Apple’s Siri moves to your steering wheel to stave off distracted driving crusaders

Among its rollout of new laptops and software upgrades, Apple today took its biggest step yet into the automotive industry, announcing that several automakers had agreed to integrate its Siri voice controls for the iPhone into vehicles, allowing drivers "Eyes Free" Siri operation by pressing the button for the vehicle's own voice control system. It's as much about facing off with Microsoft and Sony as it is staying ahead of the debate over distracted driving.

Apple executives said eight automakers -- General Motors, Toyota, Chrysler, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Jaguar/Land Rover -- had agreed to integrate Siri into their entertainment systems, with one expected to have Siri easily plug into the system within 12 months. (Apple used a BMW for its demonstration photo, but we know Steve Jobs was a fan of Mercedes.) All the companies already have voice control systems available; Siri is expected to simply work in addition to them, rather than replace technology such as OnStar.