Now that automobiles are finally rolling off the assembly line with Siri's "Eyes-Free" technology introduced with iOS 6, Apple may be eyeing even deeper integration for the next version of its mobile software.
9to5Mac reported Tuesday that Apple is working on new ways to integrate iOS devices into the automobile, an initiative that could be unveiled when Cupertino rolls out the latest iOS 7 later this year.
According to numerous sources, Apple is working with automakers to "deeply embed" services like Maps, which could provide turn-by-turn navigation on a car's built-in display in place of proprietary GPS software installed at the factory.
The feature is said to be controlled by Siri, the voice assistant technology currently powering Apple's "Eyes-Free" auto integration with partners such as Chevrolet, BMW, Toyota, Honda and Land Rover.
Patent clues
This isn't the first time Apple has been rumored to jump into the driver's seat, with a June 2007 report claiming the company was hard at work on an in-car satellite navigation only days before the original iPhone hit the streets.
The company has also left a sizable trail of auto-related bread crumbs in its wake thanks to the patent filings required to protect future technologies the company might incorporate into its products.
Only last week, reports surfaced that Apple filed a pair of auto-related patents for smart key and parking locator functionality, while earlier today a patent for automatically selecting the best number to call in case of an emergency was revealed.
While Apple's own Maps and Siri integration may be ready for iOS 7, sources caution that there's no guarantee the features will actually be released this year, since they require extensive testing as well as agreements with automakers in place.
Source : techradar[dot]com
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