A designer from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) has uploaded a video to YouTube which appears to give a first look at the actual functioning of the company’s upcoming iOS in the Car software.
Steven Troughton-Smith’s posting to the popular video sharing site shows the software running on a Macintosh computer screen rather than on an actual automobile control display. The high quality emulation shows that the software works by communicating with the user’s iPhone, which can be asleep or locked while iOS in the Car is running.
First announced on June 10, 2013, iOS in the Car (frequently abbreviated for convenience to iOSitC) is an iOS based telematics software package meant to interface smoothly with varied built-in automotive control systems. Apple’s keynote address described how at least 19 major manufacturers intend to design their vehicles to support iOSitC, starting with those cars slated to be appear in the showroom during 2014.
Though some car manufacturers were initially reluctant to climb aboard the iOSitC bandwagon, several firms changed their minds and joined with those already planning to support the new software. Currently, Acura, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ferrari, Ford, Honda, Holden, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Opel, Toyota, and Volvo are the firms which have fully or tentatively confirmed their integration of iOS in the Car compatibility into their future vehicle lineups.
Important features revealed or confirmed in Mr. Troughton-Smith’s video include a voice activated search prompt enabling hands-off acquisition of directions to both general and specific destinations, and detailed driving instructions from Apple Maps. According to the designer, touchscreen, touchpad, and hardware button interfaces will all be fully supported.
The software system functions at multiple resolutions, though multitasking is unsupported. Locales can be bookmarked, traffic reports are available via the iOSitC interface in major metropolitan areas, and a list of recent destinations is stored in the system’s memory for the convenience of the user.
The YouTube post shows little beyond the basic mapping and driving directions functions, plus a simple music player. Many other features are planned, however, including the ability to place and receive smartphone calls, messaging, and using advanced music apps. Though incomplete, the video appears to be the first detailed look at the control program’s functionality, giving a foretaste of Apple Inc. (AAPL) systems which should appear in actual vehicles within the next 12 months.
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