Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Software : iOS 7 beta 3 finding and patent point to Apple's growing vehicular ambitions

Software : iOS 7 beta 3 finding and patent point to Apple's growing vehicular ambitions

iOS 7 beta 3 finding and patent point to Apple's growing vehicular ambitions

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iOS 7 beta 3 finding and patent point to Apple's growing vehicular ambitions

Apple's iOS in the Car may be parked in the garage for now, but the iPhone maker is revving up its engines with hidden iOS 7 beta settings and a new patent that puts its mobile operating system firmly in the driver's seat.

AppleInsider reported today on a pair of automotive-related doings that offer a peek at where Apple may be headed with iOS 7's forthcoming iOS in the Car feature.

The first report deals with the just-released iOS 7 beta 3, which features hidden "Accessory Developer" settings, a trio of new toggle switches offering connectivity via USB and Wi-Fi as well as AirPlay support.

The third setting, "iAP over Wi-Fi," appears to offer the ability to wirelessly beam music, Maps, Siri and other content to the dashboard, even while an iPhone is nestled inside its owner's pocket or a bag.

Touchy feely dashboard

A separate report describes a new patent awarded to Apple today for a touchscreen display that would offer drivers tactile feedback while keeping their eyes on the road ahead.

U.S. Patent No. 8,482,535 covers "programmable tactile touch screen displays and man-machine interfaces for improved vehicle instrumentation and telematics," a fancy name for a touchscreen interface that replaces traditional knobs, sliders and switches.

First filed more than 20 years ago by a Canadian inventor, the multi-touch patent now awarded to Apple specifically adapts the technology for automobile dashboards and communication with mobile phones.

Apple showed off a comparatively modest version of iOS in the Car at its annual developer conference last month, but this latest patent filing provides a glimpse at where Cupertino may be planning to steer the technology in the months to come.
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