Mercedes Benz has announced that they plan to integrate Apple’s Siri into their new Drive Kit Plus program in some of their upcoming vehicles. The system is being upgraded to support Apple’s iPhone 4S and also Siri, Apple’s intelligent personal assistant.
The new system will allow users to navigate through their iTunes library in the A-Class with a controller in the armrest and also with voice spoken commands using Siri on the iPhone 4S. This integration aims to enhance the driving experience by providing a seamless connection between the driver’s smartphone and the vehicle’s infotainment system.
Enhanced Connectivity and Convenience
With the integration of Siri, drivers will be able to perform a variety of tasks without taking their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road. You will also be able to locate services, contact people in your address book, and send text messages as well as operate a number of other functions using voice control. This hands-free functionality is designed to improve safety by reducing distractions while driving.
In addition to basic functions like making calls and sending texts, Siri can also provide turn-by-turn navigation, read out notifications, and even control smart home devices if they are connected to the user’s Apple ecosystem. This means that drivers can ask Siri to adjust the thermostat at home or check if the garage door is closed, all while on the go.
Future Expansion and Model Availability
Mercedes has said that the Drive Kit Plus with Siri integration will be available first in the new A-Class models. This initial rollout will allow the company to gather user feedback and make any necessary adjustments before expanding the feature to other models. Following the A-Class, the system will also be available in future B-Class, C-Class, and E-Class models later in the year.
This move by Mercedes Benz is part of a broader trend in the automotive industry to incorporate more advanced technology and connectivity features into vehicles. As consumers increasingly expect their cars to function as extensions of their digital lives, automakers are partnering with tech companies to deliver these capabilities.
For example, other manufacturers like BMW and Audi have also been integrating voice assistants and smartphone connectivity into their vehicles. These features are becoming standard in many new cars, reflecting the growing importance of technology in the automotive sector.
Moreover, the integration of Siri into Mercedes vehicles is not just about convenience; it also represents a step towards more advanced autonomous driving features. Voice control is a key component of many self-driving car systems, allowing the driver to interact with the vehicle in a natural and intuitive way.
The integration of Apple’s Siri into Mercedes Benz’s Drive Kit Plus program is a significant development that promises to enhance the driving experience by providing greater connectivity and convenience. As this technology becomes available in more models, it will likely set a new standard for what consumers expect from their vehicles.
Source Slashgear
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