Apple has been releasing new iOS 7 betas quietly to its developers since it announced the new operating system at its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) last month. As is usually the case, the lengthy non-disclosure agreements attached to Apple’s pre-release software haven’t stopped sites from grabbing these betas and dissecting them at length.
Case in point—AppleInsider is reporting new details about the “iOS in the Car” feature that was teased (but not discussed in detail) at WWDC. We knew that iOS 7-equipped devices would be able to display maps, messages, and song information on compatible cars’ dashboard screens, and the leaked iOS 7 screenshot above implies that video will be streamable over the same AirPlay protocol used to stream video to the Apple TV. More conventional video-over-USB connections are also apparently supported, but the screenshot indicates that auto makers interested in the feature will also be able to integrate it by putting Wi-Fi adapters in their cars.
iOS in the Car is an extension of sorts to the current “Siri Eyes Free” feature, which allows drivers of compatible cars to talk to Siri after pressing a button embedded in the steering wheel. iOS in the Car will also be hands-free, and drivers will communicate with it primarily through Siri rather than by their iOS device touchscreen or the car’s buttons.
