Apple Plans to Allow Outside Voice-Controlled AI Chatbots in CarPlay (yahoo.com) 12
Apple "is preparing to allow voice-controlled AI apps from other companies in CarPlay," reports Bloomberg, citing "people familiar with the matter."
Bloomberg calls it "a move that will let users query AI chatbots through its vehicle interface for the first time." The company is working to support the apps in CarPlay within the coming months, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plan hasn't been announced. The change marks a strategic shift for Apple, which until now has only allowed its own Siri assistant as a voice-control option within its popular vehicle infotainment software. With the move, AI providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic PBC and Alphabet Inc.'s Google will be able to release CarPlay versions of their apps that include a voice-control mode...
The company also has launched a higher-end version of the platform, CarPlay Ultra, that lets drivers control functions like seat adjustments and climate settings directly through Apple's software. But that system is rolling out slowly and must be customized for each automaker. That means it's likely to be a niche offering.
The article notes that Tesla is now working to support Apple's CarPlay.
Bloomberg calls it "a move that will let users query AI chatbots through its vehicle interface for the first time." The company is working to support the apps in CarPlay within the coming months, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plan hasn't been announced. The change marks a strategic shift for Apple, which until now has only allowed its own Siri assistant as a voice-control option within its popular vehicle infotainment software. With the move, AI providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic PBC and Alphabet Inc.'s Google will be able to release CarPlay versions of their apps that include a voice-control mode...
The company also has launched a higher-end version of the platform, CarPlay Ultra, that lets drivers control functions like seat adjustments and climate settings directly through Apple's software. But that system is rolling out slowly and must be customized for each automaker. That means it's likely to be a niche offering.
The article notes that Tesla is now working to support Apple's CarPlay.
Voice-controlled AI apps in cars :o (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Precisely! If anything, CarPlay should have just a limited set of apps, such as Maps/Waze, Phone, Music/Podcasts, Sirius XM (if the owner is a subscriber) and maybe Messages. The whole idea is for essential items to be on the navigation screen, so that the driver doesn't need to fiddle w/ it
Re:Voice-controlled AI apps in cars :o (Score:4, Interesting)
My take is that Apple is finally admitting that Siri is useless as a voice UI and that they're going to let you use other voice UIs.
The whole idea is for essential items to be on the navigation screen, so that the driver doesn't need to fiddle w/ it
Of course, you're still right, because Apple's implementation won't let you replace Siri, but instead require you to launch the specific app that provides the alternative voice control. But it may be worth it to get a voice UI that is functional rather than Siri.
Re: (Score:2)
I never use voice UI. Instead, at the start of the trip, before I start driving, if I want to use maps, I set the destination. If I want to listen to a podcast, I go to the show I want to listen and set it to start after I turn the car on. During the drive, if I get an interrupting phone call, I use the steering controls. I also have enabled an auto-response if I receive a text while driving
At traffic stops, I might fiddle w/ the controls, such as rewind a bit of the show I'm listening to
Re: (Score:2)
Depends on the app I suppose. But it's certainly going to be less distracting than having to use a touch UI. I don't really see how putting finer grain control into speech downgrades safety.
Apple Plans to Allow (Score:4, Interesting)
This is the root of the problem
Apple wants total control and power to "allow"
This is why I despise and avoid Apple
Re: (Score:2)
Thou dare cast aspersions on your betters, lest they remove your right to mobility?
Re: (Score:2)
Aside from navigation and managing what one listens to while driving, what are the other things a driver needs to do? I use the steering controls to answer if I get a call, have my texts set to send auto-replies that I am driving, may sometimes need to rewind 10 seconds if I miss something I'm listening to on the podcast, and that's about it
Anything more major than that, and I either do it at a traffic light if it is quick, or pull over if it'll take me longer to manage. What exactly would AI help me do
Tesla Grok (Score:2)
Tesla added Grok to the in car info system some time ago. You can ask it anything!
Of course, you might get a Hitler persona answering but that could be entertaining.
Siri (Score:2)
Ya, but... (Score:2)
Apple Plans to Allow Outside Voice-Controlled AI Chatbots in CarPlay
Your mom will still insist that you use your Inside Voice when speaking in the car.