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The existence of infotainment sources such as traditional radio alongside standalone systems such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay has the potential to frustrate consumers, according to a report by Strategy Analytics.

Though apps such as iHeartRadio and TuneIn could replace traditional radio, consumer awareness and usage of these apps has not yet reached a point where they can be considered worthy alternatives, according to the researchers.

The study tested out the Android Auto software with the Hyundai Sonata, and argued the heavy reliance on the consumer – knowing what Android Auto is, requiring the latest software for it to work, understanding which features on the native system will be disabled when Auto is working – will lead to a “confusing and frustrating experience”.

Strategy argues consumers are also not keen on utilising a huge amount of data to stream local radio. As a result, it is critical that mirrored solutions are integrated well with a native infotainment system. Seamless user access between both systems must be facilitated and customers should be able to receive notifications across both systems, Strategy adds.

Chris Schreiner, Strategy director of automotive consumer insights and report author, said: “The main long-term issue regarding Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is whether they will make navigation and other native connected infotainment features obsolete. In our benchmark for tasks which could be handled by both Android Auto and the native infotainment system, consumers overwhelmingly preferred the user experience provided by Android Auto.

He added: “The interactions were smoother, quicker, and had fewer usability issues. Participants saw the native system as dated and the POI database as less accurate. In this regard, particularly given the abilities of mirroring solutions to push updates to fix bugs, OEMs should beware.”

You can find the full report here (registration required).