“By year end carbuyers will be able to choose from several vehicles that incorporate Apple’s iPhone functions, using Siri voice controls for navigation, texting, e-mails and music,” Alan Ohnsman and Andy Fixmer report for Bloomberg. “Knowing many consumers already use iPhones as cheap substitutes for built-in navigation systems, automakers are working to incorporate Apple’s technology to minimize driver distraction and increase customer satisfaction. Apple’s Siri is already built into General Motors Co.’s Chevrolet Spark and Sonic small cars, where it has garnered less-than-rave reviews.”
“Those models use Cupertino, California-based Apple’s iOS 6 operating system in the dashboard head unit — the core of the car’s stereo — eliminating the need for separate navigation devices,” Ohnsman and Fixmer report. “Next, Apple’s iOS 7 software will be fully integrated into models made by GM, Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. and Hyundai Motor Co., Apple said last month. Icons familiar on iPhones and iPads will migrate to the center console screen in cars. ‘It’s something that people want, and I think that Apple can do this in a unique way and better than anyone else,’ Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said in a July 23 conference call. ‘It’s a key focus for us.'”
Ohnsman and Fixmer report, “Apple announced plans for Siri Eyes Free capability two years ago, and cars with that option are arriving now. That suggests… that the more elaborate integration steps Apple discussed in June won’t appear until 2015, he said. Honda, Hyundai, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Jaguar, Volkswagen AG’s Audi, Toyota Motor Corp. and the Chrysler Group LLC are also adding Siri Eyes Free capability in models that arrive this year.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: These systems are integral to the vehicle and to user satisfaction (look at Ford suffering in satisfaction ratings mainly because they stupidly shackled themselves to Microsoft). One of the main criteria for millions of intelligent vehicle buyers already is, “How well does this vehicle accept my iPhone/iPad/iPad mini/iPod touch?” Soon it will be, “is this car powered by Apple’s iOS?”
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