Maruti Adds Android Auto To Smartplay System

Maruti Suzuki has announced that the Smartplay system, available on the top-end variants of almost all of its cars, can now be had with Android Auto compatibility. The best news is, current owners of Maruti cars with the Smartplay system can also get their units updated to add Android Auto compatibility. Maruti says that the owners can get their system updated with the latest software at the nearest Maruti Suzuki workshop. The update will be available free of cost until March 31, 2018.

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All new cars with the Smartplay infotainment system can be had with Apple CarPlay, MirrorLink and Android Auto from now. The car and their variants which are currently offered with the 7.0-inch touchscreen-based infotainment system include the  Maruti Suzuki S-Cross (Alpha & Zeta), Ciaz (Alpha), Baleno (Alpha), Ignis (Alpha), Vitara Brezza (Z+), Ertiga (Z+) and the Dzire (Z+).

Android Auto allows the infotainment system of a car and a smartphone running the Android OS to work more effectively. For instance, some apps on the phone can be directly accessed via the touchscreen of the car or via voice command. This reduces the chances of the driver being distracted while driving while also allowing easy access to features like Google Maps.

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Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink smartphone compatibility has been offered as standard on all Smartplay infotainment systems since it made its debut with the Ciaz sedan in 2014. Only the Ignis, new Dzire and S-Cross facelift were offered with the additional Android Auto connectivity option till now.