Monday, February 25, 2013

Apple Siri Plugs in with Sonic and Spark Zeigler Chevy

Apple’s Siri Plugs in with the Sonic and Spark

by Chevrolet in the News on November 29, 2012

Press days for the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show saw the Bowtie brand press home its growing tech advantages. It was there that Chevrolet recently announced that, beginning early next year, its dynamic small-car duo of the Sonic and Spark will welcome Apple’s virtual valet—Siri—as a new co-pilot for their MyLink connectivity and entertainment systems. It will merely be a matter of pairing a compatible iPhone (running IOS 6) with MyLink, then pressing a steering-wheel-mounted activation button. Well, first you have to purchase a Spark 1LT or 2LT, or a Sonic LTZ or RS, but the folks at Chevrolet Indianapolis said the Siri-augmented MyLink setup is standard on all of those models.
And once online, Siri can then:
  • Make voice-activated, hands-free calls
  • Manage audio input, including from an iTunes library
  • Compose and send text messages to previously stored contacts, as well as listen to incoming text messages
  • Access and add appointments to the driver’s calendar

The folks at Chevrolet Wichita pointed this out: To further lessen the chance for driver distraction, Siri only will operate in an “Eyes Free” mode in which the associated iPhone’s screen stays dark, and it won’t answer any questions that would require on-screen answers. Speaking of answers, the one to the question “How much will these vehicles cost?” remains unavailable at this time.
“It says a lot about our commitment to small-car customers that Chevrolet has announced that Siri Eyes Free capability will be available in the Spark and Sonic well before the luxury brands,” 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.”
For more information on the Sonic and Spark, head on over to Chevy Dealership Lubbock or your local Chevrolet dealer.

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