- Ford and Lincoln are rolling out an advanced AI Assistant.
- It functions as a smart, AI-infused owner’s manual.
- AI can access vehicle information to give recommendations.
Owner’s manuals are full of useful information, but most people don’t even flip open the cover. Those that do are usually looking for something very specific and this means going to the index and hunting down what you’re after. In effect, it’s like using an encyclopedia and pretending its 1984.
The Blue Oval is now bringing the experience into the 21st century with their AI Assistant. Announced earlier this year, the technology is baked into the Ford and Lincoln apps and brings “immediate, personalized intelligence” to approximately 8 million customers.
More: Toyota And Google Team Up To Reinvent The Owner’s Manual With “Driver’s Companion” Virtual Assistant
When you open the app, you can access the AI Assistant by tapping a blue celestial-style icon at the top. It opens a chat dialog that should be familiar to anyone who’s used artificial intelligence before.
From there, you can ask questions and the AI will give you relevant answers based on the vehicle you own. As an example, a new owner might be curious about how to use the BlueCruise hands-free semi-autonomous driving system. They can ask the AI chatbot and be given detailed instructions on how to use it.
Owners can also ask for help setting up features such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist on the F-150. The assistant can also give you specifications such as the size of the cargo compartment, so you can ensure that big screen TV you’ve been eyeing fits before heading to the store.
Interestingly, the AI Assistant can access real-time vehicle information such as your fuel level, tire pressure, and remaining oil life. This means you can get a surprisingly detailed vehicle health report before heading out on a long family road trip.
Ford and Lincoln are planning a gradual rollout of the AI Assistant to help them “learn, iterate, and quickly scale to deliver the best possible experience across all our unique vehicle lines.” However, this is just the start as the AI Assistant will be directly integrated into select vehicles by 2027.
Google Gemini Is Here
Besides talking about their AI Assistant, the automaker announced they’re upgrading the voice assistance capability in vehicles equipped with the Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience. They’ll offer Google Gemini as an opt-in alternative to the less advanced Google Assistant.
Ford said the change will enable more natural conversations. Users can ask Gemini to send a text message, adjust the climate control system, or play your favorite song – among other things.