SCA Expands Siri Eyes Free to More Cars
FCA Uconnect is releasing a free software update to add Apple Siri Eyes Free capability to the Uconnect system installed in nearly 2million Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, and Ram vehicles dating back to 2013.
"With the addition of the Siri Eyes Free feature for later model-year vehicles, more customers will have an opportunity to integrate their iPhones with Uconnect while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on road," said Tricia Hecker, global head of connected services at FCA, in a statement. "By adding Siri Eyes Free capability, customers will be able to use their voice to dictate and send messages, select specific songs, create reminder notifications and set calendar entries."
Drivers can activate Siri Eyes Free from the voice button on the steering wheel and speak natural language voice commands to send text messages, play music, set reminders, place phone calls, and access turn-by-turn directions. Drivers push and hold the voice recognition button on the steering wheel until the Siri screen appears on the 8.4-inch touch screen and the user hears the audible tones. Siri Eyes Free is compatible with Apple iPhone 4s or later.
The new software update is available for the following vehicles equipped with a Uconnect 8.4 touchscreen system:
- 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500;
- 2013-2015 Dodge Viper;
- 2014-2015 Dodge Durango;
- 2015 Dodge Challenger and Charger;
- 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee;
- 2015 Jeep Renegade; and
- 2015 Chrysler 200 and 300.
Launched in 2003, Uconnect systems are FCA's in-vehicle connectivity centers that provide drivers with a range of available communication, navigation, entertainment features and connected services, including the following:
- Hands-free calling or texting;
- Entertainment and audio options that include AM, FM, HD, or satellite radio, Bluetooth streaming audio, CD player, USB, SD card, and AUX port; and
- Navigation options with easy access to points of interest, maps and turn-by-turn directions that are broadcast over the vehicle's audio system.
Vehicle owners can access and control their Uconnect system's features and services by using voice recognition technology, steering wheel controls, touch screens or traditional knobs and buttons.
Chrysler began offering Uconnect on select vehicles in 2012. Its new parent company, Fiat Chrysler, committed to the system on all 2016 models.