THE RACE IS ON!
AUTOMOBILE #VOICEFIRST
CURATED & COMMENTED HEADLINES
-------------------------
VOICEFIRSTEVENTS.com PRESENTS
A CURATED LOOK AT THE MOST IMPORTANT
“VOICE OF THE CAR” HEADLINES FROM THE LAST YEAR.
JOIN US APRIL 7-8, 2020, SAN JOSE, CA.
SPONSOR MERCEDES
KEYNOTE SPEAKER AMAZON AUTO ALEXA
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Biometrics, competing platforms, uncertain applications, more questions than answers… all typical of an emerging industry. Join the VoiceFirst Community of Events and stay on top of these developing trends, and more.
------------------------------------------------------
CES 2020: Lamborghini Huracan Evo Becomes First Car In The World To Get Integrated Amazon Alexa
VoiceFirst is proud to have Amazon speaking at the show.
11:00 AM - 11:20 AM Lessons Learned From Echo Auto: How Consumers Are Using Alexa In The Modern Automobile
Arianne Walker (Chief Evangelist, Alexa Auto)
The Amazon Alexa is not limited to being installed at homes and offices. It is now being offered in the Lamborghini Huracan Evo as well, which becomes the first car to get the cloud-based voice service. The line separating a car and a gadget is becoming thinner by the day and the latest example of that is the 2020 Lamborghini Huracan Evo range. Why is it, you would ask? That is because the Huracan Evo becomes the first car in the world to get in-built Amazon Alexa. Yes! the digital personal assistant from Amazon will now be offered in Lamborghini's 2020 Huracan Evo range and this includes the newly launched Huracan Evo RWD as well. The Amazon Alexa equipped Lamborghini Huracan Evo is also on display at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show or CES.
Also Read: 2020 Lamborghini Huracan https://auto.ndtv.com/news/ces-2020-lamborghini-huracan-evo-becomes-first-car-in-the-world-to-get-integrated-amazon-alexa-2160715
========================================
Digital voice assistants are the future of in-vehicle control
Voice assistants are projected to be embedded in nearly 90% of new vehicles sold globally by 2028, writes Sam Abuelsamid
October 21, 2019
VoiceFirst Comment: Will it take that long?
Over the past two decades, as new vehicles have been infected with the phenomenon known as creeping featuritis, it has been widely hoped that voice control would be the panacea for dashboards covered in buttons and switches. Alas, technical realities mean that has not worked out quite as planned. As the automotive industry heads into the 2020s, there is newfound hope that the power of voice will finally enable drivers to use the features they want while keeping hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. https://www.automotiveworld.com/articles/digital-voice-assistants-are-the-future-of-in-vehicle-control/
========================================
Biometric Tech is Coming to the Automotive Industry in a Big Way
VoiceFirst Comment: We have all seen SF crime movies where the bad guys take over all the cars… of course biometrics is going to be a solution to that problem.
The idea of incorporating biometric technology into cars has been gaining traction for several years now, with many recognizing the obvious benefits of using, for example, fingerprint recognition instead of a key for the ignition. But now that biometric technology is starting to converge on the automotive industry in a big way, the full breadth of applications is coming into view.
First things first: Fingerprint-based ignition and car unlocking are now coming to real, commercial cars, thanks to a longtime mobile biometrics specialist:
Precise Biometrics Tech to Feature in New Hyundai Car Unlock/Ignition System
Biometric driver identification also offers obvious applications in car-sharing platforms, where it can be used to make sure that authorized users are who they say they are:
Mitek Brings Identity Verification to HyreCar
But biometric technology can be used not only for driver identification, but also to monitor drivers and passengers for safety purposes:
SMK and CAARESYS Anticipate Self-Driving Cars with Biometric Passenger Monitoring
Two Apple Patents Could Bring Safety and Security to Self-Driving Cars
And with major automotive suppliers now making big investments in the kind of AI technologies driving these innovations, it seems clear that biometrics will play a big role in automotive solutions going forward: https://findbiometrics.com/biometric-tech-automotive-industry-503276/
========================================
Amazon extends voice-centric lifestyle to the car
While Alexa may have first found her place in the home, Amazon’s familiar digital assistant is now getting settled in the car as well. By Freddie Holmes
June 26, 2019
VoiceFirst suggests that people will want their favorite assistant in their car. Who knows how far Amazon can take this.
The industry has few steps left to take in its quest for a fully digital cockpit. Where there were once buttons and dials now lie screens and gesture recognition. Voice control has long been the toughest of nuts to crack, but the lag and inaccuracy associated with early systems has largely been resigned to distant memory. Many automakers are now turning to the likes of Amazon, Apple, Google and Microsoft for a masterclass in natural language understanding, and whilst it’s still not perfect, the technology has come a long way. https://www.automotiveworld.com/articles/amazon-extends-voice-centric-lifestyle-to-the-car/
========================================
Upstream Security Releases 2020 Automotive Cybersecurity Report and Announces First Automotive Threat Intelligence Service
VoiceFirst is closely watching biometrics. You should too. Visit the show to stay on top of this field.
HERZLIYA, Israel, Dec. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Upstream Security, a leading provider of cloud-based automotive cybersecurity solutions, today released its 2020 Automotive Cybersecurity Report. The report shares in-depth insights and statistics gleaned from analyzing 367 publicly reported automotive cyber incidents spanning the past decade, highlighting vulnerabilities and insights identified during 2019. The company also announced the general availability of AutoThreat Intelligence, its automotive threat intelligence subscription service providing comprehensive and actionable insights to threats on automotive and smart mobility services. The new service will be an integral part of the Upstream Automotive Cybersecurity, enabling analysts to leverage the feed directly within Upstream's C4 platform, providing domain expertise specific to automotive manufacturers, smart mobility and connected vehicle service providers. AutoThreat™ Intelligence can be enabled with any Upstream Security deployment or as a standalone service, adding no overhead to the customer operations with periodic updates and a rich set of reports, trends, and critical insights on the connected vehicle environment.
"With the rapid rise of attacks on the automotive industry, OEMs and smart mobility providers need extensive visibility and clarity into the threat landscape, helping them design the proper security architecture spanning their vehicles and cloud environments," said Oded Yarkoni, Upstream Security's VP of Marketing. "Our annual automotive cybersecurity report shows that the threats faced by the entire industry are real and increasingly more prevalent. The launch of our AutoThreat Intelligence service provides OEMs, connected fleets, smart mobility service providers, and MSSPs targeted insights so that they can take needed measures to protect themselves, their assets, and their customers." https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/upstream-security-releases-2020-automotive-cybersecurity-report-and-announces-first-automotive-threat-intelligence-service-300976874.html
========================================
Tata Motors joins Google to launch Tata Altroz Voice BoT
Tata Motors in association with Google, today announced the launch of ‘Tata Altroz Voice BoT’, a personalized, interactive voice experience for the Tata Altroz, using the Google Assistant December 3, 2019
VoiceFirst: Never forget this is a global game with global car manufacturers and voice solutions.
Tata Motors in association with Google, today announced the launch of ‘Tata Altroz Voice BoT’, a personalized, interactive voice experience for the Tata Altroz, using the Google Assistant. https://www.automotiveworld.com/news-releases/tata-motors-joins-google-to-launch-tata-altroz-voice-bot/
===============================
Is the Automobile Industry Racing Ahead with Voice AI?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining the driving experience by making it safer, smarter, intuitive, and hands-free. Not just self-driving vehicles, AI technology empowers users with hands-free task completion and access to information, predictive maintenance, emergency braking facilities, and much more.
VoiceFirst: We note the “always connected nature” of full-on AI in the car and asks, what happens when you go off grid? Will that require a special “manual” car, a bit like stick-shifting has become?
Speed, accuracy, and utility are the cornerstones upon which Voice AI technology stands firm. These attributes of Voice AI is what makes it the best fit for usage in the automotive industry. Using AI technology, the automobile industry has been making rapid strides towards smarter and hands-free driving experiences. The automobile industry is leveraging the ability of Voice AI technology in accessing information and completing tasks in the hands-free mode. Cars are no longer meant to just drive and park. They are transforming into smart devices equipped with futuristic features like hands-free task completion, predictive analysis, and contextual awareness. https://becominghuman.ai/is-the-automobile-industry-racing-ahead-with-voice-ai-f0ea8984a1f6
========================================
The in-car voice assistant is here to stay, and it still has more to offer
In-vehicle voice assistant technology has advanced rapidly, but HERE believes there is much more to come, thanks to partnerships and context-specific data. By Xavier Boucherat November 15, 2019
VoiceFirst: Join us at the show to see what the next range of killer-apps for voice in the car will be. The apps are evolving daily.
Voice assistant technology is becoming a part of the everyday driving experience, and soon they could be as commonplace as a glove compartment. A 2019 survey by Capgemini found that out of 7,078 consumers, almost half are already using in-car voice technologies. Common applications include infotainment control, such as music selection. https://www.automotiveworld.com/articles/the-in-car-voice-assistant-is-here-to-stay-and-it-still-has-more-to-offer/
========================================
COMMENT: Automakers should prepare for the next frontier—voice-tracking AI
Advances in AI technologies are critical to delivering on voice tracking’s promise of enhanced driver safety and user experience, writes Ken Sutton
March 11, 2019
VoiceFirst: Audio quality, i.e. microphones and voice recognition in all conditions is another niche in the game. Auto manufacturers (in the US) have opted to go with branded sound manufacturers like Bose. Samsung acquired Harman. Will they continue?
Major automakers are putting their money on voice-enabled technology to keep pace with consumer expectations and drive competitive advantage. Yet, as car companies look to create solutions to enhance safety and user experience, innovations that enhance accuracy and recognition will be critical to ensuring that voice assistants can hear and understand the driver above wind, ambient noise and, most important, other passengers’ voices. https://www.automotiveworld.com/articles/comment-automakers-should-prepare-for-the-next-frontier-voice-tracking-ai/
========================================
Alexa on the road: how to create a voice-first in-car experience
Experts from Elektrobit and Amazon explain how Alexa can extend vehicles' on-board capabilities
VoiceFirst asks: Would you ask your car, or ask your smartphone/mobile device?
Voice-recognition technology has come a long way in recent years, and is now capable of interpreting natural language. In some cases, the prompt “I’m hungry” can lead the car to suggest nearby restaurants, for example. Moving forward, the expectation is that voice control will become a common feature of new vehicles, and that requires dedicated expertise. https://www.automotiveworld.com/webinars/alexa-on-the-road-how-to-create-a-voice-first-in-car-experience/
========================================
HARMAN pioneers in-vehicle communication solutions for the voice-enabled age. New premium communication solutions deliver clarity in motion for frustration-free calls, commands and conversations
April 16, 2019
VoiceFirst: Don’t forget there is a hardware layer to go with the software layers. That’s another major VoiceFirst niche.
HARMAN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, showcases its Premium Communications solution for the first time in China at the Shanghai Auto Show. Premium Communications is a first-of-its-kind modular offering designed to elevate today’s in-vehicle communication environment. https://www.automotiveworld.com/news-releases/harman-pioneers-in-vehicle-communication-solutions-for-the-voice-enabled-age/
========================================
Nuance named “undisputed market leader” in intelligent authentication and voice biometrics report.Multi-faceted, layered approach for digital and voice fraud prevention puts Nuance ahead of 12 recognized biometrics vendors in Opus Research report
July 2, 2019
VoiceFirst: Biometrics and AI, a natural combination for Voice In the Car (and every other application needing security).
Nuance Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: NUAN) today announced it has been recognized once again as a Leader in Opus Research’s Intelligent Authentication and Voice Biometrics Intelliview Report1. The 2019 report cites Nuance as the “undisputed market share leader” and notes its “multi-faceted, layered security approach that includes biometrics, non-biometric prints, anti-spoofing measures, intelligent detectors, pattern detection and employing AI techniques.” https://www.automotiveworld.com/news-releases/nuance-named-undisputed-market-leader-in-intelligent-authentication-and-voice-biometrics-report/
========================================
Give the people what they want: tech giants lead the in-car voice race
Drivers want better voice commands for their connected services, and Amazon is emerging as an early market leader, with ambitions for the age of full autonomy. By Xavier Boucherat May 29, 2019
VoiceFirst simply notes that Amazon is speaking at the conference... we'll be listening.. will you?
A handful of tech developers already have years of experience with voice recognition and command technology under their belts, and Amazon is arguably the most well-known. Those who have noticed the increasing ubiquity of its Alexa-powered Echo devices will be unsurprised to learn that according to a report from eMarketer, the device grabbed some 67% of smart speaker sales in the US over 2018, outpacing Google and Apple’s offerings. https://www.automotiveworld.com/articles/give-the-people-what-they-want-tech-giants-lead-the-in-car-voice-race/
========================================
The Future of Mobility Is Not About Cars
VoiceFirst: One of the few companies we have found that is focusing on the user experience.
During the last century mobility was all about cars, about engines and about getting somewhere. This is not what we believe in. In the 21st century it will be all about your personal mobility experience. How does the car adapt to you? How are you treated during the ride? Is the experience safe on a perceptual as well as objective level? Software is the core element to enable any kind of mobility user experience – providing the bridge between you and the outstanding technology for the car. gestigon focuses on this software. Our software solutions provide machines with a new level of understanding, such as recognizing a user and anticipating their needs before they have been expressed. https://www.gestigon.com/automotive-industry/
========================================
Innovative advanced developments in connected infotainment, navigation and voice control. Networked mobility of Preh Car Connect in the new Passat August 28, 2019
VoiceFirst looks forward to amazing applications developed by some of the largest global corporations in the world.
A milestone in the success of Preh Car Connect (PCC): The automotive supplier from Dresden has led the way with the third generation of the Modular Infotainment Kit (MIB3). The MIB3 will be installed as the centerpiece of networked mobility in the new VW Passat. Volkswagen recently launched the production of the new Passat with groundbreaking infotainment and connectivity functions. PCC contributed to the advanced infotainment solution through its key developments in cloud-based navigation, voice recognition, and mobile connectivity. https://www.automotiveworld.com/news-releases/innovative-advanced-developments-in-connected-infotainment-navigation-and-voice-control/
========================================
Nuance Spinout Cerence Vies With Tech Giants in Voice-AI for Auto
VoiceFirst wishes Cerence well. As we have noted Lamborghini has chosen Amazon/Alexa, Where will Cerence gain traction? Internationally? Where Amazon isn’t ubiquitous?
A new mobility company, Cerence, is making its public-market debut Wednesday, and its first CEO, Sanjay Dhawan, says he’s been meeting with more than 50 investors in recent weeks to talk up its prospects. Cerence is a spinout from pioneering speech recognition company Nuance Communications (NASDAQ: NUAN), and it will carry on the work of Nuance’s former automotive division—a longtime player in the hotly competitive drive to equip vehicles to take full advantage of voice interactivity, artificial intelligence, and mobile Internet connections. Burlington, MA-based Cerence will continue Nuance’s development of digital dashboard features for vehicles, including voice-activated controls that allow drivers to do things like make calls, ask for directions, and change the radio station while keeping their hands on the wheel. https://xconomy.com/san-francisco/2019/10/02/nuance-spinout-cerence-vies-with-tech-giants-in-voice-ai-for-auto/
========================================
Crystal clear voice controls could play critical role in the AV
The ability to communicate clearly and concisely with the autonomous vehicle will play a huge role in its success. By Jack Hunsley
January 25, 2019
VoiceFirst: Who can predict when the legalities and technology will give us autonomous cars such as taxis, or more?
Communication is the bedrock of nearly all innovation. While technical expertise and physical capability can go a long way, these factors are rendered almost useless if a team is unable to communicate clearly with colleagues and leadership. In the case of autonomous vehicles, however, clear communication is perhaps even more important. https://www.automotiveworld.com/articles/crystal-clear-voice-controls-could-play-critical-role-in-the-av/
========================================
How drivers are actually using voice assistants in cars
VoiceFirst strongly supports the thoughts and critical thinking and reporting coming from www.Voicebot.Ai and we suggest you register for their newsletter and blog.
The automotive industry is making a significant leap forward in convenience and connectivity with the help of voice AI technologies like Houndify. A rapidly growing number of consumers are already habitually using voice assistants in cars, and auto makers are continuing to invest in creating better user experiences. Leading manufacturers like Daimler, Hyundai, Honda, PSA, and BMW already have — or are actively working on — sophisticated, voice-enabled infotainment systems that help drivers access a wide range of services, distraction-free.
The truth is, it’s almost impossible to get from point A to point B anymore without multiple distractions like phone calls, text messages, emails, Facebook and WhatsApp messages, and a hundred other ways in which we try to stay connected. Voice-enabled in-car technologies that help drivers keep their eyes on the road have become essential to improving road safety for everyone.
Voicebot’s 2019 In-Car Voice Assistant Consumer Adoption Report shows that more than half of U.S. car owners claim to have used a voice assistant in the car and 67.5% of those use them monthly. Zazzle Media’s 2018 The State of Voice Search Report shows that almost 40% of drivers in the UK are most likely to use voice assistants in their car. https://blog.soundhound.com/how-drivers-are-actually-using-voice-assistants-in-cars-bb1e3972301b
========================================
The evolution of in-car voice control
VoiceFirst asks if the car manufacturers will give up control of their autos to Amazon/Alexa? We think only smaller manufacturers that can’t afford the development team will give that channel away.
The Amazon Echo Auto is here…nearly. Originally planned for 2018 the release date has been pushed back but will be available sometime in 2019. The Echo Auto will let us take our Alexa on the road, fulfilling similar functions to the Echo in-home family and making our car a home-from-home. You’ll be able to play music on car speakers through your streaming service (Apple music has been promised but is not yet available), make calls, set reminders, manage your shopping lists, and edit your calendar. These are the classic Skills, already available from the in-home Echo. Beyond these, the car version will also help locate and guide you to local restaurants or coffee shops on the go using supported apps, such as Google maps, transforming it into a virtual co-pilot and concierge.
Although this in-car support might feel like a leap into the future, voice control has been available in cars in some shape or form for nearly 15 years. Some of these in-car systems used voice control fantastically, limited only by the technology available at the time, but others treated it more as an side feature likely to cause more harm than good.
https://www.simpleusability.com/inspiration/2019/02/the-evolution-of-in-car-voice-control/
========================================
VoiceFirst Conclusion:
Biometrics, competing platforms, more questions than answers… all typical of an emerging industry. Join VoiceFirst and stay on top of these developing trends, and more.
Author: Robert Merrill Fletcher, ChE is a trend watcher and the Director of Marketing for VoiceFirst Events, the leading trade show and event platform in the world for the VoiceFirst community. He prides himself on creating the largest ebook distribution platform in the world (before Amazon and Kindle) simply by traveling the world and shaking hands. He brings a global viewpoint to the VoiceFirst Event business. He may be reached by email: Rob@ScorePublishing.US . The questions and opinions expressed here are his alone and only meant to spark discussion, not create predictions.