Voice Tech Promises Consumers Seamless, Distraction-Free Connected Car Experience

From smart navigation systems to real-time vehicle diagnostics, the integration of smart technologies into vehicles is not only redefining the driving experience but also transforming the way consumers interact with and perceive the road ahead. 

This shift extends to the adoption of hands-free in-car voice technologies, as digital-first consumers increasingly embrace these innovations to integrate intuitive, simple and connected elements into their everyday routines.

As noted in “Preparing for a Voice Commerce Future” a PYMNTS Intelligence report, nearly 40% of consumers in the United States are now using voice tech to get directions when on the road, signaling a shift towards a more seamless and user-friendly approach to road navigation in the digital age. 

Additionally, the study found that 15% of consumers, or approximately 39 million, used voice capabilities built into their cars in the 12 months prior to the survey, a share that is expected to grow as businesses provide solutions to meet the increasing demand for easy-to-use voice interactions in vehicles.

Take for example the recent collaboration between Walmart and conversational AI company Native Voice to bring Voice AI to vehicles without Bluetooth connectivity. As PYMNTS reported on Tuesday (Nov. 7), the deal is expected to enhance the in-car listening experience as device gives users easy access to podcasts, radio stations and music through voice commands. 

“With plug and play setup, and backed by the enormous content catalogs of iHeart and TuneIn, this is the easiest way to make your car smarter and distraction free,” John Goscha, Native Voice’s founder and CEO, said in a news release.

Data and AI Elevate In-Car Experience

Meanwhile, Salesforce has unveiled its Automotive Cloud platform, which leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and the massive amounts of data generated by vehicles to deliver personalized and connected car experiences based on driver preferences and behavior. 

With the Automotive Cloud platform, automakers will have a comprehensive, real-time digital view of a vehicle’s connected features and services, enabling them to offer enhanced in-car experiences, such as remote assistance, and surface relevant new services to consumers. 

“Today’s connected cars are already generating an estimated 25 gigabytes of data per hour — data that automotive companies must harness to provide the personalized experiences customers expect and generate new revenue streams,” the company said in a Tuesday news release. 

With connected cars projected to make up 95% of all new vehicle sales by 2030, per Salesforce, the emergence of innovations like the Automotive Cloud platform highlights that the evolution of in-car experiences goes beyond the realm of voice technology. 

Moreover, as consumers navigate the future of automotive technology, it is evident that a holistic approach, encompassing various cutting-edge solutions, will be shaping the way connected car users interact with their vehicles.