Users will soon be able to use both Google Assistant on Google Home and Amazon Alexa with all 2016 and 2017 Mercedes-Benz models in the United States, according to Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America.
Embedded in the global network Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, with its headquarters in Silicon Valley, California covering areas of autonomous driving, advanced interaction design, digital user experience, machine learning, customer research, and business innovation.
In Redford, Michigan, the focus is on powertrain and eDrive technology as well as in Long Beach, where the E-Mobility Group helps to shape the future of the North American market for hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric vehicles.
The Testing and Regulatory Affairs Division in Ann Arbor and the Advanced Vehicle Design in Carlsbad complete the competence center. Together all the 500 developers, technicians, engineers and designers take on the challenges of creating the next innovation. They get inspired by the newest trends, find the best solutions for the customer and create the next generation of comfortable, connected, safe, sustainable and luxurious vehicles.
Customers are increasingly benefiting from seamless interactions between Internet of Things (IoT) devices connected through their Mercedes-Benz cars. Voice-activated personal assistants are one such means of interaction, supported by artificial intelligence (AI). By connecting these services to Mercedes-Benz’s vehicles, customers gain personalized engagement and experiences.
“We want to offer our customers a broad range of services 24/7, not just when they are in our cars,” says Nils Schanz, Head of IoT and Wearable Integration at MBRDNA. “Mercedes-Benz’s goal is creating an intelligent ecosystem around cars, and developing cutting-edge technology to make everyday life more convenient for our customers.”
Besides the devices, Mercedes-Benz customers will need an active Mercedes me account and an active mbrace subscription. In order to link their accounts, customers will have to download the Google Home or Amazon Alexa app and connect it with Mercedes me. The service is now available in the United States. Europe will follow later this year.
Last December, Mercedes-Benz announced the integration with the Google Assistant on Google Home. Currently, Mercedes-Benz is one of the initial carmakers to integrate Google Home with their vehicles. This integration signals a significant step forward in the company’s connectivity strategy.
