CNBC reports that "General Motors is partnering with Amazon to enable the tech company’s Alexa voice assistant in millions of its vehicles … the popular voice technology will be available on model year 2018 and newer Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles with compatible infotainment systems in the first half of next year.
The CNBC story notes that "Amazon has previously announced Alexa in-vehicle partnerships with automakers such as Ford Motor, BMW Group, including Mini, and Audi."
The CNBC story notes that "Amazon has previously announced Alexa in-vehicle partnerships with automakers such as Ford Motor, BMW Group, including Mini, and Audi."
- KC's View:
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The story points out that "with the downloaded Alexa app, drivers will be able to control smart devices in their home such as thermostats and lights in addition to controlling in-vehicle features such as their radio, phone and navigation. A cell phone is not required to use the features."
What's interesting about this is that it doesn't mention "shopping," which has to be on the short list of functionalities. The idea, almost certainly, is that I be able to call in to Whole Foods or some other Amazon-powered retailer while driving my car, and in pretty short order pull up to a click-and-collect location and have the stuff placed in my car.
This has to be part of Amazon's view of the future.
