Apple's CarPlay initiative improves in-car iPhone integration

Apple today announced that leading auto manufacturers are rolling out CarPlay which integrates iPhone into vehicles. CarPlay gives iPhone users an incredibly intuitive way to make calls, use Maps, listen to music and access messages with just a word or a touch.

Users can easily control CarPlay from the car’s native interface or just push-and-hold the voice control button on the steering wheel to activate Siri without distraction.

Vehicles from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo will premiere CarPlay to their drivers this week, while additional auto manufacturers bringing CarPlay to their drivers down the road include BMW Group, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai Motor Company, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia Motors, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan Motor Company, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota Motor Corp. 

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Details released on upcoming Xbox One March update

 

The March update for the Microsoft Xbox One is expected to land soon. Ubergizmo reports that a beta tester of the new features talked about the new features Microsoft has included with the update. Some include the ability to disable Kinect hand gestures while watching videos, say a specific value by which to increase or decrease volume via voice command, and support optical audio.

The new update will also debut Twitch video game broadcasting app that will start streaming sessions with just the word “Xbox, Broadcast.” Party Chat will also be turned on by default. And a firmware patch is expected to allow the headset adapter to work well with the controller.

iOS reportedly coming to Mercedes, Volvo, and Ferrari cars

Apple is looking to expand the reach of its iOS platform beyond mobile gadgets. Into Mobile cites a Financial Times report that claims the tech company signed agreements with Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Ferrari to launch a car-based iOS platform this week. The specifics haven’t been discussed yet but we can imagine better integration of Apple products with these vehicles and the like. We’ll keep you posted on any updates.

Hipstamatic debuts iPad app for Oggl

Hipstamatic ports its photo-editing and sharing app to the iPad with new features to help you view photos, preview edits, and monitor feedback. Oggl comes with the new SurfMode that will let you view a moving mosaic of your photos if you flip your device sideways. It is available on the iPhone and iPad app but it will help turn your iPad into a digital photo frame of sorts. The app also lets you review individual shots better and see more photos at once.

Oggl also has a live preview of the “film” or “lens” you will use before you take a shot. A new notification ticker shows you the likes, shares, and favorites you received recently. And the app’s store for filters has been revamped as well.

Source: The Next Web