Apple has patented a system, which turns an iPhone into an advanced remote control for a car.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has given the go-ahead to Apple to introduce the “Accessory control with geo-fencing” system. It can be paired up with a CarPlay interface, making it possible to control some of the car’s functions with the help of a smartphone.
CarPlay was revealed earlier in March. This interface allows integrating an iPhone with the car’s multimedia units.
The Accessory control with geo-fencing system will help to find a car in a crowded parking lot, launch the engine, turn on the climate control system, close and open the doors, arm or disarm the alarm system, open and close the boot.
There is a slight hitch, though. The system will be available only in some virtually restricted areas. A satellite would define the owner’s geofence with the regard to his/her vehicle. Based on it, the system would invoke certain functions.
