-
Home
- TV Shows
- TV Schedule
- NASCAR
-
Latest Headlines: NASCAR
-
-
Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Games
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
- Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
- Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
Automotive Technology
AUTOS: Apple Signs Up Automakers
iPhone or iPad that provides voice-command and push-button access to Eyes Free system is set to debut in a wide variety of auto brands.
Apple's Eyes Free system will use a steering-wheel-mounted access button to activate the interface. (Photo: Apple)
Distracted driving and hands-free calling are very hot topics these days. And Apple is looking to help solve the problem with its new automotive integration of Siri called Eyes Free.
Apple announced the Eyes Free system at its World Wide Developers Conference on Monday during its keynote. The system will integrate Siri from the iPhone and iPad with Bluetooth voice command systems with the hands-free button on the steering wheel. Apple announced nine automakers that will launch the Eyes Free system in the next 12 months, including: BMW, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota, Honda, and Chrysler.
You'll note that Ford, Lincoln, Hyundai, and Kia are all absent from the list of automakers working with Apple. That might have something to do with the fact that these four automakers infotainment systems all have a back end that works on Microsoft software. Does Apple not want to work with automakers that are working with Microsoft, or are these automakers under an agreement with Microsoft not to work with the competition?
Ford's system is called MyFord Touch, which has taken quite a bit of heat since it launched. While the system is very powerful and seems useful on paper, in reality it can be confusing and sometimes just doesn't work. An update recently came out that removed streamlined the interface and improved performance, but many still find the system to be confusing.
Lincoln has a system that is essentially a re-skinned version of MyFord Touch, dubbed MyLincoln Touch.
Hyundai's system is called Blue Link and it's much less confusing than Ford's. It has a few large buttons and uses your smartphone to connect with the Internet. Blue Link is available in almost all the current Hyundai models.
Kia, Hyundai's cousin, has the Kia's UVO system that also uses large buttons, but you mostly operate it via voice command.
Apple's announcement shows how it plans to integrate its iPhone and iPad into new cars by using existing hands free buttons with automaker support. It's Apple's way of integrating its devices and software into new cars, without building back-end software for infotainment systems such as Microsoft has done.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection.
Apple announced the Eyes Free system at its World Wide Developers Conference on Monday during its keynote. The system will integrate Siri from the iPhone and iPad with Bluetooth voice command systems with the hands-free button on the steering wheel. Apple announced nine automakers that will launch the Eyes Free system in the next 12 months, including: BMW, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota, Honda, and Chrysler.
You'll note that Ford, Lincoln, Hyundai, and Kia are all absent from the list of automakers working with Apple. That might have something to do with the fact that these four automakers infotainment systems all have a back end that works on Microsoft software. Does Apple not want to work with automakers that are working with Microsoft, or are these automakers under an agreement with Microsoft not to work with the competition?
Ford's system is called MyFord Touch, which has taken quite a bit of heat since it launched. While the system is very powerful and seems useful on paper, in reality it can be confusing and sometimes just doesn't work. An update recently came out that removed streamlined the interface and improved performance, but many still find the system to be confusing.
Lincoln has a system that is essentially a re-skinned version of MyFord Touch, dubbed MyLincoln Touch.
Hyundai's system is called Blue Link and it's much less confusing than Ford's. It has a few large buttons and uses your smartphone to connect with the Internet. Blue Link is available in almost all the current Hyundai models.
Kia, Hyundai's cousin, has the Kia's UVO system that also uses large buttons, but you mostly operate it via voice command.
Apple's announcement shows how it plans to integrate its iPhone and iPad into new cars by using existing hands free buttons with automaker support. It's Apple's way of integrating its devices and software into new cars, without building back-end software for infotainment systems such as Microsoft has done.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection.
The Lyonheart K
LATEST HEADLINES: AUTOMOTIVE
-
GREEN: Porsche Adding All-Model Hybrids
Gas/electric plug-versions of its entire lineup – including… -
AUTOS: Porsche Boosts 918 Spyder Power
The upcoming supercar will produce 887 horsepower from its gas/electric… -
AUTOS: Acura NSX Details Revealed
The rebirth of the mid-engine sports car – now an all-wheel-drive… -
DRIVEN: Jaguar’s Many-Splendored XJ
The British luxury sedan comes in 10 different flavors, with plenty… -
AUTOS: Lamborghini Egoista Launched
The wild single-seat concept car is unveiled at the end of the epic… -
AUTOS: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Hot Pontiac G8
NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick helped his driver modify the 2009… -
VINTAGE: A Fast Historic Tour Of France
Vintage race and touring cars compete in the 22nd annual Tour de… - More News
