Apple eyeing the car industry
Apple claims to redefine in-car GPS and looks to eyes-free remote controlApple believes it has made both portable and in-car navigation systems almost obsolete with its launch of a new map app for smart phones and tablets.
Announced at the recent Apple World Wide Developer's Conference, Apple Maps promises new levels of direction advice.
Users get a choice of routes, spoken turn-by-turn directions and the Siri virtual assistant can process spoken destination requests, and provide details on restaurants, fuel stations and other services.
A bird's-eye view of major world cities indicates how the destination relates to landmarks, and the severely navigation-impaired can 'drive' a virtual route, using 3D graphics. A real-time traffic update function can redirect the driver around delays en route.
Clearly tilting at Google's established mapping and navigation services, Apple Maps requires an iPhone 4S or a second-generation iPad. The feature's inability to run on older phones or iPads means are 'encouraged' to replace relatively new but already superseded devices.
Apple also announced an in-car remote control system that links its Siri voice-command service with the hands-free button on some steering wheels.
The new hands-free solution, Eyes Free, will be launched with car manufacturers over the next 12 months. Nine brands are already on board, including BMW, GM, Land Rover, Toyota, Honda and Chrysler.
Ford, Hyundai and Kia already offer onboard infotainment systems using Microsoft technology.
Talk-to technology has been around in fiction for years, but the Siri voice-activated software has turned the iPhone 4S into a cross between a pocket-sized personal assistant and a conventional proximity key.
US-based developer Brandon Fiquett has created a personal plug-in that allows him to control functions such as unlocking the doors, opening the boot, triggering the car alarm and even starting the vehicle - all with a voice command.
We wonder what his insurance company thinks of it...
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