Alibaba's Smart Speaker To Feature In Audi, Renault, Honda Cars
SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China鈥檚 Alibaba Group Holding Ltd on Tuesday said its voice-controlled assistant will feature in local vehicles from Audi AG, Renault SA and Honda Motor Co Ltd, as the tech giant expands in artificial intelligence. The Tmall Genie Auto smart speaker will allow drivers to use voice commands to, for instance, place orders on Alibaba鈥檚 online retail platform and buy movie tickets, Alibaba said at the CES Asia 2019 technology trade show in Shanghai. In the near future, the speaker will also allow drivers to monitor and control smart devices at houses equipped with a Tmall Genie-compatible device, Alibaba said in a joint statement with the three automakers, without specifying vehicle models. 鈥淲e are thrilled to partner with global, distinguished auto brands such as Audi, Renault and Honda,鈥?said Miffy Chen, general manager at Alibaba AI Labs. Alibaba launched the device in 2017 and released an auto version in April last year. Other automakers that have said they will install the device in their vehicles include BMW and Volvo Cars.
1,900) which adds blind spot detection, the Active Driving assistant, side and top view cameras and real-time speed limit information. Compared with the e90 M3 coupe, the F82 M4 is about three inches longer, more about two inches wider, and more than an inch lower. The wheelbase is also stretched by two inches. Styling resembles that of the 4 Series coupe, but, as with all M cars, the M4 is set apart by sporty additions including a unique front air intake, side skirts, different wheel designs and quad rear exhaust pipes. Unlike the M3's more upright stance, the BMW M4 is slightly leaned back, with a signature BMW twin kidney grille that is ever-so-slightly lower and wider. Large front air intakes are functional and give the M4 an aggressive look. Vertical vents alongside the front fenders channel air down the sides of the car. A rear integrated lip spoiler keeps the car planted, while a smooth underbody and rear diffuser help the M4 to slice through the air with as little resistance as possible.
As with all M cars, the M4 offers a distinct and unique palate of exterior colors. The M4's signature hue is Austin Yellow, a greenish metallic yellow named in honor of F1's new U.S. Circuit of the Americas. Also new is Yas Marina Blue, a bright, medium hue that, depending on the light, can look either cool or downright Smurfy. While these colors might be polarizing, they most certainly garner attention. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels come wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport mixed performance tires. Upgraded 19-inch wheels are also available, with a choice of two designs. Those who want to upgrade to the carbon ceramic brakes must also shell out for the bigger wheels. Carbon ceramics are denoted by their giant, gold-painted calipers, which we wish came in different color options. The cabin of the M4 is close in design and layout to that of a 4 Series coupe, with the added oomph of unique colors and trims. Traditional M contrast stitching accents the sport seats, doors and dash. Exposed carbon fiber trim comes standard.
The M logo can be found everywhere, reminding drivers that they paid a premium for a much faster car than those regular BMWs. At a time when many carmakers are going to digital TFT displays, the M4 sticks with traditional analog gauges. Glowing white text atop a black background looks sporty and is easy to read. A small display between the large tachometer shows a variety of information, including music, navigation, MPG and vehicle diagnostics. An optional head-up display included with the Executive Package makes it easy to check speed going down the straights. Standard upholstery is a mix of fabric and leather; upgrades include extended leather or full leather trim. The latter two options are available in a beautiful two-tone red and black combination, which are decidedly not for the inconspicuous. Leather is soft yet durable, and the well-bolstered sports seats cradled us perfectly whether blasting down the highway or cranking it around the turns. Trim can be done in Anthracite wood with pearl gloss chrome accents, or Aluminum Blade trim with black gloss accents.
Regardless of trim, the M4's cockpit remains oriented around driving, the dash angled slightly toward the driver bringing all controls within easy reach. Climate controls are traditional BMW, intuitive and easy to operate. On the center console, controls for suspension, throttle and steering settings are conveniently next to the gear shifter. Navigation comes standard on the M4, along with BMW's widescreen display and BMW Apps, all controlled by the iDrive interface. Track enthusiasts will rejoice over the new GoPro app, which lets drivers record and control their car-mounted GoPro camera (sold separately) directly from the iDrive interface. Although the M4 is not as practical as the four-door M3, there's adequate interior storage space, like wide door pockets that can accommodate water bottles and mugs, plus two cupholders on the center console. Rear seats are fine for average adults on shorter trips, with 33.7 inches of legroom and 36.1 inches of headroom, compared with 35.1 and 37.7 inches in the M3, respectively.