With CarPlay, an iOS based in-car technology software, Apple has marked its debut in the automobile industry. The first official preview of the software was recently held at the Geneva International Motor Show on 2nd October, 2015 by CEO Tim Cook.
In a laymen term, CarPlay is an interface built to connect your iPhone to your car’s dashboard, so you can access your phone’s features like calls, music, messaging, navigation, etc., from the dashboard’s touchscreen display while on the road.
Apple CarPlay – How it adds to your driving experience
Currently supported by limited car manufacturers, CarPlay will let you get access to your iPhone in much safer and smarter way while driving. With a CarPlay supported car, you just need to plug in your phone to the USB chord and your iPhone screen pops up on the car dashboard.
Using this Apple software, you can make and receive calls, listen to music, search for directions in the maps, watch videos, send messages and do a lot from your car’s dashboard touchscreen. What’s more, the software has Apple’s Siri in built, meaning you can use phone and everything it has on offer with voice commands too.
You can also use car’s knobs and dials/buttons to control CarPlay, which will in a way control your iPhone screen. In short, Apple has found a way for all iPhone users to stay connected with the phone while driving on the road; it is noteworthy that you neither have to move away your eyes from the road and nor take back your hands from the steering to hook up with the Phone. Isn’t it a smarter way of driving?
A Quick Takeaway: CarPlay will work with iPhone with iOS version 7 or newer.
Which cars will feature CarPlay?
Reportedly, Apple has made alliance with many car manufacturers to integrate CarPlay with their in-car technology. In fact, the company has launched a website to showcase which all car models support this new and one-of-its-kind iOS technology. Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo are a pioneer to integrate Apple’s CarPlay into their line.
Apple has also announced partnership with other automakers including Nissan, Suzuki, General Motors, Ford, Land Rover, BMW, Jaguar, Kia, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Citroën, Peugeot and Subaru to name a few. By the end of this year, there will be about 100 car models from 21 manufacturers supporting CarPlay integration. Volvo’s xc90, Honda’s 2016 Civic models have already embraced Apple CarPlay.
The major rival Google is also not far behind in this new in-car technology. Google has also launched Android based auto systems, known as Open Automotive Alliance. The company, like Apple, has formed alliance with top automakers including Audi, GM, Honda, Hyundai and Nvidia to name a few.
Bottomline
The ultimate goal of both Apple and Google is to let drivers connect their Smartphone to the vehicle’s dashboard such that they can use phone features and apps by tapping on the larger icons of the dashboard. There is a lot of speculations going if the launch of Android auto software and Apple’s CarPlay will dominate the in-car infotainment market, but it is confirmed that the automobile industry is sure to see some massive transformations till end of this year.
Enjoy Friends.
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