Technology giants Google and Amazon are increasingly developing their AI capabilities across a wide range of fields from home appliances to personal wearables. The latest development from the two companies is their expansion into the automotive sector as they both seek to advance “ambient computing”, a concept where computing capabilities move between every aspect of an individual’s life.
The two companies announced new partnerships with automotive companies at CES 2022. Google will work with Volvo to produce vehicles with deep software integrations and Amazon announced a series of agreements with Stellantis, the maker of Jeep, Fiat and Chrysler, to make use of Amazon Devices, Amazon Web Services and Amazon Last Mile.
Amazon and Stellantis
In collaboration with Amazon, Stellantis plans to a software ecosystem that integrates with customers’ existing digital tools and devices. The first iteration of the system will be the STLA SmartCockpit platform, which will be included in Stellantis vehicles starting in 2024. The platform will deliver applications for entertainment, Alexa-enabled voice assistance, navigation, vehicle maintenance, e-commerce marketplaces and payment services. It will feature an app store displayed through an intelligent, adaptive user interface that presents users with curated information and features.
STLA SmartCockpit will adapt to users’ behaviors and interests through, for example, a trip-planner that curates media content, points of interest, restaurants and other stops along a route. Off-road vehicles could offer a system to help drivers calibrate their vehicle before entering rough terrain. Users will also be able to manage their vehicles from their Alexa-enabled devices at home or their Alexa smartphone app to, for example, heat the car’s interior before leaving the house, or monitor their home through security cameras while in the vehicle.
Google expands across the sector
Google is working with manufacturers to integrate Google into in-car experiences. Later this year, Volvo will add built-in features, such as the ability to access YouTube and other video entertainment when the car is parked. Users will also be able to ask Google to adjust car settings or activate features like lane-keeping assistance.
Any Google Assistant-enabled device, such as a home smart speaker, can be used to make remote actions like warming up the car, unlocking it or checking on the status of its battery. Polestar and General Motors are also producing vehicles with Google technology built into their infotainment systems. The company is also offering Android Auto, which connects to car displays via an Android phone. Globally, nearly 150 million vehicles offer Android Auto.
Google’s digital car key currently allows owners of supported BMW vehicles to unlock their vehicles from select Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel phones. Later this year, Android phones with Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology will be able to unlock compatible cars without the need to take the phone out at all and key sharing will allow digital car keys to be shared with friends and family.
Ongoing chip shortages are hampering the automotive industry, which, as in-car technology expands, is demanding ever-more processing power.
