Can’t wait to see what iOS in the Car is all about? Well, no problem, at the on-going Geneva Auto Show this week, Apple has just announced CarPlay, a new in-car interface that offers a “smarter, safer and more fun way to use iPhone in the car”. According to Apple, CarPlay will make it more intuitive to use your iPhone in the car, making it a lot easier to make calls, use Maps, listen to music and even access your messages with just a word or a touch.
“CarPlay has been designed from the gorund up to provide drivers with an incredible experience using their iPhone in the car. iPhone users always want their content at their fingertip and CarPlay lets drivers use their iPhone in the car with minimize 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.” – Greg Joswiak, Apple’s Vice President of iPhone and iOS Product Marketing.
So, how does CarPlay work? Once an iPhone is connected to a compatible vehicle with CarPlay integration, the driver can make use of Siri to perform call related tasks (call a contact, return missed call, etc.), messaging (read a message, reply, call sender), navigation, as well as toggle the music player. CarPlay also supports third-party apps such as Spotify, allowing users to enjoy their favorite music even when they’re on the go.
Compatible with Lightning-enabled iPhones (iPhone 5 and up), CarPlay will be rolled out as an update to iOS 7 and will initially be launched with Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. According to Apple, they will be also be working with other car makers in the near future including BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia Motors, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan Motor, PSA Peugeot, Citroen, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota.
