Volkswagen’s Voice Assistant Ida is set to become even smarter with the integration of ChatGPT-powered responses for complex queries. Currently, Ida can accept voice commands for basic functions such as navigation and climate control adjustments. However, starting in Q2 2024, drivers and passengers will be able to ask Ida more complex questions and receive responses powered by ChatGPT.
With the upcoming update, Ida will be able to handle general knowledge questions and provide detailed information seamlessly. For example, users can ask Ida for recommendations on nearby authentic Chinese restaurants or where to buy a phone charger. These queries will be processed by Cerence’s Chat Pro software in the cloud, and Ida will present the response within the navigation system.
During Volkswagen’s CES press conference, the company showcased the capabilities of ChatGPT. An advertisement previewed actor Ewan McGregor in an ID 7 asking if he should wear a kilt to a formal event. Ida provided a response regarding the appropriateness of the garment for such gatherings. Onstage, VW and Cerence executives asked ChatGPT to answer trivia questions and generate a bedtime story.
The integration of ChatGPT functionality will be delivered to the vehicles via an over-the-air update in Q2 2024. It is expected to be a seamless process for users, with no changes to how they interact with Ida and no need to set up a separate account.
Moving forward, Volkswagen and Cerence will continue to collaborate on expanding the capabilities of ChatGPT in the car. They are also working on developing Volkswagen’s next-generation voice assistant, which will likely have even deeper integration with voice and AI language models.
The introduction of ChatGPT-powered responses in Volkswagen’s voice assistant aims to enhance the driving experience by providing more accurate and detailed information to users. It enables drivers and passengers to interact with the car’s voice assistant in a more conversational and natural manner, making the car smarter and more user-friendly.
*Article keywords: Volkswagen, Ida voice assistant, ChatGPT, complex queries, Cerence, navigation system, over-the-air update, AI language models, driving experience*
