SoundHound to Offer On-Chip Voice AI with NVIDIA That Delivers In-Vehicle Generative AI Responses With No Connectivity Required

Rhea-AI Summary

SoundHound AI, Inc. (SOUN) partners with NVIDIA DRIVE to introduce an innovative in-vehicle voice assistant that operates on the edge without cloud connectivity. The solution combines real-time and generative AI capabilities, enabling drivers to access Vehicle Intelligence for instant information and seamless voice interaction.

Insights

Automotive Technology Analyst

The integration of SoundHound's AI with NVIDIA's DRIVE platform represents a significant advancement in automotive technology. By leveraging a large language model running on the edge, this collaboration addresses a key limitation in current in-vehicle voice assistants: the dependency on cloud connectivity. This technological leap has the potential to enhance the user experience by offering seamless voice interaction, even in areas with poor or no internet connection.

From an industry perspective, this could set a new standard for in-vehicle systems, compelling competitors to accelerate their own edge-computing capabilities. The move towards edge computing in vehicles aligns with broader trends in data privacy and security, as it allows sensitive information to be processed locally rather than being transmitted to the cloud. For automakers, this could translate into a unique selling proposition, emphasizing user privacy and uninterrupted access to voice assistant features.

However, the impact on business and the stock market will largely depend on the adoption rate by automakers and the end-users' reception of the technology. If widely adopted, this could lead to an increase in demand for NVIDIA's DRIVE platform and SoundHound's voice AI solutions, potentially affecting their market positions and financial performance positively.

Data Privacy Expert

The announcement by SoundHound AI highlights an emerging trend in the technology sector where companies are placing greater emphasis on data privacy. By enabling large language models to run directly on devices, SoundHound and NVIDIA are addressing growing concerns about data privacy and security. This approach could become a competitive differentiator in the market, as consumers are becoming increasingly aware of and concerned about how their data is used and stored.

For businesses, this shift towards on-device processing could reduce the risk of data breaches and the associated legal and reputational costs. It also aligns with global regulatory trends, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, which impose strict rules on data handling and privacy. Companies that proactively adopt such privacy-centric innovations may find themselves at an advantage both in terms of compliance and customer trust.

While the implications for stakeholders are promising in terms of privacy and security, the long-term benefits will depend on the robustness of the technology and its ability to resist hacking attempts. If successful, this could lead to a new wave of privacy-focused products and services in the automotive and broader IoT industries.

Market Research Analyst

The collaboration between SoundHound AI and NVIDIA to bring generative AI capabilities to vehicles is indicative of the growing consumer demand for advanced in-car technologies. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, features such as sophisticated voice assistants are becoming key factors in consumer purchasing decisions.

Market research indicates that consumers value technology that enhances convenience and safety while driving. The ability to access vehicle information and control features through natural speech without the need for internet connectivity could be a strong selling point. This innovation not only improves the driving experience but also has the potential to reduce driver distraction, contributing to road safety.

Automakers that adopt this technology early on may gain a competitive edge in the market. However, the cost implications for manufacturers and the added value for consumers will be critical factors in determining the success of this technology. If the technology is cost-effective and reliably improves the user experience, it could lead to increased market share and revenue for the companies involved.

Solution combines SoundHound Chat AI with a large language model running in-vehicle on NVIDIA DRIVE for seamless voice interaction

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SoundHound AI, Inc. (Nasdaq: SOUN), a global leader in voice artificial intelligence, today announced an innovative in-vehicle voice assistant that uses a large language model (LLM) completely on the edge while running on the NVIDIA DRIVE platform.

This marks a new chapter for generative AI, proving that the powerful technology can still deliver optimal results in the absence of cloud connectivity. (Graphic: Business Wire)

This marks a new chapter for generative AI, proving that the powerful technology can still deliver optimal results in the absence of cloud connectivity. SoundHound’s work with NVIDIA will allow it to significantly expand the number of places and situations that generative AI can be deployed.

NVIDIA DRIVE will enable SoundHound Chat AI – a breakthrough in-vehicle voice platform that combines both real-time and generative AI capabilities – to provide responses even when there is no connectivity.

Among a range of use cases, the new solution will let drivers access SoundHound Vehicle Intelligence, a product that instantly delivers information directly from the car manual and other relevant data sources using natural speech.

Vehicle Intelligence understands a verbal request and seamlessly provides answers – including settings, safety, troubleshooting, and vehicle maintenance – without the need for a cumbersome physical document. Examples include:

• “I see a flashing light that looks like a car battery and I’m not sure what that means?”
• “What does the ‘auto hold’ button do?”
• “How do I use that feature that lets me drive hands-free safely?”

In addition to Vehicle Intelligence, users can ask more general questions that can help drivers plan a trip or a vacation, such as:

• “Where are the best locations to take photographs on the Pacific Coast Highway?”
• “Which wineries offer riesling in Carmel Valley?”
• “What kinds of dishes count as Californian cuisine?”

This cutting-edge technology opens up huge opportunities for automakers looking to give drivers rapid voice-enabled access to LLM capabilities with the added benefit of greater privacy, flexibility, and lower operating costs.

“Together with NVIDIA, we’re marrying the incredible capabilities of generative AI with all the advantages of edge computing,” said Mike Zagorsek, COO of SoundHound AI. “The net result is a fast and private voice experience with seamless results. And with this new level of adaptability, the possibilities are endless.”

“We’re working with innovative partners like SoundHound to bring generative AI and accelerated compute into the car – enhancing the occupant experience and bringing greater safety behind the wheel,” said Rishi Dhall, Vice President of Automotive at NVIDIA. “SoundHound’s in-vehicle voice interface, powered by NVIDIA DRIVE, can provide drivers with fast, accurate information, even when there’s no connection.”

SoundHound AI offers a selection of on-device edge voice solutions that allow automakers to grant their end-users greater levels of privacy by keeping data stored locally.

Learn more about automotive solutions from SoundHound AI.

About SoundHound AI

SoundHound (Nasdaq: SOUN), a global leader in conversational intelligence, offers voice AI solutions that let businesses offer incredible conversational experiences to their customers. Built on proprietary technology, SoundHound’s voice AI delivers best-in-class speed and accuracy in numerous languages to product creators across automotive, TV, and IoT, and to customer service industries via groundbreaking AI-driven products like Smart Answering, Smart Ordering, and Dynamic Interaction™, a real-time, multimodal customer service interface. Along with SoundHound Chat AI, a powerful voice assistant with integrated Generative AI, SoundHound powers millions of products and services, and processes billions of interactions each year for world class businesses.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240318067099/en/

SoundHound AI

Fiona McEvoy

(415) 610-6590

PR@SoundHound.com

Source: SoundHound AI, Inc.

FAQ

What is the partnership between SoundHound AI and NVIDIA DRIVE about?

The partnership aims to introduce an in-vehicle voice assistant that operates on the edge without cloud connectivity, combining real-time and generative AI capabilities.

What is the key feature of SoundHound's in-vehicle voice platform powered by NVIDIA DRIVE?

The platform enables drivers to access Vehicle Intelligence for instant information delivery directly from the car manual and other relevant data sources using natural speech.

How does Vehicle Intelligence benefit drivers?

Vehicle Intelligence allows drivers to ask verbal questions about settings, safety, troubleshooting, and vehicle maintenance without needing to refer to physical documents.

What are some examples of questions drivers can ask using SoundHound's in-vehicle voice assistant?

Examples include inquiries about warning lights, auto hold button functionality, hands-free driving features, trip planning, photography locations, wineries, and Californian cuisine.

What advantages does the partnership between SoundHound AI and NVIDIA DRIVE offer automakers?

The partnership provides automakers with opportunities to offer drivers rapid voice-enabled access to large language model capabilities with increased privacy, flexibility, and lower operating costs.