Newsletter
At CES 2024, Amazon and BMW unveiled an innovative partnership set to redefine the driving experience by integrating artificial intelligence into vehicle-based voice assistants. The collaboration introduces a groundbreaking system that takes advantage of AI technologies by engaging a large language model (LLM) with Alexa, Amazon’s voice service, and the actual driver’s manual. The result is a seamless and intuitive interaction. It allows drivers to query an Alexa-powered chatbot about their car, eliminating the need for the traditional driver’s manual.
The Amazon and BMW collaboration for BMW’s in-car voice assistant brings forth a transformative tool designed to enhance the interaction between drivers and their vehicles. Users can now engage with the Alexa-powered chatbot to obtain real-time and accurate information about their cars.
The initiative aims to simplify the often complex and cumbersome process of navigating through the conventional driver’s manual. Drivers can effortlessly inquire about various features, from the functionality of parking assistance systems to insights into diverse drive modes, receiving conversational and easy-to-understand answers.
Drivers can seamlessly instruct the voice assistant to perform tasks like playing music, setting navigation to a destination, and more
Beyond being an information delivery system, the voice assistant allows drivers to take actions directly. Drivers can instruct the chatbot to execute specific commands, such as entering a particular drive mode. Moreover, the integration with the vehicle’s infotainment system ensures a comprehensive experience. Drivers can seamlessly instruct the assistant to perform tasks like playing music, setting navigation to a destination, adjusting internal temperature, and more, all through voice commands.
BMW has been incorporating Amazon Alexa into its infotainment systems for several years. However, this recent collaboration signifies a notable advancement. The partnership was previously announced to develop a custom BMW in-vehicle voice assistant using Alexa as its foundation. The latest features presented at CES 2024 represent a significant step forward in creating a more intuitive driving experience.
This initiative reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry. Notably, other major players like Volkswagen and Mercedes are also entering the fray. Volkswagen, for instance, plans to merge ChatGPT with its existing IDA voice assistant.