A study conducted by Allianz, a number one insurance group, has revealed that the presence of an in-car touchscreen or central infotainment system can elevate the chance of a crash by as much as 44%.
This heightened risk largely stems from drivers becoming distracted while attempting to locate a selected function or feature.
The difficulty is further compounded by the growing trend of automotive manufacturers hiding essential controls inside complex layers of menus, making them difficult to operate safely while driving.
Voice assistants present a viable solution to this prevalent problem, enabling drivers to administer a automotive’s functions without diverting their attention from the road.
While not all implementations of voice assistants are effective with some systems proving to be lackluster essentially the most efficient ones offer a seamless way for drivers to utilize the automotive’s infotainment system without wrestling with convoluted menus or overcrowded interfaces.
Below are examples of a few of the very best in-car voice assistant systems currently available.
1. Polestar
Polestar stands out as the primary automaker to integrate Android Automotive OS into its in-car operating system, diverging from the everyday approach of most manufacturers preferring to develop proprietary systems after which incorporate third-party apps and services.
This strategy has provided Polestar with several distinct benefits over its competitors, most notably the flexibility to leverage Google Assistant for handheld remote control of the Polestar 2.
Many users are already accustomed to using Google Assistant via Android Auto. Nevertheless, with Android Automotive OS, Polestar owners may also access real-time updates on the vehicle’s battery status, cabin temperature, and overall condition.
This information is accessible anywhere Google Assistant is connected, including through devices just like the Nest Audio or a smartphone.
Moreover, voice commands might be used to remotely start the automotive and preset the cabin temperature, ensuring the inside is comfortable before the driving force gets inside.
While some automakers, reminiscent of GM, are moving away from Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in favor of developing proprietary systems, Polestar’s Google-based system demonstrates how tight integration with the tech giant’s platform can deliver substantial advantages for drivers.
2. Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz has taken a promising step with the mixing of ChatGPT into its MBUX infotainment system, albeit currently limited to a pilot program within the U.S.
Unlike most in-car voice assistants which might be confined to managing functions reminiscent of air con, navigation, or the media system, Mercedes goals to increase the capabilities of its assistant by incorporating ChatGPT.
With ChatGPT, drivers can issue a greater variety of commands and inquiries, reminiscent of finding recommendations for nearby restaurants or hotels and even posing questions unrelated to driving.
Effectively functioning as an in-car search engine, this feature eliminates the necessity for a smartphone to access similar information.
Moreover, the mixing of ChatGPT enhances the conversational tone of the voice assistant, making it sound less robotic and more natural.
Trained on an enormous dataset, ChatGPT offers responses that cover a broad spectrum of topics, providing an experience that feels more intuitive and human-like in comparison with traditional systems.
Following the initial trial period, Mercedes-Benz intends to expand the ChatGPT-enabled MBUX system to international markets and refine the beta version currently available to American users.
3. Tesla
Probably the most frustrating elements of using voice assistants is the accidental activation attributable to misidentifying a wake word.
While leading systems from Google, Amazon, and Apple have significantly improved in filtering out these false triggers, many in-car systems from various manufacturers still lag behind.
Tesla addresses this issue by requiring drivers to press a button to activate its voice assistant. Depending on the vehicle model, this button might be found either on the steering wheel or the touchscreen, ensuring the system only prompts intentionally.
Tesla’s voice assistant can provide recommendations for nearby points of interest, reminiscent of gas stations, restaurants, or museums, which might then be added directly as navigation destinations.
As a substitute of integrating advanced AI systems like ChatGPT, Tesla incorporates a Google search function. Drivers can request a search term, and the outcomes appear within the automotive’s built-in web browser.
Staying true to Tesla’s modern spirit, the voice assistant also includes hidden Easter egg commands for drivers to uncover—though we won’t reveal those here.
4. Mini
In July 2023, Mini introduced a redesigned interior for its vehicles, combining retro aesthetics with modern technology.
Alongside enhancements to its infotainment system geared toward keeping pace with competitors, the update also introduced unique features to tell apart Mini’s onboard systems from those of its parent company, BMW.
One standout feature is the debut of a brand new, Mini-specific voice assistant.
Along with handling standard tasks like adjusting cabin temperature, managing navigation, and processing phone commands, Mini claims that its recent assistant can engage in casual “chit-chat” with drivers.
This capability includes telling jokes, answering playful questions reminiscent of “do you want me,” and narrating stories.
The system is built on Amazon Alexa-based technology, but as an alternative of invoking Alexa directly, drivers use the wake phrase “Hey Mini.”
One other noteworthy feature is the system’s ability to discern whether the driving force or front passenger is issuing a command, tailoring its response to the suitable person.
5. Volvo
While Polestar was the primary automaker to adopt Android Automotive OS, it didn’t take long for Volvo, its sister brand, to follow suit.
This recent system is featured in models just like the 2023 XC40 crossover, where it has proven to be a considerable improvement over Volvo’s previous assistant.
Volvo’s shift to Android Automotive OS was first announced in 2022, together with the mixing of YouTube streaming into its infotainment system.
Using Google’s technology for its built-in voice assistant offers several benefits, chief amongst them being the flexibility to receive regular, over-the-air updates.
This ensures that the system stays up-to-date and continually improves. Moreover, the Google ecosystem integration is seamless, with Android smartphone users having fun with the best advantages.
Nevertheless, while Apple CarPlay is included within the XC40, it isn’t wireless—a curious oversight in what’s otherwise a contemporary and intuitive infotainment system.
6. BMW
BMW’s efforts to streamline access to its many in-car functions and features haven’t at all times been successful.
A chief example is the gesture control system introduced in some 2023 models, which regularly proved more frustrating than helpful as a result of its clunky operation and frequent accidental activations.
Nevertheless, the automaker’s voice assistant stands out as one in all the higher systems available on the market, particularly in vehicles just like the 2023 BMW i7, where navigating the various features might be distracting.
With the i7’s vast array of menus and options, the “Hey BMW” voice command offers a more convenient and fewer distracting method to access features in comparison with traditional controls.
Fortunately, BMW’s assistant is each capable and straightforward to make use of, making it an efficient tool for unlocking the complete potential of the posh sedan’s features.
While it isn’t as deeply integrated into the Google or Apple ecosystems as some competitors’ systems, it really works effectively alongside Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, serving as a reliable companion for drivers on the go.
7. Genesis
Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis, has garnered significant attention with its latest lineup of vehicles, offering driving experiences on par with top-tier competitors while maintaining a more accessible price point.
A key component of this appeal lies in its robust suite of connectivity and luxury features, all of which might be managed via the built-in voice assistant.
After testing the system in several Genesis models, including the 2023 Electrified G80, it’s clear that Genesis has one in all the more refined voice assistants available.
While Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also integrated as alternatives, the built-in assistant is able to managing a big selection of tasks, from rolling down windows to accessing weather updates.
Nevertheless, there’s a caveat: to totally utilize the assistant’s internet-dependent features, owners will need Genesis Connected Services.
This service is complimentary for the primary three years of ownership but requires a $99 annual subscription thereafter. Without the subscription, basic offline commands will remain functional, but those counting on an online connection won’t.
8. Audi
Voice assistant systems often struggle with accurately recognizing commands from drivers with strong or non-American accents.
Audi has addressed this issue by incorporating speech training into its voice assistant, enabling the system to learn and adapt to the precise inflections and pronunciation of individual users.
Over time, this personalization enhances the system’s accuracy. During testing with a British-accented reviewer in an Audi Q8, the assistant proved reliable even before additional speech training was applied.
Along with recognizing accents, Audi’s system interprets conversational commands reminiscent of “I’m hungry” or “I’m cold” and responds by finding nearby restaurants or adjusting the cabin temperature accordingly.
Unlike some assistants that depend on wake words, Audi’s system is activated by pressing a button on the steering wheel.
This approach minimizes false activations, even though it does have a drawback: when Android Auto or Apple CarPlay is connected, the identical button is used to launch Google Assistant or Siri, potentially creating overlap in functionality.
