Honda, Acura latest brands to include Apple’s Siri Eyes Free system
Hands-free is so last year. For 2013, Apple’s Eyes Free voice commands have started to trickle into new cars. On Tuesday, Honda announced it would be the latest automaker to bring Siri into your daily commute.
The 2013 and 2014 Honda Accord and the 2013 Acura ILX and RDX will all be available with this voice-activated system as a dealer-installed accessory, Honda said.
“With technology becoming further integrated into people’s lives, we are happy to provide next-generation connectivity and meet our customer’s ever-changing needs,†Art St. Cyr, vice president of Honda’s product planning and logistics, said in a statement.
These Hondas and Acuras join the 2014 Mercedes CLA and eight Chevrolet models as some of the first in the U.S. to offer the Siri Eyes Free system. Other automakers like Ferrari, BMW and Toyota are expected to integrate the system into their vehicles in the near future.
By using the hands-free button or a dedicated Siri button on the steering wheel, drivers can send and hear text messages and emails, use the navigation system, access their phone’s music library, and check items like the weather, sports scores and stock quotes. The audio for these systems is played through the vehicle’s speakers.
The Eyes Free system also keeps the iPhone’s screen dark while you’re driving, to make it easier to resist the temptation to sneak a peek at your phone every time you get a text.
Honda said it would debut additional Eyes Free features for its vehicles on Dec. 3.
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