Apple’s iOS 11 feature may help driving in PH
Apple’s iOS 11 is packed with a lot of new and amazing features – but the best one is deceptively simple, and can directly apply to drivers in the Philippines.
Also read: Safer roads ahead: Mobile phones can no longer be ‘used’ while driving in PH
A QUICK START. It’s a good feature, but not as good as what comes next./IMAGE Apple
DO NOT DISTURB WHILE DRIVING. Taking its cue from the current Do Not Disturb, this new feature curbs all notifications so you can keep your eyes on the road./IMAGE Apple
Apple is ramping up its own Do Not Disturb by adding a Do Not Disturb While Driving feature. Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, explained at this year’s Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) that the new feature is designed so that drivers can keep their eyes off of their phones.
IMAGE CNN Tech
What you need to know:
- The new feature will utilize Bluetooth (if your device is connected to a car that has one) or a WiFi Doppler radar effect to see if you’re in a moving vehicle.
- As with anything linked to your car, you will be given one drive before it automatically sets up.
“We’re going to use Bluetooth to see if you’re connected to your car. Even if you don’t have Bluetooth, we’re going to use a WiFi Doppler effect to measure if you’re in a moving vehicle. When you finish that first drive, we’re going to suggest activating Do Not Disturb While Driving.”
IF IT’S NOT URGENT, don’t look at it. The latest addition to iOS can automatically send a text to whoever sends you one that tells them you’re driving. This can be overridden in case of emergency./IMAGE CNN Tech
- This new feature withholds any notifications (text messages, news updates, etc.) you may get while you drive.
- If someone sends you a message while you’re driving, the new feature allows your iPhone to send an automatic response saying “I’m driving with Do Not Disturb turned on. I’ll see your message when I get where I’m going.”
Passengers will have the ability to disable the feature, while applications like Apple Maps and Google Maps, will still work, though you won’t be able to input destinations. Contact you select can also override the auto-response by replying with the word “urgent” so you’re not completely out of sync with those people.
Cars with Apple CarPlay (currently available on select cars made by General Motors, Fiat, Chrysler, BMW, and Honda) will still be able to interact with your iPhone the way it did before.
What it means for iPhone users in PH
This new feature looks to be something that will fit very well with the new Anti-Distracted Driving Law once it is re-launched after Senate and Congress review the law’s implementing rules and regulations.
Also read: Anti-Distracted Driving Act: What you need to know about RA 10913
Granted, not every driver on the road will own an iPhone, but this will help out those with the device at the very least. What’s more, if these same people ride with someone who’s not an iPhone user, they might be able to tell them to not use their phone while driving – or at least pass it on to them if they’re the passenger.
The iOS 11 will be released sometime in September.
Source: Rappler, CNN Money, Engadget, USA Today, Forbes
