Dholler

Definitely report that to apple in the report a problem section in the maps app. I had trouble getting to a storage facility this weekend, it was visble from the highway but I could not see any of the roads on the map. Its one of those things where if you can't do it well let someone else do it. I dont think apple should sink money into a product they arent willing to fix. When the carplay user base expands in the next year, they will get alot more negative attention.

In carplay mode there is a nex icon on the home screen, it takes you to the main nex screen and you have access to pretty much every other radio function except bluetooth audio.

I definitely agree that it will lead to more 3rd party options for CarPlay. I thought the article was interesting in pointing out possibilities that come with connected cars that I never thought of, such as weather conditions. Apple has partnered with many providers like TomTom, I see no reason why there isn't better traffic avoidance. I have had issues where it doesn't provide any options to avoid toll roads.

I definitely think it has improved but its not good enough for me. It's difficult to input an address or find locations on the NEX, and Siri usually makes it much easier. But Apple Maps has been very hit or miss for me. Google Maps and others have much better data to work with and Apple is still playing catch up in my opinion. Apple needs to add more features like speed maps, and lane guidance in iOS 9. Maps can no longer be a low priority with carplay expansion this year. Beta period is over.

I'm a fan of whichever gives the user more choice, the best part of these services is frequent free updates. Apple needs to realize that Apple maps is mostly a dud, shell out and improve or or cut their losses and kill it. I agree for safety reasons there needs to be restrictions on which apps are allowed, but it should be more open.

I just read an article today that Waze is coming to Android Auto. This is an interesting move for Google, since it appeared that both Android Auto and CarPlay would be limited to audio only functions. Maybe CarPlay will support 3rd party map apps in the near future (it will probably be a good while longer)

http://mashable.com/2015/04/16/waze-and-android-auto/

Spotify is actually running better for me on iOS 8.3. I can actually press the shuffle button on the screen instead of having to initiate from my phone. I have noticed a bug where the menu from Spotify appears in the middle of the screen though.

On my steering wheel I do this by a short hold or a long hold on the button

I'm assuming you are still on 8.1.2 to preserve your jailbreak? Software updates have really helped with stability. The product is very much half baked in my opinion. I still have occasional issues with apps not opening when I press the icons on the first try. Very rarely does CarPlay crash, but it reboots itself. This morning it decided to do so when using navigation. On 8.3 it runs much better. If its important to preserve jailbreak you might have to live with bugs until the next jailbreak comes out. Personally, I think if you paid the money to have CarPlay, you should prioritize that over having a jailbreak. 

The UI isn't particularly flashy compared to Android Auto or the native pioneer features, but that is the point. I certainly understand being frustrated with CarPlay. I certainly am every so often, but how many people actually have access to it. Now that car manufacturers are going to deliver vehicles with native support this fall, I would expect to see more focus on it.

I think CarPlay is getting better, which makes it the better alternative. Pioneer will not refresh current units with new features they will sell new units. Apple has already demonstrated improvements with iOS 8.3, and users will actually receive regular updates.

I don't believe the 5000 and 6000 units received android auto in the refresh, only the 4000, 7000, and 8000.

To answer your last question there are options in the software for multiple camera views, but you might end up loosing a lot of features by adding an aftermarket unit. You will have to weigh your options but it's probably not worth it. A lot of new vehicles will be coming out this year with similar native support, some new units non pioneer will be much better. Hold off a few months if you can on your car purchase and head unit.

It's only on iOS 8.3. Apple appears to be adding a lot more features presumably there's going to be a massive CarPlay rollout on vehicles in the next few months. I've only used beta 3 and 4 of iOS 8.3. Once connected I went to Settings -> general -> CarPlay. After connecting to a compatible receiver a list of my cars popped up and it appears as AV Receiver. Next to it is an info button press it, and you get two options. 1 Forget this car 2. Allow CarPlay when locked.

CarPlay audio worked just fine for me. However the microphone does not work, so there's very limited CarPlay functionality. I am currently running the newest iOS beta. Some settings are not accessible such as camera, but it still worked in reverse. My SiriusXM presets were adjusted to different channels but did not require a reset.

I do not have access to an android auto capable device right now, but there are many improvements to functionality in the firmware. New settings, such as the EULA screen coming at startup instead of at CarPlay launch (would love to see it just go away), and with new CarPlay settings in iOS 8.3 you can allow CarPlay without unlocking device, plug and play like android auto. New dimming settings are not acessible. It seems to be off to a good start though, great work. Thanks.