It is another year, and that means another new range of products from Apple. From the iPhone 5 to the MacBook Air, the new devices are beautiful and as always come with brand new features making them essential buys for all Apple fans, and for those who like to keep up to date with new technologies. Recently, Apple has begun to move into other market areas and the highlight is, of course, their CarPlay initiative which haloes excitement and ingenuity.
CarPlay is a new way of connecting iPhones to cars that combine the physical interface on steering wheels with Siri technology. It allows drivers to access text messages, music and sat-nav tools whilst on the go and without having to pick up their phones and break the law, something that has become a more pressing security issue lately.
The CarPlay announcement is not only surprising because Apple is moving into a market they have never attempted to get involved in before, but also because it represents the first time they have worked alongside third party organisations, allowing car manufacturers to be involved directly in the development of the app later to be implemented into their cars.
A number of manufacturers including BMW, Vauxhall, Land Rover and Kia announced that in the future, their cars will come with the option of CarPlay integration. For now if you want it this year, you may have to look to Volvo, Mercedes Benz and Ferrari, who have already announced that certain models of their cars will come with CarPlay. [pullquote]This is good news for iPhone fans, especially for those who have picked up a brand new model of their iPhone.[/pullquote]
It is certainly going to make the future of car manufacturing interesting as Apple are regarded as an industry leader for technology, and the inclusion of CarPlay in vehicles may become in demand, outstripping other rivals and third party products. Already, technology is a high priority for people buying new and second hand cars. Craig Gray, Service Centre Manager at Car Shop, has reported an increase in demand for used cars that have better technology and the latest tech installed, with Bluetooth being the top of the list.
CarPlay is compatible with the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c and the iPhone 5, and will be available on selected cars from this year. It remains to be seen how it will affect the car market going forward, but whatever happens, it is likely that as always, Apple will lead the way. Perhaps this initiative is an indication that Apple has once again started to innovate, something many people have been requesting ever since Steve Jobs passed away early October, 2011.
Apple CarPlay – Innovating In-Car iPhone Experience
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