A new step towards intelligent cars has just been unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, and it will allow users to control some functions by voice.
This spring, Swedish car maker Volvo is launching an app call “Volvo on Call” that will allow users to talk to their cars. Drivers will need to buy a Microsoft Band 2 in order to set their navigation or flash their headlights just by talking into the wristband.
The technology, unveiled today at CES, was developed in collaboration with Microsoft. By talking to the wristband, the app will convert the verbal instructions into digital commands and send them over the Internet to the car.
This means that you don’t even need to be near the car to send instructions. You could ask the car to turn on the heating before you go into it, or honk remotely if some pesky kids are sitting on its hood.
The technology has been compared to KITT, the AI car used by David Hasselhoff in the TV show "Knight Rider." And although the technology seems to be straight out of a sci-fi film, the team behind it is very grounded.
"Volvo is intent on making the car experience as easy and convenient as possible by utilizing the latest technology in the most relevant and inspiring ways," said Thomas Müller, head of electrics/electronics and e-propulsion at Volvo Car Group, in a statement. "With voice control, we are only just beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible with digital assistant functionalities."
Klas Bendrik, the company's chief information officer, added: "When innovating, we are not interested in technology for the sake of technology. If a technology does not make a customer's life easier, better, safer or more fun, we don't use it.”
The company has not yet revealed how much it will cost to fit existing cars with the technology.
