Apple Hops On The Passenger Side With CarPlay

Ahead of this week’s International Motor Show in Geneva, Apple has debuted its new CarPlay system, a new hands-free automobile integration for the new generation of iPhones. Using Siri technology, CarPlay voice commands are easily launched via the dedicated steering wheel button or via the car’s native interface, making using your phone on the road smarter, safer, and as Apple claims, “more fun.” CarPlay allows drivers to access music, messages, phone calls, and the less-than-popular Apple maps in only so much as a finger lift. Surely, the new system will cut down on driving distractions and traffic accidents, so long as Siri doesn’t prove to be a frustrating (or incompetent) backseat driver.

CarPlay will support other apps by Apple and third parties as well, including Spotify, I Heart Radio, Beats Music, and more. As CarPlay uses the iPhone Lightning cable for connectivity, the system won’t require any Bluetooth links, making setup a non-issue. With future plans for integration in most major car manufacturers, Apple jumps several steps ahead of Google and Microsoft in owning the automobile market, at least for the next few years.