Video comes to Apple CarPlay but it’s unlikely to last

The makers of the Sidecar app have removed the feature that enabled video to be displayed on CarPlay screens via a browser.

The developers are issuing refunds for the in-app purchase after Apple requested the feature be removed.

The company said (via 9to5Mac): “Thank you for your interest in our Safari browsing feature for CarPlay. We’ve been overwhelmed by your positive response and support for this functionality. We designed this feature with safety as our top priority, ensuring it only operated while your vehicle was completely stopped to prevent distracted driving. Unfortunately, we’ve received a direct request from Apple to remove this feature from our app in alignment with App Store guidelines. While we’re disappointed by this outcome and hoped this feature would be an innovative addition to the CarPlay experience, we fully respect Apple’s platform requirements and have removed the feature from Sidecar accordingly.”

Original story below…

Apple prohibits video streaming via its CarPlay infotainment system, for obvious reasons, However, one CarPlay compatible app has found a way around it.

The Sidecar: Automotive Assistant app is generally used for displaying the results from on inboard diagnostics scanner, logging trips, and offering iPhone widgets with tire pressure and other stats like fuel history.

Now a paid upgrade for the app has unlocked video playback through a web browser, which can only be accessed when the car is parked.

It’s not the most ideal scenario as users will need to feed the mobile app a URL in order to send the video to CarPlay in the first place. So you could just play the video on the best iPhone model you have connected to CarPlay in the first place.

However, if you’re intent on playing videos on your centre display then there’s a way to do it with this $9.99 in-app purchase (IAP) for Sidecar.

The review notes for Sidecar v2.3.4 explains: “The new Park and browse feature allows you to view web content in CarPlay while parked. Requires a one-time purchase.”

It’s highly unlikely this feature will be long for this world, given Apple prohibits this kinda behaviour in CarPlay. It’s possible the feature is being offered as an IAP for Apple users in order to get by the App Store reviewers.

Opinion

Apple keeps CarPlay under lock and key, only allowing certain categories of apps to be used via the platform, for navigation, audio, calls, messages and a few others. There’s no real need to play videos via the display when an iPhone is a pre-requisite for connectivity in the first place.

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