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We have iPhones, iPads, iPods. How about an iCorvette? For years, manufacturers have experimented with their “Infotainment” systems to make them more user-friendly. Many cars and trucks nowadays incorporate some form of voice recognition system. However, the technology hasn’t exactly been optimal.
There is no question that manufacturers fought the advent of this technology in their vehicles for a long time, but as of today, the fight is over. Automakers are finally joining Apple and Google.
According to Consumer Reports, General Motors will be making their “Apple CarPlay” Infotainment Systems available in almost its entire 2016 model lineup.
For Android users, don’t worry; GM already announced that Android Auto will come later.
What makes GM’s new CarPlay Infotainment System so impressive is simple: Siri!
Based on the reports from Business Insider, Apple and Siri may have just found their niche, calling the new merger “simply brilliant.”
“It is like having the computer from Star Trek®: The Next Generation installed in your dashboard.” DeBord, Business Insider.
Matthew DeBord from Business Insider had the opportunity to test this innovation in nothing less than a convertible Corvette.
After his experience DeBord stated, “It’s a revelation. You can actually envision having a relationship with Siri in your car. And you feel good about driving him or her around in your ‘Vette.” We have no problem believing that.
DeBord also commented that the new system should make for safer driving, in the long run, because a sophisticated voice system like Apple CarPlay can very well help avoid distracted driving.
If you are wondering how complicated this new “interfacing” will be, the answer is simple. All you have to do is plug-in your iPhone into the USB port and voila!
Your Corvette infotainment screen turns into your iPhone screen with navigation through the same white round Home button so familiar to you.
Your iPhone must be running iOS 7.1 or newer. So basically, anything from an iPhone 4 to the latest version will interface with Apple CarPlay.
You can now use the most important features of your iPhone without having to physically interact with it.
The system will not fully mirror your phone capabilities. Remember, the idea is to keep your attention on the road.
Though CarPlay reduces your selection of apps, the gain is crystal-clear voice-activated access to messaging, mapping and directions, phone, sports updates, music and other audio sources, such as audiobooks and podcasts.
An important fact to remember, though, DeBord warned us, is that CarPlay relies entirely on the phone. The phone does the work, not the car. You do have the option, however, to connect your iPhone to a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot through your OnStar-equipped Corvette to avoid wireless data charges.
DeBord’s thoughts, on the whole experience, were “The Siri thing is incredibly cool. There’s nothing like hearing that familiar voice emanating from premium Bose speakers. Siri has never sounded this good.”
But, nothing is perfect, and DeBord did find a few nicks in the system. Though he admitted not being able to get CarPlay to slip up, he did find that playing music off his iPhone was not very efficient at times.
Also, the ‘Vette comes equipped with SiriusXM satellite radio, and once you’re jamming to your favorite tunes, there is no need to jump back to CarPlay.
GM’s infotainment system has also proven quite good in the past, standing neck to neck with Audi’s for speed and ease of use, DeBord added.
GM also has OnStar, enabling you to talk to an operator with the push of a button and have directions sent to your car.
CarPlay is designed to avoid distractions while driving not eliminate them, but so far, DeBord stated, “is the best solution I’ve yet seen to getting the phone out of the driver’s hands.”
We have to agree that voice-command and audio communication with Siri is a step in the right direction but on a very slippery road. A road we can no longer avoid as the IT and auto manufacturing giants compete for market domination.
It has been our experience that any type of infotainment system actually veers our eyes off the road. Precisely what we are trying to avoid, and as DeBord clearly stated through his experience, Siri is not perfect – not yet, but quite extraordinary at what it does, so far.
There is no denying that we are witnessing the future of the alliance between transportation and information technology develop right in front of our eyes. Apple has proven itself, and it is still just the beginning.
