Amazon's Alexa has been on a rapid expansion lately, is available in almost all forms, and integrated into almost all types of hardware. It was only a matter of time before the Seattle shopping and internet giant would dip its hands into the software for automotive. Today, in CES, Amazon has formally announced its plans to introduce Alexa and Amazon Web Services to the highly competitive smart mobility market.
Amazon plans to use CES as the backdrop for its ambitious plan to enter the rapidly developing market. Specifically, it sees itself to be "a major player in self-driving vehicle technology, connected cars, electric vehicles and management of the torrents of data generated by automakers and drivers."
Jon Allen, head of Amazon Web Services' automotive practice, was enthusiastic about the company's newest foray. "We really are extending ourselves more and more out in the ecosystem from manufacturing to the connected car. The takeaway message on this is if you go to CES this year, we really are taking it as a 'One Amazon' view."
The Power of AWS
Amazon Web Services is the backbone of many popular websites and services such as Netflix, Twitch, LinkedIn, and even Facebook. The company now plans to leverage its technical expertise in cloud computing solutions to create further innovation in mobility. The company has previously invested in Aurora, a startup focused on creating self-driving software.
During CES, it will showcase the power of AWS with several partners such as "virtual reality firm ZeroLight, electric vehicle startup Rivian, Canada's BlackBerry Ltd and video game software development company Unity Technologies."
Its partnership with ZeroLight will showcase how AWS will power the company's online vehicle configurator, allowing potential customers to configure their dream car and take the specifications and high-resolution images to a nearby dealer, allowing for smoother transactions. The technology was previously seen with Volkswagen, where the company was able to increase its profit per character.
Alexa, Drive me to the nearest _______
Amazon's Digital Assistant will first be seen in cars during CES. It will be included in all Rivian electric vehicles. The company's first electric pickup truck, the R1T, will debut this fall. It will be followed by the R1S SUV right after the pickup's launch. Rivian, which Amazon has invested in twice, plans to build 100,000 electric delivery plans for the company, to support its ever-growing delivery fleet, especially with the rise of Prime subscriptions.
Alexa will play a vital role in these new vehicles, becoming the core of the car's user experience. The digital assistant is hypothesized to provide the usual services to its home and mobile counterpart. It is also debuting new services, such as being able to pay for gas digitally. Using the command "Alexa, pay for gas," drivers of Alexa-assisted cars will be able to pay for fuel in over 11,500 Exxon and Mobil gas stations.
Additionally, Amazon plans to integrate its Fire entertainment system in cars as well. Fiat Chrysler has announced that Amazon Fire will be available in all of its vehicles as the in-vehicle entertainment system starting this year.
