Qualcomm and Google Collaboration on AI Voice Assistants

By Stephen Nellis

(Reuters) – Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) announced a partnership with Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)'s Google to provide chips and software enabling automakers to develop their AI voice assistants.

Qualcomm's chips have traditionally powered mobile phones running Google's Android operating system, and the company has expanded its reach into the automotive sector. The chips can power both a car's dashboard and automated driving systems used by brands like General Motors (NYSE:GM). Qualcomm stated that it is working alongside Google to tailor a version of Android Automotive OS that operates efficiently on Qualcomm chips.

While consumers are familiar with Google’s Android Auto and Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) CarPlay, which display apps from a phone when connected to a vehicle, Android Automotive OS serves as a foundational system for car manufacturers to manage vehicle computing. Through their collaboration, Qualcomm and Google expect automakers to leverage their AI technologies to create proprietary voice assistants that can operate without relying on a driver’s mobile device.

Nakul Duggal, Qualcomm’s group manager for automotive, emphasized the shift in their partnership approach. "Typically, we have operated together but independently – we plan a lot of things together, but we go to customers separately. We decided we should think about this differently because it will reduce a lot of friction and confusion."

Qualcomm also introduced two new chips: the Snapdragon Cockpit Elite for dashboard functions and the Snapdragon Ride Elite for autonomous driving. Mercedes-Benz (OTC:MBGAF) Group has announced plans to implement the Snapdragon Elite Cockpit chip in upcoming vehicles, although specifics on the timeline and vehicle models remain unspecified.