Harman announced a partnership with Baidu Inc (ADR) (NASDAQ:BIDU) during the Shanghai Auto Show.
Details of the partnership
The collaboration between the global automotive supplier and the Chinese leading internet services provider will bring together the extensive reach among the auto developers and the existing skills in car fotainment systems from Harman and combine them with Baidu’s leading features in AI software economy in China.
Previously Baidu and Harman formed an alliance to debut a solution labeled CarLife. The solution provides networked and internet based qualities which are easily accessible through networked in-car infotainment systems.
The partnership is expected to grow closer here on out. The work of both partners with the DuerOS in the car is expected to find its way to smart speakers eventually. Smart speakers is another area in which Harman emerges as a global international powerhouse.
Baidu’s contribution
Baidu will contribute by providing cloud based AI solutions to be used in the cars. This includes developing their DuerOS voice based personal assistants into the cars. DuerOS is similar to Alexa.
It has an open site which is accessible to developers of a wide range of consumer devices which include speakers, phones, TVs and more. The company will mainly focus on manufacturing DuerOS for use in automotive cases. They will include speech recognition as well as have capability to process natural language in both Mandarin and English.
More from the partnership
Qi Lu the group president and COO at Baidu stated, “The partnership between Baidu and Harman will let consumers use natural voice control to more safely and conveniently interact with their cars.” He added that it will also help users’ access off-board services and information.
CarLife which was debuted in 2015 has been incorporated in about 150 car models from about 60 automakers which include Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Shanghai GM and Audi. It also counts about 700,000 active car owners.
Baidu and Harman are also planning to deliver audio solutions for the speech enabled smart speakers beyond the automotive. Harman is a subsidiary of Samsung announced that it will allow access to its autonomous driving platform that allows partners to design their own systems on it.
On Thursday, Baidu closed at $178.64 after a rise of $0.83 or 0.47%.
