AppleInsider Staff
At this week's Consumer Electronics Show, Hyundai announced a number of new vehicle technologies, including integration with Apple's Siri-powered "Eyes Free" mode.
New Hyundai vehicles will integrate their infotainment systems with Apple's voice-driven personal assistant software. The system requires a compatible iPhone, iPad or iPod touch running iOS 6.
The announcement makes Hyundai the tenth major auto maker to announce support for Siri Eyes Free control. The other partners are BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota, Chrysler, Honda, and GM, which announced support for its Chevy Spark and Sonic models in November.
Apple first announced Siri Eyes Free in June when the company took the wraps off the iOS 6 mobile operating system. With Hands Free, the iPhone screen stays off, so it will not distract the driver, and Siri talks back to a user out loud, allowing them to keep their eyes on the road.
Support for Apple's Siri Eyes Free is one of a number of technology-driven partnerships Hyundai announced at CES. Other additions include:
- Dragon Drive: Developed by Nuance, this automotive-grade voice services platform enables drivers to speak naturally and conversationally with in-car systems for tasks such as dictating messages, searching for music, finding real-time weather and asking for directions.
- Mobile High-Definition Link: Delivers 1080p60 uncompressed video with up to eight channels of digital audio from a mobile device to a dashboard display, all while charging the device.
- Next-Generation Hardware: Hyundai's new vehicles will feature the latest hardware with high-resolution multi-touch displays, Bluetooth 3.0, and Wi-Fi/3G connectivity options.
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25 Comments
How nice. A Korean Company actually working with apple instead of wanting to destroy Apple or at least its tablet and phone products. On the other hand one will only get about 50k miles worth of use out of a Hyundai car. Maybe they can SIRI to the dealership at that point for the best trade in.
Korean company using Apple technology? Why not use the Apple killing, totally dominant Samsung/Android platform. I mean really? ;)
What--no Ferrari? And I thought Eddy Cue would make a difference!!!
Hyundai had included an iPad manual in their 2011 Equus.
(They went back to paper for 2012.)
They said they did it for the publicity, and it worked.
Hyundai's come a long way. When I was stationed in Korea in the 70s, they were only used for taxis and every single one was light blue... and held together with coat hangers and duct tape, I swear!
While I don't have any real objection to this, Hyundai is such a 'cheap' brand I'm not really sure I'm happy to see this 'alliance'.
At least get me Lexus, if not something more premium.