WhatsApp now supports Apple CarPlay – once the app has been updated to its latest version (2.18.20) users will see it appear automatically in their vehicle’s CarPlay apps.
The number of unread messages will appear as a badge, Siri will be able to read unread messages, and users will be able to dictate replies. However, users will not be able to scroll through message threads on their car’s display. While this may seem limited, Apple has strict guidelines for what kind of functionality CarPlay apps can provide.
By contrast, iMessage offers the same functionality and the ability to scroll through message threads.
Why It Matters
WhatsApp is a popular messenger and VoIP service that was purchased by Facebook in 2014 for over $19B. As of early 2016, the service was the most popular messaging platform with over a billion users. According to Wikipedia, the app is extremely popular in India and Brazil, as well as parts of a Europe.
WhatsApp is the first major messaging service to support CarPlay and could pave the way for other popular platforms such as Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts, and more. Currently the number of apps supporting CarPlay is very limited. This is in part due to what kind of apps Apple will allow. Currently they allow audio apps, messaging and VoIP apps, and apps from car manufacturers for controlling vehicle functions.
If popular apps continue to make their way over to CarPlay, it’s possible will see Apple open up the platform to additional functionality like navigation apps or travel apps. Maybe in the future CarPlay will support more robust apps—such as YouTube or Safari—while the vehicle is in park.
What Is CarPlay?
CarPlay can be found in many new vehicles and Apple markets it as “a smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in the car.”
CarPlay lets you use Siri and various apps using your vehicles built-in hardware. Users can use Apple’s default apps for navigation, communication, and streaming their favorite music.
A small number of third-party apps—such as Spotify, MLB At Bat, and Audible—are also available.
The update is available now on the iOS App Store.
from iDrop News http://ift.tt/2rQwALX
via IFTTT
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.