AI and speech recognition allow for a natural and safer interaction with our car. Advanced connectivity also enables life-long updates and continuously improving skills, both to the benefit of the driver and the fleet manager.
1. Seat Leon: speaking your language
After “Hey Mercedes” and “Hello, BMW”, you probably expected the Spanish OEM to inaugurate “Ola, Seat” as a wake-up call for the infotainment system, but in fact, you just press a button to activate the voice recognition. It should recognise natural rather than strictly structured commands, allowing you to operate your Léon safer and more conveniently. Moreover, the embedded SIM means that the new Leon can be updated and offer new digital services throughout its lifetime. The app that comes with it enables you to monitor and manage your Leon remotely.
2. Land Rover Defender: two eSIMs are better than one
At CES 2020, JLR showcased a brand-new Defender featuring the world’s very first Twin LTE modem. What it actually means, is that this Land Rover can download Software-over-the-air (SOTA) updates on the move without interruption and while streaming music and apps, so without affecting the day-to-day connectivity. In addition, customers can connect two mobile devices to the infotainment at once using Bluetooth, so the driver and passenger can enjoy hands-free functionality concurrently without the need to swap connections. Finally, the dual eSIM allows the Defender to roam across multiple networks in different regions to optimise connectivity.
3. FCA: Uconnect 5 is future-proof with Android OS
Next to Volvo and Polestar, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is also integrating Google’s Android Operating System in its infotainment unit, bringing access to a broad catalogue of applications. In planning for additional automated driving technology, the all-new Uconnect system comes with a Telematics Box Module (TBM) that assists in quickly moving large amounts of data. It’s 5G ready, too. Finally, with the available Uconnect app, which allows you to unlock and start the vehicle, FCA cars will be ready for sharing.
4. Mercedes-Benz in-car office: easy conf-calling
With the “In-Car Office” service, Mercedes drivers can access certain Office functions and important data directly in the car. For example, “In-Car Office” uses the location data in the calendar and automatically records it in the vehicle’s navigation system. In addition, the user can participate in a conference call without having to search for dial-up details. The system automatically recognises the required PIN code and uses it immediately. Drivers of an MBUX equipped Merc don’t have to lift so much as a finger: they can use the “Hey Mercedes” voice command function.
5. Android Auto comes to BMW – and its wireless People not belonging to the Apple community, rejoice: BMW has finally struck a deal with Google.
That means Android users can soon mirror their phone screens onto the central display of their Beemer and use messaging, navigation and music apps. Icing on the cake: the connection is wireless – no more fiddling with USB cables. Cherry on the icing: the phone’s data also appears in an adapted form in the instrument cluster’s info display as well as in the head-up display. Android Auto will be available from July 2020 for all vehicles with BMW Operating System 7.0.
Source: Fleet Europe – fleeteurope.com