In the current scenario it is quite common to see advanced virtual assistants in cars. It is a technology that is already present in homes and that in four-wheel vehicles aims to make life easier for the user. Most of it consists of intelligent voice control that can be used for simple tasks like looking up an address, changing the temperature of the climate control or calling a contact without having to take your eyes off the road. Now MINI introduces Spikehis new digital persona that will assist buyers of his next cars.
Is about a dog, specifically an English bulldog which is a nod to the company’s British origin. At the moment it is in the conceptual phase, it has barely appeared in the MINI Concept Aceman, a prototype that advanced the design language of its future models. The system will be presented at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show and more details will be given about its functions as MINI’s intelligent personal assistant. In any case, Spike has been inspired by the art toy culturewhich are works of art that represent toys and sculptures following an urban pop style.
In the MINI Concept Aceman he can be seen in the circular OLED display which dominates the center of your dashboard and serves as the nerve center of all your infotainment. Although it may seem like something new, the truth is that Spike could have been in the MINI family for two decades, at least as a concept. Since he began his new stage within the BMW Group, a lot of brand image has been built and strengthened its British character. And what better than to do it with a characteristic dog of this nation. The digital character takes a much more up-to-date, even futuristic image, which has started from a sketch.
It is the work of Oliver Heilmer, director of MINI Design, who believes that it can be key to improve user experience in their cars. It will serve to reinforce the connection of the vehicle with the lifestyle of its drivers, a more emotional approach that seems to we will see repeatedly in the next years. In fact, it is not the first brand to carry out an action of this type. In Smart #1 there is already a similar virtual assistant that is represented through the image of a friendly fox. Spike’s features and capabilities will be revealed in the coming weeks.
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