Amazon introduces a gadget in the car, Echo Auto, at an event on September 20, 2018
Todd Haselton | CNBC
Amazon wants to make it easier for carmakers to bring voice assistants to their vehicles.
The company announced on Friday a new service – Alexa Custom Assistant – that allows automakers and device makers to develop their own digital assistant, built on Amazon’s Alexa technology with Alexa voice function.
Even if they rely on Amazon technology, carmakers can tailor their digital assistant to their preferences by setting unique awakening words, voice, skills, and capabilities, such as search, traffic updates, and navigation.
The cost of developing a smart assistant who uses the service will vary depending on the device or vehicle, customer use cases, and language requirements, Amazon said.
Amazon said the solution is meant to remove from scratch some of the challenges of a company building its own digital assistive technology, which can be costly and time-consuming. Automakers using the service can also use “tens of thousands of Alexa skills and integrations,” such as smart home, entertainment and shopping.
The offer is the latest example of Amazon’s efforts to extend Alexa’s coverage beyond voice-activated smart speakers. The company has trained the digital assistant in a wide range of devices throughout the house, including microwaves, watches and smart sockets.
In recent years, Amazon has partnered with carmakers to bring Alexa on the road, either by incorporating the digital assistant into vehicles or by activating basic capabilities, such as letting owners lock vehicle doors using voice commands. from their homes. In January last year, Amazon launched an edition of its Fire TV streaming service for the rear screens.
Amazon is facing competition from Silicon Valley companies such as Apple and Google, which also want to persuade carmakers to integrate their technologies into car infotainment systems. To date, Amazon has partnered with a growing list of automakers, including General Motors, Ford, BMW, Audi, Toyota, Hyundai and Nissan.
Fiat Chrysler, which previously partnered with Amazon to bring its technology to vehicles, will be the first carmaker to develop its own digital assistant through Alexa Custom Assistant, Amazon said. Alexa Custom Assistant will be integrated into certain Fiat Chrysler vehicles through its car infotainment system, Uconnect 5.