Familiar Player Wants to Play The Autonomous Vechicle Game

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With the autonomous vehicle frenzy everywhere, so it’s no surprise that Apple is putting some of its efforts in the subject. The company has come up with an idea that could have big implications for autonomous vehicle driving systems and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications technology. The name of the patent is “Wireless Vehicle System for Enhancing Situational Awareness.”

As mentioned earlier, autonomous cars have been a hot subject for a few years now and rumours of an “iCar” have been going around in the tech world for quite a while. However, so far the company hasn’t adressed the subject clearly.

According to thedrive.com, the system that Apple patented is similar to the V2V systems already in existence. It uses short-range wireless technology, in all likelihood a Bluetooth-based system, while incorporating sensors and GPS systems to seek out road hazards and mention them to nearby vehicles. If it’s integrated with the Apple CarPlay operating system, it could have a distinct advantage over Android Auto in the future, potentially swaying more motorists to go with iOS over Android.

With renewed hype for an Apple Car percolating online these days, this new patent might be a sign that the fabled “iCar” could come into existence after all. By the time it comes out, V2V tech could be mandatory. But whatever the purpose behind this tech may be, it’s clear Apple is planning something interesting in the automotive space.