A new IntelliLink infotainment system will help people speak to their car.
Do you remember the 1980s TV show Knight Rider? And do you remember thinking how cool it would be to have a talking car? Well, this dream could now be one step closer to reality – thanks to the Vauxhall ADAM.
The car is set to be the first in its class that listens to drivers and talks back in response. It may seem like a futuristic vision,
but thanks to the innovative IntelliLink infotainment system, ADAM drivers will be able to give voice commands to their motor and receive a verbal answer.
When fitted with this system, the ADAM can be integrated with Siri Eyes Free, which has been developed by Apple and is aimed at assisting motorists by answering questions they ask while driving.
Drivers just need to own an iPhone running iOS 6, which can be used via a button mounted on the steering wheel – meaning they never have to take their eyes off the road.
It is hoped that distraction for drivers will be minimised due to the hands-free functionality of the product, as the motorist needs to use nothing more than their voice in order for it to work. To ensure safety remains paramount, the Siri text conversation will not be displayed on the device screen while using the feature in-car.
This last aspect was pinpointed as one of the most important by Vauxhall and Apple during the development process of the technology.
A lot of focus has been placed on simplicity and functionality with regard the new system. Those making use of the technology should find it easy enough to master – ADAM owners will have to connect their Apple iOS device to the IntelliLink infotainment system via Bluetooth.
After pairing it with the system, they then use the steering wheel voice activation system, which results in music or navigation directions being muted automatically.
Through the setup, drivers can make hands-free calls to contacts in their iPhone, listen to songs in their iTunes library, listen to text messages and perform many more tasks.
Posted by Emma Grange