Ford just announced the official rollout of Siri Eyes Free to more than five million of its SYNC-enabled vehicles, adding the feature as an update.
Many automakers are making efforts to roll out Apple's CarPlay functionality, but Ford is going for the older Siri Eyes Free Feature.
For those unfamiliar with the software, Siri Eye Free uses Siri voice recognition and spoken responses in an effort to minimize distractions for the drivers, allowing them to interact with their iPhone without having to look at it.
Ford's SYNC infotainment system comes installed in most modern vehicles from the automaker, enabling drivers to keep their eyes on the road while making calls or using music streaming apps. Some vehicle owners can even start their car remotely thanks to SYNC, and services from Apple are now extending the system's benefits.
Starting Thursday, Dec. 3, Ford vehicles from 2011 or later have a new software update available, bringing Siri functionality to the SYNC interface. Activating Siri Eyes Free is generally done via the physical hardware button found on the steering wheel of the vehicle.
Long-pressing this voice recognition button will immediately activate Siri Eyes Free on the driver's paired iPhone, allowing owners to perform a number of tasks without getting their eyes off the road. For instance, users can rely on Siri Eye Free to look up a contact number or a point of interest, make a call, set up a reminder, get weather info, send text messages, have their texts read out loud, get directions via Apple Maps, and more.
Ford already offers most of these features with its own system, but Apple loyalists who are used to Siri may prefer Apple's digital assistant.
"SYNC, Ford's entertainment and communications system, was designed to be flexible and updatable, just like other mobile technologies, so our customers are able to get the most out of their smartphones while behind the wheel," said Ford's Sherif Marakby, director of Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering. "Siri Eyes-Free is another great voice-activated feature that not only adds convenience but helps our customers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel."
The new software update that adds Siri Eyes Free is available for 2011 - 2016 Ford vehicles rocking the second-generation SYNC system, also called MyFord Touch in North America. To get a better idea of what Siri Eyes Free brings to the table, check out the video below.
