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| Amazon brings Alexa to Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles |
This week, Jaguar Land Rover announced a software update that deeply integrates new models with the Amazon Alexa voice assistant.
The update is available for more than 200,000 Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles equipped with the Pivi Pro 3.0 infotainment system or higher, and is available via a remote update.
This comes on the heels of Amazon's efforts to provide Alexa AI early last year so that automakers can better integrate the assistant into cars.
The voice assistant can be used in Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles without a smartphone.
It also helps drivers listen to music hands-free, navigate to different points of interest, and all the other things Alexa can do with news and weather information.
With the new skill, you can also lock and unlock your car from home using Alexa.
Many manufacturers still require customers to take the vehicle to a dealer for a software update. But Jaguar Land Rover has joined the ranks of the few who can deliver it by air.
Amazon Assistant gets access to more cars to compete with Google
Although Jaguar Land Rover says Alexa will be available as a free update to the antenna upgrade program. But there are some caveats.
Vehicle must have an active subscription to the online Pivi Pro infotainment plan. The software must also be updated to OS 3.0 or later to enable Alexa.
Existing vehicles may require multiple updates to access OS3.0. It may also be necessary for some owners to visit retailers.
Vehicle software must be updated and activated to enable Alexa. Users must also have an active Amazon account.
To activate Alexa, a QR code must be scanned on the screen to link the InControl app to the owner's Amazon account.
Amazon stresses the importance of working closely with Jaguar Land Rover and how they will continue to update features.
The company says that customers around the world interact with Alexa billions of times a week. It makes life easier, more productive and fun.
"We want to offer Jaguar and Land Rover customers the same comfort and convenience experience," she added. As Alexa gets smarter, new features and capabilities will be added over time and automatically delivered to cars.
The competition between Amazon and Google in the automotive field has become fierce. Google Assistant is available through Android Automotive in many Volvo, Polestar, Hummer Electric, and Lucid Air cars.
Until now, Alexa has only been used with the digital assistant as a secondary voice option in some cars, such as some BMWs, or as an in-phone app with sync in some Fords.
Partnerships with manufacturers like Jaguar Land Rover provide an opportunity for Amazon to increase Alexa adoption and compete with Google Assistant.