Earlier on this year, Apple rolled out iOS 7.1 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and among a number of changes, bug fixes and new additions, one of the flagship features was the introduction of CarPlay. Announced as iOS in the Car back at WWDC 2013, CarPlay means that users could remain connected while driving without distraction from the road, and not only does the feature promote road safety, but also offers a broad range of functionality thanks largely to the Siri voice assistant. It has long since been known that audio giant Pioneer would be among the first to retail its own fleet of aftermarket, CarPlay-ready infotainment systems, and today, five of its line-up will offer full-on support of Apple's in-car flavor of iOS via firmware update.
Even though we've not had a chance to properly acquaint ourselves with Apple's in-progress CarPlay technology, we'd imagine that it would be just that little bit more enjoyable to try out from a $300,000 Ferrari FF as opposed to a more regular car. With Apple showcasing its in-car flavor of iOS at this week's WWDC, attendees have been trying CarPlay for size at the wheel of the Ferrari FF super car, and luckily for us folks who haven't had the privilege, there's a walkthrough video of the new feature in action.
Apple's CarPlay, first announced as iOS in the Car, finally rolled out with iOS 7.1, but until the supported cars begin rolling out later on in the year, we can't really get up close and personal with the new interface. Pioneer, as we heard a short while ago, will be offering an aftermarket option for those who don't wish to go out and buy a whole new car, and today, the audio specialist has given us a taster in the form of a demo clip.
Hyundai already confirmed its intention to begin rolling out CarPlay-enabled cars after striking a deal with Apple, and today, the Seoul, South Korea-based company has officially announced that the 2015 Sonata - releasing this summer - will be the very first beneficiary of Apple's in-car variant of iOS.
Early on last month, Apple announced CarPlay, the final, official branding of the 'iOS in the Car' feature first announced last year. With the necessary software having been rolled out to iPhones via the iOS 7.1 update, we're now awaiting the release of the first fleet of CarPlay-ready production automobiles, but while the likes of Mercedes and Volvo plan on integrating the feature as a part of the manufacturing process, specialist audio company Alpine is reportedly plotting its very own aftermarket console effort.
Hot on the heels of Apple's CarPlay, Microsoft's effort is decidedly similar to that of the iPhone maker. Windows in the Car follows the same approach in that it will allow users of Windows Phone devices to take over a car's built-in entertainment and navigation systems using the Mirrorlink standard, with all input duties then taken over by a large touch screen built into the car's dashboard.
Apple may have only recent announced CarPlay - formerly iOS in the Car - but there's already plenty of positive news for the Cupertino based company. A number of high profile manufacturers have already committed themselves to integrating Apple's tech in their vehicles this year, and it looks like that list is set to continually grow as time passes. Toyota, the world's largest car manufacturer based on sales volume, has confirmed via an official blog post that it will introduce vehicles with Apple CarPlay compatibility.
When branching out of its own particular niche, Apple tends to cozy up to high-end manufacturers within the new industry it's trying to capture. Nike, for example, has been a key partner in the Cupertino's various fitness-related enterprises, and with CarPlay now at the fore, Apple marketing lead Greg Joswiak has been at the Geneva Motor Show discussing a tie-in with Italian supercar maker Ferrari. Joining Ferrari chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo on stage, the pair showcased CarPlay integration in the revamped four-seater Ferrari FF grand tourer.
We'd been hearing off-and-on about Apple's iOS in the Car since it was detailed at last year's WWDC. Today, the Cupertino officially unveiled it under the less wordy, more Apple CarPlay branding, and now, manufacturer Volvo has chimed in with a new video showcasing how the system looks and functions in practice. Check it out after the break!
In an official press release coming out of the Geneva International Motor Show Apple today announced that it is in the process of rolling out CarPlay. CarPlay is Apple's official new name for the iOS in the Car technology that we have been hearing so much about over the last twelve months, bringing a whole new way for users to interact with their iOS device in a motor vehicle.
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