Chevy announces Spark, Sonic will be first to integrate Apple's Siri, debuts next-gen MyLink [w/videos]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Chevrolet, GM, Infotainment

Get ready for Siri in your car. Early in 2013, Chevrolet will be the first automaker to roll out Apple's Eyes Free technology, showing up initially in the Spark (in 1LT and 2LT trims) and Sonic (in LTZ and RS versions). Both models also come with six months of OnStar service included for free, which also includes a smartphone app - available for Android, iOS or Blackberry.

Here's what Siri in your Chevy Spark or Sonic can do:

Make voice-activated, hands-free calls to Contacts on your iPhone
Play songs in the iTunes library, and even switch music sources automatically from AM/FM/XM radio to iPod mode
Listen to, compose and send an iMessage or text message to a phone number or anyone in saved Contacts
Access Calendar and add appointments
Minimize distraction 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
While in Eyes Free mode, Siri will not provide answers to complex questions that require displaying a web page.

Owners will need a compatible iPhone (4S or 5, running iOS6) to use Siri Eyes Free, connected through Bluetooth to Chevy's MyLink infotainment system.

Speaking of which, Chevrolet has also announced that the next generation of its MyLink technology (see the image to the right) will debut with the 2014 Impala. Later in the year it will also show up in GM's new full-size trucks and SUVs and the Corvette.

There are all kinds of new features in the next-gen MyLink, but one headliner is Chevy's first use of natural voice recognition. There will also be four optional graphic treatments to choose from, large icons on the touch screen plus a set of old-fashioned knobs and steering wheel controls.

Check out all the details in the dual press releases and trio of videos below.

Continue reading Chevy announces Spark, Sonic will be first to integrate Apple's Siri, debuts next-gen MyLink [w/videos]

Chevy announces Spark, Sonic will be first to integrate Apple's Siri, debuts next-gen MyLink [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet MyLink brings the app fight to Ford Sync, Toyota Entune

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM

Chevrolet MyLink - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors is finally bringing the smartphone battle to Ford with the introduction of Chevrolet MyLink, an integrated infotainment system that connects to your smartphone and allows you to access apps through either the steering wheel controls or the console-mounted touchscreen.

The wraps officially came off at tonight's Engadget Show and boasts similar functionality to Ford's AppLink and Toyota's recently revealed Entune system. MyLink connects your Android or Blackberry device over Bluetooth, allowing you to wirelessly access apps. And if you're partial to Apple's iOS devices - namely the iPhone or iPod Touch - you get the same functionality, but can only be controlled by plugging it in via USB.

At launch, MyLink is only compatible with Stitcher and Pandora radio, with other apps due to be released later this year. The Chevrolet Volt and Equinox will be the first two models to come equipped with the new system, and in addition to voice-control functionality courtesy of Nuance, both models will be available with PowerMat's inductive charging system, so you don't have to worry about your Bluetooth-tethered phone running out of juice. Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but expect MyLink to be available within the next few months. Hit the jump for the official release and get more details at our tech-obesessed sibling site Translogic.

Gallery: Chevrolet MyLink

Continue reading Chevrolet MyLink brings the app fight to Ford Sync, Toyota Entune

Chevrolet MyLink brings the app fight to Ford Sync, Toyota Entune originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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