BMW has announced that Siri "Eyes Free" mode will be coming to all of its 2014 models in a new update to its ConnectedDrive Internet service, allowing iPhone users to interact with Siri in their BMWs without looking at their devices.
With the latest update to BMW iDrive, both Apple Siri and Samsung SVoice can be accessed through the vehicle’s voice command controls. With a paired device, pressing and holding the steering wheel voice command button will engage the device’s voice access. Pressing the steering wheel voice button without holding it will continue to access the vehicle’s voice command functions.
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Previously, BMW had announced iOS app partnerships with Audible, TuneIn, Rhapsody and more. Last June, Apple announced that it was working on a new "Eyes Free" mode for Siri with car manufacturers. When it was announced at WWDC last year, Scott Forstall displayed a slide showing that Apple was working with BMW, Mercedes, GM, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota, Chrysler and Honda on the initiative.
Last November, Chevy announced that it was bringing "Eyes Free" mode to some of its car models while earlier this year Honda and Acura announced that it was coming to some of their models as well. Unlike those manufacturers, BMW is bringing "Eyes Free" mode to all of its 2014 car models and beyond.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)Please people do not use this while driving!!! It seems safer but it is not!! I have done studies at the university of Massachusetts that proves that hands free interaction with a cell phone is no safer than hands on interaction. You are still 5x more likely to crash using a phone hands free than no phone at all. Siri is a cool idea but it should not be used In a car.
In that case all passengers, especially pets and children should be disallowed in cars. You should do a study on crash rates with rambunctious kids in the back seat or an overly playful dog. Or maybe a chatty SO.Bottomline: life is dangerous. The nannystate can't prevent it.
I can't wait until I can afford to buy a used 2014 model in 15 years. Stoked
Look at the brightside, Thunderbolt peripherals will also be affordable by then too.
In that case all passengers, especially pets and children should be disallowed in cars. You should do a study on crash rates with rambunctious kids in the back seat or an overly playful dog. Or maybe a chatty SO.
Bottomline: life is dangerous. The nannystate can't prevent it.
The difference is doing what you suggest would be unrealistic, whereas what the OP proposes isn't, considering we've managed for over 100 years not to need to use phones whilst driving.
I don't deny that any distraction is dangerous, but there's obviously a pragmatic balance to be struck otherwise we wouldn't even have cars.