Key Points
- Amazon is extending its Alexa+ platform to BMW vehicles.
- BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant will incorporate Alexa+ capabilities.
- Alexa+ accesses over 70 large language models for complex queries.
- Drivers can continue conversations from home Alexa devices in their cars.
- A new feature allows Alexa to answer car‑manual questions in real time.
- BMW’s connected services rely on Amazon Web Services (AWS).
- The rollout will begin with select BMW models, timing unspecified.
Amazon Expands Alexa+ to the Automotive Space
Amazon is gradually rolling out its next‑generation Alexa+ assistant across its product ecosystem, and the latest recipient is the automotive market. BMW will be the first car manufacturer to receive access to Alexa+, leveraging the platform through the Alexa Custom Assistant framework that the automaker already employs for its in‑vehicle voice assistant.
Enhanced Conversational Experience
Alexa+ brings a more natural, conversational style to driver interactions. It expands the assistant’s ability to understand and act on complex instructions, moving beyond the more limited capabilities of earlier versions. The platform can draw on more than 70 large language models, enabling richer, context‑aware responses.
Integration with BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant
BMW’s current in‑vehicle voice system, known as the Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA), is built on Alexa Custom Assistant. With the addition of Alexa+, the IPA will gain access to the broader agentic capabilities of the new platform. This upgrade allows drivers to continue conversations started on home Alexa devices seamlessly inside the car.
New Features Unveiled at CES
At the Consumer Electronics Show, Amazon and BMW demonstrated a feature that lets Alexa absorb the driver’s vehicle manual, enabling real‑time answers to car‑related questions. The collaboration also underscores BMW’s deeper integration with Amazon’s cloud services, as many of the vehicle’s connected features run on Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Rollout Details
The enhanced Alexa Custom Assistant will be introduced to select BMW models in the near future. While the exact launch date and the specific models have not been disclosed, the partnership signals a significant step toward more intelligent, AI‑driven experiences in automobiles.
Source: engadget.com