I think you'll be surprised how much of a core competence software is for Tesla.

It doesn't matter. Their UI will never be as good as Android Auto or Car Play. They will simply never have the same app support.

Really? Does CarPlay have access to my cars controls, cameras, climate, driving alerts, etc..

Nope, you constantly have to switch between CarPlay and the car's own software to do certain things.

In a Tesla it's all integrated together and works great, CarPlay is unnecessary. If I need to use my phone while driving, the phone's screen is perfectly visible from the charger/dock.

Personally I don’t want any controls on the infotainment screen behind some touchscreen. Physical buttons are easier, safer, and quicker, as is a well designed HUD.

I consider the fact Tesla requires you to poke around in its software a huge design flaw and safety concern.

I can’t think of the last time I had to use my cars software over CarPlay - all the apps I need are there, and they do things teslas can’t that I rely on

I like the lack of any screen in front of my face - no distractions, just the road. The buttons on the steering wheel are all I need. Voice control works fine as well.

I used CarPlay in my old car, it was great, thought I would miss it in a Tesla, but nope, I can see my phone screen fine from the dock and bluetooth audio works as well.

Weird to hear given teslas have more screens then basically everything else out there.

How many screens are in this picture?

https://www.motortrend.com/uploads/sites/5/2020/05/2020-Tesl...

> I can’t think of the last time I had to use my cars software over CarPlay

This is because most cars other than Tesla have terrible software.

> they do things teslas can’t that I rely on

I'm curious what these are.

None of the current electric cars appeal to me. I basically want a 1/1 scale team associated or team losi RC car that I can sit in and drive.

This is akin to the keyboard argument in the comment you are replying to.

Except that Tesla is the keyboard. They are never going to duplicate every app on iOS and Android, so they should focus on connecting those OSes to their screens, speakers, and physical controls (like volume) rather than build something just for their hardware.

100% agree. One of the most consistent irritations with my Tesla is the inability to use CarPlay. The only thing that Tesla does better is navigation. And even then, it's only because built-in knowledge about superchargers and battery SOC. This information can be made available via CarPlay.

And GM has decided to force you to use their software and not plug in Android on all upcoming EVs.

But as long as it is such an important part of the car the software must be at least as reliable and well built as, say, the gearbox. If auto makers want their cars to be rolling computers they have to embrace the technology. Half hearted efforts at touchscreens and ux is not good enough.