Neil Hughes
A major focus for Apple in building iOS 9 is making it even easier to access the information you need, in part by predicting what you want before you unlock your phone. One way the upcoming operating system does that is by knowing when you get into your car, and predicting where you're probably planning to drive.
iOS previously offered just estimated travel times in the Notification Center's Today view. But upon upgrading to iOS 9, users will find that travel directions will become even more convenient, with popular destinations automatically showing up on the iPhone's lock screen.
Reddit user "MrMacNeil" first noticed that after getting into their car after work, directions home appeared on their iPhone's lock screen. Other users also commented to confirm that the functionality works on their Apple Watch as well.
With iOS 9, the iPhone knows when a user gets in their car because of a connection to the vehicle's infotainment system, either via Bluetooth or USB.
Making its mobile operating system more proactive has been a major focus for Apple in iOS 9. Most notably, the search function gains a new feature dubbed Siri Suggestions, which can suggest frequently used apps, nearby businesses, contacts, news topics and more.
As iOS learns a user's habits, Siri Suggestions evolve and present information that it thinks the person might want quick access to. This is akin to the Google Now service, but Apple has placed an emphasis on protecting personal data, and anonymizing any information that might be sent through the Internet, to differentiate its service from its rival.
Malcolm Owen
Christine McKee
Amber Neely
81 Comments
Hm.... How does that go together with anti-gobbling data policy?
This is all well and good, but are you able to select different options like "avoid highways," or "avoid tolls," or get detour suggestions when heavy traffic is ahead yet? My 2009 BMW has this capability, if anyone wants to take Apple Maps seriously then these basic functions should be included.
Automatically getting directions seems like a waste of battery and data usage. I certainly know how to get to and from work and 99% of the other places I travel. I presume it will be able to be switched off. However, I would appreciate a bit of traffic data if my normal route has abnormal traffic conditions. One thing I would like is the ability for the phone to automatically turn off wifi when I get in the car. I hate when the phone latches on to a weak wifi connection when I'm stopped at a light and switches off my LTE data. This wreaks havoc with Siri, Radio, Maps and everything else that uses data.
How irritating. Apple seems to be creating a nanny operating system that treats users like children who need to have their every step guided by someone wiser. It also reminds me of Microsoft's irritating Clippy. It'd try to type something and Clippy would come up asking me if I wanted to write a letter. Oh, I I hated it.
*First minute of family road trip*
Siri:
"Hello, Quadra 610. Would you like me to take you to Scores Gentleman's Club and Bar again?"
Uh.....