Six Clicks: Top Apple CarPlay infotainment apps

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Apple Maps, the basics

To start with the basics, Apple's in-car infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, is automatically compatible with default software including iTunes radio, Messages and Maps. However, the latter is an important feature if you decide to work with iOS in your vehicle. The Maps app replaces sat-navs by providing drivers with directions to their next destination.

Published: April 13, 2015 -- 07:24 GMT (00:24 PDT)
Photo by: Apple

Caption by: Charlie Osborne
Spotify

Apple's default software is useful, but the tech giant is also rolling out CarPlay support for a number of third-party apps. One popular app which is now supported is music streaming service Spotify. Spotify allows users to stream music based on their favorite artists, songs and compile playlists. Now compatible with CarPlay, users can change, pause and switch tracks using voice activation or gesture controls.

Published: April 13, 2015 -- 07:24 GMT (00:24 PDT)
Caption by: Charlie Osborne
Audio Books

Sometimes on long trips you may want to catch up on new books and novels to relieve boredom. Audio Books is a third-party app which includes a vast library of audiobooks ranging from novels and stories to workouts and language learning. Over 25,000 books are free and others are available to members for a discounted retail price.

Published: April 13, 2015 -- 07:24 GMT (00:24 PDT)
Caption by: Charlie Osborne
Stitcher Radio for Podcasts

Podcasts have also become a popular way to engage with new content and keep up-to-date while on the road. One app currently on offer which is CarPlay compatible is Stitcher Radio, a US-based podcast system which streams podcasts from sources such as Bloomberg, CNN and the BBC, as well as over 25,000 other shows and live stations.

Published: April 13, 2015 -- 07:24 GMT (00:24 PDT)
Caption by: Charlie Osborne
Beats Music

After Apple acquired Beats Audio last year, it was only a matter of time before the music streaming service became compatible with CarPlay. Taking on rivals such as Spotify, the subscription-based Beats Music service offers access to millions of songs, intelligent playlists and an easy way to explore music charts and find new content.

Published: April 13, 2015 -- 07:24 GMT (00:24 PDT)
Caption by: Charlie Osborne
Rdio

If radio stations are more to your taste, Rdio is a third-party app newly supported by the in-car infotainment system. However, the app goes beyond radio frequencies by offering stations based on genre, particular artists and curated lists developed for different moods or what your friends are listening to. If you upgrade to premium, you can also play albums, tracks, playlists and stations on other devices offline without advertisements.

Published: April 13, 2015 -- 07:24 GMT (00:24 PDT)
Caption by: Charlie Osborne

Apple CarPlay may be relatively new, but more and more compatible apps are being released.

Spotify

Apple's default software is useful, but the tech giant is also rolling out CarPlay support for a number of third-party apps. One popular app which is now supported is music streaming service Spotify. Spotify allows users to stream music based on their favorite artists, songs and compile playlists. Now compatible with CarPlay, users can change, pause and switch tracks using voice activation or gesture controls.

Published: April 13, 2015 -- 07:24 GMT (00:24 PDT)

Caption by: Charlie Osborne

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