In a groundbreaking collaboration, Google has partnered with Volkswagen to launch an AI-powered smartphone assistant tailored specifically for drivers. This innovative tool is designed to enhance the driving experience by providing instant answers to vehicle-related queries and offering real-time insights directly from a car's dashboard through the phone's camera.
The AI assistant leverages Google's state-of-the-art Gemini large language models, enabling it to understand and respond to natural language questions. Whether you're wondering, \"How do I change a flat tire?\" or need immediate information about your car's performance, the assistant is equipped to help.
Developed using data from Volkswagen's comprehensive owner manuals and a wealth of instructional YouTube videos on vehicle maintenance, the assistant is supported by Google's robust cloud computing infrastructure. Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian highlighted the complexity of the project, emphasizing the challenges of integrating diverse data types, including text, images, and videos, into a seamless user experience.
Initially, the AI assistant will be available to approximately 120,000 owners of the Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models. Volkswagen plans to expand the service to include additional vehicle models from the 2020 model year and beyond by early next year. This strategic move positions Google to potentially strengthen its foothold in the cloud computing market, where it currently ranks third behind Amazon and Microsoft.
Cloud computing remains a vital segment for Google, contributing $33 billion to its $307 billion revenue in 2023. While AI-driven solutions have significantly propelled revenue growth, specific financial impacts of the new assistant remain undisclosed. Similarly, Volkswagen has yet to reveal detailed usage metrics for the newly launched tool.
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Google partners, Volkswagen launch smartphone AI assistant for drivers
cgtn.com
