Apple Releases iOS 7.1 Update

by Eli Blumenthal www.wtlx.com

On Monday Apple released the first major update to iOS 7 — iOS 7.1 — fixing numerous bugs such as one that caused random reboots of the iPhone 5s, iPad Mini with Retina Display and iPad Air when they were running iOS 7.

Apple has also made adjustments to improve performance on older devices like the iPhone 4, iPad 2 and third-generation iPad, addressing some of the most popular complaints with its most recent mobile operating system.

In addition to various other bug fixes and tweaks, the approximately 280 MB update also includes support for the company's new CarPlay feature in the iPhone 5, 5c or 5s.

CarPlay, which was announced last week at the Geneva Motor Show, allows interaction with Siri, Messages, Maps and other iPhone functions using a car's dashboard. Major automakers Ferrari, Volvo, Honda, Toyota, among others, are planning to offer support for the new infotainment system beginning later this year.

Volvo, Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz demoed the tech operating in their respective cars during the Geneva Motor Show last week.

The free update is available now and can be downloaded by going to "software update" in the "general" section of the Settings app.

Source;
http://www.wltx.com/story/tech/2014/03/11/apple-releases-ios-71-update/6283663/

Honda to introduce iOS integration with 2014 range, unveiling in December

by Sam Loveridge of www.trustedreviews.com

Honda will be unveiling its iOS in the Car mirroring in December, with the functionality to be included in its 2014 range.

The new iOS integration features will be unveiled in the first week of December, but the 2014 Honda Civic will be the first with the functionality built in.

Apple and Honda have been working together since 2011 when they initially announced Siri Eyes Free, but it seems new iOS in the car features will be announced in the next fortnight.

A source close to Honda said the iOS features are "more than just simple mirroring" and instead you'll be able to control your iOS device using a 7-inch multi-touch display built into the car's dash.

Siri Eyes Free allows you to hit a button on the steering wheel to control your iPhone using Siri's voice controls.  you might find this useful for changing the music track or making calls, but Honda's new iOS in the Car features will apparently go far byond this.

Honda confirmed mirroring tech would feature in the 2014 Honda Civic when it goes on sale in December via its witter account;

"Mirroring technology is available starting with the all-new 2014 Honda Civic - we don't believe that will be available in the 13 Accords."

The Japanese motor vehicle company also added that the Siri Eyes Free updates would be available in early December.

"We're anticipating Siri Eyes Free updates before the beginning of December."

Apple is also working with Audi, BMW, Chrysler, GM, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota to bring Siri Eyes Free to more vehicles.

The Honda iOS in the Car announcements are tipped for a December 4th, 2013 event.

Source;
http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/honda-to-introduce-ios-integration-with-2014-range-unveiling-in-december

Honda and Acura first automakers to offer Siri “Eyes Free”

by Nick Jaynes of www.digitaltrends.com

Nine automakers have agreed to welcome Siri into their vehicles. Honda and Acura are the fist out the gate for 2013 on selected models. Unfortunately, details on what Siri will be capable of accomplishing are slim.

Both Honda and Acura announced this morning that both would be integrating the hotly anticipated Apple Siri “Eyes Free” into a select few of their vehicles this year.

As soon as the systems are in place, 2013 Honda and Acura owners with an iPhone running iOS 6 will be able to call upon Siri to execute a number of tasks all the while keeping the iPhone screen from lighting up. This allows the driver to keep his or her hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road.

What are these tasks and how will specifically will Siri be integrated into the Honda and Acura infotainment systems? According to Honda Public Relations Manager Robyn Eagles, “Siri Eyes Free Mode will allow users to speak in their natural voice to perform a host of communication tasks, including make calls from a phone list, create text and email messages, and have incoming texts read to them via voice commands without having to interact with their phone’s visual display.”

The Honda and Acura vehicles scheduled to see the Eyes Free integration are the newest in the lineup: the Accord from Honda; and the RDX and the ILX from Acura.

So far, nine automakers have signed agreements with Apple to include Siri Eyes Free into their infotainment systems: BMW, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota, Honda, and Chrysler. Honda, the parent company of Acura, appears to be the first to the game with this announcement.

How and when other automakers will massage Siri into their pre-existing systems has yet to be seen. As soon as more information is learned, we’ll be sure to bring it to you.


Source;
http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/honda-and-acura-first-automakers-to-offer-siri-eyes-free/