CES 2012: Connected car concepts are in the news again, and the latest is the announcement that AT&T Inc. is developing a voice-enabled virtual assistant. It will leverage more than 500 speech-related patents that can process speech, text and gesture inputs for things such as placing and receiving calls, navigation and basic Web browsing.
To make the "cloud-based voice-enabled natural language mobile virtual assistant solution," as the carrier calls it, a reality, AT&T is working with the Peachtree Connected City GA collaboration framework, Panasonic Automotive and QNX Software. The technology will be backed by AT&T’s patented WATSON multimode, multilingual speech engine too.
“Wireless innovations in the automotive space continue to expand and this is great news for consumers," said Glenn Lurie, president of emerging devices, resale and partnerships, AT&T. “By rolling out this prototype, we’re able to collaborate with companies and manufacturers to develop safer driving environments for customers."
A prototype is being developed that will demonstrate a connectivity strategy for automotive virtual assistance. The prototype will be used to develop a complete voice-enabled mobile virtual assistant solution for the connected vehicles platform that is designed to limit driver distraction by focusing on customer needs and system interface usability to improve safety and comfort.
“User experiences that are natural and intuitive, that simplify access to mobile and cloud-based services, and that help drivers stay focused are key to consumer adoption of tomorrow’s connected vehicles," said Derek Kuhn, vice president of sales and marketing, QNX Software. “Cloud-based speech recognition provided by solutions like AT&T WATSON will help accelerate this adoption, by allowing users to interact with their vehicle in a natural way, using everyday language."
Initial concept testing for in-car infotainment systems and emerging mobile devices interface is taking place now in the Peachtree City testing community. AT&T provides network services and Panasonic supplies the hardware and integration services.
