Google Meet launches on Apple CarPlay, leaving Android Auto users in the lurch.

      Apple CarPlay receives an upgrade for meeting rooms, while Android Auto remains behind.

      Google Meet is now accessible on Apple CarPlay. For those who frequently commute, this feature will simplify joining meetings while on the move, allowing you to enter meetings directly from your car’s dashboard without needing to touch your phone.

      How does it function?

      It's quite simple. Connect your iPhone to a CarPlay-enabled vehicle using Bluetooth or a USB cable, open the Meet app on your CarPlay display, and you’re set. Your upcoming meetings will be shown on the screen, and you can join one with just a single tap.

      Since you're driving, Meet prioritizes simplicity and safety. Your camera is disabled, and you won’t receive any video feeds from other participants. You’ll hear the audio through your car’s speakers, and your microphone will remain on, enabling you to take part in the discussion.

      If you enter a large meeting, your microphone may be muted by default, but you can easily unmute it via the car display. This is a useful feature as you wouldn’t want road noise to disrupt a meeting.

      What functionalities are available from the car?

      The in-car controls are intentionally minimal, which is beneficial. You can mute or unmute your microphone and exit the meeting when you’re finished. Functions such as Chat, Polls, Hand Raise, and Q&A are not available while driving. If you require any of those options, you should park your car and switch to your phone.

      Should you disconnect your phone from CarPlay during a call, the audio will automatically transition back to your phone or earbuds without disconnecting you from the meeting. This feature began gradually rolling out on March 23, 2026, and is accessible to all Google Workspace users, Workspace Individual subscribers, and personal Google account holders.

      Why Google regards its own services as secondary

      You may have noticed that this feature is being released for CarPlay users, but there is no mention of Android Auto. Google states that Android Auto users can expect this feature soon. It’s disappointing that third-party developers, like ChatGPT, support CarPlay but not Android Auto, and Google’s own applications are following suit.

      This is not the first instance where Google has launched a feature for iOS devices first, leaving its Android and Auto platform lagging. It’s frustrating to see Google treat its own services as secondary, which feels like a disregard for Android users who have invested in Google’s ecosystem.

      Rachit is an experienced tech journalist with over seven years in the consumer technology sector.

      Kia is finally introducing the entry-level EV3 SUV to the US market

      Compact, capable, and impressively equipped.

      Kia is finally bringing one of its key electric vehicles to the US, opting for a compact and intelligent design rather than a flashy or high-priced one. The Kia EV3, a small electric SUV, has officially debuted in North America at the New York International Auto Show and is anticipated to go on sale in late 2026 as a 2027 model. Positioned as the most affordable EV in Kia’s range, it sits below the EV6 and EV9, emphasizing practicality, usability, and cost-effectiveness rather than pure performance.

      Land Rover revives the Freelander as an electric brand with six planned models

      The nameplate returns as a separate electric lineup, with rapid introductions starting this year.

      Land Rover is reintroducing the Freelander name, but it will no longer be a single SUV. The new Freelander EV lineup will function as its own brand, with six models projected to launch within the next five years, with the initial set expected to release in China later this year. This development comes through a joint venture with Chery and signifies a stronger move into the premium electric market. Instead of relying on legacy models, it is creating a comprehensive range designed for quick rollout and contemporary expectations.

      Volvo’s parent company has unveiled a $15,000 extended-range EV, illustrating the widening value gap in the US

      A $15,000 Geely EREV emphasizes the increasing value dilemma for EVs in America.

      Geely, the Chinese automotive conglomerate that owns Volvo, has just launched the Boyue EREV in China with a promotional price of 107,900 Yuan, or approximately $14,900. This price is notable since it’s not merely a basic city car, but an extended-range SUV, further emphasizing the stark value disparity between China and the US. This isn't a minimal-range option either. Geely claims the Boyue EREV delivers up to 375 km of CLTC electric range and as much as 1,525 km of total range, dependent on the variant. It utilizes a 1.5-liter range extender, a 160kW electric motor, and either a 28.3 kWh or 50.4 kWh LFP battery. The larger battery also supports 3C fast charging, which is reported to reach 80%