In a significant leap forward for in-car technology, Microsoft and TomTom have announced a partnership to develop an AI-powered conversational assistant for vehicles. This innovative technology is set to revolutionize the way drivers interact with their vehicles, offering a more sophisticated and natural voice interaction experience.
A New Era of In-Car Interaction
The AI assistant, developed by TomTom and powered by Microsoft’s advanced AI capabilities, is designed to integrate seamlessly into dashboard infotainment platforms. It promises to offer drivers a more intuitive and natural way to interact with their vehicles, allowing them to control onboard systems, navigate, and find stops along a route using voice commands.
The technology leverages OpenAI’s large language models, along with Microsoft products like Azure Cosmos DB and Azure Cognitive Services. Azure Cosmos DB is a multi-model database, while Azure Cognitive Services is a set of APIs used in AI applications. These advanced technologies enable the AI assistant to draw from the latest advancements in AI, promising a capable and sophisticated assistant for drivers.
Integration with Major Automobile Manufacturers
While TomTom has not yet announced any definitive partnerships with known vehicle manufacturers, the company has stated that the AI assistant will be integrated into its proprietary Digital Cockpit. This is an open and modular in-vehicle infotainment platform that can be adapted to a variety of interfaces offered by major automobile manufacturers. The auto companies will retain ownership of their branding, suggesting that the technology could start appearing in cars from a wide variety of makers in the near future.
A Glimpse into the Future at CES
TomTom plans to showcase the AI assistant at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January, offering a closer look at how the technology works. This will provide an opportunity for industry insiders and consumers alike to get a firsthand look at the future of in-car interaction.
FAQ
What is the AI-powered conversational assistant?
It’s a technology developed by TomTom and Microsoft that allows drivers to interact with their vehicles using voice commands. It can control onboard systems, navigate, and find stops along a route.
What technologies does the AI assistant use?
The AI assistant leverages OpenAI’s large language models, along with Microsoft products like Azure Cosmos DB and Azure Cognitive Services.
Where can I see the AI assistant in action?
TomTom plans to showcase the AI assistant at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January.
Glossary
OpenAI’s large language models: These are AI models developed by OpenAI that can generate human-like text based on the input they receive.
Azure Cosmos DB: This is a multi-model database service from Microsoft that allows developers to work with data using a variety of models, including key-value, document, column-family, and graph.
Azure Cognitive Services: This is a set of APIs, SDKs, and services available from Microsoft to help developers build intelligent applications without having direct AI or data science skills. It includes services for vision, speech, language, decision, and web search.
Digital Cockpit: This is TomTom’s proprietary in-vehicle infotainment platform. It’s an open and modular system that can be adapted to a variety of interfaces offered by major automobile manufacturers.
