Analysis
Chevrolet Sonic, Spark First to Get Siri Eyes Free Integration
Today, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic and Spark vehicles with Chevrolet MyLink will be available with Siri, an intelligent assistant that helps get things done just by asking. The Chevy Sonic and Spark are the first vehicles to offer Siri Eyes Free integration, said Cristi Landy, Chevrolet marketing director for small cars. “Safe, easy, reliable and portable connectivity is a top priority for our customers, and Siri complements MyLink's existing capabilities to help deliver an incredible driving experience.
ThroOwners simply connect their iPhone with the MyLink radio via Bluetooth, pair with the system, and use the steering wheel voice activation button to begin and end sessions with Siri in Eyes Free mode.
In the 2013 Spark and Sonic vehicles equipped with MyLink, owners can use Siri in Eyes Free mode to:
■Make voice-activated, hands-free calls to Contacts on their iPhone
■Play songs in their iTunes libraries, and even switch music sources automatically from AM/FM/XM radio to iPod mode
■Listen to, and compose and send an iMessage or text message to a phone number or anyone in saved Contacts
■Access Calendar and add appointments
■Minimize distraction even more by keeping the screen of the iPhone from lighting up even when Siri answers simple questions such as game scores or the dates of national holidays
Both the Spark and the Sonic also come with six months of OnStar's premium Directions and Connections service. OnStar brings added safety, security and connectivity to these vehicles, including services such as Automatic Crash Response, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostics and Roadside Assistance.
Most smartphone owners can also download the RemoteLink Mobile App, which allows OnStar subscribers to control and manage certain vehicle functions from their phone. For more information on OnStar's services, visit onstar.com.
Current 2013 Chevrolet Spark and Sonic owners can upgrade existing MyLink radios for Siri capability beginning in March.
* Siri is available in Beta only on iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPad (3rd and 4th generations), iPad mini and iPod touch (5th generation), and requires Internet access. Siri may not be available in all languages or in all areas, and features may vary by area. Cellular data charges may apply.