Apple Announces 'CarPlay' iOS Vehicle Integration Feature

[mambodancer]

Someone HAS to make a head unit for this. Actually I kind of expect you'll be able to use an iPad like a head unit. And some mounting kits to install an iPad mini in the car..

I think that the product you are describing is likely the product Apple has in development...not an iWatch at all. All the rumors about some new "Phablet," sapphire glass, or iWatch make more sense in a third party product that would integrate with existing cars not specifically compatible with the models mentioned. An automobile is not something you "upgrade" like a phone every two years. Neither is a television.

I think you will see this product this year or at least an announcement of it. I think it will be part of an expansion of a new line of products for the Car and Home.

You won't see an iWatch. Ever. (Having said that, they'll probably make it though)

 

[cburton]

Weirdly (sadly?) my next car choice will probably heavily revolve around this type of integration.

Funny, I JUST said this to my wife!

 

[carjakester]

I am surprised that iPhones need to be physically connected via Lightning cables, I thought this would be a wireless solution e.g BlueTooth...

You cant control apps like that through bluetooth.

 

[Lepton]

I can't be the only person thinking this looks like crap compared to this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbuk3jizGM

That is a cool touch interface. I think Apple though is going to rely much more on Siri to control things than touch. So in the car you'll mostly use its Siri button. [And this means the phone better have a good Internet connection, since Siri requires it.]

"Siri, directions to the nearest hospital" [long pause] Siri:"Im really sorry about this, but I can't take requests right now"

 

[DaveN]

This cherry-picked support for 3rd-party apps is a disappointing trend with Apple, where some apps get much better treatment than others. Apple should publish the specs and API for car integration and allow any app to take advantage of this (and conversely, allow users to show any app they want in the car).

Companies pick trusted 3rd parties so that news of a new feature doesn't leak out. The API is then released more broadly after the official announcement.

 

[barkomatic]

Great, another reason for people to look at a screen instead of the road. Yes, I know it can use Siri but people will still be tapping the screen. Of course, everyone thinks they are a great driver and don't need to worry.

 

[tbrand7]

Apple Maps has greatly improved with iOS 7. I used to use Google Maps in the iOS 6 stage when Apples was a mess. But now, all I use is Apples and it hasn't gotten me lost once.

 

[DaveN]

I would like to see aftermarket car radio makers implement this. I would like to have it but don't intend on buying a new car in the near future.

 

[sc4rf4c3]

That would be incredibly stupid and cost them sales. Customers for high-class cars tend to prefer high-class phones. Mercedes and BMW will be quite happy if this is true.

LOL. You think an iPhone is a high class phone. Please get off your high horse.

 

[needfx]

Umm how so? I live in Arizona for what you call "the states" and we have auto park enabled cars for sale and is an advertised feature by all manufacturers. Maybe certain states??

Not true. Lots of US car models have auto-parking (aka Park Assist) as an option, including some non-European models like Fords and Infiniti.

I stand corrected.

I've been fed faulty information which I accepted without verifying.

 

[anthonymoody]

Weirdly (sadly?) my next car choice will probably heavily revolve around this type of integration.

You're not even a little bit alone. I'll still shop around, but all cars on my list will have this feature, or won't be on my list.

 

[Cyborg21]

You can see that the "enlighened followers" can see things clearly, but the "free" ones, can't.

I agree, I am using both iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac and PC, I really like technology so I have accounts on both Android and Apple forums and I can clearly see Android users are more defensive. I mean, when I say something negative about Apple on Mac rumors or other Apple-based websites and if it's logical, Apple users agree with me but when I do the same on an Android-based websit, Android users immediately call me ''iSheep'', and they think Android doesn't have any problems. Also they don't seem like they like Android, they just madly hate Apple. iOS has some pros and cons and Android has some pros and cons but Android users cannot admit negative sides of Android. (Sorry for my bad english)

 

[diddl14]

6 Months later: Galaxy in the car, made by Samsung inspired by Apple...

Or maybe CarGear

 

[anthonymoody]

This cherry-picked support for 3rd-party apps is a disappointing trend with Apple, where some apps get much better treatment than others. Apple should publish the specs and API for car integration and allow any app to take advantage of this (and conversely, allow users to show any app they want in the car).

It's obviously a safety and liability issue. If they made it a public API then you'd have people watching movies and playing flappy bird while driving.

 

[sbailey4]

iOS in the car is a better name.

Why not iCarPlay

 

[0000757]

Anyway you slice it, this is somewhat a fail because you have to plug your phone into it. Wifi connection might have made sense.

Let's drain the battery and use a spottier connection why don't we. I'm sure you can afford the 5 extra seconds of plugging your phone in.

Honda but not Acura?

Honda = Acura. Acura has already said they have vehicles that will support iOS in the car.

Apart from the FACT it will work with ANY phone! They are going Android and they use Blackberry's QNX system, it's actually going iOS only that WILL cost car makers sales.
And the iPhone is not 'high class'. Far far from it. Does the iPhone have a direct 24 hour concierge worldwide service button on the side of it? no?

What phone has a 24 hour "concierge worldwide service button"?

 

[chirpie]

Just waiting for 7.1 now....

I admit, I thought you were talking about surround sound for 2 seconds there. ^_^;

 

[apolloa]

What phone has a 24 hour "concierge worldwide service button"?

These ones do:

http://www.vertu.com/en/exclusive-services/vertu-concierge.aspx

 

[krewger]

Forget what car manufacturers will support it, what aftermarket stereos are on the way? So tired of current aftermarket stereos that try to do the same thing but require you to launch an app to connect your phone through. I refuse the notion that a car should become e-waste because the infotainment menu system becomes outdated every two years.

 

[evoactivity]

That is a cool touch interface. I think Apple though is going to rely much more on Siri to control things than touch. So in the car you'll mostly use its Siri button. [And this means the phone better have a good Internet connection, since Siri requires it.]

"Siri, directions to the nearest hospital" [long pause] Siri:"Im really sorry about this, but I can't take requests right now"

No reason both approaches couldn't be used, especially for people who can't speak, siri is completely useless, so a touch interface that doesn't need to be looked at would be ideal, not really possible with iOS.

 

[Rogifan]

Then what features are you going to get? Because currently I get all features on all devices in my car, yet somehow it's great CarPlay will only give you all features with iOS devices, because it's great to be forced to use iOS to use hands free satnav and voice calling...

No, it's Apple trying to force people to buy iOS so it can save on costs developing it's software to work with non iOS devices, and it could cost car sales abroad if not in the US.

So come on, list on here exactly what features CarPlay will give you with iOS. Because then we will know, according to yourself, what you WON'T get with a non iOS device.

What car manufacturer going to force you to use CarPlay? It will either be optional package or the car will utilize other software if you're not using an iPhone.

 

[sbailey4]

Imagine you mapquested the trip beforehand and printed out the directions.
Imagine you plan ahead and look at old fashion maps and write down the info.
Imagine you memorize the signs and other points of orientation along the way to get there and back.
Imagine you get out of the car and ask for directions (Say at a gas station)

Imagine you use a car charger.

Unfortunately all no longer possible in todays world:-( Sad:-(

Imagine if you just used an Astrolabe.

http://www.thepirateking.com/historical/astrolabe.htm

 

[hharzer]

I can't see the point. I mean, okay, it's an improvement, but not that much.

Currently, I use a JVC radio with iPod support. I can charge my phone, play music from any source ( Spotify, Music, iTunes Radio ) while navigating, etc. I'm also able to use the remote that was included or the controls of the radio.

Additionally, my iPhone is connected to the same radio via Bluetooth. That way, I can trigger voice control/Siri and use the telephone with the built-in microphone.

And due to the mount of the iPhone, I can choose the position.

 

[SvK]

After numerous meetings Steve had with Martin Winterkorn, Volkswagen Auto Group aren't participating in the initial launch? Not even Audi or Porsche? Kind of odd IMO.

Ditto

 

[oopl]

Does it support other navigation solutions than the built in Apple maps, e.g. Google Maps?

Since Apple Maps has not been that great in many parts of the world esp. outside the USA.

Another vote for Google Maps here.