‘Hey Google, ask my Fiat…’: Italian car maker and tech giant team up on fleet of new vehicles with integrated virtual assistant that can tell driver fuel level and tire pressure and even open the trunk
- Google has teamed up with Fiat to create its first branded vehicles
- The due has unleashed three models in the Fiat 500 Family
- Each is equipped with Google Assistant and My Fiat Action for users
- Users say ‘Hey Google, ask my Fiat…’ to activate certain commands
- This includes checking tire pressure, fuel levels or even open the trunk
- The vehicles will first roll out in Europe and start at some $22,000
While Apple still irons out details of its rumored branded vehicle, Google has unveiled its own through at partnership with Fiat.
The team unveiled the Fiat 500 Family Hey Google that includes three models: 500 city car, 500X crossover and 500L MPV.
Each vehicle sports a Google badges and is integrated with Google Assistant that provides passengers with directions, weather and other details while on the road.
With access to the virtual assistant, the tech giant says it ‘allows customers to interact with their car even when they are away.’
This is possible with the inclusion of My Fiat Action that lets users remotely check settings of the vehicle using a smartphone app or Google Nest hub just by saying, ‘Hey Google, ask My Fiat…’
This includes tire pressure and fuel level, along with letting owners make sure the doors are locked.
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Google and Fiat unveiled the Fiat 500 Family Hey Google that includes three models: 500 city car (left), 500X crossover (middle) and 500L MPV (right
The Google-branded Fiats are special additions, but look very similar to the original models with a few minor upgrades.
The exterior has not been changed, other than a small Google badge above the driver side tire and a special ‘molecule’ design that mirrors the swirling dots used in Hey Google animation.
Inside the passenger compartment is the same motif on the upholstery of the new seats with an embroidered Hey Google label, while the dashboard strip is in matt silver with a white 500 logo.
The signature ‘Hey Google’ also appears on the welcome screen of the seven-inch touchscreen on-board display that shows the ‘Hey Google’ animation.
The exterior has not been changed, except a few minor details like the colorful dots that represent the ‘Hey Google’ animation
However, it is the collaboration of Google Assistant with My Fiat that provides users with a unique experience.
Vincenzo Riili, marketing director, Google Italy, wrote in the announcement: ‘Anyone can ask Google Assistant for useful everyday information, like directions or weather updates.
‘But thanks to the My Fiat Action, which integrates Fiat’s Mopar Connect service and Google Assistant, owners of the new 500 Family Hey Google can access special features even when they aren’t driving.’
There is also small Google badge above the driver side tire
The signature ‘Hey Google’ also appears on the welcome screen of the seven-inch touchscreen on-board display that shows the ‘Hey Google’ animation
Inside the passenger compartment is the same motif on the upholstery of the new seats with an embroidered Hey Google label, while the dashboard strip is in matt silver with a white 500 logo
‘If you’re at home but want to check your fuel level, see if your car is locked, find the closest Fiat service station or even switch on the emergency lights, all you have to say is ‘Hey Google, ask My Fiat…’.
‘Since I share my car with my partner, I know I’d be checking how full the fuel is pretty often!’
User can also command Google Assistant to access features via My Fiat, this includes unlocking doors, starting the vehicle, where you parked or opening the trunk.
The new Fiat 500s will be available in 10 European nations, including the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Poland.
Fiat Action that lets users remotely check settings of the vehicle using a smartphone app or Google Nest hub just by saying, ‘Hey Google, ask My Fiat…’
Prices start at £16,005 ($22,046) for the hatchback and £18,655 ($25,695) for the cabriolet.
Wednesday’s announcement puts Google in the running of tech-branded cars, but Apple’s vehicle is said to be a self-driving model.
The Cupertino company has long been rumored to be developing an in-house car, but some of the latest news suggests the world could get the first look at the innovation by 2024.
Sources told Reuters they expect the company to rely on a manufacturing partner to build vehicles, just like Google, which would then be Apple-branded.
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