The Detroit Free Press reported Monday that the automobile manufacturer Hyundai Motor Company will release CarPlay-enabled Sonata in the first quarter of 2016. Apple’s software platform for the car will require Sonata owners to “buy an SD card with new software” to access CarPlay features.
This sounds like an odd implementation of CarPay given that Hyundai already offers Google's Android Auto software integration at no additional charge.
Apple has acquired UK-based voice technology startup VocalIQ, according to a report from the Financial Times. A spokesman for the Cupertino company has confirmed the buyout with the usual boilerplate statement of "Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans."
Volkswagen on Thursday posted a new commercial to its US YouTube channel entitled "Volkswagen App-Connect saves a bromance," which highlights support for connect apps and Apple's CarPlay platform in its late model vehicles.
The clip features Adam Scott, from Parks and Recreation fame, and prolific big-screen star Michael Pena. The two are shown in a vehicle using Siri and other CarPlay features as they work through way through a humorous argument.
Mercedes-Benz maker is not ruling out the possibility of vaguely outlined “different types” of cooperation with Apple, which is rumored to be building an electric car of its own code- named Project Titan. “Many things are conceivable,” Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said in an interview with quarterly magazine Deutsche Unternehmerboerse published on Friday.
Daimler AG, a German multinational automotive corporation, owns a number of car brands such as the Mercedes-Benz and Smart Automobile, and was an important launch partner for Apple's CarPlay in-car software.
Volkswagen announced on Wednesday that its first CarPlay-enabled vehicles have begun shipping from production facilities. The German automaker says the first 2016 models featuring its new infotainment system will start landing in dealer showrooms in "late July 2015."
It's calling the new infotainment system "MIB II," and in addition to CarPlay it will also support Android Auto and MirrorLink. In the press release, Volkswagen calls the new system "one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle services and features available."
Honda on Thursday debuted the 2016 Accord at its research facility in Mountain View. While car makers typically reserve new car unveilings for major auto shows, Honda says that it chose the location to highlight the role Silicon Valley is playing in the industry.
The ninth-generation Accord features a thorough refresh for 2016, with a big focus on technology. All EX and above models will include a Display Audio infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display and support for both CarPlay and Android Auto platforms.
Kenwood, a Japanese manufacturer of amateur radio,Hi-Fi and portable audio equipment, on Tuesday started shipping its new in-car receivers with CarPlay to car dealers. The new accessories support both Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto platform, depending on your preference and connected smartphone.
The Japanese company owned by JVC-Kenwood said in a media release that both the DDX9702S and DDX9902S units are available now starting at $900 and $950, respectively.
Chevrolet's first CarPlay-enabled vehicles have begun shipping from production facilities, reports TechCrunch. The automaker shared the above image of the cars rolling off the assembly line, and says that they are on their way to dealers and consumers.
The cars are of the 2016 Corvette Z06 variety, which features a staggering 650 horsepower and a base price of $80K. The Vette is the second CarPlay-enabled vehicle to become available for purchase, after the Ferrari FF, since it was introduced last year.
General Motors announced today that 2016 model year products from its luxury car division Cadillac will feature enhanced connectivity and control thanks to the addition of CarPlay and Android Auto. The move is part of a broader enhancement to CUE, Cadillac's infotainment/user experience portal.
GM says that CarPlay will debut in all 2016 Cadillac models that feature CUE's 8-in multitouch screen expect the SRX Crossover vehicle. Production on 2016 models will begin this summer, except for the SRX, which is moving to an all-new generation in early 2016. Android Auto will debut in late 2016.
Chevrolet, a General Motors-owned brand, today announced bringing both CarPlay and Android Auto platforms to as many as fourteen new vehicles for the 2016 model year.
Offering CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility in more models than any automotive brand, General Motors said its all-new 2016 Cruze compact car is among the fourteen new vehicles getting CarPlay compatibility. Cruze, which will debut on June 24, is Chevrolet’s best-selling passenger car, with more than three million units sold since launch.
Audible, an audiobooks service owned by Amazon, pushed a major update to its iPhone and iPad application this morning which added CarPlay functionality along with a couple nice-to-have improvements in the app's iOS edition.
After downloading today's update, the Audible app will automatically appear on the dashboard of CarPlay-enabled vehicles and those supporting CarPlay via aftermarket solutions from Pioneer, Alpine and other companies.
Apple quietly confirmed in an update to its CarPlay webpage that Porsche is the latest brand to commit to providing CarPlay in its line of future automobiles.