The Auto Writer

Beginning this September, BMW will become the first European automobile manufacturer to offer voice command technology, a feature which will allow drivers to find their favorite songs and get directions without taking their hands off of the steering wheel.

The Ford Motor Company got a huge leg up on the competition last year when they introduced SYNC, a voice command feature developed with Microsoft which allows drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel while issuing commands such as making phone calls or playing a particular song. Recently, Ford sold its one millionth vehicle with SYNC included, a head start that has forced its competitors to play catch up.

Europe Embraces Voice Command Technology

The BMW Group is the latest company to roll out voice command technology, a system which will be made available to its customers beginning this September.  Offered throughout Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain, Great Britain, and the USA, BMW’s technology will come in a wide range of languages with the ability to comprehend addresses and music choices.

For drivers seeking directions for a particular address, the BMW voice command feature will allow one single voice command to completely transmit the driver’s destination into the navigation system. The driver’s verbal statement specifying the place, street and number is processed immediately by the system, with all data going directly into the navigation unit.

Interpreting Song Titles To Find The Correct Tune

As for pulling up songs, the BMW system will monitor and interpret the user’s voice commands regarding the type of music, the name of the artist, an album or an individual title, to ensure accurate access to the audio program desired. Indeed, BMW says that system will “understand” if the driver gives it the English title of a song sung by a German artist.

The new technology will be included throughout BMW’s model line as standard equipment in each of the markets previously identified. Beginning the following Spring, the system will even cover data files on a music player connected to the car.

Source: BMW Group

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