Smart phones and driving mix together about as well as oil, vinegar, water and electricity combined. Sadly, in a world becoming increasingly driven by real time data, iPhone users give into the temptation of checking an eagerly anticipated text message. To combat the risk of making that potentially grave mistake, Apple has designed a car-centric iOS that provides the software for a vehicles infotainment center. These built in displays give drivers a safe option when it comes to making a phone call, sending a text, listening to music or using their Maps app to provide them with a GPS system. Connecting drivers to their iPhones through CarPlay is a great example of how innovative technologies can perfect their use.
Apple's Lightning Port is the basis of a dashboard hosted dock that iPhones can be connected into. Once installed, all of the available data from the phone is hosted via CarPlay's brilliant display. Once synced, voice commands allow drivers to make phones calls, use apps, choose songs and select the best route for their travel needs. The system improves the driving experience from a logistic standpoint as real time navigation data can allow a driver to avoid unforeseen traffic jams or other road hazards. Since all of these data is hosted through the iPhone, users don't have to deal with a difficult experience setting the infotainment system up. The ease of use assures drivers that technical errors won't be another distraction that threatens to take their eyes off of the road.
Automobile manufacturers are expected to implement CarPlay into their coming models. Many 2015 and 2016 editions of vehicles will host the car based iOS. However, many potential users are not going to purchase a new vehicle any time soon. Those drivers can choose to have the feature installed into the car they presently own. Many after market in-dash systems are compatible with CarPlay and can be purchased well before the release of a new car.
The hands-free interface is probably the most appealing feature of CarPlay from the interest of pure safety. This component of the infotainment system drastically limits the distractions that tempt drivers to put themselves and others in harms way. Distracted driving is an increasing road side hazard. Advocacy campaigns go to great lengths in order to dissuade drivers from using their phones on the road. Technology developers such as Apple have done their best to provide an answer to the Pandora's box that smart phones are those behind the wheel. Physical controls also allow users to make decisions regarding travel routes or making a phone call through a touch screen interface that can control the system. Additional knobs, dials and buttons provide other controls that enable drivers to use CarPlay on the go.
The list of Apple automobile partners includes Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, Ferrari, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Renault, Subaru, Suzuki, Volkswagon, and Volvo. In March,Germany automotive enterprise Koenigsegg announced a greatly anticipated $1.9M project called Regera Hypercar, which is equipped with CarPlay. The abundance of successful car companies within Apple's business network makes CarPlay a feature that could become a part of people's future driving experiences.
Compatibility may be somewhat of an issue for many iPhone users as CarPlay is only compatible with the iPhone 5, the iPhone 5c, the iPhone 5s, the iPhone 6, and the iPhone 6 Plus. There is no integration with earlier iPhones or with the iPad and iPod touch.
The abundant potential of CarPlay furthers speculation that Apple seeks to make in roads into the automobile manufacturing market. Since early February of 2015, rumors have floated through the air that the technology behemoth is working on what speculators have referred to as a "smart car." The presence of camera mounted vehicles leased by the company driving around the San Francisco Bay area added fuel to the fire. Some Apple employees have teased the public about a car project that has lured engineers away from Tesla, the electric car manufacturer that has enjoyed robust success despite being hampered by regulations and business policies that have kept them from reaching what many believe is their true potential. Reports emerging in The Wall Street Journal and Financial Times about a project dubbed "Titan" have been the most legitimate empirical evidence of a looming car venture being undertaken by Apple in their California based developmental labs.
General Motors CEO Dan Akerson tempered the enthusiasm surrounding project titan when he was asked for his opinion by the Bloomberg media group.
They'd better think carefully if they want to get into the hard-core manufacturing," he said of Apple. "We take steel, raw steel, and turn it into car. They have no idea what they're getting into if they get into that." he warned. While some may view this as fear from potential competitors like GM, Akerson himself is an admitted fan of CarPlay.
The expanding reach of Apple technologies makes IT consulting an especially valuable research for Apple users who seek to implement new technologies into each facet of their lives. CarPlay shows the potential that Apple has on providing an interface for drivers who want to be able to access data from their smartphones without compromising their roadside safety. New technologies allows user experiences to be improved for drivers and all other Apple users.
MC Services provides Apple consulting for users that seek to enhance the experience they have with hardware like the iPad and iPhone. Our consultants offer expert insight on how to get the most from these devices.
