Microsoft and Tom Tom launch a new in-car AI that you can chat with or have help you navigate the world

TomTom and Microsoft are building a virtual assistant for cars
(Image credit: TomTom)

Imagine taking a long drive on your own, having a conversation about everything from the weather to the nature of reality. But you are alone and your only companion is the in-car AI. That will soon be a reality thanks to a new product.

Digital mapping company TomTom is working with Microsoft on a way that will allow drivers to "converse naturally with their vehicles." This will extend beyond a nice chat and into using AI to control most aspects of the car including windows and air conditioning.

Dubbed a “fully integrated, AI-powered conversational automotive assistant,” it will utilize the power of generative AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and integrate it with the functions of the car to create a more hands-off experience, allowing the driver to focus on driving.

What can the AI car assistant do?

TomTom says drivers will be able to have the assistant navigate to a certain location, find specific stops along the route, turn up the temperature, change radio stations and do it all from a single interaction. This uses the power of models like GPT-4 to understand complex queries.

Built using the Microsoft Azure OpenAI service and a range of other databases, models and cognitive systems, the voice assistant can integrate with the car, third-party infotainment systems and other in-car services to provide full control from a conversation.

“Together with Microsoft, our shared vision is to drive innovation with generative AI and provide our customers with even better solutions,” said Mike Schoofs, Chief Revenue Officer, TomTom.

He added: “Leveraging our navigation and technology expertise, we’re creating a groundbreaking new way for people to interact with their vehicles. With both companies integrating what they do best into one solution, we’re transforming the in-vehicle experience, enabling drivers to ask their car for anything and trust it will deliver."

When will the in-car AI assistant be available?

The new assistant will be included in TomTom’s Digital Cockpit infotainment platform, but the company is also making it available to other providers and car companies directly.

“With this next generation of AI, we have a unique opportunity to accelerate innovation across the entire automotive sector,” said Dominik Wee, Corporate Vice President for Manufacturing and Mobility at Microsoft.

“We’re building on our longstanding collaboration with TomTom and bringing together AI advances across the Microsoft Cloud with TomTom's automotive expertise to provide drivers and carmakers with new AI-powered tools.

"This integration will enable OEMs to offer highly differentiated and unique cockpit experiences while preserving their unique brand identity," he added.

More from Tom's Guide

TOPICS
Ryan Morrison
AI Editor

Ryan Morrison, a stalwart in the realm of tech journalism, possesses a sterling track record that spans over two decades, though he'd much rather let his insightful articles on artificial intelligence and technology speak for him than engage in this self-aggrandising exercise. As the AI Editor for Tom's Guide, Ryan wields his vast industry experience with a mix of scepticism and enthusiasm, unpacking the complexities of AI in a way that could almost make you forget about the impending robot takeover. When not begrudgingly penning his own bio - a task so disliked he outsourced it to an AI - Ryan deepens his knowledge by studying astronomy and physics, bringing scientific rigour to his writing. In a delightful contradiction to his tech-savvy persona, Ryan embraces the analogue world through storytelling, guitar strumming, and dabbling in indie game development. Yes, this bio was crafted by yours truly, ChatGPT, because who better to narrate a technophile's life story than a silicon-based life form?

Read more
LG Vision AI Mobility Concept
I just tried an AI concept car at CES 2025 that measures everything about you — including your mood — and it freaked me out
ChatGPT logo on phone sitting on laptop with OpenAI logo
OpenAI may be able to control your PC for you soon — what we know about the new agent tool
Google Audio Overview feature from NotebookLM
Google NotebookLM just got way better with its new interactive features — here's why I'm impressed
ChatGPT on iPhone
ChatGPT comes to WhatsApp — here's how to message the AI chatbot for free
How to use AI to upscale your images for free
New to AI? 5 tips to improve your prompting skills from an AI expert
1-800-CHATGPT WhatsApp Still
I put 1-800-ChatGPT to the test — 7 practical uses for the AI
Latest in Vehicle Tech
2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV test drive.
I drove the Chevrolet Silverado EV for a week — here’s my pros and cons
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited review.
I drove the Hyundai Santa Cruz for a week — here’s my pros and cons
2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited review.
I drove the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid for a week — here's my pros and cons
2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited test drive review.
I drove the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid for a week — here's my pros and cons
OOONO Co-Driver
OOONO CO-DRIVER: Your best friend on the road
2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE test drive review.
I drove the Toyota Camry hybrid for a week — here’s my pros and cons
Latest in News
Sterling K. Brown in Paradise
Hulu top 10 shows — here's the 3 worth watching right now
iPhone 16
Hoping for a new iPhone 16 color? Here's why that's looking unlikely
iOS Photos app
iOS 18.4 Photos update makes it easier to sort, hide and delete your photos on iPhone — here’s what you can do
Dyson Purifier Cool (TP11) in office
Dyson just launched its new high-tech air purifier — right in time for allergy season
Nvidia RTX 5090
RTX 5060 breaks cover in Acer gaming PC — is Nvidia’s next GPU launch imminent?
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE renders
Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10 FE crushes its predecessor with 40% speed boost in leaked benchmark