Mahindra has revealed the new Scorpio-N and the first XUV700 that both offer Amazon Alexa support through Mahindra’s next-generation “AdrenoX” infotainment system, making them the newest vehicles in South Africa to support the voice assistant.
While Alexa is not a feature currently available in South Africa there are rumours floating around that it soon will be, as reports by MyBroadband show leaked documents alluding to Amazon’s intentions to bring its services to the country.
Mainly this means more purchasing options for South Africans, but it could also mean that Alexa could soon be a real feature in our cars.
Apart from the new Mahindras, there are quite a few autos on the market that supports the smart voice assistant, despite local drivers not having access to it.
These include most new models from Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Mini, and Toyota, according to Amazon’s records.
The features
For Mahindra’s new SUVs, the AdrenoX infotainment system with Alexa Connectivity allows owners to do the following:
- Control music
- Set navigation
- Start the vehicle
- Find parking spots
- Listen to audiobooks
- Open and close windows
- Adjust cabin temperature
- Check traffic and weather
- Listen to dedicated news outlets
These features can all be activated and controlled through the sole use of your voice, and notably, over time, Alexa will adapt to recognise your speech patterns, vocabulary, and preferences which will increase the speed and accuracy at which it responds.
This represents a step up in the department of user interaction and offers an easy way to control your car without taking your hands off the wheel or looking away from the road.
However, as enjoyable as these features are, they will only be usable if Amazon brings Alexa to the country, and it remains to be seen whether this will happen before Mahindra’s Scorpio and XUV700 hit the roads.
Loading ...
