TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The tech giant's new "CarPlay" system allows drivers to make hands-free calls, dictate text messages, and access a number of other iPhone functions; in other words, a lot of potential distractions.
"We're very, very concerned about it," said David Teater, senior director at the nonprofit National Safety Council, as quoted by CNN Money. "The auto industry and the consumer electronics industry are really in an arms race to see how we can enable drivers to do stuff other than driving."
Apple unveiled the system at the Geneva Auto Show this week, and the first CarPlay-equipped vehicles will debut later this year from Volvo, Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz. A number of other major automakers, including GM, Ford, Toyota and Honda, will begin offering CarPlay "down the road," Apple said.
Automakers have been offering smartphone integration systems specific to certain makes and models in recent years, but Apple's announcement represents a step towards standardizing the technology across the industry and increasing the range of applications available to drivers.
CNN MONEY