Apple puts iOS on dashboard with CarPlay

Apple has announced that it has rebranded its iOS in the Car initiative as CarPlay and has also listed out its partners for whom it will build it. The partners include the likes of Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Honda, Hyundai and Jaguar.

Apple had talked about bringing iOS in car systems which aimed to connect iPhones into in-car entertainment systems and with CarPlay it has achieved it. Siri, Apple's virtual assistant technology, is the key to the initiative, acting as the interface for drivers to access their contacts, make calls and listen to voicemails, while also reading out messages and responding to voice commands.

Apple's Maps service will also be a key feature in CarPlay with the routes being displayed on the car screen for the convenience of the drivers with turn-by-turn directions. Digital music is also part of CarPlay and Apple has not restricted it to only iTunes. Spotify and iHeartRadio too will be the apps that are made available.

Keeping safety at the pedestal, vice president of iPhone and iOS product marketing Greg Joswiak said that, "CarPlay lets drivers use their iPhone in the car with minimised distraction." Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo will be showing off their first CarPlay cars this week at the Geneva Motorshow.

Apple also said that there are other companies who are eager to integrate CarPlay in the future. The list includes names like BMW, Ford, GM, Jaguar Land Rover, KIA, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Subaru and Suzuki.