Apple isn’t leaving the car infotainment system industry to other players like BlackBerry’s QNX or Microsoft’s Windows Embedded. It has just announced its new CarPlay integration with the iPhone. The integration was first announced last year during the iOS 7 unveiling back in June 2013.

[adsenseyu1]

Only Lightning connector-enabled iPhones (iPhone 5s, 5c, 5) are supported at this point. With the iPhone connected, drivers could now access a few of iOS features like Maps, Messages, Music, and Phone, through the in-dash touch display. Besides on-screen controls, the interface has a dedicated home button like you would on a regular iPhone to quickly exit back to the Springboard. It also supports tight integration with the car’s hardware controls, like the ability to push-and-hold the voice control button on the steering wheel to activate Siri.

Apple will be showing off CarPlay in a list of partner cars — Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo — this week at Geneva Motor Show. Down the road, many car manufacturers will also be bringing CarPlay integration to their rides which include BMW Group, Chevrolet, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai Motor Company, Jaguar, Kia Motors, Land Rover, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan Motor Company, Opel, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota Motor Corp.

[adsenseyu2]

With Siri integration, it could take voice commands, as well as read out loud outputs, to easily access contacts, make phone calls, and receive messages, all without the driver looking at the dashboard.

Driving directions can be made a little bit more intuitive by Apple Maps anticipating destinations based on recent trips, via information from contacts, emails, or SMS. If only it could accurately find a destination in Malaysia to begin with.

Besides music playback, CarPlay also supports access to podcasts, audiobooks and iTunes Radio. Third party music streaming services are also not left behind, with Beats Radio, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and Stitcher all on board. Streaming will be handled by the iPhone’s data connection, but the audio is directly channeled to the car’s speakers.

Carplay integration only works with another iOS 7 update, possibly version 7.1. It is highly unlikely CarPlay will make it into Malaysian cars, especially considering how poor Apple Maps’ data is here, not to mention that services like iTunes Radio aren’t yet available locally.

[adsenseyu2]

For more information on Apple CarPlay, visit: http://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/.