Apple has launched CarPlay, a means of bringing iOS to the car dashboard. CarPlay allows users to access their iPhone's functionality using the dashboard interface in their vehicle. Users will be able to make calls, use maps, listen to music and access messages using voice control.
According to Apple, CarPlay will be debuted this week in cars from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. Other car makers set to follow include BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota.
CarPlay will link with the existing dashboard interface in a vehicle. Users will be able to control the available functionality from the touch-enabled interface itself or by activating voice control on the steering wheel and give instructions via Siri, allowing them to keep their eyes on the road ahead.
Users will be able to make calls or send messages to contacts via voice instruction, play any music on their device over the car's sound system or listen to music via selected third-party applications such as Spotify. Siri will read out directions and traffic conditions and text messages. Route information and directions will also be shown on the vehicle's built-in display.
CarPlay is available available as an update to iOS 7 and is compatible with Lightning-enabled iPhones, including the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5. Select cars will begin including CarPlay from this year.
Source: Apple