With Alexa becoming a popular device in millions of homes nationwide, consumers are quickly getting more familiar with AI in their lives.
We’re living in an increasingly connected world where practically everything we use is becoming integrated with technology. But what about our cars? Has the automobile industry been keeping up?
Smart Cars are Coming
Voice control technology has actually been available in cars for over two decades, but it only offered limited features and was never that effective. But now the technology is leaping ahead and Amazon’s goal is to be embedded in all cars.
A feature in new Vehicles
The automotive industry is on the brink of a technological revolution -Amazon is working with several car manufacturers with its Alexa Auto division, bringing the device to more new vehicles. Alexa integrated allows drivers to use the assistant just the same as they do at home, to check their front door is locked, for instance, play music, check the weather and traffic –it can do basically anything the home version can do.
Where’s My Car Keys?
Several car manufacturers are now starting to fit their new vehicles with Alexa. Audi’s new e-tron electric SUV is the only model to come with the full Alexa experience, with the device responding to voice commands just like it does in the home. Lexus has brought Alexa integration to its cars from 2019 models onwards. Lincoln has offered Alexa integration on some models since the model year 2016. Ford added Alexa to its Sync in-car infotainment system in a range of models from 2016 onwards. Lincoln has offered Alexa integration on some models from 2016 onwards. And Toyota offers Alexa on a handful of 2019 model year cars, including the Avalon, Camry, Corolla Hatchback, RAV4, and Sienna.
Play the song Drive by The Cars
But if you don’t own one of these vehicles you can still make your existing car smarter by ordering a $50 Alexa gadget introduced by Amazon –the Echo Auto. The Echo Auto is a miniature smart speaker you can fit on your car’s dashboard. It’s Bluetooth-enabled, but can also be connected to your vehicle via an auxiliary jack and is powered by a USB or cigarette lighter adapter. And the device works just like the one at home –you can ask it for a nearby location, or get directions, or even make a shopping list if you want to. Alexa, can you fill her up? We’re not quite there yet, but who knows where AI will take us next!
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