When iOS 6 was announced last June, Apple said it was working with car manufacturers on a new “Eyes Free” mode for Siri that would integrate with voice command buttons found in an increasing number of car models to allow users to interact with Siri without needing to look at their devices’ screens. At the time, Scott Forstall displayed a slide showing that Apple was working with BMW, GM, Mercedes, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota, Chrysler, and Honda on the initiative.
Today, Honda announced that Eyes Free will be coming to the 2013 Accord, as well as the Acura RDX and ILX.
From Honda’s press release:
American Honda today announced it will integrate support for Siri, the intelligent assistant that helps you get things done just by asking, into its 2013 Honda Accord and Acura RDX and ILX models as a dealer installed option. Later this year, owners with a compatible iPhone running iOS 6 can direct Siri to perform a number of specific tasks while they safely keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. Using Eyes Free mode, Siri takes hands-free functionality even further and minimizes distractions even more by keeping your iOS device’s screen from lighting up.
In November, Chevrolet announced that Eyes Free would be coming to the Chevrolet Spark and Sonic in 2013, and Hyundai did the same earlier this month.
Update: Honda is currently contacting some existing 2013 Accord owners and offering to install the Siri Eyes Free software in their vehicles free of charge as part of a trial of the feature.
Honda is conducting a limited market trial with current 2013 model owners who own an Apple iPhone.
As a part of this trial, Honda will update your Accord with software that will allow the new Siri Eyes Free feature to work in your vehicle.
The update will be installed by your dealer at no cost to you and you are welcome to keep and use the Siri Eyes Free feature after the trial is complete. All we ask from you is participation in an online survey after Siri Eyes Free is installed and you have had a chance to experience the feature.
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