Apple Showcases CarPlay

As has been heavily rumored, Apple has officially stepped into the connected car fray. Their system, called “Apple CarPlay,” claims to be the best iPhone experience for the car by essentially putting the iOS on the dashboard. The ultimate goal, of course, is to provide full functionality of phone use while driving, and then some. Apple claims that the system is not only hands-free with Siri integration, but is also predictive, knowing where you might want to go in the surrounding area based on addresses found in your emails, messages, calendars, and contacts. Of course, Apple’s Maps is deeply integrated, eschewing the still-popular Google Maps along with it. Streaming music is a prominent feature as well, featuring iHeartRadio, Spotify, Beats Radio, Stitcher, and more. CarPlay is presently being integrated into new models from Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo, with many more committed future partners. As in the past, Apple has waited until there was a demonstrated interest and reason to strike, and struck hard and fast when the time came. With Apple involved with over a dozen car companies, it’s safe to say that the era of the connected car is officially here.