Apple Unleashes iOS 7 and iPhone-Car Integration, 'iOS in the Car' Allows Drivers to Acces iPhone through Dashboard Screen
Apple recently unleashed iOS 7 but it is not the only thing the company has been working on. More than just its line of products, Apple is also looking into the automobile industry. The software update also allows people to use their cars and Apple products like iPhone simultaneously.
Come 2014, automakers will begin offering 'iOS in the car.' This system allows drivers to use their iPhones through the car's dashboard screen. It will be easier to make calls, send and receive messages, play music and use a variety of Apple apps like Maps through this feature. The driver can access these functions either through Siri or the car's controls.
Siri will be integrated in the sound system of the car.
What is even better is that through Apple's voice recognition program, Siri, drivers can have their own personal assistant inside their car. Siri can transcribe messages and read them aloud. This voice prompt comes with Apple's Eyes Free feature set.
Companies offering iOS in the Car in 2014 include Hondo, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Acura, Kia, Infiniti, Opel, Jaguar, Volvo, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz. These automakers have yet to announce what car lines or models will feature the newest Apple system.
"Ninety-five percent of cars sold today have integrated music playback and control from an iOS device, but we want to take this integration to a whole 'nother level," Eddy Cue said. Cue is Apple's senior vice president of software and services. The company introduced iOS's integration with automobile at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco.
Cue did not give away much about how iOS in the Car will actually work. The automakers were also tight lipped on what they will offer the next year. Nonetheless, the idea of Siri in automobiles can help drivers stay more focused on driving. This can also reduce the number of road incidents related to mobile phones.
"Now Siri is also getting a lot smarter." Cue said.
"It knows how to control more of your device, so you can say, 'Play my last voicemail,' or 'Turn on Bluetooth.' ... And it can answer a lot more questions because we've integrated some new services." He added.