Apple has always been innovative in the field of technology and Siri, the voice-command/digital-assistant system debuted in Apple’s iOS 5 platform, one which is about as hands-free as the mobile-phone technology gets. Press a button, ask questions, or give instructions to Siri and the job is done. But finding the button while driving a car is a tricky task. This is eased by Apple with the new In-Car Siri Integration “Eyes Free”.

The Worldwide Developers Conference 2012 became the venue when Apple announced this bit of car-integration. The mobile giants plans to implement a fully integrated system direct from the car manufacturer that’s compatible with any iDevice using the newly announced iOS 6 operating system. This will include a factory-installed button to access Siri, either on the steering wheel or nearby, probably separate from the wheel- mounted control Unit. In Apple’s keynote presentation, this was illustrated using the talking-head button on the steering wheel of a new BMW 3-Siris.  Eyes Free will allow a user to remotely control a connected iDevice with their voice, and without ever having to search for it.

Apple has lined up a number of collaborators to implement Eyes Free. Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, General Motors, Honda, Jaguar/Land Rover, Chrysler, and Toyota all of them will work with the Cupertino-based tech giant. Ford is noticeably absent from that list as its Sync system is supported by Microsoft. Apple confirms that Eyes Free will make its way into vehicles within the next 12 months. Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system will integrate Eyes Free, in the Sonic and Spark and is aiming to have it installed in these models by the end of the year.

via Car and Driver