What's this then?
This is justDrive, a new smartphone 'smartware' setup developed by Jaguar Land Rover, which it launched at the LA Auto Show.
How does it work?
Dunno. Pixies and magic, probably. Basically, it's a combined infotainment system and software that's been optimised for Apple's iOS8 and Google's Android to bring online services such as Twitter, Yelp and more into the car rather than just keeping them in your pocket. Basically, it allows you to talk to your car, in plain language (rather than trying to sound like 2001's HAL so that the damn thing will understand you) and it'll go and search amongst both the car's on-board systems and the apps that it works with to find the best solution to your request. So, theoretically, telling the car you're hungry could get it to call up the nearest restaurant on the satnav, or ring your local takeaway.
It'll also allow you to dictate tweets and texts so that you can stay in touch, safely, from behind the wheel.
Dr Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology, Jaguar Land Rover, said: "Our InControl system already allows the driver to plug their smartphone into the vehicle and then safely control their apps through the vehicle's touchscreen. The apps are enhanced for in-car use, so it is exactly like having your smartphone installed in your dashboard.
"Today, we are advancing our InControl system a stage further and to the forefront of the industry with the launch of justDrive. This moves the driver from the task-oriented, app-specific touch-based use of individual apps, to full control of all chosen app content through plain natural speech or touch interface."
"While our aim is to significantly enhance the driving experience through unprecedented levels of connectivity, we also want to reduce driver distraction. So we have worked closely with the CloudCar team to ensure justDrive is 'right for driving'," added Dr Epple. "Using speech as a key enabler, together with justDrive's simple and clean user interface, means we only show essential information to help create a safe, non-distracting driving environment."
Neil Briscoe - 29 Nov 2014