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Apple is reportedly launching iOS in the Car next week with Ferrari, Mercedes and Volvo
Apple's iOS in the Car has been a long time in coming -- we first heard about the automotive interface last June, and it still isn't ready despite the presence of relevant code in recent iOS 7 builds. The wait may soon be over, though, as the Financial Times hears that Apple will unveil formal car integration deals with Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo next week. There aren't more forthcoming details, although the rumored announcement implies that the automakers could name compatible models and possibly show the technology in action. We wouldn't refer to iOS in the Car as Apple's "first in-car operating system," like the FT does -- it's still dependent on an iPad or iPhone to work. Even so, any potential launch next week would represent a big step forward for 1 Infinite Loop's in-car efforts, which haven't advanced much since iPod Out. [Image credit: Steve Troughton-Smith, YouTube]
An early look at iOS in the Car (video)
Apple's iOS in the Car, which we first met last summer at WWDC, may soon make an official debut. In fact, the dash-friendly interface has been hiding right under our noses in the public version of iOS 7.0.3. Developer Steven Troughton-Smith managed to capture an early version of the interface in action by emulating a vehicle display on his desktop -- he posted a video walkthrough of the pre-release software today. The current iteration appears to include a full-screen map, with simple touch controls and indicators framing the top and bottom. There's even a software home button, which can be used to switch between apps and return to the (currently nonexistent) home screen. Based on today's demo, you'll be able to enter a destination directly into the vehicle by speaking a search term, or by searching on a connected iPhone or iPad. Current functionality appears to be limited to basic location entry and map readouts, but it's definitely a work in progress -- another dev, Denis Stas, managed to get his hands on a screenshot from the iOS 7.1 beta, which offers a more iOS 7-like look and feel. We have yet to hear from vehicle manufacturers about confirmed partnerships with Apple, so there's no word on when iOS in the Car will actually hit the road, though judging by the tremendous interest in iOS integration in general, several agreements are already in the works.
New Apple patent sees a future where you adjust your car from your iPhone
Sharing a car with another person, be it a spouse, friend or family member, can be difficult when everyone is a different size. Everyone likes the radio their own way, or they're an inch shorter than you and they move the mirrors. A new patent application filed by Apple seeks to address that problem by linking certain car settings to your iPhone. The patent is for a system that remembers your individual settings and has your car automatically adjust them for you. If you enjoy the side mirrors at a 90-degree angle and the steering wheel at 45 degrees, in theory, your iPhone could fix that for you. Since the settings are stored on your iPhone, it wouldn't matter if you moved to a new car. The program would read the settings from your constant mobile companion. Here's the patent's abstract: A user's portable electronic device can learn configuration preferences from a first environment, such as the user's car, and when the user visits another similar environment, such as a rented automobile, those configuration preferences can be imported into the visited environment and used to automatically configure the environment according to the imported preferences. With Apple's increased focus on automobiles thanks to iOS in the Car, this patent provides a look at where the company is planning on taking car/mobile integration in the future. Of course with the increasing presence of hackers in the world, it will be interesting to see what safety precautions come along with the increased linking of car functions to our mobile devices.
Apple patent suggests customizable entertainment and console system for your car
Apple has been granted a new patent that could make touchscreen controls safer to use while driving. US Patent No. 8,482,535 is for an in-car, touchscreen telematics system that uses tactile feedback so drivers can change settings without looking down. It would provide more control with less time spent looking away from the road. The system uses the series of knobs, slides and touchscreen controls we already have in cars, but gives the user the ability to have greater control to program options. It also extends more services to the touchscreen, including safety features like the windshield wipers. In addition to the standard services you'd expect in a modern touchscreen, the patent also mentions bringing apps from your phone to your console screen. Checking your stocks and quickly accessing your entertainment apps in the middle of a traffic jam will be easier and safer in the future. One of the biggest features of the upcoming iOS 7 is Apple's iOS In The Car feature, thanks in large part to the company's focus on building relationships with car manufacturers. Of note, 95 percent of new cars on the market today have some form of integrated iOS support. This patent is a signal of what's to come.
Siri and iOS in the Car updates announced at WWDC
The next update to Siri has been announced at WWDC, bringing a new graphical user interface and improved search options. Siri will now show the sound wave of your question as you speak and features a new voice that sounds a little less HAL 9000. Users will have male and female voice options, with English, French and German voices packaged out the gate. More language options will be added as time goes on. Siri's capabilities have also been updated to include the ability to play voice mails, turn on Bluetooth or increase brightness. In addition Twitter, Wikipedia and Bing searching have been enabled. The Siri improvements also include the new iOS in the Car; 95 percent of the new cars on the market today have integrated iOS support. iOS in the Car brings iOS information on the screen in your car, allowing you to access Maps, messages, play songs and more without ever taking your eyes off the road.
Apple unveils iOS in the Car integration for head-end units
Apple has been teasing an extra level of integration with cars beyond the likes of iPod Out or Siri Eyes Free, and it just gave us substantially more today. A new iOS in the Car feature will directly link iOS 7 with cars' infotainment systems, giving drivers an optimized interface for maps, messages and music. They'll be waiting awhile to plug in, however, as a number of automakers (including Ferrari) only expect to implement iOS in the Car sometime in 2014. Follow all of our WWDC 2013 coverage at our event hub. %Gallery-190901%
