Drivers who buy certain Chevrolet cars in the USA next year will be able to use Apple’s Siri voice-controlled assistant to activate vehicle features when driving. The option will be available on Chevrolet Spark and Sonic models that include the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system.
Once an Apple iPhone running iOS6 is paired via Bluetooth with the MyLink radio via Bluetooth, a driver can press a button on the steering wheel to activate ‘Eyes Free’ mode. This will allow them to make voice-activated calls to their contacts, listen to and compose text messages, play music from iTunes and access the calendar.
Eyes Free mode will allow Siri to answer simple questions but won’t provide complex answers that require a web page.
Cristi Landy, Chevrolet marketing director for small cars, said “It says a lot about our commitment to small-car customers that Chevrolet has announced that Siri Eyes Free capability will be available in the Spark and Sonic well before the luxury brands. Safe, easy, reliable and portable connectivity is a top priority for our customers, and Siri complements MyLink’s existing capabilities to help deliver an incredible driving experience.”
The Chevrolet Spark and Sonic are also supplied with six months of OnStar service, which offers Automatic Crash Response, Stolen Vehicle Assistance and over-the-air Vehicle Diagnostics. In addition to its in-car options, OnStar offers a mobile app that allows subscribers to check and control vehicle functions from a smartphone.