Apple has officially announced the release of its iOS-based CarPlay in-car navigation and entertainment system, with the system set to ship in new Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo cars.
The system will allow users to control their iPad through either a touch-screen in the dashboard of their car, or through Siri voice commands.
In a statement, Apple says CarPlay will allow users to use Apple Maps for in-car navigation, along with iTunes and some third-party apps for music while driving.
“CarPlay makes driving directions more intuitive by working with Maps to anticipate destinations based on recent trips via contacts, emails or texts, and provides routing instructions, traffic conditions and ETA.
“You can also simply ask Siri and receive spoken turn-by-turn directions, along with Maps, which will appear on your car’s built-in display.
“CarPlay gives drivers access to all of their music, podcasts, audiobooks and iTunes Radio with easy navigation through listening choices from the car’s built-in controls or simply by asking Siri to pull up what you’d like to hear.
“CarPlay also supports select third-party audio apps including Spotify and iHeartRadio, so you can listen to your favourite radio services or sports broadcast apps while driving.”
For its part, Volvo has announced CarPlay will be offered in its XC90 SUV later this year.
The Scandinavian auto maker promises it will “integrate seamlessly” with the company’s in-car system, with content from both able to appear on-screen simultaneously.
“Apple’s clean and intuitive user interface is a perfect match with Volvo’s Scandinavian design approach and our focus on fluid functionality,” Volvo chief executive Håkan Samuelsson says.
“iPhone users will feel completely at home in a new Volvo. 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 for Volvo.”
Aside from Volvo, Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz vehicles should also receive CarPlay as an option during 2014.
Apple says it will eventually introduce the technology to vehicles made by BMW Group, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai Motor Company, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia Motors, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan Motor Company, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota.
Andrew Sadauskas is a former journalist at SmartCompany and a former editor of TechCompany.
