Apple announced that major car manufacturers will incorporate CarPlay, a system to connect the iPhone and use the virtual assistant Siri in the vehicle, a new step for the company to develop the so-called “connected car”.
This system offers iPhone users an “intuitive” way to use the devices, such as making phone calls, using the Maps service, listen to music and access messages. However, using voice or with a finger touch commands. “Users can easily control CarPlay from the native interface of the automobile or simply by holding down a button instant voice control, located on the steering wheel to activate Siri without being distracted from driving the native interface of the car”, explains the company in a statement.
Its use is very useful. When receiving incoming messages or notifications, Siri responds to voice commands of the driver, reading messages to the driver and allowing it to dictate the answers to messages or make phone calls easily. The driver can simply ask Siri and receive directions, step by step, to reach the destination, along with the path in maps that appear on the screen built into the car.
“CarPlay has been designed from the ground up to offer drivers a fantastic experience using iPhone in the car”, explained Greg Joswiak, vice president of product marketing at Apple iPhone and iOS. “IPhone users always want their contents to the fingertips, and CarPlay allows them to use their iPhone in the car minimizing possibilities for distraction. There is an incredible range of automakers will incorporate CarPlay, and we are excited to premiere this week in Geneva”.
Apple CarPlay is available as an upgrade to iOS 7 and works with iPhones with Lightning connector, including the iPhone 5S, iPhone 5S and iPhone 5 models will be available in certain cars to be sold in 2014.