Apple introduced its “iOS in the Car” standard in June 2013. Apple engineers sought to provide a seamless connection between various Apple devices and a car’s infotainment system. Since its release, the company has been trying to improve iOS in the Car with new features and functionalities. The company’s desire to make its system easier to use was motivated by the increasingly competitive in-car technology market. After almost a year of upgrades, Apple has announced CarPlay.
What is CarPlay?
This is a system that integrates Apple’s iOS operating system into your car’s dashboard, allowing you to access various iOS device through the center console. With this technology, drivers can use their iPhones while behind the wheel in a safe manner. Using navigation, making phone calls, sending text messages, or listening to music can be done through a car’s built-in touch screen or via voice controls, enabled by Siri Eyes Free.
Differences Between iOS in the Car and CarPlay
Apple claims that CarPlay is a better version of the iOS in the Car for a couple of reasons. First of all, it is much easier to connect, using a Lightning Connector, to plug your phone into the dashboard, which will be supplied by car manufacturers. This is more convenient than having to bring along the larger docking connector that has been used for this purpose so far.
Furthermore, CarPlay has more functionalities than iOS in the Car. With CarPlay, you can use the following smartphone functions:
- Phone calls
- Messages
- Music
- Satellite navigation
Phone
Once you connect your smartphone to the center console, you will be able to make hands-free phone calls via Siri voice control, which you can activate with a push of a button on your steering wheel.
Messages
You can use Siri to compose, send and receive text messages, as well. Contacts will be displayed on the built-in screen on your dashboard, and incoming messages will be read out loud by Siri.
Music
CarPlay will allow you to use various music apps, such as Spotify, iHeartRadio and iTunes Radio, through the car’s infotainment system. You can either access these apps via Siri, or using the car’s touch screen.
Navigation
With CarPlay, your Apple Maps application will be replicated to your car’s touch screen. It will provide you with turn-by-turn directions, estimated time of arrival, as well as information on traffic and road conditions. Additionally, it will be able to suggest destinations based on information from your emails, text messages or calendars, and your recent trips.
In addition to the Siri voice control feature and a car’s touchscreen, CarPlay can be controlled through the knobs and buttons that are mounted on your car’s steering wheel and center console. To be able to use CarPlay, you must have a device that runs on iOS 7, such as iPhone 5.
Automakers to Include CarPlay in Their Vehicles
Apple has also announced a list of automakers that will integrate CarPlay into their infotainment systems. Ferrari, Mercedes, General Motors, Ford, BMW, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, and Volvo, are just some of the manufacturers that have shown interest in this system. Most major manufacturers plan to offer it in select models once CarPlay is officially launched later this year.
Before your purchase Apple’s CarPlay, make sure it is safe. Check the distracted driving laws in your state.