Google & Qualcomm partner to bring gen AI to cars, and what that might look like

In addition to bringing Oryon to Android devices, Qualcomm is using its custom CPU in car chips, and partnering with Google on adding generative AI to that form factor.

With this “Multi-Year Strategic Collaboration,” the two companies are working to offer a “new standardized reference platform for the development of cockpit solutions using generative artificial intelligence.” As such, it will be easier for carmakers to leverage this platform for their vehicles.  

“Gen AI-enabled in-car experiences” include “intuitive voice assistants, immersive map experiences, and real-time updates to anticipate driver needs.” 

Google cited personalized examples on stage like preset navigation as the car is aware of your calendar appointments and queuing up your favorite playlist. Something more ambitious is your vehicle being aware of you’re “getting drowsy and proactively suggests pulling over for a coffee at a nearby cafe.” Other examples include telling you about interesting landmarks, the name of restaurants you drove by, and what a road sign that you just passed said.

This will be built on Android Automotive OS, Google Cloud, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis: 

• “Pre-integrated Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS) software and services to enable customizable and responsive voice user interfaces and real-time driver updates using Google generative AI leveraging edge optimizations through Snapdragon SoCs .”
• “The framework enables Google Cloud hosted automotive software development to be optimized for Snapdragon platforms, increasing developer productivity while reducing time to market for AAOS platform and services.  “ 
• “Snapdragon Connected Services Platform running on Google Cloud enables an API-driven connected services model and an upgradeable services infrastructure for onboard and offboard vehicle connectivity. “

Meanwhile, Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Cockpit Elite and Snapdragon Ride Elite feature a CPU and GPU that offer 3x performance increases compared to previous generations. For example, it can power 16 high-resolution displays, while the NPU has a 12x performance boost.