AutoIntegration
Latest
iPhone OS 4.0 paving way for Apple-branded car kit?
Apple dropped iPhone OS 4.0 on us last week in a big way, and we spent plenty of time breaking down and exploring the details. But, there are apparently a few gems left to be discovered, like dedicated support for in-car use -- possibly even with an Apple-branded mount of some sort. When put into this mode the iPhone generates a simple menu that's fed over video output (demonstrated after the break) while the handset becomes a remote control... which may or may not be a good idea as more and more states ban cellphone use of any kind while driving. The developer hooks for such functionality appear to be in the iPhone API and, while it's all rumorsville at this point, Apple would be blind to not try and cash in on the auto integration market -- even if it is a little late to the party.
Chrysler announces iPod integration
Earlier this week at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, The Chrysler Group announced that iPod integration will be made available in several of their vehicles in 2006. The optional $175US kit will be availabe for most Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler models (more than 3 million vehicles in total) later this year. Like other car kits we've seen, Chrysler's set up will allow you to control your iPod via the car's stereo or steering wheel controls, with the stereo displaying the name of the song and artist. That thing got a hemi? Who cares? I want an iPod car kit.[Via MacNN]
