Apple Expands CarPlay to 9 More Car Brands

Car playCarPlay, Apple?s vehicle in-dash entertainment system, will be supported by nine more auto brands, the tech giant has announced.

Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat, Mazda, Ram, Abarth
and Alfa Romeo will include CarPlay on future vehicle models, the
company said this week.

CarPlay allows iPhone users to run apps from their
smartphones on their in-dash entertainment centers. After connecting
their iPhone to their vehicle using a cable, drivers can send messages,
play music from a variety of apps or get turn-by-turn directions from
Apple Maps. CarPlay can be controlled with voice commands given to Siri,
with a radio?s controls and knobs or with touch gestures on systems
that include a touch screen.

Earlier this year, Apple had announced that CarPlay
would be supported by Ferrari, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Chevrolet,
BMW Group and 14 others. It will also be available on after-market
systems made by Pioneer and Alpine. CarPlay is expected to make its
first public appearance this summer on systems from Pioneer and on new
vehicles later this year.

CarPlay will only work for users who have a compatible radio system as well as an iPhone 5, 5C or 5S.

Google last week announced a vehicle radio system of
its own called Android Auto. The system is similar to CarPlay and will
be supported by many of the same automakers.

Source: MCT Information Services