Google and Mercedes-Benz have showcased the capabilities of Gemini, an advanced conversational technology, integrated into a production vehicle. The demonstration featured Mercedes’ Chief Software Officer, Magnus Östberg, and Google Cloud’s Head of Automotive, Steve Basra, as they tested the Gemini-powered Mercedes CLA at Google’s campus.
The demo highlighted significant improvements over the existing Google Assistant. The upgraded MBUX Virtual Assistant can understand follow-up questions and engage in context-aware conversations without requiring driver interaction with the console. For instance, Östberg asked the car to navigate to a specific address and then inquired about nearby coffee shops, receiving tailored recommendations seamlessly.
During the drive, Basra also interacted with the assistant, asking for an Italian restaurant and checking its wine list. The assistant suggested calling the restaurant for further inquiries, demonstrating its ability to handle complex conversational tasks effectively.
