Apple Siri voice assistant coming to cars

Apple has announced at its 2012 World Wide Developers Conference that it is working with car brands to integrate the Siri voice recognition assistant into cars.

A Mercedes UK spokesman later revealed that the new Mercedes A-Class would be the FIRST car to launch with the Apple iPhone voice recognition assistant.

Other brands working on integrating Siri into their cars include Audi, Chrysler, BMW, GM, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover and Toyota.

It seems the setup will include a ‘Siri button’ on the steering wheel that will connect with the voice assistant. This will allow hands-free interaction with the technology, enabling it to run all the features it can action in normal use.

These include sending text messages, answering emails, checking the weather and other functions: Apple is calling it ‘Eyes Free’ – and it will also allow users to change audio tracks and have full control of their MP3 tracks.

It seems the technology also includes interaction with Apple’s new ‘Maps’ navigation system, which car firms are sure to be looking at with interest too.

The Mercedes A-Class uses a ‘Digital DriveStyle App’ to integrate the iPhone 4S. It enables users to access all their iPhone content through the car’s central display screen – and can be used even in the entry-level audio system, says Mercedes.

Mercedes is showing the A-Class to British customers for the first time this week at the London Motorexpo: MSN Cars is attending and will bring you a full report and gallery from the free motor show soon.

We will also be driving the new Mercedes A-Class soon too – look out for a First Drive in coming weeks.