Siri Eyes Free Emerges, Now Available On New Honda and Acura Vehicles

Some things are easier said than done, and some technologies are easier to draw up on paper than to actually implement across a wide array of partners. Apple's Siri technology put voice command on the mainstream map, but a few years back, it proudly stated that Siri would be coming to the vehicle, and soon. By and large, that hasn't happened, but the gears seem to be slowly turning now. 

Honda and Acura jointly announced that select Honda and Acura models including the 2013 -2014 Honda Accord and 2013 Acura RDX and ILX now offer Apple's Siri Eyes Free mode as a dealer-installed accessory. Once installed, customers will be able direct Siri to perform tasks wihle keeping their eyes on the road and perhaps more importantly, their hands on the wheel. In essense, what this does is enable AcuraLink and HondaLink to dictate Siri, and then Siri relies on the car's internal microphone and speaker system to communicate.

Owners can direct Siri to perform a number of specific tasks while they keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel, including:

• Sending text messages and e-mails
• Reading incoming text messages and emails
• Setting up calendar entries, reminders, and alarms
• Checking the weather
• Turn-by-turn voice navigation (when the audio system is set to Bluetooth® Audio or iPod mode)
• Sports scores and stock quotes

Additional Siri Eyes Free functionality available on Honda vehicles will be revealed on Tuesday, December 3, 2013, and hopefully fellow automakers will follow Honda in making Siri Eyes Free a more widespread option.