Mercedes-Benz is adding ChatGPT to your car assistant to talk to you while driving

Mercedes-Benz cars just got smarter as they are gearing up to talk back to you! Mercedes-Benz users in the United States will now (June 16, 2023, onwards) have the opportunity to participate in an exciting three-month beta program that integrates ChatGPT into their cars.

The Mercedes-Benz-ChatGPT collaboration together seeks to enhance the driving experience for over 9,00,000 vehicles equipped with the MBUX infotainment system.

The collaboration between the two represents a logical and exciting union, driven by a shared vision to revolutionise voice control in automobiles.

What is the MBUX infotainment system?

• The MBUX system is a cutting-edge infotainment platform by Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, and Mercedes-EQ in their vehicles.
• It incorporates AI to continuously learn and remember user preferences, including preferred daily commuting routes, playlists and frequently called contacts.

• The system allows drivers to interact with the infotainment features without compromising their safety, enabling them to focus on the road.

What gets better with ChatGPT?

• The beta program aims to complement and enhance the existing 'Hey Mercedes' functions for navigation queries and weather updates, playing your current favourite track, with ChatGPT's natural language understanding.
• With ChatGPT, Mercedes-Benz owners can now engage in natural conversation with their voice assistant, posing follow-up questions and receiving comprehensive answers.
• The  AI model complements the existing voice control system by offering suggestions for dinner recipes, providing detailed information about destinations, and answering complex queries, all while keeping the driver's attention on the road.
• The integration of ChatGPT in their controlled cloud environment is a significant step towards making cars the central hub of customers' digital lives, said the Mercedes-Benz Group's Chief Technology Officer, Markus Schäfer.

It would basically let users use their mobiles... without even using them.

How does one join the beta program?

• To join the beta program, one needs to log in to the Mercedes Me app or simply say, "Hey Mercedes, I want to join the beta program", while inside their vehicle.
• This way, the drivers will also contribute to the collection of voice command data, which is anonymised and analysed in the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud.
• The findings from this program will assist Mercedes-Benz developers in setting priorities and improving the voice assistant.
• For now, the beta program is limited to the US.

How safe is it?

• Markus Schäfer reassured customers that data privacy is a top priority, emphasising Mercedes-Benz's commitment to safeguarding their information.

• Microsoft's substantial investment in OpenAI demonstrates the strong partnership between the two companies.
• The collaboration aligns with Microsoft's focus on leveraging generative AI tools to enhance software and other products.

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