BMW Previews Amazon Alexa-powered Voice Assistant at 2024 CES
BMW used the 2024 CES, currently underway in Las Vegas, to unveil a variety of new digital features in development, including new streaming services, games, and a voice assistant with enhanced artificial intelligence.
The most practical of the developments is a next-generation voice assistant integrated with Amazon Alexa. Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz also presented AI-based voice assistants at CES, with VW's system integrating the popular chatbot ChatGPT.
BMW's system can provide simple and quick responses on a variety of topics, including information about the vehicle and answers to common questions. It can also control some vehicle functions, such as media and navigation.
The system is still under development and will be rolled out this year for vehicles equipped with version 9.0 of BMW's operating system.
BMW also showed off new entertainment options useful for those waiting for their electric vehicle to recharge or to keep children occupied on long journeys. the BMW ConnectedDrive Store offers a range of popular Bluetooth-connected wireless games and The BMW ConnectedDrive Store allows users to download and install a variety of third-party apps, including video games that can be played with a standard wireless game controller connected via Bluetooth. Two players sitting in the front seats can play using the infotainment screen, which has a split-screen mode.
BMW also has its own video apps already available for some models. Depending on the region, these include Pluto TV, Bloomberg, TED, Yahoo! In the U.S., additional options include Tubi, Gusto TV, and Journy.
BMW also teased future technology in the form of augmented reality glasses, in this case a set of XREAL Air 2 glasses. Here, the driver and other occupants of the car can receive information about points of interest and entertainment content embedded in the real environment, in addition to information such as navigation instructions and hazard warnings.
