[Swdea]

The data that I have seen indicates that android users out number iPhone users in the United States. Given that, I am perplexed that Porsche does not include android auto in its Porsche connect and Porsche connect plus systems. As an android user, I am interested in starting a movement to convince Porsche to add android auto to these packages. Any suggestions?

 

[trusted]

The data that I have seen indicates that android users out number iPhone users in the United States. Given that, I am perplexed that Porsche does not include android auto in its Porsche connect and Porsche connect plus systems. As an android user, I am interested in starting a movement to convince Porsche to add android auto to these packages.

This article may explain why Porsche went the Apple route: Android Is For Poor People: Maps - Business Insider

Any suggestions?

Yup...get an iPhone for the car. I did the same. Much easier then starting a movement.

 

[Viffermike]

The data that I have seen indicates that android users out number iPhone users in the United States. Given that, I am perplexed that Porsche does not include android auto in its Porsche connect and Porsche connect plus systems. As an android user, I am interested in starting a movement to convince Porsche to add android auto to these packages. Any suggestions?

I'll mirror @trusted and say get an iPhone for the car if you're really dead-set on integrating a phone via its own software. But I'll also add this insight:

Please read this Mashable article, which describes why Porsche rejected Android Auto in 2015. I'm glad you're a Google fanboy, OP, but Google overreached here in the eyes of Porsche and paid a price. Important to note is that VW AG, Porsche's parent company, isn't the one that rejected Android Auto: Porsche did.

As recompense, Porsche allowed Google Earth functionality alongside its OEM Nav in PCM3 and PCM4, but that agreement is ending at the end of this year. Because of that, and because of changes in Android Auto and Google user data mining since 2015, I would expect Android Auto to be available in Porsches for the 2019 model year.

 

[cbr9racr]

The data that I have seen indicates that android users out number iPhone users in the United States. Given that, I am perplexed that Porsche does not include android auto in its Porsche connect and Porsche connect plus systems. As an android user, I am interested in starting a movement to convince Porsche to add android auto to these packages. Any suggestions?

I'll mirror @trusted and say get an iPhone for the car if you're really dead-set on integrating a phone via its own software. But I'll also add this insight:

Please read this Mashable article, which describes why Porsche rejected Android Auto in 2015. I'm glad you're a Google fanboy, OP, but Google overreached here in the eyes of Porsche and paid a price. Important to note is that VW AG, Porsche's parent company, isn't the one that rejected Android Auto: Porsche did.

As recompense, Porsche allowed Google Earth functionality alongside its OEM Nav in PCM3 and PCM4, but that agreement is ending at the end of this year. Because of that, and because of changes in Android Auto and Google user data mining since 2015, I would expect Android Auto to be available in Porsches for the 2019 model year.

That is old incorrect information. Google came out immediately after the article and clarified that the article was wrong. Then immediately to follow a question went to Porsche for comment and they declined to respond.

 

[GregW]

That is old incorrect information. Google came out immediately after the article and clarified that the article was wrong. Then immediately to follow a question went to Porsche for comment and they declined to respond.

I'm sure Google denied it, but the fact remains that Google DOES data mine and is being investigated and (in some places) prosecuted for it.

Irony: a Google search will give you plenty of information--including Google saying that data mining is 'part of their everyday business' and is therefore OK and legal.

Greg

 

[Blink982]

I am both an ios user (iPad) and android user (phone). Apple used to have the upper hand in terms of software and hardware but that is no longer the case when you look at the flagship models around now. Even the iPhone X is playing catch up. I would prefer it if Porsche at least gave me the option to integrate my Android device with PCM but it doesn't look like they will and I suspect the real reason comes down to an exclusive deal with Apple ie a "back hander". When I was initially considering a 718 Porsche connect was an optional extra that had no use to me so I wouldn't have spec'd it. However in the UK Porsche in their infinite wisdom now include it for "free" and bumped up the price of the car to suit.

I am not a fan boy (a term which is banded around all to often when offering up an opinion or preference) by any means and couldn't care less what phone or operating system anyone else uses or prefers. I see the merits in both but my preference is currently android as it is streets ahead at present IMHO so hopefully Porsche will realise that they are ignoring a large portion of their customer base and update pcm to include android auto soon but I'm not holding my breath.

By the way, remind me what operating system Porsche Design smartphones run again?!!

 

[Viffermike]

I'm sure Google denied it, but the fact remains that Google DOES data mine and is being investigated and (in some places) prosecuted for it.

Irony: a Google search will give you plenty of information--including Google saying that data mining is 'part of their everyday business' and is therefore OK and legal.

Greg

Thanks for the backup, @GregW . There's a big difference between being incorrect and being censured, eh?

 

[Viffermike]

I am both an ios user (iPad) and android user (phone). Apple used to have the upper hand in terms of software and hardware but that is no longer the case when you look at the flagship models around now. Even the iPhone X is playing catch up. I would prefer it if Porsche at least gave me the option to integrate my Android device with PCM but it doesn't look like they will and I suspect the real reason comes down to an exclusive deal with Apple ie a "back hander". When I was initially considering a 718 Porsche connect was an optional extra that had no use to me so I wouldn't have spec'd it. However in the UK Porsche in their infinite wisdom now include it for "free" and bumped up the price of the car to suit.

I am not a fan boy (a term which is banded around all to often when offering up an opinion or preference) by any means and couldn't care less what phone or operating system anyone else uses or prefers. I see the merits in both but my preference is currently android as it is streets ahead at present IMHO so hopefully Porsche will realise that they are ignoring a large portion of their customer base and update pcm to include android auto soon but I'm not holding my breath.

By the way, remind me what operating system Porsche Design smartphones run again?!!

Apologies for the 'fanboy' characterization. Now: I couldn't care less what OS Porsche Design phones run because Porsche Design is a company that's operated independently of both Porsche and VW AG. There is little symbiosis.

I would hope we would all prefer that all makes offer both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but that's not how things work. At least Porsche was forthcoming about its decision regarding Google and its data mining practices -- unlike BMW, which basically ignores Android compatibility in its models completely for a variety of business reasons. Look: I'd prefer that Bose or any Harman International subsidiary (i.e. Harman Kardon) not have a monopoly in many makes' OEM mobile audio upgrades because those companies are basically laughingstocks in the audiophile realm, but that's not how things work, either ... >

 

[Blink982]

There are a host of Porsche apps available for Android e.g. Track Precision so it doesn't add up that Porsche don't support Android Auto. I don't know for certain but I would imagine that there is an exclusive deal in place for Apple CarPlay and at some point Android Auto will be supported once that deal expires. At least I hope so.

With regards to Audio, I didn't spec Bose but that was simply down to budget. I don't particularly rate Bose but usually spec uprated audio of some description in my cars. I might look at an aftermarket solution and upgrade the speakers at least but I haven't seen anything of note done on the 718 or the 981 for that matter. I might get in touch with these guys at some point. FOUR MASTERS - the independent car audio specialist network for music lovers on the move

 

[Viffermike]

There are a host of Porsche apps available for Android e.g. Track Precision so it doesn't add up that Porsche don't support Android Auto. I don't know for certain but I would imagine that there is an exclusive deal in place for Apple CarPlay and at some point Android Auto will be supported once that deal expires. At least I hope so.

With regards to Audio, I didn't spec Bose but that was simply down to budget. I don't particularly rate Bose but usually spec uprated audio of some description in my cars. I might look at an aftermarket solution and upgrade the speakers at least but I haven't seen anything of note done on the 718 or the 981 for that matter. I might get in touch with these guys at some point. FOUR MASTERS - the independent car audio specialist network for music lovers on the move

Heyya Blink,
There've been some meaningful audio upgrades done to 981s; you can find some write-ups if you dig deep enough into the Audio forums on rennlist, P9, and 6SO. I've done some pretty extensive research on what's possible and not on 718s, which is essentially the same design as the 981 (same speaker sizes, placements in front, hardware mount locations, etc.) but with a couple of key differences. I haven't had my upgrades performed yet, but I know what I'm likely going to do and where it's all going to go.

 

[Westcoaster]

I'll mirror @trusted and say get an iPhone for the car if you're really dead-set on integrating a phone via its own software. But I'll also add this insight:

Please read this Mashable article, which describes why Porsche rejected Android Auto in 2015. I'm glad you're a Google fanboy, OP, but Google overreached here in the eyes of Porsche and paid a price. Important to note is that VW AG, Porsche's parent company, isn't the one that rejected Android Auto: Porsche did.

As recompense, Porsche allowed Google Earth functionality alongside its OEM Nav in PCM3 and PCM4, but that agreement is ending at the end of this year. Because of that, and because of changes in Android Auto and Google user data mining since 2015, I would expect Android Auto to be available in Porsches for the 2019 model year.

I am all about choices, so far Porsche declines to offer Android on anything AFAIK?

 

[don]

Just note you can install Android Auto on your Porsche yourself for a price. There is a thread about it on here somewhere.

So if you really want it it is available after market.

I am an android user but have never used Android Auto so I do not know what I am missing anyway but I can see it could be useful if you're using in car android apps like the GoPro controller, Waze, Google Maps, etc. It gets a little squinty looking on my phone.

 

[Westcoaster]

Just note you can install Android Auto on your Porsche yourself for a price. There is a thread about it on here somewhere.

So if you really want it it is available after market.

I am an android user but have never used Android Auto so I do not know what I am missing anyway but I can see it could be useful if you're using in car android apps like the GoPro controller, Waze, Google Maps, etc. It gets a little squinty looking on my phone.

Thanks Don, I found the thread about an Android add on, as soon as I know what comes in the car I will make a decision.

You are right the phone has all of this but in Canada the fines for looking at or even touching your phone while driving get up into the $$$ real quick, this need to be integrated into the car to be useful around here.

 

[DriveInHouston]

...
You are right the phone has all of this but in Canada the fines for looking at or even touching your phone while driving get up into the $$$ real quick, this need to be integrated into the car to be useful around here.

So it should! I am so angry going down I10 and seeing people doing 80 with the phone and the steering wheel in one hand, trying to type with the other.

But here, the state refuses to be the citizens’ nanny, as if these morons have any clue about what is a right and what a responsibility.

 

[antennahead]

I am so angry going down I10 and seeing people doing 80 with the phone and the steering wheel in one hand, trying to type with the other.

Nothing chaps my @ss worse than this behavior. I got rear ended years ago by someone doing this. I'm not one for an excesive nanny state or excessive government intrusion, but it seems to me there's far more intrusion going on in other areas of our lives when this needs an immediate and hard intervention............ put the [email protected] phone down and drive, please!

 

[DriveInHouston]

I had my 2013 Mustang GT rear ended while slowing down to avoid debris on the freeway. I was doing about 35-40 mph and the texting lady rear ended us doing 70. The police didn’t even write her a ticket...

Just be happy you came out of it alive was the advice of the trooper.

 

[antennahead]

The police didn’t even write her a ticket...

Wow, talk about reinforcing bad behavior

 

[don]

Thanks Don, I found the thread about an Android add on, as soon as I know what comes in the car I will make a decision.

You are right the phone has all of this but in Canada the fines for looking at or even touching your phone while driving get up into the $$$ real quick, this need to be integrated into the car to be useful around here.

I agree I've got to revisit it. I regular run Highway Radar or Waze and usually have two smart phones going in the car so it would be good to run some of those functions on the PCM. Though I'd like to try before I buy!

 

[ArchiProf]

Inattentive or distracted driving due to smart phone use is ubiquitous here. So is driving with no insurance. Both are illegal but there are really no meaningful penalties or enforcement.

 

[Westcoaster]

I agree I've got to revisit it. I regular run Highway Radar or Waze and usually have two smart phones going in the car so it would be good to run some of those functions on the PCM. Though I'd like to try before I buy!

Well, with a little luck I might be able to provide so feedback on this option, it will be a little bit of a wait though, there is no talk of delivery until late next spring for North America...