iOS 7's Siri and Maps to Be Tightly Integrated Into Cars

Apple is working on tightly integrating iOS 7 apps such as Siri and Apple Maps into car consoles, according to a report by 9 to 5 Mac. Taking the concept of Siri Eyes Free for cars a step further, the next version of Apple’s mobile operating system might be able to provide a voice-activated navigation system with Siri at its core.

Online publication 9 to 5 Mac‘s multiple sources say that Apple plans to be aggressive about its presence in car infotainment systems, with Siri-controlled Maps finding their way into cars “later this year.”

The latest iOS 6 version of Siri Eyes Free for cars lets users send texts to anyone in their address books using Siri’s voice control, plays music from the user’s iTunes libraries, and accesses calendar functions.

Even though Siri Eyes Free was introduced 11 months ago, the only cars to adopt it so far are GM’s Chevy Spark and Sonic. Siri is integrated into those cars via the Chevrolet MyLink system. Nine other car manufacturers — including Toyota, Honda, Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Land Rover and Jaguar — say they’ll link Siri with their cars.

A key part of car integration is giving users control of Siri from a button located on the steering wheel. That’s a good thing, making it so users don’t need to search around in the vehicle for an iPhone or find a button on a screen to get directions, play music or send a text.

Combining steering wheel control with the integration of a navigation system that resides on an iOS device such as an iPhone will be a major plus. When I reviewed the Chevy Spark last December, its Siri integration wasn’t ready yet, however the car was equipped with a $50 BringGo app that mirrored its display on the car’s screen.

The benefits of this blending of an iPhone and the car’s touchscreen were many, including its tight integration with the car’s audio system, fading the music when there’s a navigation instruction. Another big plus is the ability to control the navigation system with the car’s touchscreen, rather than fishing around for the phone when you’d like to make adjustments.

Better yet, a free Apple Maps app installed in hardware such as the iPhone that you already own, is a better deal than the $1,500 you’ll probably spend to opt for a built-in navigation system when you buy the car. However, such an app-based system relies on your car’s data connection, which could end up costing more than you’re spending on data access now. And, a fast and reliable connection might not be available everywhere you go.

What about Android? While Apple aggressively tries to dominate the in-car space, Google can’t be far behind. I’d like to see standardization that would allow specific apps to have the ability to mirror with your car’s screen, regardless of their smartphone platform. To keep things safe, those apps must be limited to navigation and music control apps, while forbidding movie players, scrolling web browsers, and anything else that might further distract drivers.

If Apple intends to integrate its flawed Maps app into cars, it’s going to need to concentrate on significantly improving that application. That’s probably underway — the company has signaled its ambition to integrate Maps into cars with job listings requiring applicants to be skilled in iOS integration with car audio via Bluetooth.

Let us know in the comments what you think of the tight integration of Apple Maps and Siri into cars.

Photo and composite simulation of in-car Apple Maps by Charlie White

iOS 7's Siri and Maps to Be Tightly Integrated Into Cars