Using your Apple iPhone while driving got a lot easier today with the announcement of Apple CarPlay. The in-car system will allow drivers to control their iPhones either through the car’s dashboard with a simplified iOS interface or with Siri voice controls. Among the functions that it will manage are making calls, using Maps, listening to music and accessing messages.
“CarPlay has been designed from the ground up to provide drivers with an incredible experience using their iPhone in the car,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of iPhone and iOS Product Marketing. “iPhone users always want their content at their fingertips and CarPlay lets drivers use their iPhone in the car with minimized distraction. We have an amazing lineup of auto partners rolling out CarPlay, and we’re thrilled it will make its debut this week in Geneva.”
A significant number of car manufacturers are already on board. First out of the gate will be Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo who will show off CarPlay at this week’s Geneva International Motor Show. Apple has also signed up BMW Group, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai Motor Company, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia Motors, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan Motor Company, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota Motor Corp.
Apple CarPlay will be available as an update to iOS 7 and will support Lightning-enabled iPhones, including the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5. It will be available in select cars starting later this year.
Source : Apple
Certainly beats Google’s approach with the “open” automotive alliance which is to own your head unit with limited compatibility from third parties (iOS, QNX and Windows Phone). At least Apple is give users the choice to either plug-in an iOS device or use the manufactures navigation system. Unfortunately those of us who buy Honda, GM and Audi will have Google’s services jammed down our throats and data collected with no alternative.