Automobiles in recent years have added features that make it easier to drive the vehicle or do other tasks without the risk of a vehicular accident. However, it is also given that not all cars are equal in terms of technological advancements.
BMW is one of the car brands that are making strides in adding smart voice features into their system. Based on Engadget's article, BMW has been using Amazon's Alexa in 2018 for its smart voice feature.
The companies announced the collaboration at Amazon's yearly Devices and Services launch event. Along with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which they previously had in their latter models, they will also start using Amazon technology to build their own infotainment system, according to TechCrunch.
Why Are They Partnering with Amazon?
Dave Limp, the SVP of Amazon Devices and Services, said that the Alexa Custom Assistant's purpose was to make it convenient for companies to develop their own custom intelligent assistants for any device. Since Amazon will already provide the groundwork for the system, companies who want to create intelligent assistants will not need to do it from scratch.
By having the core capabilities of an assistant provided by the already established Alexa Assistant, the company that wishes to customize its own intelligent assistant can now focus on unique capabilities that go with the services they offer.
Alexa Custom Assistant is built with Alexa technology, which according to Amazon developers, will provide companies access to "world-class, always-improving voice AI technology, customized with unique wake word, voice, skills, and capabilities," which aligns with Amazon's advancements with their advanced artificial intelligence.
BMW is not the first to look into the services of the Alexa Custom Assistant. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is already in the process of planning the development of its own intelligent assistant. It will be integrated with select vehicle models.
What Are The Advantages of BMW's Future Intelligent Assistant?
With an AI at the ready for every user's command or prompt, it will be easier for them to interact with it without too much of an effort. This allows drivers to keep most of their attention on driving and the road. It will prevent possible vehicular incidents caused by a divided focus.
The assistant will also include a proactive notification from the vehicle's assistant, which will inform the driver if the battery charge is low and will automatically reserve a charging slot at the next off-ramp.
This could be a very useful feature, especially since it might match the timeline of BMW's plans to have 25 electrified models in 2023 and release a series of all-electric cars in the next few years.
Intelligent Assistants may very well even be the future of handleless driving for a lot of car brands, and not just Tesla. When connected with other AIs in vehicles near you, it could also manage traffic for faster and smoother transportation. Just something to think about for the future of cars.
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