There have been rumors for some time that Apple would be getting into the car game. Last month we covered news of Apple executives meeting with those from Tesla, which spurred speculation of a potential merger.
While a new "iCar" is still nothing more than a pipe dream at this point, there was Apple related automobile news. According to an article from PC Magazine, the company has partnered with several of the leading car makers to create "CarPlay."
The goal of the new system is to make operating a smartphone while driving safer. By being compatible with vehicles' native interface, CarPlay makes it easy to use Siri for phone calls, GPS navigation, music and messaging to drivers via voice command or quick tap.
"CarPlay has been designed from the ground up to provide drivers with an incredible experience using their iPhone in the car," Greg Joswiak, Apple vice president of iPhone and iOS product marketing, said in a statement. "IPhone users always want their content at their fingertips and CarPlay lets drivers use their iPhone in the car with minimized distraction."
The system also works with Apple Maps to anticipate destinations based on recent trips, contacts, emails or texts, providing routing instructions, traffic conditions and estimated time of arrival. Siri helps with turn-by-turn directions.
This is just another example of how Apple is changing the way organizations operate. Companies that are looking to roll out a Mac integration would be wise to partner with a IT consulting firm that specializes in Apple products.
