Apple Gets Siri'ous With Carmakers

Apple’s yearly Worldwide Developer’s Conference doesn’t usually bother us petrolheads too much. We might catch-up with the event’s goings-on the next day, just to see how long we’ve got before our brand-spanking-new iPhone’s out of date again, but for the most part it’s not that big a deal.

This year though was different, because Apple introduced a system they call “Eyes Free” as part of their new iPhone operating system (iOS6). Let me explain, “Eyes Free” is basically a steering wheel mounted button that permits “hands-free” (aside from the initial button-press) access to Apple’s Siri voice control system through the car’s microphone and speakers.

Nine carmakers have already signed up, and have pledged to start offering Eyes Free within the next 12 months - they are BMW, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Land Rover, Audi, Toyota, Chrysler and Honda. Noticeably absent from the list is Ford, who seem keen to stick with their Microsoft-powered SYNC system.

What does that mean? Well, you’ll have access to all of Siri’s features from behind the wheel. Siri’ll even be able to give directions, re-route you around any hold-ups, and find restaurants, petrol stations and pretty much anything else en route - all with the push of one button.

Neat huh? You can answer texts too, post Facebook and Twitter statuses, and control your entire music library.

Ford's SYNC is pretty good - but can it stand up to the might of Apple? All we can do is wait.