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January 31, 2013

Honda to Integrate Siri Eyes Free into 2013 Accord and Acura Models

By Rory Lidstone
TMCnet Contributing Writer

American Honda (News - Alert) recently stated that it will integrate Siri support into its 2013 Honda Accord as well as Acura RDX and ILX models as a dealer installed option. Siri, of course, is the speech-responsive intelligent assistant that was made world-famous when it was first introduced on the iPhone (News - Alert) 4S toward the end of 2011.

As such, owners with a compatible iPhone running iOS 6 will be able to direct Siri to perform a variety of specific tasks unique to their Honda vehicle. The focus is to not only keep hands on the wheel with the hands-free functionality of Siri, but also keep eyes on the road using Eyes Free mode, taking hands-free even further by minimizing distractions by keeping the connected iOS device's screen from lighting up.

"iPhone has become so integral to people's lives that they continue to use them in their vehicles," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of automobile product planning at American Honda, in a statement. "Offering Honda and Acura owners Siri and its Eyes Free mode via Bluetooth is an incredible opportunity to provide next-generation connectivity and meet our customer's ever-changing needs."

Honda has even reengineered its software in order to seamlessly integrate Siri Eyes Free mode into its Bluetooth HandsFreeLink connectivity system by way of an onboard microphone and speakers.

Honda is an automaker that has embraced new technologies, with electric vehicles such as the 2013 Honda Fit, being made available in recent years. The addition of Siri integration is just the latest step for this tech-forward company.

Earlier in January, Honda announced the recall of nearly 750,000 Pilot and Odyssey vehicles in order to correct an issue with the driver-side airbag. Apparently, some of these vehicles may be missing a rivet that holds the airbag's plastic cover in place when it deploys. As such, the airbag could inflate improperly, causing the plastic cover to come loose and possibly strike the driver or passengers.

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Edited by Brooke Neuman