The increasing availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity has brought the familiar, intuitive interfaces of the iOS and Android operating systems to the dashboards of many new cars. The technology has made it easier to more safely use your phone’s various capabilities when driving, but it’s also been a reminder of the shortcomings of some in-car multimedia interfaces.
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Sometimes those interfaces end up affecting the usability of CarPlay and Android Auto. That’s the case in the 2019 Mazda CX-9 three-row SUV, which comes standard with the brand’s Mazda Connect multimedia system.