Apple puts iOS in the car, launches CarPlay

CarPlay is essentially a hardware and software solution built into the car that lets drivers use their iPhones without getting distracted.


NEW DELHI: In line with a report that appeared last week, Apple has officially announced its much awaited 'iOS-in-the-car' solution, naming it CarPlay. It has also announced tie-ups with auto manufacturers on the sidelines of the Geneva Motor Show. 


CarPlay is essentially a hardware and software solution built into the car that lets drivers use their iPhones without getting distracted. Once the iPhone is connected to a vehicle that features CarPlay integration, Siri, the iOS voice assistant, helps users access contacts, make calls, return missed calls or listen to voicemails. When incoming messages or notifications arrive, Siri responds to requests through voice commands, and reads drivers' messages and in addition to letting them dictate responses or make a call. 

According to Apple, CarPlay also makes driving directions more intuitive by working with Maps to anticipate destinations based on recent trips via contacts, emails or texts, and provides routing instructions, traffic conditions and ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival). Users can also ask Siri and receive spoken turn-by-turn directions, along with Maps, which will appear on the car's built-in display. 

CarPlay also gives drivers access to all of their music, podcasts and audiobooks with navigation through listening choices from the car's built-in controls or simply by asking Siri to pull up what they'd like to hear. CarPlay also supports select third-party audio apps including Spotify and iHeartRadio. 

The Cupertino giant has announced that vehicles from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo will premiere CarPlay. Other auto manufacturers bringing CarPlay in the near future, include BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai Motor Company, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia Motors, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan Motor Company, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota. 

"CarPlay has been designed from the ground up to provide drivers with an incredible experience using their iPhone in the car," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of iPhone and iOS Product Marketing. "iPhone users always want their content at their fingertips and CarPlay lets drivers use their iPhone in the car with minimised 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." 

The deal "marks the first time that Apple is embedding its software in devices other than its own branded products. 

On the user end, CarPlay is available as an update to iOS 7 and works with Lightning connector-enabled iPhones, including iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5. CarPlay will be available in select cars shipping in 2014. 

Apple had announced the 'iOS in the Car' solution during its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2013. Apple, of course, is not the only technology company looking to tap the market for in-car infotainment systems. BlackBerry and Microsoft are also in the market to integrate their own in-car solutions in cars by major manufacturers.