The way we enjoy music, podcasts, and entertainment on long car rides is about to undergo a significant change. Apple has introduced new features for its SharePlay technology that will make it easier for iPhone users to share control of in-car entertainment. Gone are the days of passing around USB cables or fighting over Bluetooth connections.
According to Anne Park Shedlosky, Director of Software Program Management at Apple, passengers can now automatically join a driver’s session when connected via CarPlay. This means that instead of using FaceTime as the conduit for shared content, users can access their favorite music, control playback, and enjoy the ride together through CarPlay.
What is SharePlay?
SharePlay is Apple’s innovative solution for watching TV shows or movies with someone who’s not in the same room. It allows friends and family to watch, play games, or listen to music together across Apple devices during a FaceTime call. With simultaneous playback and shared controls, users can see and hear everything at the same time on separate devices.
In-Car Entertainment with SharePlay
With the introduction of SharePlay in cars, the way we enjoy entertainment while driving is about to change forever. Instead of using FaceTime for shared content, CarPlay will now be the primary platform for accessing music apps, navigation, messaging, phone calls, and voice commands. This means that passengers can easily access their favorite playlists, control playback, and enjoy the ride without having to pass around cables or fight over Bluetooth connections.
New Features of SharePlay
During Apple’s 2023 Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), the company announced several new features for SharePlay. These include:
- Instant Sharing: Users can bring devices together to instantly start a shared activity using SharePlay.
- Music Streaming: If you’re going on a run with a friend and want to jog to the beat of the same tunes, you can link up your music using SharePlay.
- Twitch Integration: Apps that support SharePlay, like Twitch, will now allow users to bring their iPhones together to watch the same livestream.
Google’s Response: Android Auto and Automotive Operating System
While Apple has introduced new features for its SharePlay technology, Google is not lagging behind. At its developer conference a month ago, Google announced several new features and services designed specifically for cars, including video conferencing, gaming, and YouTube. The company also stated that it expects Android Auto to be available in around 200 million vehicles by the end of 2023.
The Rise of Car-Related Features
Both Apple and Google are pushing further into the automotive foreground with their latest features and services. This trend is expected to continue as more car manufacturers integrate Google’s built-in operating system directly into their vehicles, allowing for seamless integration with Google apps like Assistant, Maps, and Play.
Conclusion
The introduction of new SharePlay features by Apple marks a significant shift in the way we enjoy entertainment while driving. With simultaneous playback and shared controls, users can access their favorite music, control playback, and enjoy the ride together through CarPlay. As both Apple and Google continue to push further into the automotive foreground with their latest features and services, car manufacturers are expected to integrate these technologies directly into their vehicles.
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