Hyundai Motor Co (KRX:005380) have announced a partnership to bring Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s Siri Eyes Free mode into Hyundai cars. The automaker entered into numerous new technology partnerships at the CES 2013, but the integration with Siri is the most relevant one.
The automaker announced “To further minimize distraction, Siri takes hands-free functionality even further with an Eyes Free mode which enables drivers to interact with their iPhone using nothing more than their voice while keeping the device’s screen from lighting up.”
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) revealed plans to integrate Siri into vehicles at WWDC 2012, and since then has teamed up with General Motors Company (NYSE:GM), Audi AG (FRA:NSU) (ETR:NSU), Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (ETR:BMW), Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM), Honda Motor Co Ltd (NYSE:HMC) (TYO:7267), Land Rover, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (ETR:BMW), Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Chrysler. In November, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) announced plans to integrate Siri’s Eyes Free mode into Chevy Spark and Sonic LTZ and RS models as part of the cars’ overall system, beginning this year.
According to an expert, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s software refinement improves Siri’s ability to deal with high amounts of background noise, including the in-car’s single mic that can pick up road, wind, and engine noise that makes it difficult for Siri to follow the instructions.
“Apple has somehow solved the problem with the iOS 6 changes that go along with Eyes Free”, the publication noted.
Siri Eyes Free mode help the drivers “interact with their iPhone using nothing more than their voice while keeping the device’s screen from lighting up.” The feature enhances security as the driver is not required to use finger-based touch input.
“Through the vehicle’s infotainment system, drivers with a compatible iPhone running iOS 6 can direct Siri to perform a number of tasks while they safely keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel,” Hyundai said.
Hyundai Motor Co (KRX:005380) (KRX:005385) (KRX:005387) announced last week that it will integrate the Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Maps API into its vehicles to enable Send to Car, Point of Interest Search, and Local Search by Voice. The company plans to align Nuance’s Dragon Drive that allows drivers “speak naturally and conversationally with in-car systems,” into its future infotainment systems.
The alliance with Hyundai Motor Co (KRX:005380) (KRX:005385) (KRX:005387) will boost Siri’s reach, and make iPhones a bit more attractive to Hyundai drivers.
