Apple launched the CarPlay in-car application for its iPhone operating system at Geneva in Volvo, Ferrari and Mercedes models.
The automakers and Apple said CarPlay brings all the features and services familiar to iPad, iPhone or iPod users directly into the car via the centre console touch screen display.
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Volvo is linking them to a specially-developed interface that allows drivers to use voice and steering wheel controls to access features and services, ensuring the entire interaction is always safe and easy to use.
“The interaction between Apple’s operating system and Volvo Cars’ newly-designed in car software and interface promise to transform the look and feel of a car’s interior. Interiors will be characterised by their simplicity and functionality,” the pair said in a statement.
The redesigned XC90 will introduce CarPlay later in 2014.
Users will have basic iPhone applications, such as phone, messages, music and navigation and the package initially will offer third party audio apps including music streaming service Spotify.
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By GlobalDataThe Volvo portrait screen gives users the benefit of having both car and Apple content co-existing simultaneously, removing the need to switch between a dedicated car and iPhone screen.
Visually, it becomes part of the on-board system, displaying well-known icons for Apple applications.
“iPhone users will feel completely at home. We have created a wholly-integrated user experience in our large portrait-oriented touch screen that takes the in-car mobile device experience to a new level. That, coupled with the obvious driver safety benefits of an advanced voice control system like Siri, made Apple a perfect match,” the automaker said.
Ferrari introduced the system on its California T and FF.
“CarPlay provides iPhone users with an incredibly intuitive way to make calls, use maps, listen to music and access messages with just voice commands or by touch. Users can easily control CarPlay from the car’s native interface or just push-and-hold voice control button on the steering wheel to activate Siri without distraction,” the sportscar maker said.
Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz said it was the only German premium automotive manufacturer which is planning to support the system from the outset and is demonstrating how it works in Geneva in a new C-Class.
Coveering all bases, Mercedes said: “As soon as Google brings its own in-car infotainment system to market, Mercedes-Benz customers will also be able to enjoy the world of Android in their cars.”
CarPlay connects through Apple’s Lightning cable (introduced with the iPhone 5) with Wi-Fi “coming in the near future”.
The connection is based on a streaming H.264 video feed that returns user input from the touchscreen.
CarPlay will be available in forthcoming Volvo models based on the new scalable product architecture (SPA).
Apple is competing with Google in the area of integrating personal connectivity devices with cars and the driving experience.
At January’s CES in Las Vegas, Audi, GM, Google, Honda, Hyundai and NVIDIA announced they have joined together to form the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA), a global alliance of technology and auto industry leaders who’ll start bringing the Android platform to cars starting in 2014.
Apple had previously announced that it also plans to launch a new car system that works with its iPhone in 2014. Its website already includes a section on ‘CarPlay’, that it said would launch in 2014.
