Apple is getting into the driver’s seat with the announcement that the launch of iOS 7 will feature iOS In The Car, a slick new integration between iPhones and select vehicles beginning in 2014. The news was met with enthusiastic applause at the Worldwide Developers Conference which kicked off Monday in San Francisco, California.
The list of automakers that will be offering iOS In The Car includes Acura, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Opel, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Volvo. So, not every manufacturer but an impressive starting list. Although the manufacturers have been announced, there’s no word yet on exactly which models will have this feature or if it will be considered standard or optional.
Drivers will be able to access their iPhones directly from the in-dash screen to make phone calls, play music, use Apple Maps and even display iMessages with this new integration. Lest you fear this will make distracted driving even more of a problem, drivers will be able to use the controls built into the car to access these features or simply ask Siri using voice commands.
Siri will also be improved in her own right, recognizing more commands and making it easier for drivers to keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. Additionally, there will be access to new services like Twitter, Wikipedia and Bing that will make Siri an even more powerful tool.
Despite the many complaints people have about the horror of Apple Maps, I’ve found it much quicker and easier to use Siri for navigation than any of the systems currently found in cars. Once I have my phone linked up via Bluetooth, I almost always ask Siri for directions and have her guiding my way in far less time than it would take to get the car’s navigation to do the same.
I, for one, can’t wait to let Siri take the wheel and drive.
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.
