“Are we nearly there yet?”
It’s a question that’s plagued drivers for generations but now drivers can ask their car the question and get a useful answer.
Talking cars might sound like something out of science fiction (remember the David Hasselhoff vehicle Knight Rider with the A.I supercar KITT?) but the Vauxhall ADAM can do just that. Vauxhall produces a number of flashy city cars including the versatile Corsa and the compact Agila but it’s the innovative IntelliLink infotainment and Siri Eyes Free systems available with the ADAM that have really got people talking.
Apple iPhone users will already be used to conversing with Siri, the iOS intelligent personal assistant and “knowledge navigator”. The application allows users to ask Siri questions and search for information verbally and this system is now being incorporated into the ADAM.
Getting to know ADAM
The Vauxhall ADAM was launched at the Paris Motor Show in 2012. The standard audio unit features an MP3/WMA-compatible CD player, DMB digital radio, AM/FM stereo radio, RDS with traffic programme and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
Alternatively, you can upgrade to the IntelliLink system. The all-in-one multimedia system allows you to connect to your Android or iOS smartphone to the vehicle, giving you access to your music, photos, videos and maps via the speakers and 7-inch colour touch screen on the car’s dashboard.
IntelliLink is fully compatible with Android smartphones but in order to use Siri Eyes Free you will need an iPhone or other device running iOS 6. The driver connects their Apple iOS device with the IntelliLink infotainment system via Bluetooth and then presses a voice activation button installed on the steering wheel.
Once activated, you can interact with Siri Eyes Free verbally and complete a number of tasks. These can include making a phone call, sending an email, checking weather and traffic conditions or even asking: “are we nearly there yet?”
Siri Eyes Free is adept at interpreting conversational queries, meaning you can speak more or less naturally and in your normal voice. Siri Eyes Free will provide spoken responses where appropriate, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road and making your driving experience both safer and more convenient.
Siri Eyes Free works with most of your device’s built-in apps and is smart enough to know which app to use to get you the answer you need. What more could you want from a car?