Kia Sorento in India is getting a new AI-powered voice assistant featuring SoundHound AI’s real-time generative AI technology.
The system is built around the “Hey Kia” wake command and is designed to understand natural, conversational requests instead of requiring users to use fixed commands.
The integration combines voice AI with generative AI to provide drivers and passengers with hands-free access to vehicle controls, information and navigation.
HOW DOES THE AI VOICE ASSISTANT WORK?
Drivers can activate the system by saying “Hey Kia” and then speak naturally to the vehicle.
The assistant supports multi-turn conversations, allowing users to continue a conversation instead of having to repeat the wake command for every request.
WHAT CAN THE AI ASSISTANT CONTROL?
The system can be used for several in-cabin functions, including climate controls, cabin lighting, windows and driving modes.
This allows drivers to control supported vehicle functions using conversational voice commands while keeping their hands focused on driving.
VEHICLE INFORMATION THROUGH AI
The assistant can also answer questions about the vehicle using information from the digital owner's manual.
Passengers can ask questions about vehicle features and functions, including information related to the hybrid powertrain and specialised seating settings.
REAL-TIME SEARCH AND NAVIGATION
The AI assistant can provide real-time information, points-of-interest navigation, news updates and contextual answers.
This gives the system capabilities beyond traditional voice commands, allowing it to handle broader information requests through conversational interaction.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Traditional in-car voice assistants generally depend on predefined commands and limited responses.
Generative AI allows newer systems to understand more natural language and respond to a wider range of questions and requests.
With the Sorento integration, SoundHound is bringing this type of conversational AI into the vehicle environment while combining it with direct control of supported vehicle functions.
The Kia Sorento integration marks a new deployment of SoundHound's real-time generative AI technology in the automotive sector and expands the use of conversational AI inside connected vehicles.
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