Apple has been developing its vehicle integration technology for a while, and we've known about it since it was mentioned in an iOS update a few months ago. Since called iOS in the Car, it now has a new name and is being shown off for the first time.
Named CarPlay, the technology integrates with car touch screen displays to offer a simplified version of iOS to be used while driving. It includes a breadth of voice command features and no keyboards, focusing on being safe and simple as to not distract the driver while still remaining useful.
The car manufacturers currently working with this technology are Ferrari, Mercedes Volvo, Jaguar, Hyundai and Honda, all of which will have models with CarPlay technology in place at the Geneva auto show later this week. Most major maufacturers are expected to use the feature in next year's line of cars.
CarPlay will access your calendar and emails to anticipate if you need to be at a meeting or appointment, then use map applications to help you get there. Siri can read out text messages, and you can use normal voice commands to send a text response or make a call.
The car itself is not running the OS, but feeding off the signal from your phone (iPhone 5, 5S or 5C only) connected by the Lightning cable.
I'm glad Apple has focused on a simplified, safe design. I love being on my phone, but do genuinely worry about the distraction and danger it creates to drivers. Even if you're doing something related to driving such as navigation on your phone, it can be distracting-even more so when you really need it, as is often the case when using a map application.
Using built-in car displays, while still having the capacity to distract you, is a safer option all around. The buttons are larger, you don't have to hold it, and it sits right in your peripheral vision. Volvo has a video showing off the technology in one of its models, so check it out below.
Source: CNET
