Apple Introduces New 'CarPlay' Feature for iPhone

Apple introduced a new feature that allows your iPhone to take over your car's infotainment system to improve safety while driving.

Their new application dubbed 'CarPlay' offers iPhone users an intuitive way to make calls, use Maps, listen to music and access messages with just a word or a touch by controlling the apps from the car’s native interface, reported iClarified.

CarPlay essentially takes over your cars native infotainment system and aims to give the driver an intuitive way to interact with phone applications while keeping their hands on the wheel (Image via Apple).

The driver can simply push-and-hold the voice control button on the steering wheel to activate Siri without distraction or toggle with the car’s built-in controls, knobs, buttons or touchscreen.

"CarPlay features Siri voice control and is specially designed for driving scenarios .... The apps you want to use in the car have been re-imagined, so you can use them while your eyes and hands stay where they belong," Apple boasts on their website.

The technology premiered at the Geneva International Motor Show; CarPlay has already been embraced by carmakers like Volvo, which aim to reduce distractions for drivers. The Swedish auto manufacturer published a YouTube video highlighting the features of the new system:

The first Volvo car to offer Apple CarPlay will be the new XC90 SUV which will be introduced later in 2014. Volvo clearly expect the new technology to compliment an important vehicle for their line; their new SUV replaces the original XC90 which became the best selling model in Volvo Cars' history, reported iClarified.

Apple designed CarPlay to let drivers use their iPhone in the car with minimized distraction (Image via Apple).

“CarPlay has been designed from the ground up to provide drivers with an incredible experience using their iPhone in the car,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of iPhone and iOS Product Marketing according to VentureBeat.

“iPhone users always want their content at their fingertips and CarPlay lets drivers use their iPhone in the car with minimized distraction,” Joswiak said.

Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz will premiere CarPlay to drivers this week. Apple lists future CarPlay partners on their site including; BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Land Rover, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota.

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(H/T: VentureBeat)

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