iOS in the Car

Video of iOS in the Car in action

Following a set of screenshots taken from iOS in the Car, Apple's project that strives to enhance in-car iOS functionality, app developer Steven Troughton-Smith who posted these images has now created a video that shows off the software's various user interface aspects and functionality, running via the iOS Simulator software.

The biggest takeaways from the clip: iOS in the Car supports multiple screen resolutions to accommodate various in-car dashboard screens, in addition to hardware buttons, wheels, touchpads and of course touchscreens...

Purported screenshots of ‘iOS in the Car’ surface

Developer Steven Troughton-Smith posted several images on Twitter this afternoon of what looks like Apple's iOS in the Car project. The screenshots don't show the entirety of the feature, but if legit, they do offer some insight on what the Maps app will look like when in use.

For those unfamiliar with iOS in the Car, it's an interface that deepens the integration between iOS devices and cars far beyond playing music. First introduced at WWDC, the feature will allow users to view and manage many iOS applications using their in-vehicle hardware...

iOS 7.1 expected to unlock ‘iOS in the Car’ feature

One of the big iOS 7 features Apple showed off during its WWDC event in June was called iOS in the Car. The feature allows for deeper integration between iOS devices and vehicles, enabling users to view iOS apps on factory in-dash displays.

Until now, the feature has not been available, but it looks like the upcoming iOS 7.1 update will change that. Earlier today, Apple seeded the second beta of the firmware to developers, and it includes a new Settings on/off toggle for a Car Display...

Honda introduces new HondaLink services for deeper iOS integration

Honda has introduced two new technologies today for its HondaLink service that will further integrate iOS devices with its newer vehicles. The first is a built-in 7-inch touchscreen display called Display Audio Interface, and the second allows users to mirror apps from their smartphone to the display.

The new tech will be available first in the 2014 Honda Civic, which launches tomorrow, and the 2015 Honda Fit, which is expected to debut early next year. The car-maker says that this is not a complete realization of Apple's new 'iOS in the Car' feature, but it's their first step in implementing it...

Honda details Siri Eyes Free integration for 2013-2014 Accord and Acura models

Along with many fellow car vendors, Honda back in January 2013 promised to roll out certain Accord and Acura models with integrated support for Apple’s Eyes Free.

In a blog post today, the Japanese car maker announced that Siri Eyes Free integration is available on the 2013-2014 Honda Accord and 2013 Acura RDX and ILX vehicles as a dealer-installed accessory.

As you know, Siri Eyes Free is a voice-activated system which allows drivers to interact with Siri on an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad using their voice, without ever taking their hands off the steering wheel. It also helps minimize distractions by keeping an iOS device's screen from lighting up.

With Siri Eyes Free, you can send, receive and read messages, set reminders and alarms, check the weather, stock quotes, sports scores, showtimes and other info and even use turn-by-turn navigation, all through the power of Siri's spoken commands...

Honda says iOS mirroring will be available in 2014 Civic

It looks like Honda is going to be one of the first auto-makers to ship a vehicle compatible with Apple's new iOS in the Car feature. A representative for the company confirmed with a customer via Twitter that the tech will be available in its 2014 Civic.

For those unfamiliar with iOS in the Car, it's essentially Apple's next level of in-car device integration. Where 'Eyes Free' only let users access Siri, this will allow users to access apps like Phone, Maps, Music and more via their car's built-in touchscreen...

Volkswagen shows off augmented reality iPad app for repair technicians

Apple's iPad has been used for a number of various augmented-reality applications which impose real-world information over live video feed. The car industry seems to be particularly keen on embracing the Apple tablet. Cody last month told you about eKurzinfo, an Audi app that uses an iOS device camera to help identify parts and features on your car.

Today, Volkswagen is highlighting a similar augmented-reality software, but aimed at repair technicians and car dealers. It's called MARTA (Mobile Augmented Reality Technical Assistance) and Volkswagen showed it off ahead of the InsideAR Conference, the world's largest augmented reality conference slated to run October 11, 2013 in Munich, Germany...

iOS in the Car cannot come soon enough

I recently purchased a new top of the line 2013 Nissan Pathfinder and am very pleased with the family decision. Everything is exactly what my wife was looking for in a vehicle, sleek exterior, beautiful interior, mandatory leather seats, and room for future 2.2 kids and a Great Dane. The size, we felt, was a little lacking, but it stood up to its rivals with a bit of finesse.

We get our new, fresh smelling, SUV home and start playing with it in the driveway like two kids and a new toy on Christmas morning. But, we obviously are attracted to different things. My wife wanted to climb all over the back seats, adjust the driver seat, and set the memory locks for her key fob. I go straight for the dashboard entertainment center.

I took a fairly hard look at the infotainment center on our various test drives, but once I had my iPod classic freshly synced and plugged into the Pathfinder, I quickly grew upset. Below the fold is a personal reaction to the system in our new vehicle and a highlight of how things could be done in a more fluid way...

Tim Cook: iOS in the Car is a ‘key focus’ for the company

Apple held its quarterly earnings conference call this afternoon, for the June Quarter, where Tim Cook and his CFO Peter Oppenheimer shared financial information and other insights into the company's operations with analysts, shareholders and reporters.

During the Q&A portion of the call, Cook was asked about Apple's 'iOS in the Car' initiative. The feature, which allows users to interact with their iOS devices via an in-car display, was one of the few that Apple spotlighted during its WWDC keynote last month...

iPhone to become dashboard in 2014 iScooters

Apple for some time has expressed interest in designing products for high-end automobiles, creating Siri Eyes Free to act as a driver's personal assistant. However, with the growing use of scooters - particularly ones electric-powered - the Apple handset is set to become the dashboard, serving up GPS information, speed and more. The iScooters should appear in 2014, one version from the maker of the tiny Smart Car and another from that wonderland of gadgets, Japan...