Apple Apps and Hardware: Coming Soon to a Car Dashboard Near You

Apple gave the automotive and tech worlds a special sneak preview of its new CarPlay system at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show, and the display dazzled insiders in both industries.

In essence, the CarPlay system transforms a compatible vehicle’s dashboard into an iPhone- or iPad-like interface, turning it into a fully functional extension of a smartphone. While the CarPlay system is not a complete standalone OS, it does facilitate more iOS integration than any vehicular informatics system ever built.

To use CarPlay, you’ll need an iOS 7 or newer iPhone to go with a vehicle which supports the system. Together, the iPhone and the in-car components are set to revolutionize the way drivers access information and entertainment while they’re behind the wheel. Several prestigious automakers, including Volvo, Ferrari, Jaguar, Honda, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz, will be rolling out new vehicles with built-in CarPlay technology later this year.

In addition to full access to stored libraries of music and video content, some of CarPlay’s capabilities include:

• Streaming H.264 video
• Voice dictation
• Audio playback of email and text messages
• Instant access to turn-by-turn driving directions
• Full access to all existing apps

One drawback of the CarPlay system is that it requires the accompanying iPhone be physically tethered in place via a Lightning cable. However, in spite of this, both auto and tech industry leaders predict that the CarPlay system will become a highly valued vehicle option in the years ahead. iPhone app development professionals will continue to benefit from the continued expansion of Apple technology.

The arrival of CarPlay also offers a telling glimpse into the immediate and medium-term future of mobile telecommunication technologies. By anticipating the next generation of developments, mobile app developers in Atlanta can boost their chances of coming up with the “next big thing” in the world of mobile software.