Apple has unveiled their brand new technology for cars at the Geneva Motor Show, which allows iPhone users to make a range of commands using their voice.
The new device CarPlay means iPhones can be plugged into a user’s car, which allows drivers to make calls, request music and call up maps with a voice command or a touch on the car’s dashboard screen.
Siri is the voice command service that is used in the new gadget, which means an iPhone 5, 5c or 5s is required, which operates on Apple’s latest software iOS 7.
Car makers to get on board
A range of car producers saw the potential of the technology, with makers such as Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Ferrari showing interest in adopting the system after seeing its capabilities at the show.
Ferrari is looking into featuring CarPlay in its four-wheel drive FF model, whilst Volvo has plans to install the iPhone system in its newly redesigned XC90 sports utility vehicle. However, Mercedes-Benz are holding their cards a little closer to their chests, and is yet to reveal which models will be available with CarPlay. But the huge car manufacturer expects that its S-Class large sedan and its C-Class midsize sedan will most likely have the system.
“iPhone users always want their content at their fingertips and CarPlay lets drivers use their iPhone in the car with minimised distraction,” claims Apple’s vice president of iPhone and iOS product marketing, Greg Joswiak.
A choice of systems
Despite Apple’s long list of other car makers who have expressed interest in the system, including the likes of Ford, Honda and General Motors, the market is unlikely to be completely dominated by the system alone.
The search engine giant Google have already announced plans to team up with various car manufacturers including Audi and Hyundai to integrate its Android operating system into their dashboards in February.
Ford have also already released Sync, their own a voice-controlled system made by Microsoft, which would be available in a selection of their cars.
