GoKawiil
Tech News
A JD Power survey of 68,000 owners of 2026 model-year vehicles found that more than a third never use passenger touchscreens, while only six percent use them every time they drive. The firm also found larger screens correlated with more infotainment problems, while simple features like smart ignition and smart climate control ranked as the most valued technologies.
Ottocast makes a small USB dongle that plugs into a car's existing CarPlay port and relays the connection to an iPhone over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a cable. After an initial Bluetooth pairing and approval step, the adapter automatically reconnects to the paired iPhone each time the car starts. The interface, controls and features remain identical to standard Apple CarPlay, with no separate Ottocast software layer.
A viral TikTok video mislabeled the plastic covering on new cars' CarPlay touchscreens as a permanent screen protector, but it's actually a temporary shipping film meant to guard the display during transport and delivery. Manufacturers do not intend for drivers to keep it on long-term, since prolonged exposure to heat can cause the adhesive or plastic to melt onto the screen.
Android Auto ships with roughly a dozen app icons on its home screen by default, including tools like Adobe Acrobat and IFTTT that most drivers will never use behind the wheel. Users can trim this list and rearrange it by going to Android Auto's Customize launcher settings, keeping only essentials like navigation, calls, messaging and media playback.
Google has published troubleshooting guidance for Android Auto users experiencing connection issues, covering both wired and wireless setups. The advice includes checking cables and ports for damage, using data-capable cables under six feet, and toggling Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to force a manual reconnection.
Researchers have identified that operators behind the BadBox click-fraud botnet are now targeting Android-powered vehicle head units, exploiting built-in update mechanisms to push malicious software onto the devices. This marks an expansion of the botnet's reach beyond streaming boxes and smart TVs into automotive infotainment systems.
Drivers experiencing Siri going silent or unresponsive during CarPlay use may not be facing an Apple problem at all. The issue can stem from iPhone settings, a faulty CarPlay connection, or limitations in the vehicle's own infotainment system rather than Siri itself. Users can typically activate Siri by holding the car's voice-command button or the CarPlay Home button, though 'Hey Siri' support varies by vehicle.