Genesis has entered the connected car competition with its new Genesis app for Google Assistant. Genesis owners will be able to control a number of their car's functions via voice or text commands.
Genesis owners will be able to send a destination to the vehicle's navigation system; lock or unlock the car; start the car and change climate settings; and activate the horn and lights. The app also assists in recovering the car should it be stolen.
Using Google Assistant via smartphone or Google Home, Genesis owners can send these commands verbally. It's not exactly like talking directly to your car, but we're getting closer. If, like me, you'd prefer not to speak to your car unless it can talk back — and only in William Daniels' voice — you can also use text commands via your smartphone keyboard.
Owners will need a Genesis Connected Services account. Once that account is linked to Google Assistant, the commands can be authorized via the owner's Connected Services PIN. If you're in the Santa Monica, Calif., area, you can check out these services yourself at the Wired store pop-up Aug. 23 to Sept. 4.