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Apple CarPlay
For the past few months, we’ve been hearing a lot about tech giants and car companies taking steps to make roads safer. One example is Google and their glass innovation. This time, another giant firm is making headlines for their new offering. It’s Apple and their new CarPlay iOS-in-the-car program.
CarPlay makes an iPhone 5, and newer models, capable of powering a touchscreen placed on the new car’s dashboard. The interface is a simplified version of the iOS that we normally see on tablets or phones. The program allows users to access maps, audio and respond to messages through dictation, with the help of Siri of course. Third-party apps such as iHeartRadio and Spotify are also compatible.
Major car manufacturers have expressed support. Mercedes is even planning on making the program available in older car models as well. Countries queued for CarPlay distribution are: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland, UK and USA. Other car manufacturers that have shown interest in adopting CarPlay are: Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Jaguar, BMW, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Pegeot-Citroen, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota.
Related: Can Technology Allow For Safe Use Of Phones While Driving?
Technology in cars
New programs and technology in cars is great. I love how car manufactures and technology companies are coming together to create programs that help us stay focused on the road. Distracted driving is one of the leading factors for car accidents. While we are using technology to help us not be distracted by technology, we need to always be aware of our surroundings. Accidents can happen in seconds, and we don’t want to be looking at our phones or other devices when one occurs.
As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, I want to remind everyone to not be distracted by these programs while driving. However, I’m excited to see where this new technology will take us. I think this news about CarPlay is great for smartphone users who would like to keep themselves connected to their smartphones. I just hope drivers don’t become distracted by this technology and end up in an accident. The whole reason the technology was created was to help us stay focused on the road. I’d hate to see it become the reason for more accidents. Please always pay attention to the road.