This year, Fiat Chrysler will be the very first car company to offer Amazon’s innovative AI-based technology, the Alexa Custom Assistant, which allows you to drive with a full-time assistant wherever you go. By building-in Alexa, your vehicle can communicate with you through a simple conversation, making your driving experience even more special.
Taking a road trip with Alexa is nothing new. Anyone can purchase and carry a portable Alexa so she can answer questions and work your calendar, but never have we seen a system that integrates with your vehicle so closely—literally, becoming a part of your car.
Fiat Chrysler will be the first automaker to use Alexa Custom Assistant alongside its own proprietary in-car voice assistant. By using this innovative technology, Alexa is able to communicate with your car’s Uconnect system, as well as, any other device connected: house lights, home alarm, etc. Imagine, speaking to your car to control your media, smart home devices, even to remind to you pick up groceries on the way home. And to make the prospect of driving with an assistant even more enticing, Fiat Chrysler will not charge for the integrated program.
How it Works
How will I differentiate between Alexa and my car’s Uconnect? Fiat Chrysler has set up the Alexa Custom Assistant in such a way that drivers won’t need to remember two wake-up phrases to access both systems. Simply use one wake-up phrase to access Alexa and she will take care of the rest. According to Amazon, “This allows the brand’s assistant to act as the product specialist, while Alexa is still available to help with everyday needs.”
Not only can you customize and use one wake-up word, but you can also customize voices and other intricate aspects to the system’s capabilities. Amazon’s goal with the Custom Assistant is to have a system that can be personalized by each user so each conversation with Alexa is unique. Now your Chrysler is even more tailored to you.
What we really like about this close relationship between Fiat Chrysler and Alexa is that it’s all based on language, which allows you to keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel at all times. What’s more, this language will constantly be improving.
Since your Alexa Custom Assistant will be powered by Amazon, it will continually improve and update its language understanding, intent routing, intelligence, and response speed so you are always working with the most updated and innovative virtual assistant created.
Different car brands can even create their own unique voice that guides the driver through the system’s functionality, making the technology suite even more unique and enticing.
Now, from the comfort of your own vehicle, you can use an intelligent assistant to control a range of devices like increasing or decreasing the incline on a treadmill, changing the channel on a stereo system or television, even starting a robot vacuum!
Looking ahead, more car companies are indicating a possible relationship with Amazon’s custom software. Lamborghini and Rivian vehicles hope to have Amazon control basic functions such as climate control, windows, media, and phone calls.
Benefits to Riding with Alexa
The idea of riding with a virtual assistant is groundbreaking for sure, and we can’t wait to try it out. Just imagine how different the driving experience will be…
With Alexa, the Uconnect voice command system becomes more powerful. Answering the phone, making calls and texts, even controlling your music has never been easier—and safer. The Alexa Custom Assistant system gives you plenty of reasons not to look at your phone while driving.
You can connect all sorts of systems and devices by using your new smart assistant. SiriusXM Guardian and Roadside Assistance both connect to Alexa Custom Assistant so that you can have remote access from just about anywhere. This allows you to maintain control of your safety and entertainment at all times.
Alexa, paired with a wonderfully advanced navigation system, allows you to activate and control your road trips using touchscreen or voice commands. Not only does the navigation system let you know where you are going and how to get there, but it also gives information on where ATMs, restaurants, and so much more are located—and all this comes audibly so you can focus on the road ahead.
At Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we are so excited to drive with Alexa. To find more out about when the Alexa-infused Chryslers will be available, visit our website or come see us in person.
