Apple yesterday announced a series of partnerships with automakers to bring the voice-control system Siri into cars witin the next 12 months. Drivers will be able to press a button on the car dashboard, then speak a command (like "launch Pandora" or "open iHeartRadio" or "play AccuRadio").
"With the Eyes Free feature, ask Siri to call people, select and play music, hear and compose text messages, use Maps and get directions, read your notifications, find calendar information, add reminders, and more," Apple said (according to PC Mag here).
Automakers on-board with the new integration include BMW, Mercedes, GM, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota, Chrysler and Honda. The system will require a connected iPhone.
"By leveraging Siri's natural language voice control platform, theoretically drivers will be able to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road to minimize distracted driving," comments CNet (here).
The Verge notes that cars won't sport a custom "Siri Button," but instead Siri will just use the "already built-in general voice activation buttons." Apple also announced new features for Siri, including the ability to launch third-party apps, perfect for firing up Internet radio apps safely while driving.
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