Getting Siri-ous About Driving

When it comes to the latest infotainment technology, General Motors is getting "Siri-ous". If you own an Apple iPhone, or if you know anyone who does, you have probably heard of the voice activated "Siri" application. Well, now this voice activated personal assistant is being introduced to the automotive industry, being placed in 3 different Chevrolet models in 2013.

Just as older voice activated automotive technology does, the new Siri technology will allow users to control things such as the radio, the CD player, and the GPS. But as you would probably expect, the latest technology takes things even further, allowing you to contact with your iPhone, check or add appointments, or even find local businesses with just the sound of your voice.

The idea behind the new Siri automotive technology is to allow drivers to accomplish tasks without taking their eyes off of the road. This, of course, makes driving safer. According to Cristi Landy, Chevrolet's marketing director for small vehicles, Siri is a complement to already existing technology such as MyLink. It is designed to provide drivers with an incredible experience and a safer drive.

So where will you find the latest Siri technology? It is said to be offered in the each the Chevrolet Sonic subcompact and Spark minicar. It is also said to be found in the new 2014 Spark EV battery-electric vehicle. Just as already existing voice technologies are, a special "Siri" button will be placed on the steering wheel, allowing drivers to access the voice activated assistant with ease.

Each of these three vehicles are designed to appeal to a more youthful audience that are more technologically savvy. The Apple iPhone has become so popular that General Motors estimates over 90% of their buyers already own one. But these aren't the only models that are expected to have Siri integrated into them. General Motors has already made announcements that it plans to add a more advanced version of the ChevyMyLink system into future versions of the Impala.

In case you are not aware, Siri was first introduced to the Apple iPhone 4 series, and was later added onto the newer iPhone 5 version. The addition of Siri to vehicle technology is something that has been spoken about for quite some time now, providing drivers with more flexibility when driving. According to General Motors, Siri will be added to the Sonic and the Spark well before it is added to the more luxurious brands.

Of course, not all activities can be activated by Siri. While the technology does allow more flexibility while driving, there will be certain activities that are blocked by the program. These include any activities that would require the driver to look away from the road while driving.

For many safety advocates, distracted driving has become a major issue. It has become such a large issue that the U.S. Department of Transportation has recently estimated that over 11 percent of all driving fatalities are caused by distracted driving - texting being one of the biggest concerns. Advocates for Siri suggest that the voice activated technology will be able to reduce such distraction while driving.

But Chevrolet is not the only automaker who will be introducing Siri to their vehicles. Other automakers that intend to add Siri capability include Honda, Chrysler, and Toyota. Mercedes Benz has also confirmed that they will be adding voice activated technology to their vehicles, but it has not yet been released as to whether this technology will be Siri or some other iPhone like assistant.

Along with Siri, Chevrolet also intends to integrate other applications into their vehicles in the near future.