4th Gen Mazda3 owners: are you considering the upgrade to Android Auto/Carp Play?

[Google]

I understand it's around $450 to upgrade including labour at the dealer. I haven't heard much it's a worthy upgrade and if you lose certain features like HD Traffic map, OEM Nav mapset (GT models), etc.

[S.F.W.]

Check this thread
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url...2&share_type=t

[TheMAN]

it's worth it as the 3 years free map update goes out... would you pay for more crappy map updates, or just have live, constantly updated maps off the internet WITH true live traffic data, from your phone? Contrary from what Mazda tells everyone, it's possible to run Google Maps from an iPhone now... it's no longer exclusive to Android users... Apple has opened this possibility with their latest software update recently

you can save a lot of money with DIY, but it's not an easy thing for everyone... the hardest part for most people is the software upgrade process... it's very easy to screw it up because there are specific steps you must do... the other part that could be tough for others are taking apart the interior without breaking things... as winter sets in, the plastic will get brittle from the cold... you'll want a heated garage before you take on this challenge!

[Google]

it's worth it as the 3 years free map update goes out... would you pay for more crappy map updates, or just have live, constantly updated maps off the internet WITH true live traffic data, from your phone? Contrary from what Mazda tells everyone, it's possible to run Google Maps from an iPhone now... it's no longer exclusive to Android users... Apple has opened this possibility with their latest software update recently

you can save a lot of money with DIY, but it's not an easy thing for everyone... the hardest part for most people is the software upgrade process... it's very easy to screw it up because there are specific steps you must do... the other part that could be tough for others are taking apart the interior without breaking things... as winter sets in, the plastic will get brittle from the cold... you'll want a heated garage before you take on this challenge!

I think the map upgrade cost is ridiculous. We never were satisfied with the mapset anyway. The other option is buy yourself a Garmin GPS with lifetime maps and live traffic. I completely agree with your comment on taking a DIY approach. It's not worth the frustration. There's many steps involved.

What most people aren't aware is there's not many useful apps that you can use with Apple Car Play: https://imgur.com/a/ifuZgXn

[Sebi]

I think the map upgrade cost is ridiculous. We never were satisfied with the mapset anyway. The other option is buy yourself a Garmin GPS with lifetime maps and live traffic. I completely agree with your comment on taking a DIY approach. It's not worth the frustration. There's many steps involved.

What most people aren't aware is there's not many useful apps that you can use with Apple Car Play: https://imgur.com/a/ifuZgXn

If you get a stand-alone GPS, you'll end up with 3 screens... gps, phone, the car's screen. I prefer a cleaner approach, but I still think $500 is a bit pricey.

I use Waze and Spotify on a daily basis, so for me it will be nice to see them on the built-in screen instead of playing around with the phone.

[Google]

If you get a stand-alone GPS, you'll end up with 3 screens... gps, phone, the car's screen. I prefer a cleaner approach, but I still think $500 is a bit pricey.

Of course, having two screens instead of three is preferred. But costs come into play. Ideally, one screen would be great. In newer Mazdas, the screen size has been reduced giving you even less screen real estate.

[Sebi]

Of course, having two screens instead of three is preferred. But costs come into play. Ideally, one screen would be great. In newer Mazdas, the screen size has been reduced giving you even less screen real estate.

The screens are still 7", just the bezels got a bit smaller.

[Google]

The screens are still 7", just the bezels got a bit smaller.

Hmm. The salesman said the screen is now smaller and it looks smaller to me but I never measured it.