Amazon Alexa integration will soon let some Nissan owners control their cars with their voices

BI Intelligence

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Amazon has partnered with Nissan to provide select Nissan owners with voice control, according to CNBC.

The Japanese automaker will roll out a new Alexa skill later this month, called NissanConnect Services, for car models that feature NissanConnect Services' telematics system, Nissan’s in-car software.

The skill will enable users to remotely control a majority of their vehicle's functions — like unlocking a car door, flashing the lights, and honking the horn — using simple commands. As Amazon continues to expand Alexa's reach, NissanConnect Services will enable the company to gain a foothold in one of the next big computing platforms.

Amazon has slowly been invading the burgeoning connected-car market. At the Amazon surprise event in September, the company revealed that its voice assistant will be supported in BMW’s cars beginning next year. And at CES 2017, both Ford and Volkswagen discussed the potential for Alexa connectivity.

Bringing Alexa to cars can boost usage of the voice assistant. Consumers with access to Alexa in their car may be more inclined to use Alexa over other digital assistants in the home and on-the-go, potentially enhancing adoption.

Amazon is looking to capture users in the connected-car market because in the near term, the car is the most likely to become the next big digital platform.

• Connected cars are gaining traction. BI Intelligence forecasts connected car shipments to continue to grow at a steady clip in the coming years, rising from 33 million in 2017 to over 77 million by 2025.
• The car is another avenue for consumers to interact with virtual assistants.Consumers tend to rely on voice assistants when they're in the home or on their smartphones; in-vehicle access could grow voice assistants' reach. 

Of course, Amazon is not alone in eyeing the auto sector to expand the scope of its voice assistant. Google and Apple are also vying for the space as they race to join forces with as many automakers as possible. Google teamed up with Hyundai in January to add support for voice commands. Apple has integrated Siri into a variety of vehicles via Apple CarPlay. 

Jessica Smith, research analyst for BI Intelligence, Business Insider's premium research service, has compiled a detailed report on the voice assistant landscape that:

• Identifies the major changes in technology and user behavior that have created the voice assistant market that exists today. 
• Presents the major players in today's market and discusses their major weaknesses and strengths. 
• Explores the impact this nascent market poses to other key digital industries. 
• Identifies the major hurdles that need to be overcome before intelligent voice assistants will see mass adoption. 

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