehicle designs, we wouldn’t be surprised if this releases late within the year. Interstingly, Aston Martin and Porsche are the first to preview their upcoming vehicles with the new generation Apple CarPlay.

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OPPO A77s: Built for work and play

12/23/2022

This is a sponsored post by OPPO Philippines.

Smartphones are built to handle a multitude of things. From its original core function of taking and making calls, we’ve evolved these devices to attend to all sorts of needs – social media, photography and videography, word processing, and so much more.

And while you will find smartphones purpose-built for certain niches like gaming or photography, most users will be drawn to an all-around device that should be able to keep up with the everyday grind.

The OPPO A77s is built for users looking for a fast-performing phone that can do a little more than usual – all while keeping an affordable price tag.

On-point Performance

There are a lot of factors that contribute to balanced performance, but it would be logical to start with its processor.  The OPPO A77s has a highly capable and efficiency-focused Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chip.

With it, I could effortlessly knock out daily tasks like replying to emails and checking articles. It was easy to multi-task, too, and I could jump in and out of different apps effortlessly.

During those times that I needed a quick break during work, I could count on the OPPO A77s to power me through a couple of quick matches on Pokemon Unite. Even with two or three non-intensive apps running in the background, the gameplay was smooth and lag-free.

For longer game times, like farming materials or doing a round of dailies on Genshin Impact, the device was also able to keep up. You won’t be running on the maximum settings, unsurprisingly, but the default configuration was enough for smooth gameplay even during heavier animation sequences.

A treat for the eyes and ears

A comfortable screen and balanced speakers are what you’ll find on this device. The OPPO A77s is equipped with a 6.56-inch LCD offering a smooth 90Hz refresh rate.

It’s a little on the narrow side, but I liked that it made things on the screen easily reachable with one hand.

As for quality, we’re getting a DCI-P3 display that assures true-to-life color accuracy. It’s a little unfortunate that the resolution is limited to just HD, but it’s more than enough for daily use and personal consumption.

What the OPPO A77s does offer, however, is a surprising set of loud and detailed stereo speakers. Whether gaming or watching, the device provided a balanced-enough sound. Voices are easy to hear and not when watching sitcoms and small or big audio cues aren’t lost when gaming.

Packaged together, the OPPO A77s’ display and speakers offer a pretty good level of immersion whether you’re using it for work or play.

Supported by ColorOS

These days, the software on phones works just as hard as its hardware. Not only does it offer background optimizations to make the device work smoother but also adds nifty features that help in day-to-day operation including improving productivity and gaming.

We’ve got all the productivity favorites on the OPPO A77s, including a split screen, flexible windows, and a customizable smart sidebar for easy access to my most-used apps. Being an Android 12 skin, we also have all the usual gesture controls for easy and intuitive navigation.

For some apps, you’ll also gain access to the Quick Return feature. This minimizes the app into a floating tile when you temporarily leave. Jump back into the app by tapping on the tile.

For gaming, we also have features designed to give you an enjoyable experience. When playing, you’ll get a fly-out window on the side that allows you to easily switch performance settings and maximize your phone’s capability.

We also get Game Focus mode that’s able to silence notifications with one tap for uninterrupted playtime. Touch optimization will disable gesture controls so you won’t accidentally screenshot or pull down the notification drawer when in the heat of a battle.

Bigger battery for longer days

There’s nothing more frustrating than running out of battery in the middle of a match or during an important video call. At 5000mAh, the OPPO A77s offers a battery that can easily last you the whole day.

I was able to use it for a couple of calls, the usual daily tasks, and take a couple of snaps through the day and still end up with some juice in the tank. That lower resolution display really does help in elongating the device’s battery to support moderately-heavy screen usage like when gaming or watching, for example.

And when you do need to top up, the OPPO A77s supports 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging that can deliver about 50% charge in just 30 minutes.

Final thoughts

If you’re after style, performance, and value for money, the OPPO A77s presents itself as a pretty good option. As a productivity partner, its fast processor fuels you to tick off as many tasks on your to-do list as fast as possible.

And surprisingly, it’s not bad as a casual gaming phone as well.

The OPPO A77s is now available for PhP 13,999. It’s available for purchase through OPPO Brand Stores, partner dealers, and OPPO Official Stores on Shopee and Lazada.

To know more about the OPPO A77s, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website. You can also check OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. To get the best care for your OPPO devices, visit your nearest OPPO Care Center or contact their website, via Facebook.

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