iPhone OS 4.0 Secrets: Hidden iPod application hints at automobile integration

For those saying "this already exists": Yes, similar functionality is available through various car nav/stereo head systems, but in my experience, those systems have to read the whole iPod library and create an index of their own, and then are doing a menu system that's visually similar, but not really interacting with the iPod/iPhone until the music is actually played. The problem with such a system is that it either 1) has an upper limit on the number of tracks and/or 2) when there are a lot of tracks, it takes a long time to index (and you have to re-index if you disconnect and reconnect the iPod). So having a system where you can navigate the library directly from the iPod/iPhone, and seeing the graphics directly from the device would indeed be nice. Also, direct searching (instead of drilling down through artists/albums, etc) would be more likely an option. Finally, this allows for improvements to the navigation or functionality via a software download rather than some firmware update to the car's system.

NOTE: I haven't seen the system in the VW/Audi's so maybe it doesn't work the way I describe.

My 2010 Volkswagen cc also totally controls my iPhone's iPod abilities through both the touch screen stereo controls and the steering wheels audio controls and shows the info on both the stereo's screen and the dash board and caller I.d. Shows up there as well when the iPhone is connected via blue tooth with hands free voice dialing.... Love it!!!

Wait, what?

This article is kinda confusing, but am I to understand that the clip here was recorded from the dock's video-out, not from the iPhone's screen?

Also, can you get your source to reveal the setup they used to do this so other 4.0 folks can see it for themselves? Like I said, I don't get the point you're trying to make here.

Agreed. This already exists. Just bought an Audi Q5 that has an ipod connection. When the ipod or iphone is connected the Audi MMI has complete control of the ipod/iphone through the nav screen. You can select playlists, artists, songs, etc. as you would on the iphone/ipod ui, but through the Audi MMI ui on the NAV screen. It also charges your device while it is connected. As far as I know, ipod/iphone are the only devices it supports in this capacity.

What are the chances that a developer could manufacture an 'iPhone Watch'? By that i dont mean putting a strap on an iPhone but rather a wrist watch that could sync certain services. For example control the ipod, show caller, show text messages.

I had a watch that had these functions for an old Sony Ericsson and i've always missed it since.

I always thought throwing an apple tv, with a big HD into a car that would sync with your home wireless network computers overtime you came home was a fantastic idea. This is getting closer, but I still love the idea of an automatic syncing apple tv in my car, with all my music, movies, pictures, and would be nice if it included a 3g connection to connect with youtube etc.

This is not even close, but its better than nothing. Please apple, work with BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, or anyone and make an amazing dashboard/backseat media center with navigation. You have all the right technologies to do it.

It would be nice if you warn us in advance, that your video deals with religion!

Better yet keep religion and politics out of tuaw videos!

I think that with Apple's strength in the market place a partnership with various auto manufactures to create a standards based "slot" in the dash where an iPad type device could be docked and then used to access and control the various elements we see now in the higher end nav systems built into autos

that would be nice, as of now the 4.0 beta my car stereo won't read any songs from my phone.

i want to plug my iphone up in the center console and my iphone screen show up on the vehicle in dash nav screen to access info/media.