Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
Microsoft is one of the companies investing aggressively in ChatGTP-powered technology, and Bing Chat is living proof of its commitment in this direction.
The software giant is continuously looking into ways of exploring Bing Chat to more users (eventually to more devices as well), and it now looks like the driving experience could be a potential target.
Speaking about Microsoft's long-term plans for Bing chat, Mikhail Parakhin, the man in charge of everything Bing at the Redmond-based software firm, said that bringing the app to cars is something that would make perfect sense. However, Parakhin dropped a hint that others might not agree with such an expansion of the app ecosystem. And by others, the Microsoft official meant Google and Apple, as the two tech giants are keeping the Android Auto and CarPlay app ecosystems locked down.
Certain app categories, such as video streaming apps, are not allowed in the car. For example, Netflix is banned on Android Auto and CarPlay, as the application could significantly increase distraction when driving. On the other hand, Netflix would make perfect sense when the vehicle is parked or when the driver is waiting to charge the battery.
Microsoft's Bing chat would fit the Android Auto and CarPlay app ecosystem like a glove from a conversational experience, as it could help drivers get more data on potential car issues and provide helpful information, including the news, the weather, and so on. Obviously, Google and Apple probably don't want to let someone that speaks continuously in the car, as the outcome could be similar to the Netflix integration. Drivers might end up getting distraction due to the conversation with a chatbot.
At this point, it looks like Microsoft wants to bring Bing chat to Android Auto and CarPlay but can't do it because Google and Apple don't agree with an expansion of an app ecosystem for their phone projection systems.
Sure enough, this strategy could change in the future, especially as Google itself is also developing a Bing chat alternative powered by AI. With these investments in ChatGPT technology gaining ground, it's probably just a matter of time until chatbots make their way to the cabin, eventually replacing the digital assistants as we know them.
In the meantime, Microsoft remains committed to a different car strategy compared to its rivals. Apple is building an EV from scratch (potentially with self-driving capabilities as well), while Google is more interested in data, so it sticks with Android Auto, Android Automotive, and the connected services. Microsoft seems to focus on cloud technology that could power the next-generation smart systems installed in cars, as its app lineup makes little to no progress when it comes to expanding in the automotive world.
Speaking about Microsoft's long-term plans for Bing chat, Mikhail Parakhin, the man in charge of everything Bing at the Redmond-based software firm, said that bringing the app to cars is something that would make perfect sense. However, Parakhin dropped a hint that others might not agree with such an expansion of the app ecosystem. And by others, the Microsoft official meant Google and Apple, as the two tech giants are keeping the Android Auto and CarPlay app ecosystems locked down.
Certain app categories, such as video streaming apps, are not allowed in the car. For example, Netflix is banned on Android Auto and CarPlay, as the application could significantly increase distraction when driving. On the other hand, Netflix would make perfect sense when the vehicle is parked or when the driver is waiting to charge the battery.
Microsoft's Bing chat would fit the Android Auto and CarPlay app ecosystem like a glove from a conversational experience, as it could help drivers get more data on potential car issues and provide helpful information, including the news, the weather, and so on. Obviously, Google and Apple probably don't want to let someone that speaks continuously in the car, as the outcome could be similar to the Netflix integration. Drivers might end up getting distraction due to the conversation with a chatbot.
At this point, it looks like Microsoft wants to bring Bing chat to Android Auto and CarPlay but can't do it because Google and Apple don't agree with an expansion of an app ecosystem for their phone projection systems.
Sure enough, this strategy could change in the future, especially as Google itself is also developing a Bing chat alternative powered by AI. With these investments in ChatGPT technology gaining ground, it's probably just a matter of time until chatbots make their way to the cabin, eventually replacing the digital assistants as we know them.
In the meantime, Microsoft remains committed to a different car strategy compared to its rivals. Apple is building an EV from scratch (potentially with self-driving capabilities as well), while Google is more interested in data, so it sticks with Android Auto, Android Automotive, and the connected services. Microsoft seems to focus on cloud technology that could power the next-generation smart systems installed in cars, as its app lineup makes little to no progress when it comes to expanding in the automotive world.
Yes, not everything depends on us here, but would be really cool.
— Mikhail Parakhin (@MParakhin) June 21, 2023
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