Mercedes owners in the U.S. can join the ChatGPT in-vehicle beta program through the Mercedes me app or by using the MBUX Voice Assistant. An optional beta programme will start June 16, 2023 in the U.S. for over 900.000 vehicles equipped with the MBUX infotainment system.
Customers can participate via the Mercedes me app or directly from the vehicle using the voice command “Hey Mercedes, I want to join the beta programme”. The rollout of the beta programme will happen over the air. Mercedes-Benz is integrating ChatGPT through Azure OpenAI Service, leveraging the enterprise-grade capabilities of Microsoft’s cloud and AI platform.
ChatGPT complements the existing voice control via Hey Mercedes. While most voice assistants are limited to predefined tasks and responses, ChatGPT leverages a large language model to greatly improve natural language understanding and expand the topics to which it can respond.
According to Mercedes-Benz:
"Users will experience a voice assistant that not only accepts natural voice commands but can also conduct conversations. Soon, participants who ask the Voice Assistant for details about their destination, to suggest a new dinner recipe, or to answer a complex question, will receive a more comprehensive answer – while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road."
The U.S. beta program is expected to last three months and will provide data to further develop voice control. Mercedes plans to eventually roll out the enhanced voice assistant to customers in other markets and languages. No specific timeline is provided for the wider rollout of the ChatGPT-powered voice assistant beyond the U.S. beta program.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
