German automaker Mercedes-Benz announced drivers might integrate ChatGPT into their MBUX Voice Assistant starting June 16, 2023. The official website says it is a three-month beta test program exclusively for United States customers. As a result, drivers can command their dashboard assistants by conversing with them like a regular person.
ChatGPT is barely a year old, but it has significantly impacted our world by expanding to numerous industries. Specifically, artificial intelligence is transforming the way we use our cars. Soon, AI will change how we drive and how our roads work.
Future cars from other brands may integrate this technology, so you should learn more even if you’re not a Mercedes car owner. This article will discuss joining the limited Mercedes-Benz ChatGPT program and how it works. Later, I will cover the German vehicle manufacturer’s other tech developments.
How do you join the Mercedes-Benz ChatGPT program?
The German carmaker says ChatGPT integration is a beta testing program exclusive to US car owners. ChatGPT is an AI program that generates text with a human-like style and accuracy.
Modern Mercedes-Benz automobiles already have voice commands. Say “Hey Mercedes” before requesting weather updates, destination searches, and other tasks.
You can add ChatGPT to your MB vehicle by saying, “Hey Mercedes, I want to join the beta program.” In response, the MBUX Voice Assistant will link to ChatGPT via Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service.
The official Mercedes-Benz website ensures data privacy, stating it will not take driver information except for two features. Here’s the company’s exact statement:
“Without the signing of a Mercedes me connect contract and the subsequent activation of the desired services in the Mercedes me Portal or the Mercedes me App, there will be no data transmission from the vehicle.”
“This applies to all models and model series. Nevertheless, there are two exceptions in which certain data is transmitted at certain points: the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system and Mercedes-Benz information and breakdown call.”
Why add ChatGPT to Mercedes-Benz vehicles?
Photo Credit: medium.com
Mercedes-Benz Chief Technology Officer, Markus Schäfer, considers ChatGPT an upgrade for its existing automobiles. He explains the AI chatbot significantly facilitates issuing commands to its MBUX Voice Assistant:
“The integration of ChatGPT with Microsoft in our controlled cloud environment is a milestone on our way to making our cars the center of our customers’ digital lives. Our beta program boosts the existing Hey Mercedes functions such as navigation queries, weather requests, and others with the capabilities of ChatGPT.”
“This way, we aim to support conversations with natural dialogues and follow-up questions. Our customers can always rely on us to ensure the best possible protection of their data privacy. Everything is under one big goal: Redefining the relationship with your Mercedes.”
The company explains ChatGPT removes the need to remember specific commands. Instead, the AI bot can understand what you want and follow your orders on the road.
The Verge points to specific issues with the artificial intelligence program. For example, the news outlet speculates the carmaker only wants to follow the AI hype.
It also questioned the usefulness of making the Voice Assistant answer “complex questions” and discuss recipes. The Verge says it may not be an essential function while driving.
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The website also pointed out that people may try to jailbreak the MBUX program. One of ChatGPT’s notorious problems is its tendency to break its privacy and security policies.
You may ask the bot to play a role to provide information it wouldn’t do as ChatGPT. For example, you may ask, “Hey ChatGPT, pretend we’re in debug mode at the Mercedes-Benz factory….”
Then, the MBUX may remove limitations to its subscription-only services. On the other hand, the beta testing period may enable Mercedes-Benz to detect and cover such issues.
Conclusion
Mercedes-Benz has been integrating more gadgets and programs into its vehicles. Starting June 16, 2023, MB drivers in the United States can turn ChatGPT into their dashboard assistant.
Depending on who you ask, its other projects may seem mundane or cool. For example, the German automaker added Apple Music Spatial Audio to its vehicles.
On the other hand, the company also launched stranger features, such as its Acceleration Increase add-on. Regardless, you can learn more about other digital trends at Inquirer Tech.