Apple’s update to iOS 7.1 includes a few great tweaks and one big new leap.
CarPlay, noun;
An in-car integration with your iOS device. CarPlay software primarily uses a voice command system that lets you take hands-free calls, dictate text messages, and browse through your music library by thinking out loud. It also integrates mapping and will work like a smarter GPS to navigate you to your destination. The new software will be available in a variety of cars to iPhone 5, 5C and 5S users who hook up their phones. Cars that integrate CarPlay will be built with touchscreen displays and controls on the steering wheel to keep the platform as eyes-free as possible. Along with Apple apps like iTunes, Maps, SMS and phone, third-party apps like Spotify and Beats Music are available; that selection is likely to grow as the system is adopted, but only to include apps that can be utilized and controlled by Siri.
CarPlay, while not the perfect solution to non-distracted driving, is a forward-thinking step for a world of smartphone-obsessed commuters. The goal is to minimize time spent looking at the display (or at a phone). Mainly, the system is controlled by communicating with Siri, who will dial, text, and select music via voice command. “She” will also be able to search through emails and text messages for addresses to predict where you’re traveling to and navigate for you, taking out the step of typing in or having to adjust by hand a destination address.
The first cars with CarPlay — models from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo — debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, and future partners will include Nissan, Honda, GM and others. Some older models that have digital displays may be retrofitted to work with CarPlay, as well.
