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How I Rescued a Failing Windows Laptop by Switching to Linux

Two weeks ago I set aside my M4 MacBook Air and picked up a nine-year-old ThinkPad. It’s one of an estimated 200 to 400 million Windows 10 PCs that don’t meet Microsoft’s requirements for Windows 11. When Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 in October, it became “obsolete.” The solution, according to Microsoft, is […]

Anthropic Acquires Startup with Under 10 Employees for $400 Million

Anthropic has acquired Coefficient Bio, a stealth biotech AI startup founded barely eight months ago, in an all-stock deal worth just over $400 million. The acquisition brings a team of fewer than 10 people, nearly all former Genentech computational biology researchers, into Anthropic’s healthcare and life sciences division, and it signals something larger than a […]

This story continues at The Next Web

“Important Samsung Galaxy Attributes Missing in Google Pixel”

a variant of AirDrop on the Pixel 10 initially, highlighting a more profound integration of hardware and software. However, this doesn’t necessarily lead to the optimal user experience. If you’re torn between the two smartphone brands, you may be weighing some of the unique Samsung features unavailable on a Pixel device. Here’s what you might be relishing (or forgoing) when opting for Samsung over Google smartphones.

Samsung DeX

Waiting for a Call from Trump

Where’s the Trump phone? We’re going to keep talking about it every week. We’ve reached out, as usual, to ask about the Trump phone’s whereabouts. Crickets. Despite recent signs of life, another week has come and gone without the Trump T1 Phone. We’re now over nine months since its announcement in June of last year, […]

“This Week Sees the Launch of Two New Trending Apps on CarPlay”

### ChatGPT and Google Meet Now Accessible in Apple’s CarPlay

CarPlay has undergone remarkable changes over the years, and the recent launch of two prominent applications—ChatGPT and Google Meet—highlights an exciting advancement for users. These applications are not only favored on the iPhone but also indicate a rising trend of incorporating sophisticated features into the CarPlay framework.

#### The Growth of CarPlay

CarPlay, Apple’s in-car interface, has been improving the driving experience by enabling users to connect their iPhones effortlessly to their automobiles. With the rollout of CarPlay Ultra and the latest updates in iOS 26, including iOS 26.4, Apple has been diligently enhancing the platform. These updates have brought forth new functionalities and capabilities, opening avenues for third-party developers to design groundbreaking applications suited for the driving context.

#### New Additions: ChatGPT and Google Meet

The introduction of ChatGPT signifies the debut AI chatbot application on CarPlay, following the introduction of support for conversational voice applications in iOS 26.4. This application enables users to engage with OpenAI’s assistant via a voice-only interface, ensuring safety during travel. Users can inquire, obtain information, and receive help without having to divert their hands from the wheel or their eyes from the road.

Conversely, Google Meet allows users to engage in video calls directly through the CarPlay interface. It lets users join meetings with a mere touch and view their upcoming agendas while keeping their focus on driving by facilitating audio-only calls. This feature is especially useful for professionals who require connectivity while on the go.

#### Popularity and Significance

Both ChatGPT and Google Meet rank among the most downloaded applications in the App Store. Currently, ChatGPT occupies the #1 spot for free apps in the US, while Google Meet stands at #43, outpacing other well-known applications like YouTube and Venmo. This trend underscores an increasing interest from developers in fine-tuning their applications for CarPlay, potentially leading to more inventive solutions in the future.

#### The Outlook for CarPlay

The emergence of these applications indicates a revitalized interest in CarPlay development from third-party developers. With Apple proactively enhancing the platform, there is a hopeful outlook that additional applications will surface, addressing the demands of drivers. The trial of a redesigned WhatsApp CarPlay application further reflects this trend.

As CarPlay continues to advance, the incorporation of AI and communication tools such as ChatGPT and Google Meet will likely improve the driving experience, making it safer and more efficient. The prospects of Siri’s AI enhancements in forthcoming iOS iterations bring another layer of anticipation for the future of the CarPlay ecosystem.

#### Conclusion

The integration of ChatGPT and Google Meet into CarPlay marks a notable progression in the incorporation of technology into the driving experience. As Apple persists in innovating and refining CarPlay, partnerships with third-party developers will likely result in a broader range of applications that prioritize safety and convenience for drivers.

Google Application Makes Its Debut on Apple CarPlay Before Android Auto

Lately, Apple CarPlay has been welcoming a fresh batch of handy applications that users can utilize while on the move. For instance, WhatsApp is currently trialing an official CarPlay version, and iOS 26.4 enhances the support for AI capabilities in CarPlay. Now, the newest app to launch on CarPlay is Google Meet, which has made its debut on Apple’s driving interface ahead of Google’s own Android Auto platform. With this addition, users can safely participate in meetings even while driving.

According to Google, this update enables users to access Google Meet directly from the car’s dashboard. Previously, users needed to open the Google Meet app on their iPhone and then connect it through the vehicle’s audio system to join a meeting via the car’s infotainment interface. Now, joining a call is much more streamlined. Thanks to its features, Google Meet has been added to the list of intriguing Apple CarPlay apps you may not have known existed. The app’s interface aggregates all meeting invitations in one location, allowing you to simply tap the relevant entry to join.

Here’s how to install and utilize Google Meet for Apple CarPlay

As per Google, the app should begin appearing on the Apple CarPlay interface in the upcoming days, provided that you have it installed on your iPhone. The rollout commenced on March 23, and the company indicates that it might take up to 15 days for the software to be accessible to everyone. Thus, as long as you have Google Meet on your iPhone with a logged-in account, you are likely to see the new Meet app soon. If it doesn’t show up, updating your iPhone and the Google Meet app to the latest versions may assist.

Google states that drivers can join meetings with a single tap, check the upcoming schedule, and engage in audio-only calls. It is important to note that users cannot keep their cameras active, even when parked. Furthermore, it is also not possible to view the video feeds of other participants on the call. The new Google Meet app is accessible to all Google Workspace clients, Workspace Individual subscribers, and those with personal Google accounts. For users on Android Auto, Google is anticipated to launch a compatible version shortly, although the exact timing remains uncertain.

Apple’s best product ever

All week, we’ve been asking you to help us rank the 50 best products Apple ever made, as we mark the company’s 50th anniversary. Thanks to everyone who pitched in – we ended up with more than 1.6 million votes! We also have lots of other coverage of Apple’s first half century, and you should […]