In a groundbreaking collaboration announced at CES 2024, Amazon and BMW are set to transform the in-car experience by integrating artificial intelligence into vehicle-based voice assistants. The partnership aims to enhance the existing driving experience by combining a large language model (LLM) with Alexa and the actual driver’s manual, providing drivers with a more intuitive and informative interaction.
This innovative tool allows users to leverage the power of an Alexa-powered chatbot to obtain real-time information about their vehicles. Users can ask questions about various features, such as the parking assistance system, and receive conversational answers, eliminating the need for the traditional driver’s manual. Amazon emphasizes that this approach offers a “more natural way of getting to know your new car,” simplifying the learning curve for users.
Beyond just delivering information, the voice assistant enables users to take actions within the vehicle, such as activating specific drive modes. Furthermore, the integration with the infotainment system allows users to control various functions, from playing music to adjusting the internal temperature, offering a seamless and hands-free experience.
While BMW has previously integrated Amazon Alexa into its infotainment systems, this collaboration represents a significant leap forward. The companies had previously announced their joint effort to develop a custom BMW in-vehicle voice assistant using Alexa as a framework, and this latest development is a tangible outcome of that partnership.
The move towards incorporating advanced voice assistant technology in vehicles is part of an industry-wide trend. Volkswagen recently unveiled plans to merge ChatGPT with its existing IDA voice assistant, with the feature set to roll out in upcoming vehicles. Similarly, Mercedes made strides in this direction by announcing ChatGPT integration in its vehicles last year. This signals a competitive race among automotive manufacturers to enhance the driving experience through the integration of advanced voice assistant technologies.
