CarPlay set for kick-off

Apple has launched its attack on the auto tech space.

The technology company first announced its intentions at last year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), where it showcased iOS 7 and hinted at how the system in the company's smart phones and tablets might offer in-car infotainment features. Fast forward a year and a new version of iOS has debuted and Apple has solidified its auto attack.

Meet CarPlay, Apple's latest in-car tech product, which was launched today, back at WWDC in San Francisco.

People love their smartphones, and Apple loves selling smartphones and also loves people being connected to the Apple infrastructure as much as possible. CarPlay on iOS7 equipped iPhones with the Lightning connecter (iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5) will allow integration of music, podcast, iTunes Radio and navigation apps from the phone into a neat in-dash display.

There is also Siri (the iOS personal voice activated assistant) integration that will provide access to your contacts, make calls, return missed calls or listen to voicemails. When incoming messages or notifications arrive, Siri allows an eyes-free experience by responding to requests through voice commands, by reading drivers’ messages and letting them dictate responses or simply make a call.

Some manufacturers have provided hybrid versions of the Siri integration in the past, notably Mercedes-Benz. It's no surprise then that Mercs along with models from Ferrari and Volvo will be among the first cars to feature CarPlay compatible equipment, In the USA they will debut as early as this month.

According to Apple additional auto manufacturers bringing CarPlay to their drivers down the road include BMW Group, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota.

Aftermarket infotainment providers will also provide systems that can be installed in older cars. Most notably Pioneer has announced a slew of CarPlay compatible devices.