Ford Vehicles Getting Amazon Alexa Integration
“Alexa show me deals on the Ford Focus Electric, Fusion Energi and Fusion C-Max Energi,” because those are the first cars from Fords fleet that will offer integration with Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant.
Following up on an announcement made in January at CES, Ford is strengthening its partnership with Amazon by offering the digital storefront’s personal assistant system in the car. Using the voice recognition button the steering wheel of the car, drivers can adjust the temperature at home, check their home security system or turn on their house’s outside lights from the car.
Alexa users can also send instructions to their car from home. By using an Echo, users can start their cars from home, lock or unlock their doors and check the range between charges. For security purposes, these functions are only accessible after some kind of security code is passed. Other functions include updating shopping lists, getting weather reports, checking appointments and cueing up music in the car.
While the integration is currently slated for Ford’s plug-in vehicles, the automaker plans to bring the technology to more cars starting early next year. Other automakers including Hyundai and BMW have recently announced partnerships with Amazon, and expect more Internet-of-Things integration with cars in the near future.
[Source: Automotive News]
Discuss this story on our Ford Forum
Sami has an unquenchable thirst for car knowledge and has been at AutoGuide for the past six years. He has a degree in journalism and media studies from the University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto and has won multiple journalism awards from the Automotive Journalist Association of Canada. Sami is also on the jury for the World Car Awards.
More by Sami Haj-Assaad
Comments
Join the conversation
We do not need people doing something other than driving while behind the wheel.