Ford Adding Siri Eyes-Free to 5 Million Cars [News]

2016 Ford Fusion with Siri Eyes-Free update
2016 Ford Fusion with Siri Eyes-Free update

Ford released a software update to all cars with the second generation of its SYNC infotainment system that adds Apple Siri Eyes-Free functionality.

The update to the system, which is called MyFord Touch in North America, will allow vehicles from 2011 to 2016 to have the updated technology, a total of more than five million vehicles.

Once updated, the system will integrate with the Siri voice recognition system in Apple iPhones through a long press of the voice recognition button. Once activated, the driver can ask Siri to perform a variety of tasks, including making phone calls to contacts, sending and receiving text messages, looking up phone numbers, setting an alarm, playing music and getting directions through Apple Maps.

The driver can access all of these features without having to take his or her eyes off of the road.

Ford released the following video to demonstrate the new functionality:

Because the SYNC system was designed to be easy to update, similar to a smartphone or tablet, the update is available to owners to download at the Ford owner’s site and can be installed by the owner without having to visit a dealer.

A few months ago, TFLcar asked if it was time for manufacturers to have do-it-yourself infotainment systems. It looks like Ford’s answer to that question is “yes.”

Check out this TFLcar video of the latest Ford infotainment system, SYNC 3: