Smartphone features and apps will become standard on automobile dashboards

Why aren't smartphone features integrated into automobile dashboards? It would make so much sense if drivers were able to install whatever driving apps they want – including music, text messaging and maps – and be able to access them all via large, user-friendly knobs and buttons. Or, better yet, via voice command. Why not indeed? This functionality is the promise of a newly announced operating system (OS) by Apple. Called CarPlay, and specifically created for automotive infotainment, it will be available on select new models by Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Honda and others starting in late 2014. Not surprisingly, other companies including AT&T and Samsung are also creating auto-friendly operating systems too, as is Google, whose car based Android OS is designed to double as a remote diagnostics tool as well.