Jaguar and Land Rover is using this week's LA Auto Show to give us a first look at its new justDrive infotainment system, which is designed to work best with Apple iOS 8 and Google Android smartphones. Basically, justDrive is a software suite that connects your phone to your car and then allows you to use it, safely, while on the move. JLR says that you can talk to the system conversationally, rather than using specific menu commands, and it will use its connection to your phone and its apps to go and try and find the best answer for your query.
It'll also allow drivers to dictate tweets and text messages when on the move. It sounds like the big step forward that Jaguar's on-board systems needed after so many years of being behind BMW et al when it comes to infotainment.
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."