Alexa and Siri can also be used in the car. Even if it is not standard on board: the cost of retrofitting is manageable in many cases.
For many people, voice assistants have become indispensable in mobile phones and households. Also in some new car models the virtual counterpart is now standard. If you want to use it in an older car, you have the choice between three common systems. Retrofitting is not very complex and technically quite simple.
Of course from the usual manufacturers
Während voice assistantsn your own four walls, they are primarily for convenience, but they can also be a safety factor in the car. If you direct your navigation system with short commands, change the radio station on demand or simply tell the phone the right number, you don't have to take your eyes off the road and can concentrate better on the traffic.
As in the smart home, the assistants of the big tech companies also have a dominant position in the car sector. These provide at least the necessary software free of charge, the user pays with his data. If you want to use Amazon's "Alexa", Apple's "Siri" or the "Google Assistant", you only need a smartphone and a mobile Internet connection as a fee-based equipment - both are usually available anyway.
Infotainment from 200 euros
There could be a hurdle on the vehicle side, because at least the systems from Apple and Google require a suitable infotainment system with an "Apple Carplay" or "Android Auto" interface. If the car and radio are too old, a retrofit device can be installed. Copies with suitable technology are available from around 200 euros. If the on-board technology fits, the voice assistants are simply connected to the car's infotainment system via USB cable or Bluetooth.
Alexa not at Amazon but in the electronics market
Retrofitting with Amazon Alexa is somewhat cheaper. A small adapter is sufficient here instead of an entire infotainment system. The "Echo Auto" is currently not available on Amazon itself, but can be had at electronics stores or on the Internet for around 40 to 60 euros. In addition, a bracket for the dashboard is required, which is available from around 10 euros. The Auto-Echo houses eight microphones and two control buttons in a small housing. It draws power from the cigarette lighter or a USB socket. The connection to the vehicle is made via the AUX input of the car radio or via Bluetooth.
In addition to the standard operating functions, the language assistants also offer other advantages. For example, voice notes can be recorded, appointments can be entered verbally in the calendar or smart home devices in your own home can be commanded remotely. More options will be added in the future. However, the retrofit assistants are unlikely to be quite as powerful as the systems of the vehicle manufacturers; the helpers from Mercedes, BMW, Volvo and Co. not only have access to music and communication, but also to air conditioning, windows and interior lighting. However: Whether retrofit or original technology – a mobile phone connection is required in any case. On the one hand, it costs money and is still prone to failure in some parts of Germany.
