One of Apple's biggest announcements during the first day of WWDC 2012 on Monday was of the vastly improved features of their voice assistant Siri in the new iOS 6. Siri will see release in a multitude of new languages, become available in more countries across the globe, and is also set to launch on the new iPad.
Apple was also quick to point out the possibilities of having Siri synced directly with automobiles, and several carmakers have committed to doing so within the next year, or are currently in talks with Apple to do so. These include many of the biggest names in automobiles, including Toyota, General Motors, BMW, Honda, Jaguar, and Mercedes.
While the exact setup could differ by automaker, and exact details weren't provided by Apple as to how Siri would be integrated, it's expected that a voice command button on the steering wheel will be able to activate or deactivate Siri. This 'Eyes Free' system means the driver would never have to take their eyes off the road as they would if they were searching for their mobile device, and making use of it.
That Siri will be fully functionally with the new Apple Maps makes it ideally suited as an assistant on one's journeys through the streets of cities large and small. For the hopelessly lost, they'll be able to have Siri give them turn-by-turn directions to get to their destination as efficiently as possible. Siri will also be able to point them to the nearest gas station or other location of interest, and provide real-time traffic updates along their intended route.
Siri will be able to provide many other functions for the driver besides guiding him or her on their way, and entirely through voice commands. Drivers will be able to change the song they're listening to, listen to and record text messages, make phone calls, and get weather updates.
All of these features should amount to a driving experience that is more pleasant, and most of all, safer for the driver and their passengers. Siri is currently the talk of the tech world, and will soon be the talk of your car; or rather in your car.
