2017 has been the year of Alexa, with the voice-powered personal assistant popping up in everything from HTC smartphones to home robots.
Now the Amazon-built platform has its sights set on the automobile industry, with BMW confirming its 2018 model cars (and mid-2017 Minis) will begin offering Alexa support.
From mid-2018, drivers in the US, UK and Germany will be able to ask Alexa for directions, to make phone calls, check the news, play music and much more.
The cars will also feature far-field microphone systems like the ones within the Amazon Echo devices.
Speaking at Amazon’s event in Seattle on Wednesday BMW said: “It’s a complete, comprehensive set of internet capabilities that is available inside your vehicle” (via The Verge).
Related: Amazon Echo 2
The functionality extends to tens of thousands of existing Alexa skills, while voice responses and visual cards will also be available through the on board infotainment system.
That means drivers will be able to ask Alexa to turn on their connected home thermostat during the drive home, for example.
Beamer owners can even use the Starbucks Skill to place an order for their favourite drink, which can be picked up, en route, from their favourite store.
The German audio giant says this functionality builds on there existing BMW Connected app for Alexa.
Will this push you towards a BMW or Mini purchase in the next 12 month? Share your thoughts @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
