During today's WWDC keynote, Apple announced its latest line of Macbooks as well as the new Mountain Lion OS X and iOS 6 operating systems, wowing the loyal Machead community.
The trending tech headline of the day, we've found that some of Apple's latest product announcements are relevant to car enthusiasts as well.
According to Apple vice president of iOS Software Scott Forstall, "We want to integrate Siri even better in the car."
A report from TechCrunch explained that Siri will be getting its own dedicated button located on the steering wheel of future BMW, GM, Mercedes, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota and Honda vehicles. Known as the Eyes Free switch, suggesting an intuitive system that encourages a driver's eyes to concentrate on the road ahead, Siri will launch from your iPhone via Bluetooth to assist you on the road.
Software and Manufacture mash-ups have been introduced before, as Microsoft worked with Ford in creating the Microsoft Sync infotainment system for Ford's line of vehicles (note Ford's glaringly omission from the list of companies participating in the Eyes Free project). On the other hand, Apple's Eyes Free button is not as integrated with the vehicle as Microsoft's approach, solving a key puzzle in compatibility and allowing the feature to readily cross automotive platforms. Rather than to rely on licensing infotainment patents, the source of the software isn't in the car, but from the driver's own portable Apple device. There's a beauty to its simplicity; the Bluetooth sync approach potentially allows for more convenient hardware upgrades or software updates as Apple continues to develop the system.
Forstall said to expect its partners to have this integration live and driving within the next year.
