Automotive

How CarPlay predicts where you may be heading

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 3, 2014

Apple's press release and the CarPlay preview page state that the newly rebranded feature lets drivers access some iPhone functionality through their vehicle's in-car infotainment system.

Specifically, Apple mentions getting directions, making calls, sending and receiving messages and listening to music.

This is all pretty basic stuff, unless you take a closer look at how Apple brought context awareness and tapped artificial intelligence to predict where you may be heading, so you don't even need to enter in an address for a final destination...

Mercedes-Benz shows off CarPlay integration

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 19, 2018

After Apple formally announced its long-expected iOS in the Car initiative today at the Geneva Motor Show - rebranded as CarPlay - car maker Volvo was quick to post a video showing it off in action. Not to be outdone by Volvo, rival Mercedes-Benz has now shared additional tidbits pertaining to how it plans to integrate CarPlay into an upcoming C-Class.

And just like Volvo, Mercedes-Benz is keeping its options open by not pledging exclusive support for CarPlay. In addition to its own in-car entertainment system, the company is going to support not only Apple's CarPlay, but also Android-based in-car infotainment system when it launches later this year. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty...

Volvo posts video of Apple’s CarPlay in action

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated July 17, 2017

Hot on the heels of Apple's CarPlay announcement earlier this morning at the Geneva Motor Show, car maker Volvo has posted a video showing off iOS integration in action.

Unlike CarPlay implementations by other vendors such as Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz, Volvo took the feature to the next level.

Specifically, Volvo's system allows for both CarPlay and Volvo controls to be available to drivers simultaneously on the vehicle's large touchscreen. I've included the video for your viewing pleasure right after the break...

Chevy’s new Equinox ad stars Siri Eyes Free and it’s funny

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 10, 2014

General Motors a few days ago started airing a new television commercial for its brand now 2014 vehicle, the Chevrolet Equinox. The car features integration with Siri Eyes Free, an Apple-made voice-activated system which debuted in 2012 allowing drivers to interact with Siri on an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad using their voice, without taking their hands off the steering wheel.

Watch now how a perfectly normal conversation between a husband and wife goes wrong thanks to Siri...

Automatic’s software update just turned your car into an iBeacon

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Automatic's app-enabled smart driving assistant is genius. The $99.95 accessory connects to the mobile app to not only give you driving feedback and crash alerts, but also help diagnose check engine codes and lots more - because "small changes in your driving behavior can lead to huge savings over time".

And with the latest software update, every Automatic on the road has just became an iBeacon.

iBeacon, as you know, is Apple’s Bluetooth 4.0-based micro-positioning wireless standard. The new software opens the door to some pretty exciting possibilities, stuff like auto-payments for parking or gas fill-ups, for example...

Video of iOS in the Car in action

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 28, 2014

Following a set of screenshots taken from iOS in the Car, Apple's project that strives to enhance in-car iOS functionality, app developer Steven Troughton-Smith who posted these images has now created a video that shows off the software's various user interface aspects and functionality, running via the iOS Simulator software.

The biggest takeaways from the clip: iOS in the Car supports multiple screen resolutions to accommodate various in-car dashboard screens, in addition to hardware buttons, wheels, touchpads and of course touchscreens...

CES 2014: Google’s in-car plans unmasked as Open Automotive Alliance reveals itself

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 6, 2014

In a long-rumored move, the Internet giant Google hopes to repeat its success with Android on smartphones and tablets by announcing Open Automotive Alliance (OAA), a take on its Open Handset Alliance, but for in-car Android integration.

With Apple's iOS in the Car initiative conspicuously failing to materialize yet, Google decided to waste no time and at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas flexed its muscle by signing up car makers Audi, General Motors, Honda and Hyundai, along with chip giant Nvidia.

OAA aims to accelerate auto innovation with an approach that offers openness, customization and scale. If Android's success in mobile is any indication, Apple should be worried...