Here's how Apple CarPlay works

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Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Here's how Apply CarPlay works
Apple is preparing to roll out new technology that promises full access to an iPhone in a car, but keeps the driver focused on the road.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Apple is preparing to roll out new technology that promises full access to an iPhone in a car, but keeps the driver focused on the road.



A recent study said that is impossible. It claims that even when drivers use voice commands and keep their hands on the wheel, they're still highly distracted.



ABC7 Eyewitness News wanted to see how Apple CarPlay works. The technology will be inside most 2016 vehicles. It's designed to eliminate the need to touch your iPhone while driving.



"We spend so much time in our cars anyway - and we're doing it no matter what. So this just makes it safer," said Brad Spirrison, a tech expert.



Spirrison used Siri, a touch screen and controls on the steering wheel to show how drivers can make phone calls, get directions, send text messages and listen to music without taking their hands off the wheel. But he said the voice recognition feature still has some issues.



"If you have trouble with Siri on the phone, you're also going to have those issues with the car," Spirrison said.



When asked about where he sees the technology going in ten years, he said it could lead to self-driving cars.



"In 10 years we'll probably have self-driving cars. We're not going to get there overnight. But gradually they're going to do more things - like not just directions, but steering and brakes - but gradually getting to the point where the cars will be doing the driving and not us," Spirrison said.



There's comparable technology called Android Auto for Android users. It will also be available in most 2016 vehicles.


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