Rivian to Integrate Amazon Alexa Directly into Upcoming Vehicles
January 06, 2020 at 09:00 am EST
Share
Rivian announced plans to integrate Amazon Alexa directly into the hardware of the EV automaker's upcoming R1T pickup and R1S SUV. Programmed directly into the vehicle's connected car system, Rivian owners will be able to ask Alexa to control key vehicle features such as HVAC, windows, opening and closing the frunk, and more. Users will be able to check on their gear remotely by accessing the vehicle's bed camera from screen-based devices like Echo Show and Fire TV. The integration also allows Rivian to provide new "car-to-home" and "home-to-car" skills unique to its vehicles, as well as access to certain Alexa features when the vehicle is offline. Offline control is key for Rivian's electric adventure vehicles. Built for off-road use with the ability to travel up to 400 miles on a single charge, Rivian vehicles are designed to be taken to remote, rugged locations, often where cellular networks are inaccessible. Set to debut at the end of 2020 in the Rivian R1T and R1S, the integration also allows access to all standard Alexa features and capabilities – playing music, getting directions, placing calls, controlling smart home devices, and accessing tens of thousands of other Alexa skills – providing customers with a seamless experience from the home to the car and back again.
Amazon.com, Inc. is one of the world leaders in on-line distribution of products to the general public. The group also operates a marketplace activity, allowing individuals and distribution companies to conduct their purchase and selling transactions for goods and services. The activity is organized around three families of products and services:
- electronic and computer products: toys, cameras, computers, laptops and peripherals, TVs, stereo systems, readers, wireless communication products, etc. Amazon.com also offers kitchen and garden equipment, clothing, beauty products, etc.;
- cultural products: books, musical products, video games and DVDs;
- other: primarily Internet interface and application development services.
Net sales break down by source of income between sales of services (55.5%) and sales of products (44.5%).
Net sales are distributed geographically as follows: the United States (68.8%), Germany (6.5%), the United Kingdom (5.9%), Japan (4.5%), and other (14.3%).