Apple has is rolling out new technology every day and their latest success is Eyes Free. This amazing little piece of innovation is a steering wheel mounted button that activates Siri on the iPhone or iPad. Siri, pronounced Seeree is virtual assistant that will find places, make calls, send text from voice, tell jokes, play music and just about anything else you can think of to do with an electronic device short of driving your car for you. Not only does this offer handsfree capabilities, drivers do not even have to take their eyes from the road. He or she can simply push the steering wheel button and tell Siri what is wanted.
This exciting new technology will be showing up in a collection of vehicles. It was surprising that General Motors quickly embraced the Eye’s Free function for their new models. General Motors also has OnStar services that are similar, without the broader scope that Eye’s Free will offer. Other automakers that have signed up to use Eye’s Free is BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota, Chrysler and Honda. You will see it showing up within the next six months. Ford was conspicuously missing from those jumping on board for Apple’s new offering. The Ford Sync infotainment systems are Microsoft branded though, so there is probably a conflict of interest, however it would give them a better appeal for iPhone and iPad users to include Eye’s Free.
Eye’s free is expected to become a popular way to assure driver safety because it allows texting and driving while keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. It will be interesting to see what Microsoft comes up with next to keep in the running with Apple’s newest technology. In the meantime, a Siri for your car may be just the thing you need if you find yourself having to make calls, find directions, listen to music or text while driving.
Source Engadget