Both Siri and Google Now have been in existence for a while now, but it was only in the past few years that with CarPlay and Android Auto that we saw those voice assistants being integrated into vehicles through either platform. Now it looks like Amazon could be gearing up to compete against Apple and Google.
Following Ford’s announcement that they were planning on bringing Alexa support to their cars, Volkswagen have similarly announced that they too will be bringing Alexa into their vehicles as well as launching a new Alexa skill. This was revealed on Amazon’s Developer website in which the details were unveiled.
According to the announcement, Volkswagen is expected to integrate tap-to-talk functionality on the head unit of the car. This means that with a tap of a button, users will be able to launch Alexa and get it to do tasks for them. This includes controlling smart home features, play music, handle notifications, and even order replacement parts for your car.
Volkswagen will also create a new skill for Alexa in which users can check on fuel levels, send directions, and more. This can be controlled via Alexa-enabled devices such as the Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Tap, so you can check up on the status of your car before heading out. Unfortunately there is no word on when the integration is expected to happen, but it could be worth looking forward to.
Filed in . Read more about AI (Artificial Intelligence), Alexa, Amazon and Volkswagen.