Qualcomm announced on Tuesday that it is partnering with Alphabet’s Google to combine chips and software, allowing automakers to create their own AI voice assistants. This partnership will use technology from both companies. Qualcomm, known for powering mobile phones with Google’s Android OS, has expanded into the automotive industry. Its chips can power car dashboards and automated driving systems, which companies like General Motors use.
Additionally, Qualcomm shared that it is developing a version of Android Automotive OS with Google. This version will run seamlessly on Qualcomm chips, enhancing the performance of automotive systems.
Many consumers know about Google’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which display phone apps on a vehicle’s screen. However, Android Automotive OS works behind the scenes to power a vehicle’s computing systems, providing a deeper integration for automakers.
The collaboration between both the firms will allow automakers to develop custom AI voice assistants. These assistants will operate independently from the driver’s phone, offering a more personalized in-car experience.
“Typically, we have operated together, but independently – we plan a lot of things together, but we go to customers separately,” Nakul Duggal, group manager for automotive at Qualcomm, said of the Qualcomm-Google relationship. “We decided we should think about this differently because it will reduce a lot of friction and confusion.”
Qualcomm also introduced two new chips on Tuesday. The Snapdragon Cockpit Elite will power car dashboards, while the Snapdragon Ride Elite will support self-driving features. Mercedes-Benz plans to use the Snapdragon Cockpit Elite chip in its future vehicles, though the exact timeline and models remain unspecified.
