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Apple CarPlay will also control your vehicle's apps
Apple's in-car operating system, CarPlay, is about to get a major boost. The company has announced at WWDC 2015 that it will soon let you control additional parts of your vehicle, directly from the iPhone-powered software. This means CarPlay can work together with apps created by manufacturers, making it easier for them to integrate their auto features with the service. As a result, you should expect to see other useful tools in CarPlay mode -- like monitoring fuel efficiency and more, similar to what's on the Watch. On stage, Apple CEO Tim Cook also highlighted CarPlay's ability to pair with infotainments wirelessly, which was introduced in iOS 8.3.
Chevrolet's 2016 models support both CarPlay and Android Auto
Apple's and Google's in-car efforts aren't mainstream just yet, but manufacturers have given us a glimpse at how these features will work going forward. Soon enough, most automakers are expected to support CarPlay or Android Auto, even though others like Toyota won't be playing along anytime soon. Chevrolet, meanwhile, announced today that 14 of its 2016 models, including cars, trucks and crossovers, will be compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy for people to enjoy either platform based on which smartphone they own. What this means is that buyers don't have to worry about choosing one over the other; instead, Chevy's MyLink infotainment system is compatible with both simultaneously.
Ford explains why Sync 3 supports Apple and Google car apps
With both Apple and Google wrangling to become the infotainment center of your next new car, Ford will be choosing neither. Or both, depending on how you look at it. During an interview with Re/code, Ford CEO Mark Fields provided some details on how his company will be leveraging its in-house designed Sync system to act as middleman between smart devices and vehicles.
Apple's iOS 8.3 update brings wireless CarPlay to your iPhone
Apple's busy today -- on top of finally releasing Photos, it's rolling out the long-expected iOS 8.3 update. It's not as huge as 8.2 was, but you'll likely appreciate it if you're a tech-savvy driver. The upgrade brings wireless CarPlay in supporting vehicles, so you don't have to plug in your iPhone just to get directions or music on your car's center display. You'll also find more diverse emoji (as in OS X), the option to download free apps without a password and a much easier way of signing into Google accounts when you use two-factor authentication. There's a whole bunch of app performance and interface fixes on top of this, so you'll definitely want to grab the 8.3 patch when you get the chance.
Dreaming of an Apple Car and the inevitable future of 'driving'
Apple changed the way we listen to music and use phones -- so do you really think all of the reports of a so-called Apple Car are really just about it building a car? Even creating an electric vehicle of its own to compete with Tesla doesn't seem bold enough. It is, after all, a company that doesn't typically enter a brand-new market without some idea of how to transform it (and perhaps crush the competition in the process). So what could these rumors be pointing to? There are several possibilities, including building vehicles to test Apple's CarPlay platform, as well as preparing for a world where we won't even need to drive (or own) cars. But, more importantly, they could all lead us toward an entirely new transportation model. Where we're going, we won't need cars... At least, as we know them.
Toyota won't have CarPlay-equipped vehicles anytime soon
If you're hoping to get a Toyota car with Apple's CarPlay system built-in, you'll have to hit the aftermarket, according to a New York Times report. Toyota said that "right now, we prefer to use our in-house proprietary platforms for those kinds of functions," adding that it currently has no plans to use either CarPlay or Android Auto, at least in the US. Though that's a small glitch in Cupertino's ambitious plans, other automakers are more bullish on it. Ford, for one, said that it'll start offering both Apple and Google's infotainment systems on select vehicles this year, and will make both systems available on all US cars by next year.
Apple's Beats-based music service may come with an iOS 8 update
You might not have to wait that long to try Apple's rumored Beats-based streaming music service. Tipsters tell 9to5Mac that the folks in Cupertino are "currently considering" a launch for the all-you-can-hear offering in tandem with iOS 8.4, rather than holding off for iOS 9 or later. This new software would supposedly arrive some time after the Apple Watch release in April. That may still sound distant, but Apple just gave developers its first iOS 8.3 beta (yes, even before 8.2 has shipped) -- if 8.4 happens at all, it's on a fast track.
2016 Chevrolet Volt features CarPlay support, better range
TUAW has previous published lists of car manufacturers that are building support for Apple CarPlay into new vehicles, but now The Verge reports seeing the 2016 Chevrolet Volt on the floor at this week's North American International Auto Show in Detroit and can verify that the plug-in hybrid will come with CarPlay capabilities. While many car manufacturers are choosing to add support for both CarPlay and rival Android Auto in new vehicles, The Verge noticed that Android Auto was missing from the Volt's display ... although the vehicle won't ship until this summer and it could very well be added later. MirrorLink, a car/smartphone link standard that started as a research project by Nokia, is also supported by the Volt and a number of other cars. In case you're wondering, the revised Volt will be able to get about a thousand miles of range in normal city driving provided it is "topped off" with a nightly charge. Of course, there's an app to tell you your charge level, gas tank level, range and even let you start the car remotely.
Audi's latest Q7 supports Android Auto and CarPlay
It seems Audi's Q7 is brand agnostic, at least in the Android vs. Apple battle: It hasn't yet chosen between Android Auto or CarPlay. The demos at CES this week are set shoulder to shoulder with Audi's HMI (Human Machine Interface) connected to either an Android device or an iPhone. Using the MMI knob -- if you've been in an Audi before -- is as intuitive as you remember, but instead of navigating through the factory system, you're now going to be using your phone interface. Once you've selected either CarPlay or Android Auto from the main menu, the phone's interface takes over. The steering wheel includes a button to activate Siri or Google Now for voice input and the wheel will scroll you through either system's menus. No surprises here as far as functionality, but the fact that the carmaker began to support both almost as quickly as heavyweights like Pioneer is an impressive feat. Look for this in Audi cars starting with the 2016 Q7 when it starts hitting showrooms this year. We look forward to couples everywhere finally settling the "Apple is better/Android is better in a car" question once and far all.
CES 2015: Kenwood aftermarket CarPlay display; VW cars get CarPlay in 2015
A TUAW reader wrote to us yesterday bemoaning the lack of new products from Apple other than upgrades of previous devices. Among the things he thought were missing were HomeKit products and CarPlay devices. Well, there have been plenty of HomeKit-related announcements at CES 2015, although they're not from Apple - the company simply created the HomeKit framework for others to create products for. The same is true of CarPlay, and there have been a couple of interesting announcements in that arena today. First, Kenwood announced it will be coming into the aftermarket CarPlay market with the horribly-named DDX9902S multimedia receiver. No pricing or availability information has been provided, but the company is displaying its CarPlay-compatible unit (which also supports Android Auto) at CES. The unit supports not only regular smartphone connectivity features like Bluetooth pairing for music and phone calls, but also supports Pandora and iHeartRadio out of the box. HD Radio and Sirius XM Radio will be available as well. Kenwood's announcement follows that of Pioneer in October. Alpine has also announced a head unit supporting CarPlay. The second CarPlay announcement for today is that Volkswagen will support both CarPlay and Android Auto in their automobiles later this year. VW appears to be keeping its options open, as they'll also supporting a smartphone-agnostic MirrorLink app in the US. These three dashboard overlays will run on a base platform in the Volkswagen vehicles, allowing those purchasing cars to choose between the overlays depending on their needs. Volkswagen also plans to release a new parking assist technology soon, saying that drivers will be able to monitor semi-autonomous parking from the sidewalk by using a smartphone as a remote control.
Volkswagen's connected cars have three displays and park themselves
Volkswagen's wading into the connected car space in a few different ways including more autonomous driving. First up is the Golf R Touch hatchback. It's sporting three displays on the dashboard, with two being touchscreens. A positively massive 12.8-inch main console rests above an 8-inch control center on the dash, while a 12.3-inch instrument cluster -- likely trickle-down tech from subsidiary Audi -- resides behind the steering wheel. The screens are all high-res (SlashGear reports the main screen is running at 2,560 x 1,700) and were designed to eliminate distractions and maximize customization. How's that? The stage demo included camera-based gesture control and drag-and-drop movement of key functions that looked pretty simple. There's a touch-strip below the main screen that tracks tactile input (and offers haptic feedback) for things like adjusting the radio volume as well.
Parrot's Android-powered car system also does Apple CarPlay
Parrot's car infotainment systems may not be as well-known as its drones and audio products, but here's one that's worth paying attention to. The yet-to-be-named "RNB6" is a two-DIN unit that comes with a gorgeous 7-inch 720p "IPS Pro" touchscreen, along with a 4 x 55-watt audio amplifier and a wired wide-angle 1080p dash cam (with "Super HDR"). The device runs on a slightly customized version of Android 5.0 that offers media playback, navigation, telephony, dash cam, air control, parking assistance and onboard diagnostics (for tire pressure, parking sensors, air conditioning and more); as well as voice control for some of these features. Depending on the type of phone you plug in, the RNB6 can also toggle Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to let you control your phone via its own touchscreen.
Ford drops Microsoft Sync for QNX-based platform that supports CarPlay
The rumors that Ford would be dropping Microsoft Sync started last year, but the news has now been confirmed in a story by Engadget. Ford, the number two automaker by market share, is transferring from Sync to a QNX-based platform that offers support for Apple's CarPlay with hands free Siri service. Android Auto will also be supported under the new open system. Ford and Apple have worked together previously as part of its "Made for iPod" program, offering users a direct connection between their car stereo and their iPods. In 2007 Ford and Microsoft introduced Sync, which supported Bluetooth and USB devices, including the iPhone. However the service was hampered by bad reviews and customers complaints. No word has been released yet on when we can expect to see the QNX system in Ford vehicles.
iHeartRadio and Rdio are ready for CarPlay, but your car isn't
Online radio streaming app iHeartRadio has just made good on its promise to add support for CarPlay, Apple's new car infotainment system. But, it's not the only app joining Spotify on CarPlay today -- Rdio, a free music streaming service with offline playback, is tagging along. By introducing optimized apps for Cupertino's car platform, both online services make it easier for users to navigate their interfaces on an onboard screen. Sadly, there are very few people who can actually enjoy the updates right now, as CarPlay's only available on Ferrari FFs and select Pioneer in-dash systems, though most automakers promise to load it on their vehicles' entertainment systems in the future. Other web services also vow to eventually introduce optimized apps for the platform, including CBS News Radio and, of course, Beats Music.
Apple CarPlay: What is it and why should you care?
If you have a car and an iPhone, chances are they already know each other. CarPlay builds on the iPod interfaces that are available on nearly every new model. It's not a direct mirror of your iPhone, but a tailored set of apps with a pared-down feature set. Plug in your phone, and CarPlay highjacks the center screen. Most of the partner brands promising CarPlay use touch screens, so swiping and tapping will be just like on the phone. A few, namely the Germans, use buttons and knobs instead-Mercedes with its COMAND interface, BMW with iDrive and Audi with MMI. The screen layout will be the same in every model, independent of automaker, adapted to whatever size display is in the car. Voice commands should work just like they do with Siri Eyes Free. The main apps include CarPlay-ized versions of Phone, Music, (Apple) Maps, Messages and Podcasts. A Home button lives in the corner, and a Now Playing shortcut brings up the current audio. Once third-party apps become CarPlay-friendly-Spotify is the first-they'll show up on the Home screen. Should you want to get back to the car's own system, a branded app (really just a button) will take you there. A lot of this functionality is already available to new-car buyers, albeit without the familiar Apple interface. Various infotainment systems can talk to smartphones through tethered apps, too-like brand-specific apps and iHeartRadio. CarPlay is the next step, a sort of killer tethered app. Because automotive product cycles are long, it takes a while to integrate the latest technology; a new model going on sale today has been in the works for a while, and major changes come every three years or so. iPhones, on the other hand, show up annually, with iOS updates adding new features in between. So CarPlay should continue to evolve and improve, and when you hook up your new iPhone 7S in a few years, it'll be like getting a higher-powered infotainment system, no invasive car surgery required. Now, about that tether. CarPlay won't let you cut the cord. It requires a Lightning cable connection, which also means it's only compatible with iPhone 5 models and up. This at least guarantees constant power. Good luck finding somewhere to stash that 6 Plus, though. Another slight bummer: CarPlay probably won't save you money on your next new-car purchase. No company has announced a dumb head unit that will let the iPhone be the sole brains of the operation -- think Mac mini's BYODKM (bring your own display, keyboard, mouse) philosophy. It's feasible, but automakers still want to get paid, and a navigation system bundled with a big screen is still an easy couple grand. Now the big question is when. Ferrari started delivering CarPlay-equipped models in September, making good on its claim that the gorgeous all-wheel-drive FF hatchback would be first to market with the new tech. (Eddy Cue, an Apple SVP and Ferrari board member, likely had something to do with that.) In the aftermarket, Pioneer made its NEX line of head units CarPlay-capable through a recent firmware update. Alpine has also promised CarPlay compatibility. Like those pre-installed in new cars, these units are expensive, already capable of navigation and plenty of other stuff. The advantage is you can put one in almost any car, and right now. The downside is a lower level of integration; they often don't talk to the steering-wheel controls of factory systems. As for the rest, Apple promised CarPlay for select models in 2014. In car-speak, that translates to 2015 models, most of which will go on sale this fall. But a CarPlay-compatible car you buy tomorrow won't be CarPlay-capable until it gets a software update, likely provided free of charge at the dealer once it's available. Like most things Apple, we probably won't know when CarPlay will show up in mainstream models until about the time it does. We'll have a review once we get our hands on a CarPlay-equipped model.
Video: An in-depth hands-on look at Apple CarPlay
Despite all the reporting about Apple's CarPlay service, most users still have no idea what the service looks like when in use. What quirks might it have? Is it safe to use while driving? Fret not true believers, we have just the walkthrough for you. TUAW contributor Josh Carr has put together the following series of four videos for Colorado's Fix Denver, taking a look at how apps, maps, and firmware upgrades work with Pioneer's CarPlay-equipped stereo. Have fun watching Josh giving CarPlay a full run-through!
Apple's CarPlay added to Pioneer car receivers, Spotify music app
Pioneer today announced the immediate availability of Apple's CarPlay technology for select existing aftermarket receivers. CarPlay was introduced in March 2014 and allows users to interact with their iPhone via a car's dashboard display. Users can access Apple Maps, make calls and control music playback using the CarPlay feature. CarPlay was expected to debut in 2014 model automobiles from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz Volvo and more, but its rollout has been slow. While other electronics manufacturers continue to work on the technology, Pioneer is first out of the gate with CarPlay support. The CarPlay update is free to Pioneer owners with instructions and firmware downloads available on Pioneer's website. Receivers eligible for the update include the AVIC--8000NEX ($1400 MSRP), the AVIC--7000NEX ($1200 MSRP), the AVIC--6000NEX ($900 MSRP), the AVIC--5000NEX ($750 MSRP) and the AVH--4000NEX ($700 MSRP). In another CarPlay related announcement, Spotify today updated its music player app for iOS with support Apple's in-car technology. With the latest 1.8.0 update, users now can control Spotify in any CarPlay-equipped vehicle. Spotify is among the first of several apps that have pledged support for CarPlay technology. Other titles include Beats Music, Stitcher and MLB At Bat.
Apple CarPlay comes to Pioneer stereos as Spotify adds support
Apple's fledgling CarPlay infotainment system just got a little more useful thanks to updates from Pioneer and Spotify. The former has updated some of its stereos to include support from today, while the latest version of the popular music streaming app adds CarPlay functions for the first time. This means users can control the app through supported systems. Spotify was listed as one of very few app launch partners for CarPlay, and was included in a demo we checked out back in March. Similar services like Beats Music, iHeartRadio and Stitcher have also pledged to support the system. Virtually every major manufacturer has promised to include CarPlay in their vehicles at some point, although at the moment your only options are to buy a Ferrari FF or an aftermarket unit from Pioneer.
Apple's new CarPlay partners include Chrysler, Mazda and more
Apple and Google are preparing to duke it out in the automotive arena, and the former just nabbed a few more partners to add to its arsenal of allied car makers. The folks in Cupertino quietly updated the CarPlay section of the site to include a handful of new names, including Alfa Romeo, Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat (including those flashy, track-friendly Abarth models), Jeep and Mazda. That brings the full number of CarPlay partners to 31... though that count includes sub-brands like Dodge's RAM line of pickups and aftermarket players like Alpine and Pioneer. Of course, it's not like these car manufacturers are playing favorites or anything: a majority of them are also members of the Open Automotive Alliance, an organization that's focused on bringing Android Auto into cars as soon as this year. Long story short, you won't just have to worry about financing and trim levels next time you buy a car -- chances are good your smartphone will factor in the decision too.
Apple adds eight new automakers to CarPlay lineup
It's clear that Apple and Google are about to wage a war on your dashboard, but before the shots begin flying it's important for both sides to stockpile as many weapons as possible. Today, Apple expanded the arsenal of carmakers ready to integrate CarPlay software into their vehicles, adding the likes of Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Mazda, and RAM. This brings the total tally of CarPlay-supporting manufacturers up to 29, though there are still some notable names missing from the list. As Wired notes, there are several brands who have pledged allegiance to Android so far, with no mention on the Apple front, including Acura, Bentley, Infinity, and Volkswagen. The lack of Apple love is particularly strange for both Acura and Volkswagen, as Acura is owned by Honda, which is supporting CarPlay, and Volkswagen owns Audi, which is another CarPlay participant. It's still possible that these brands will join the movement and as more and more manufacturers add their names to Apple's list, remaining left out is increasingly odd. [via Wired]
