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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