Lexus Partners with Xevo and Voicebox
Xevo's voice-enabled Journeyware technology will be live in all Lexus vehicles equipped with the Enform App Suite 2.0 system, connecting drivers to mobile applications and services.
"We are thrilled to work with Lexus to enhance its luxury vehicles with connectivity systems of equal caliber," said Dan Gittleman, CEO of Xevo, in a statement. "Seamless connectivity is a key competitive advantage for manufacturers today. It's what consumers expect, and Lexus drivers will be able to more easily interact with their favorite mobile apps and services."
The Enform App Suite 2.0 offers access to a selection of popular mobile apps, such as iHeartRadio, NPR One, and Yelp, as well as exclusive Lexus apps like Fuel Prices, Sports and Stocks. And in select Lexus vehicles, the system comes with a hands-free advanced voice recognition system powered by Voicebox for accessing and controlling the App Suite's features.
"Lexus is committed to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to in-vehicle technology," said Sandy Lobenstein, vice president of connected strategy and product planning at Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and executive vice president of business planning and strategy at Toyota Connected, in a statement. "Xevo's powerful Journeyware car solutions are a perfect fit for Lexus because they ensure in-car connectivity is as robust and enjoyable to use as the vehicles are to drive."
All Lexus vehicles with Xevo technology will also come equipped with voice-enabled content services and navigation through Xevo's long-standing partnership with Voicebox. Lexus vehicles with Xevo technology will also come equipped with voice and natural language understanding technology that links phones to vehicles.
"Voicebox is proud to provide voice recognition and Natural Language Understanding (NLU) for all Enform App Suite applications, using our unique Hybrid Architecture which significantly enhances the in-car voice experience," said Sam Menaker, vice president of customer engineering at Voicebox, in a statement. "Through Lexus and Xevo's Journeyware car solutions, we are delivering a richer and more dynamic user experience."