Hynek Hampl General Motors will become the first automaker to integrate the Siri voice assistant into its models. GM has announced that the new Spark and Sonic models, which will be available in early 2013, will be compatible.
Already at WWDC, General Motors confirmed that it will support Siri. However, now we already know the models that will support the "Eyes Free" function. The new cars will allow their owners to connect iOS devices to the standard "Chevrolet MyLink" infotainment system in Chevrolet models.
Owners of the new Spark and Sonic models will need either an iPhone 4S or an iPhone 5 to connect (it is not yet known if the device will be compatible with the new iPads). This will allow them to use Eyes Free mode.
If you've already forgotten what this feature is for, let me refresh your memory. Eyes Free mode, as the English name implies, allows hands-free interaction with the device and Siri using only your voice. The iPhone screen will remain off. But how do you get in touch with Siri? Simply, there will be one button on the steering wheel that will activate Siri. You can now use voice commands in the available languages without any problems. Siri will try to fulfill them and give you voice feedback. And as for the commands themselves, you will be able to choose who to call, play songs from the library, work with the calendar and reminders, or listen to and create SMS messages. Unfortunately, more advanced Siri functions are not available in Eyes Free mode. Everything is connected via Bluetooth via the Chevrolet MyLink on-board system. So you won't have to pay anything extra. GM made a nice video showing the feature in action:
[youtube id=”YQxzYq6AeZw” width=”600″ height=”350”]
Marketing director for Chevrolet, Cristi Landy, also shared:
“For Chevrolet to introduce Siri Eyes Free to small cars like the Spark and Sonic before luxury models speaks volumes about our commitment to small car customers.
Security, simplicity, reliability and wireless connectivity are our customers' priorities. Siri perfectly complements these features of the existing MyLink system and its ability to provide customers with a great driving experience.”
As for other automakers, BMW, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Audi have also confirmed the integration of the Eyes Free feature into their cars and their on-board systems. So we can soon look forward to a button for Siri on the steering wheel of new cars. However, we do not yet know when and in which models we will see this function in these other car manufacturers.
Hello,
a bit off topic, but I recently read an article on how to add your own radio, specifically E2, to iTunes.
I can't find it now. Could you please drop me a link here or if anyone knows how to achieve this...?
Thank you