What is CarPlay? Apple car system functions and list of supported cars. CarPlay pricing policy
Modern multimedia systems are based on an operating system, one of which is CarPlay from Apple. Let's look at the principle of operation, how the system works and methods for connecting smartphones.
The content of the article:
Cars are increasingly being equipped with modern technologies, the more compact and more features a multimedia system can perform, the more it is valued. But if the system is not easy to use, it has no future. The basis of any multimedia system is the operating system, depending on the buyer’s order, it can be iOS, Android or Microsoft. Consider Apple's first CarPlay operating system.
Apple's CarPlay operating system
Multimedia systems in a modern car are updated so often that it is very difficult to keep track of it. In 2014, at the Geneva auto show, Apple presented its iOS-based CarPlay system for the first time, and also announced cooperation with such automakers as Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Ferrari and others. As you can see, this is a fairly wide price range of cars, which means that the use of the system will be considerable.
Three years have passed, and indeed, all modern car manufacturers have a system running Apple's CarPlay in their arsenal. The advantages of using this system are its wide functionality and ease of use. Many users and fans of Apple technology will ask whether CarPlay has the same functions as IPhone smartphones. The answer is clear, yes they are all there and even more.
The main purpose of CarPlay is to completely replicate the set of programs on your iPhone and simplify the use of functions as much as possible. Most of all Apple fans were interested in the presence Siri apps, the answer was predictable, since such an application is available in CarPlay. By connecting your iPhone to the multimedia system, you get access to all the functions of the smartphone, including calls and SMS.
CarPlay system device
The CarPlay operating system in your car is not complicated enough. The system developed by Apple is quite well thought out and includes many functions. It allows the driver to control everything possible functions car, while not looking away from driving.
As such, there is no standard for a specific front part; it is often touch screen and some control buttons, this part will largely depend on the manufacturer and designers. The CarPlay operating system is already located behind the screen. The face of the system is in many ways reminiscent of the standard interface of Apple gadgets. This is done in order to minimize the cost of searching for the necessary applications.
The CarPlay operating system from Apple is based on the development and base of iOS, which allows you to fully synchronize various gadgets of this company. As many experts note, this system will appeal to fans of Apple technology.
Different apps display different parameters and characteristics of your car. You will get started from the list of application icons, and then by launching the application, you will receive the necessary data about the car. This way, there won’t be a mess of various car data on the screen. Another positive advantage of such a CarPlay system is that it works separately from the on-board computer. While you tell Siri what to type in SMS and who to send, your on-board computer reads and controls data from multiple various sensors all over the car.
This separation was beneficial and relieved the on-board computer, giving it the function of monitoring and controlling the car, and the CarPlay system from Apple will now entertain the driver and passengers. As you can see, the engineers decided to simplify the system as much as possible and give the user the most necessary things, as well as the ability to control a smartphone.
Another advantage of such a CarPlay system is automatic update, initially provided for connecting to the Internet via Wi-Fi or mobile operator. As soon as a connection is established, the system will update the firmware, thereby adding new applications and functions to the machine. An example of this last update has become an application that can display on your IPhone images from cameras around the perimeter of the car or show the fuel level in the tank.
It would seem that at first glance these applications are useless, but once you try them in action, you will immediately understand what the advantage is. After all, you can set up not only within a certain radius, but also access via mobile communications.
Connecting your smartphone to CarPlay
Every owner of a car in which such a multimedia system is installed has wondered: how to connect a smartphone and how to configure it correctly. Progress does not stand still, and the newer the technology, the more convenient it is to use.
The first multimedia systems required a lot of manipulations in order to synchronize with a smartphone. In the new ones, everything is much simpler; for example, we take the iPhone 5, 5S or 5C and connect it to the CarPlay system via the Lightening connector. A few seconds of waiting, and your car has received almost all the functions of a smartphone. As soon as the smartphone is connected, icons of familiar applications from your gadget appear on the CarPlay screen, and a characteristic signal is also given.
Another plus is that CarPlay is able to read installed on iPhone applications and display them on the screen, in other words, such a system will completely copy your smartphone onto the screen of the multimedia system. But still, Apple made restrictions, not all smartphone applications will work on CarPlay, this is related to the driver’s safety and if such security is detected, the system will automatically reject the add-on.
As CarPlay statistics show, the greatest demand among drivers is Apple app Maps and Siri. The latter will help you manage smartphone applications and type SMS simply by dictating. You don’t need to type an SMS and look for the recipient; all you need to do is say what you need to write in the message.
CarPlay pricing policy
The vehicle's equipment does not allow the installation of a multimedia system with the CarPlay operating system. This often happens when the manufacturer simply does not provide for the availability similar systems. But it doesn’t matter, in all situations there is a way out. Companies such as Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, JBL and JVC announced the release of universal multimedia systems with advanced installed system CarPlay.
The cost of such pleasure will be from $400 and above. Although comparing this price Considering how much this factory option will cost, then $400 is mere pennies. When ordering CarPlay from the manufacturer, you will need to shell out at least $800.
Probably, the disadvantage of CarPlay is the strict verification of the iOS application manufacturer. Apple has introduced strict measures for software verification, which means that just anyone will not be able to implement their homemade applications.
Among the standard CarPlay applications you can find Audibooks, Spotify, Overcast, Pandora and Vox, this is not yet full list, which can be found in CarPlay.
Competitors and first on the list for CarPlay integration
We said above that CarPlay’s main competitor is Android, as in the world of smartphones, cars are divided into two control systems. Car manufacturers decided to go a different route and buying new car, give the buyer the right to choose what operating system he wants to see in the car.
Apple fans will naturally choose CarPlay, but Android fans will prefer Android Auto. When buying a second-hand car with a previously installed system, you should understand that it cannot be changed in any way, unless it is changed by an official representative.
As in any competition, someone comes first on the list. Volvo took a slightly different path and initially adapted the interface of new cars to interact with CarPlay. This option has already been implemented on the new Volvo XC90 crossover. Another innovation from Volvo and CarPlay is remote control car and its protection. When you get into a car you identify yourself voice command, touching the screen or simply using a smartphone in your pocket.
CarPlay in Volvo cars can recognize the owner of the car behind many various parameters, which only the driver and the system know. In the event of an accident, the system will automatically send an SOS signal regardless of the presence of the system emergency call. In this way, Volvo has improved the safety of its cars.
One conclusion can be drawn about the CarPlay system; such systems make the car smarter and safer.
Video CarPlay operation in a Volvo car:
Protecting Volvo cars using iPhone:
Technologies are actively penetrating almost all spheres of human life from smart watch on hand up to smart home, but if we ignore the niche business of electric vehicles for now, then in general the automotive industry looks quite conservative. This is partly dictated by increased safety requirements for passenger transport, so the principle “if it works, don’t touch it” has been practiced here for decades. But due to strange coincidences, progress often bypasses infotainment systems in cars. Even in expensive models there are sometimes very simple screens with graphics that were drawn 20 years ago. Therefore, it is not surprising that in 2014, Apple and Google announced their own interfaces for automotive systems. Until recently, manufacturers sold them as rather expensive options, but today they are increasingly included with the standard multimedia center in the car. Therefore, we decided to take a closer look at what they can offer Android users Auto and Apple CarPlay. And for this they used a car that supports both systems.
Android Auto
Google announced the interface for car infotainment systems in 2014, but the program itself for Android smartphones was released only a year later, in 2015. The company then stated that they decided to start developing new system, since cars, despite their popularity, still rarely have an Internet connection. Google decided to solve this problem using smartphones. Therefore, in order to run Android Auto, you first need to download from Google Play corresponding application. And here it awaits Ukrainian users an unpleasant surprise, the Android Auto program is not officially available in Ukraine, so you will have to download and install it from third-party repositories.
However, on Google’s part this is quite logical, since Android work Auto is tied to Assistant, but it does not officially work in our country. But does this prevent you from using the system in a car? No.
Before moving on to the main Android functions Auto, let's dwell a little on the interface. Google based it on developments that were previously used in the first versions of the operating system for Wear OS smartwatches. Here also main screen consists of cards that automatically adapt to the user’s typical tasks.
For example, if a person goes to work every morning and starts navigation in Google Maps for this purpose, simultaneously turning on Google Music, then Android Auto will first show him the cards of these applications.
In addition to cards, the system interface includes a navigation panel, which contains buttons for quick access to maps, telephone, music and access to the information system built into the car, as well as a cent button, which is responsible for taking a step back. Actually, this is the entire interface that the user will have to work with. Not enough? Yes, but this is the main idea of Android Auto, everything should be at hand and so that the driver is less distracted from keeping an eye on the road. Therefore, for example, there is no application menu in the system, although third party programs Android Auto supports, but only certain categories. For example, instead of Google Music, you can use to listen to music, or select one of available programs for radio, audiobooks and podcasts. Thus, Google's main focus is on audio, as it is less distracting for the driver in the car.
According to the same reason Android Auto will not display the text of incoming messages on the screen, but will only speak them. You can only answer them with your voice, this is where recognition comes into play Google speech, which does its job quite well. It is worth noting that if the application itself supports Android Auto, then its notification will be announced by the system. Currently the system is supported by: popular messengers like Telegram, WhatsApp, Skype, Hangouts, Kik, WeChat. But to answer letters in Gmail You can’t, and Google has no plans to add this feature yet.
The focus on safety in Android Auto shows up even in the most unexpected moments. For example, while listening to music, the system will not allow you to scroll through playlists on Google Play for a long time. If you want to start a playlist, you need to do it quickly. Better yet, ask for it using a voice command.
If both applications are installed on your smartphone, then when you first launch it, it prompts you to select one of them, and in the future it will open automatically. Considering that built-in navigation in a car is mostly a paid option, and also that it does not receive traffic data, Google Maps and Waze make it much easier to get around the city and at the same time work for free.
On this moment the easiest way to connect your smartphone to Android Auto via cable, via USB port in car. This year Google provided support wireless connection to Android Auto for its Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones, but automakers are in no hurry to implement this feature as it will affect the final cost of the car.
Overall, Android Auto doesn't provide all the functionality of a smartphone in a car's infotainment system, but it does provide a number of driver-friendly features that don't distract the driver from the road.
Apple CarPlay
Apple announced its system for cars earlier than Google and implemented it as a component of iOS, not separate application. Essentially, the system broadcasts an image from the smartphone screen. Therefore, Apple CarPlay comes bundled with the iPhone and, accordingly, does not have regional restrictions, like Android Auto.
The CarPlay interface is also designed in a minimalist style, only unlike Google versions, Apple’s main focus here is not on information, but on applications, so the main screen here consists of their icons. CarPlay navigation, just like the first ones iPhone versions, as simple as possible: you can run the program and click virtual button“Home” return to the main screen. Instead of mode Apple multitasking CarPlay shows the three most recently used apps in the left column.
The logic of Apple's car system is the same as Google's - less distracting of the driver from the road. That's why main emphasis here, too, it is based on audio, and not on reading information from the screen. Do you want to read a message or write to someone? Please, but do it with your voice using Siri.
Yes, and you can dictate a message only through the built-in iOS Messages application with iMessage, and WhatsApp, support for which appeared only this year. In this case, for example, receiving calls via Facebook Messenger works. Other instant messaging programs are not yet supported.
Working with audio also involves listening to music, and CarPlay has a lot to offer in this regard. The system supports playing music, podcasts and audiobooks. At the same time, you can listen to music either through Apple Music, and through third-party applications, for example, through Google Music, Deezer and Spotify.
Another important feature in Apple CarPlay is navigation, but currently it is not implemented in the best way. The fact is that at the time of writing this material, the system only supports Apple Maps, and they do not work the best in Ukraine. But already in iOS 12, third-party navigation programs should appear for CarPlay. In particular, Google Maps and Waze are currently being tested.
Connecting Apple CarPlay to a car is now most often done Lightning cable via a USB port, although since iOS 9 the system has the ability to connect wirelessly. But as with Android Auto, for automakers, connecting with a cable is still the simplest and most importantly affordable option.
Eventually
Summarizing everything written above, it is worth noting that we managed to achieve our goal, namely to make the infotainment system in the car more convenient and, most importantly, connected to the Internet. Moreover, unlike standard offerings, neither Android Auto nor Apple CarPlay are tied to the car, they receive regular updates and will offer users even more functions in the future.
We took a Tiguan in a new body. The City version, stuffed with electronics right up to the mudguards, is not a car, but one big gadget. You can’t figure it out at random; I spent the first few weeks carefully studying the instructions.
But I started, of course, with Apple CarPlay. I noticed that there was no review of this topic on the site yet. It's time to fix
CarPlay - is it like an iPhone in a car?
No, this is not an iPhone. It's not even a full-fledged operating system like iOS.
In fact, CarPlay is like AirPlay. That is, it is a system for transmitting and displaying data from your gadget on an external display. In this case, automobile.
CarPlay broadcasts adapted versions of iPhone applications. You won't find Clash of Clans or Instagram here. Cupertino residents first of all thought about the safety of road users, and the platform is very limited in capabilities.
But even these minimal functions are quite enough.
Important fact: CarPlay doesn't work without an iPhone. Therefore, it is always only part of the car’s media system. For example, I can play music through the good old AUX, listen to the radio, turn on CarPlay, or run a similar solution for Android. The driver always has a choice.
My Tiguan configuration has a console with wired CarPlay. Wireless CarPlay is not that uncommon, it just happened to me.
But! Motorists, take note. Wired CarPlay is preferable to wireless, because the latter forcibly turns on the modem mode on the iPhone - and this mercilessly wastes the battery, which ultimately forces you to keep the smartphone on charge anyway. They didn't think it through.
Okay, time to figure it out. What can CarPlay do?
The set of applications in CarPlay does not depend on the version of the car’s media system. All programs are simply “picked up” from your iPhone.
This also means that you no need to pay for CarPlay update: It will match the capabilities of the iOS version on the iPhone. A huge plus if you remember that iOS is updated 10 times a year, and cars are changed every 3-5 years.
CarPlay takes your apps from your iPhone and displays them in a different interface on the car’s media system screen. Kind of like a projector.
The media system displays alerts, messages, call history, map directions, and basically everything you did or continue to do on your iPhone. It’s quite convenient, but there are limitations, which I’ll talk about in more detail now.
Interestingly, if you deleted any standard application iOS, it will also disappear from CarPlay. Another reminder that CarPlay only duplicates the iPhone and is not an independent media system.
I explain the limitations and features of CarPlay applications.
1. 🎵 Apple Music
What you turn on first and why people use CarPlay in the first place. Apple Music implemented gorgeous, all tabs are accessible from the screen in the car, except search. All so that you are not distracted by entering names while driving. This kind of concern makes me happy.
On the other hand, why not add voice input? To find a specific track or playlist, I have to take my iPhone and search there, it's much faster. It's just unsafe.
Apple Music works through your Mobile Internet on the iPhone or plays tracks previously downloaded to the smartphone’s memory. You can create a playlist station based on your favorite track directly from the media system screen. I've never found it useful.
2. ✉ Messages
“Messages” for CarPlay have also been greatly adapted. You won't find message history or attachments. The application will allow you to listen to the last message in the selected dialogue and immediately dictate to him the answer.
The message will be read out loud again before sending. It will reach the recipient in text form, sometimes with funny speech recognition errors.
There can be no talk of any full-fledged correspondence. The Messages app on CarPlay is more of a backup. Suddenly something urgent comes. So forget about the poop emoticon, stickers and other goodies.
A notification with a new message will also not show you the text. Click on the blue arrow and listen to the answer. The counter on the icon syncs with your phone.
3. 📞 Calls
Calls were never affected. On the contrary, they became convenient. CarPlay navigates through Contacts, shows a list of recent and favorites, and allows you to enter a number manually. All this works with both the buttons on the steering wheel and physical keys consoles.
Missed call notifications are also synchronized with your phone. Everything works quickly, is easy to turn on and is not distracting at all. 10 speakerphones out of 10.
4. 🗺 Cards
It's unlikely that anyone will be surprised by the fact that CarPlay supports only branded Apple Maps. The company is trying its best to support the lagging service. Perhaps in the USA the situation with Maps is better, but in Russia applications from Yandex or even 2GIS will be much more informative.
Lack of normal cards critical for the regions of the Russian Federation, and even in the capital it is not encouraging. In dense traffic flow it is much information is more important about traffic jams and cameras than a beautiful interface. Not to mention the relevance of the data.
But when you disconnect from CarPlay, the parking location is marked in Maps. Nice little thing.
Personally, I was lucky. In our city, the roads are not very busy, and the location of the cameras is easy to remember. I turn on maps only occasionally, when I’m traveling to an unfamiliar address. And sometimes I disconnect my iPhone from CarPlay and launch Yandex on it to make sure I get there.
5. 🗣 Siri
Hidden in the corner of the CarPlay touchpad is a small Home button (this depends on the model). Just like on the iPhone, pressing takes you back to the main menu from any app, and a long press brings up Siri.
There are no cool features for voice control of car systems. There were rumors that Apple CarPlay would learn how to control the temperature in the cabin, lock doors, or even park. I haven't observed this. I hope that in the coming updates they will add at least basic features. This is cool, the future and all that.
6. 📖 Audiobooks, Podcasts, WhatsApp and more
CarPlay supports third-party applications, as Apple proudly tells us. Either the developers are not interested in this direction, or in Cupertino too strict moderation rules - but in four years I see very scanty, pathetic list of CarPlay programs.
After a recent update, WhatsApp appeared among the icons. The program is practically no different from Messages - the same lack of text and history, the same dictation. But at least now you can communicate with those who use it.
Of the branded applications in the car’s infotainment system, Audiobooks and Podcasts are reflected. I'm not a fan of this type of entertainment, I didn't test it for long. Podcasts are downloaded directly from the Internet, and audiobooks will have to be downloaded to the iPhone in advance. The interface is intuitive and is unlikely to cause any difficulties for anyone: choose, turn on and listen.
Well, is CarPlay in the car really convenient?
Surprisingly, Yes. It's quite convenient.
I get into the car, connect Lightning and completely forget about the existence of the iPhone. The machine dictates all incoming messages to me, not only iMessage, but also regular SMS. Basic functionality Kart It’s quite enough, and calls don’t distract you from the road at all.
Yes, all this can be deployed on any Android receiver. But my acquaintance with them is clouded by a fixated mistake Google services. There was no treatment, fortunately the car was not mine. And here the system works perfectly. And it does not require any updates. She simply IS.
All this stuff is easily controlled by buttons on the steering wheel, “twists” on the console or a touch panel. It even has its own Doc with three latest apps. I am delighted.
But CarPlay was a bonus for me. I would never choose a car just because of this add-on. There are no defining advantages to this. It's like a built-in Handsfree headset: useful, cool, but never a reason to choose a specific car.
What is CarPlay missing in Russia and beyond?
Normal third-party applications.
Apple doesn't need to develop anything itself, just give other developers access. And they will figure out how to broadcast content on the screen without distracting the driver.
For example, a YouTube video might only play when the parking brake is on. Or even cooler, with a signal from iPhone sensors that the car stopped.
Messengers could show videos and gifs like this. Even Telegram support with the same dictation will make CarPlay better. But alas.
What's most disappointing is the lack of support for third-party map apps like Yandex. If it were, then I would confidently recommend CarPlay to iPhone owners: what driver would refuse a freely updated and always up-to-date navigator??
Bonus. How to install CarPlay in your Lada
You don't have to buy a stocked Volkswagen to use CarPlay. All you need is a receiver that supports the Apple interface!
This topic deserves a separate article, so I’ll keep it short for now. You can bother and bring wireless solution from Alpine, or go to any electronics store and buy simpler car radios from or
It’s like with a TV in the living room - it may be 10 years old, but thanks to Apple TV or an analogue based on another platform, it receives support for all current services.
That is, CarPlay actually replaces the car’s entertainment system, using only its display and acoustics. iOS has been updated along with CarPlay - here it is new experience, new features in the car. For free.
What is Apple CarPlay
The main thing you need to understand is CarPlay is not software platform, running iOS and its applications in the machine.
This is a communication solution, which translates the familiar iOS interface to the car's built-in infotainment system. It allows you to control certain applications and a mobile device using voice and display in the dashboard.
As soon as an Apple smartphone is connected to the car via a USB cable, the well-known rounded icons of familiar applications instantly appear on the infotainment system screen. After this, you can use a lot of phone functions without having to take your eyes off the road or take your hands off the steering wheel.
That is, CarPlay is not only about convenience, but also about safety while driving. Moreover, the latter is given Special attention. Actually, for the sake of efficiency, but safe use smartphone while driving and this system was developed.
Which cars support CarPlay
The pioneers in introducing Apple CarPlay were Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. Since then the list has expanded.
In total more than a hundred newest cars from 21 manufacturers. The company was not lazy and outlined a CarPlay support schedule until 2017.
Moreover, in this moment about 40 automakers already sell more than a hundred car models that already have CarPlay support. Plus some companies produce software update for popular models, the hardware of which is in principle compatible with the Apple platform.
What if the manufacturer gave up on CarPlay?
Have you bought a car, but the built-in entertainment system doesn’t even smell like modern technology? No problem. There are plenty of alternatives, and by the end of the year there will be a sea of them.
Full CarPlay support announced Alpine, JBL, JVC, Kenwood And Pioneer. Issue price - from $400 and more. Against the backdrop of cost additional options in a car configuration it’s generally pennies.
Does my iPhone support CarPlay?
If it's an iPhone 5 or more new model, including iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, then yes - it supports.
It's not about evil Apple wanting to force people to change their smartphone and make the company money. We need a Lightning port, which is faster than the old 30-pin one and more efficient in operation.
iPad owners who prefer Android smartphones - you're out of luck. Apple tablet Cannot be used for CarPlay.
What CarPlay can do in 2016
The main idea of CarPlay is to get the familiar iOS interface on the car's infotainment system display and control it using all the options available inside.
Among the functions it is worth highlighting the following:
- Navigation using current maps Apple.
- Voice calls (receive, hang up, dial the desired subscriber).
- Reading and sending text messages.
- Playing music from the iPhone library and controlling the player (everyone is familiar with iPhone chips, including working with playlists).
- Listening to podcasts and audiobooks.
- Use of third party applications.
The latter are worth talking about in more detail. Apple doesn't allow just anyone to slap CarPlay programs. It's all about very strict requirements regarding the interface and application logic. They MUST NOT distract from the road. So you shouldn’t count on watching TV series or toys.
Here's what's currently available among CarPlay apps:
- Podcasts- listen to your favorite podcasts.
- Audiobooks– no time to read books? Then you can listen to them on the road.
- iHeartRadio– Stream your favorite online radio stations.
- Spotify- home Apple alternative Music.
- Stitcher is a client of a popular radio service.
- Overcast– a simple podcast player.
- Audiobooks.com– a client of a popular service with free audiobooks (more than 65 thousand works).
- Pandora is another alternative to Apple Music, free.
- Slacker Radio– more online radio! But in this case, the curators are real people.
- Vox- player for audiophiles. FLAC and that’s all, plus Hi-Res Audio streaming from the cloud.
Not a lot, but it was the beginning of trouble. Over time, there will be more and more applications. Moreover, there are tools for creating them, there are clear rules, and there are many potential users.
How to interact with CarPlay?
Siri
This is the most convenient and preferred way to use CarPlay while driving. Typically, the voice assistant is activated using a button on the steering wheel.
Touchscreen
Using a touchscreen in an infotainment system is all the rage these days. It will also be useful for CarPlay. The interface is simple, the icons are large - you can launch the application or switch the track in the player almost without looking at the screen.
Levers, knobs and buttons
Voice and touchpad are good, but physical buttons no one canceled. CarPlay fully supports working with these types of controls, if they are present in the car. In most cases, there are such and there are many of them if the infotainment system display is not touch-sensitive. There are even physical player control buttons located on the steering wheel.
What about the competitors?
Everything is the same as on mobile market. There is only one real competitor - Android Auto.
The analogy with mobile platforms can be drawn further. In particular, each of the systems has its own pros and cons. In some places Apple maps work better, in others the navigation solution from Google, and the latter is much more widespread and complete.
Some people are more satisfied Siri work, and someone is delighted with Google features Now.
In fact, there is no confrontation as such. CarPlay only works with iPhone. Android Auto - only with smartphones on Android based. And automakers are trying to support both platforms at once. They don't care about competition from mobile giants, but they don't care about customers. What was also missing was for people to choose a car based on their smartphone preferences.
Who's ahead of the curve in CarPlay integration?
In fact, there are many automakers interested in CarPlay, and the reason was mentioned at the beginning of the article. This perfect solution for actually free support the car's software is up to date by Apple (or Google in the case of Android Auto).
But there is still a big question about how to implement support for this platform. You can simply leave the infotainment system screen to CarPlay and that’s it. That is, either you have an Apple interface there for working with your smartphone and maps, or turn off your phone and then you will get access to the car’s built-in systems.
Or you can use a different path and initially adapt the interface to interact with CarPlay. So far the only thing that has distinguished itself in this is Volvo, as can be clearly seen in the video below:
Moreover, this is not just some kind of concept, but already commercial product, fully realized in Volvo XC90 .
Naturally, the tradition will be continued in other cars of the company, but, what is most interesting, this Swedish manufacturer the cars didn't stop... What's that noise in the hall? The reader is worried that Volvo Cars- this is no longer a Swedish company, but a Chinese one? Ok, let's close this question first and then get back to innovation.
Adventures of Volvo Cars in the USA and China
Volvo Personvagnar AB, known internationally as Volvo Cars, was founded in 1915 by the engineering company SKF. It is currently the world's largest manufacturer of bearings, seals, lubrication systems and mechatronics. In those distant times (since 1907), SKF began with bearings, and Volvo’s initiative became a logical expansion of the business.
First production car Jakob OV4 was released in 1927, and in 1935 Volvo gained independence from SKF.
The first production Volvo car with a 28 hp engine. With., maximum speed- 90 km/h
Throughout its history, the company has stood out for its desire to create the safest cars possible, and primarily introduced innovations in this area. She invented the modern three-point seat belt and was the first to implement it. She also popularized the practice of using deformable body zones that absorb energy resulting from a collision.
Since 1999, Volvo Cars began its adventures - the company left the parent concern Volvo and for an impressive amount of money ($6.45 billion) joined Ford. Then there was the dot-com collapse, the global economic crisis and the buyout of Volvo from the Ford concern by the Chinese from Zhejiang Geely Holding, which owns the manufacturer Geely Auto.
A person who is far from the realities of business will think that comrades from the Middle Kingdom laid hands on the company’s technologies and sent it to be cut, but this is not so. The Chinese are smart and cunning. They did gain access to Volvo's patents and technologies, which they could use in their developments, but the businessmen left the company alone.
Moreover, active investment in the development of the Swedish enterprise began. After all, the main thing is intellectual resources, of which Volvo Cars has plenty. They will bring a lot of benefits to both their own company and Geely Automobile.
The result, as they say, is visible to the naked eye. In 2015, for the first time in history, Volvo Cars produced more than 500 thousand cars (8% more than in 2014). Moreover, the company has become an innovator in the integration of mobile and automotive technologies. And CarPlay is only one side of the coin. Let's talk about this more like this.
Digital car key in smartphone
Yes, you can forget about the extra item in your pocket. I'm about big spring and alarm key fob. Now all this is in the smartphone. I took the gadget with me and walked up to the car. Volvo XC90 or S90, opened it, started it and drove off. Keyless. Without unnecessary movements. The main thing is to have a smartphone with a digital key. It's better to see it once than to read it 10 times:
Do you urgently need a friend or relative to pick up your car and drive it to a certain place, but there is no way to hand over the physical key to the car (yes, yes, there is one too, just in case)? No problem - send the digital key via the Internet. The main thing is that the person has the Volvo proprietary application installed.
All sorts of things in general interesting things The proprietary application implements a lot - this includes remote engine start, warming up the interior in advance, automation of actions with an identical daily schedule (warm up the car at 8:20 in the morning in order to calmly leave for work at 8:30), and telemetry with statistics combined.
Developing the topic of a digital key, it is worth mentioning the possibility of remotely booking a car. Before departure, you ordered a car via the Internet, received a digital key, got to your destination, your smartphone literally led you to the car in the parking lot - you sat in, started it, and drove off.
Safety is a priority
Security is also traditionally at the level. And with innovation. Where would we be without them, if we are talking about Volvo, which has always been sensitive to this issue. The latest developments are integrated into the system Intellisafe. This is a whole range of technologies and devices designed to maximize the safety of the driver and passengers, as well as those around them.
Among the most interesting features it is worth noting:
- Adaptive cruise control(ensures maintaining a distance from the vehicle in front).
- Lane control(if there is a good road markings can correct traffic and warn the driver if he begins to lose his vigilance).
- Blind spot monitoring system.
- Surround camera(a bird's eye view of the car makes it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces).
- Protection for pedestrians and cyclists(detects citizens near the car and allows you to avoid a collision).
- Forward Collision Warning(all objects are scanned at a distance of up to 150 meters ahead in the direction of travel, and if there is a risk of collision, the driver is warned, plus the pressure in the brake system increases for faster braking).
Cars are becoming smart
For more than half a century, the automotive industry has been stagnant. The driving and speed characteristics were improved, the comfort for the driver and passengers increased, but in general the cars did not change. Today we are witnessing a real revolution in this area.
Tight smartphone integration thanks to CarPlay and Android Auto, intelligent systems security, digital keys, autopilot, alternative energy sources. The world is rapidly changing for the better. It is changing before our eyes. And it's inspiring!
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Many people will agree that the current generation of young people do not want to travel; these guys want cars to drive for them. They don't want to buy their own car, in fact, they don't want cars at all, they want smartphones. This trend is clearly noticed by automakers and developers of modern technology. So, back in 2014, many technological developments were presented at the Consumer Electronics exhibition, including Apple CarPlay.
Apple clearly does not want to stand on the sidelines and plans to get a large piece of this pie. Show preview version Apple Car Play took place back in 2013, but already in Geneva in 2014 the official debut of the new Apple CarPlay system was organized. Like many modern car communication systems, the principle of CarPlay is to allow the driver to do whatever they want without having to take their attention away from the controls.
The practical part of Apple CarPlay is quite simple, and this is a huge merit of the developers. It is for their simplicity and consistency that Apple technology is valued. You just need to take your Apple smartphone or tablet, connect it to the car interface and you're done! The car turns into a smartphone, as expected. The 21st century has arrived. A car computer is not capable of what iOS allows you to do. In fact, it has other tasks, such as reading data from all kinds of sensors.
This means that the applications must be installed on your mobile device to see them on the display located on the center console of the car. The touchpad works the same way as the sensor on a phone, so even a beginner can figure it out. In essence, the car system is completely synchronized with the iPhone or iPad.
Not all applications can work with CarPlay. The developers tried to maintain a high safety score. The idea behind Apple Car Play, like all other in-car entertainment and information systems, is to minimize distractions. By at least, all the technical specialists talk about this.
If you fell in love with a voice Siri assistant and you can't live without her voice, Apple system CarPlay will make your dreams come true. Siri will talk to you directly through the car interface. She'll check your calendar and email, and will also tell you about planned business meetings while driving. She will read yours text messages and will give you the opportunity to dictate your answer, which she will then send to the recipient. It will also help you make calls through speakerphone.
Unfortunately, the system does not allow the use of " Google Maps» for navigation. You'll have to use Apple Maps with CarPlay. The developers promise that you will like it, but in reality, everything is not so smooth.
When Apple unveiled CarPlay at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the company confirmed that it was working with a dozen manufacturers, including Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. That's a pretty big price range, so even if a Ferrari is out of your price range, you can probably find a CarPlay-equipped car that you can actually afford.