Apple's Siri to be Integrated Into the New Chevy Spark and Sonic

Dec. 16, 2012 - PRLog -- Al Piemonte Chevrolet (http://www.piemontechevy.com/) is pleased to announce an exciting new vehicle feature that will benefit Dundee-area drivers. Starting early next year, Chevy will be integrating the handsfree, smart-assistant, Siri, into the Chevrolet Spark 1LT and 2LT, as well as the Chevy Sonic LTZ and RS. Siri is a feature of Apple's iOS and allows users to use the functions of their iPhone via voice recognition software.

GM has stated that an iPhone running the iOS 6 platform is required to take advantage of the new integration features. Drivers will establish their connection with Chevy's MyLink infotainment system via a Bluetooth wireless connection. It is unknown, in the future, whether Siri integration with the Chevy MyLink system will work with other Apple devices, such as an iPad or iPod Touch, that can also run iOS 6.

Once paired with the Chevy MyLink, the driver is able to take advantage of all of Siri's features through their Chevy. To minimize user distraction, Siri is made available by way of both handsfree and Eyes Free modes. This will allow users to interact with Siri while using only their voice. Added to the steering wheel of these new Chevy models will be a voice activation button to begin and end sessions with Siri in Eyes Free mode.

Some of the features available in Eyes Free mode include voice-activated, handsfree calling, playing songs from the iTunes library, and switching between audio sources like the radio. Additionally, users may draft text messages, access appointments in the calendar, and more all by voice alone.

When Siri is in Eyes Free mode, the iPhone screen remains black to prevent distraction. There is some restrictions on what Siri will and will not do. For example, answers to complex questions that require displaying a web page will only be available when not in Eyes Free mode.

Drivers can expect the Apple-Chevy technology early next year in new vehicles at Al Piemonte Chevrolet. Though the Chevy Spark and Sonic are both considered “small-cars,” it is no coincidence that they are receiving Siri features before higher-end models. Cristi Landy, Chevrolet marketing director for small cars explains that “safe, easy, reliable, and portable connectivity is a top priority for our customers, and Siri compliments MyLink's existing capabilities to help deliver an incredible driving experience.”

Al Piemonte Chevrolet sells the latest Chevy vehicles including the Spark and the Sonic. To contact the dealership (http://www.piemontechevy.com/contact-dundee-car-dealership) for more information, call 1-800-294-3607 or visit the dealership’s website.