Vivo, a prominent Chinese smartphone manufacturer, has unveiled a new capability for its OriginOS software that enables video streaming from your smartphone to a car display. Unfortunately, this feature might not be available to users outside China due to the limited reach of OriginOS.
The "vivo smart car" feature permits users to stream videos directly to their car’s display through specific apps on their Vivo phones. Presently, it is compatible with seven well-known Chinese video platforms: iQiyi, Tencent Video, Youku Video, Bilibili, Douyin (China’s version of TikTok), Kuaishou (another short-form video app), and Xigua Video (owned by ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok).
App Compatibility and Features
A notable restriction of this new feature is that Tencent Video and Youku Video demand phones running Android 14 or above. Conversely, for short-form video apps such as Douyin and Kuaishou, Vivo has thoughtfully included a "page-turning" feature (translated from Chinese), which seemingly allows users to navigate short-form videos with ease.
It's crucial to note that this feature can only be utilized when the car is stationary and not while driving. Vivo emphasizes user safety and compliance with traffic regulations by preventing video applications during vehicle operation.
Availability and Alternatives
Although the in-car video app may appear to be a handy addition, it’s significant to remember the restricted availability of OriginOS. Unlike Vivo’s standard Funtouch OS, which is available on global phones, OriginOS is currently confined to the Chinese market. Unless Vivo decides to incorporate similar functionalities into its global software or expand OriginOS more widely, international users will not have access to this feature.
For international Vivo users who might feel left out of this in-car video feature, existing solutions like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay provide comparable functionalities. These platforms integrate with various streaming services, allowing users to enjoy their favorite content while keeping their phones securely stowed away.
