Alexa, open Genesis: Amazon brings remote vehicle access into the house
A new Alexa skill will connect your Amazon devices to your Genesis G80 and G90, no phone app required.
Just make sure to speak clearly, or instead of starting your Genesis, you'll start listening to Genesis.
Nearly every automaker has an app that allows you to access various vehicle functions remotely. But integrating smart-home devices into the automotive industry is still a fledgling practice. BMW's already built Alexa integration into its BMW Connected app, but Genesis is taking it one step further and cutting the app out of the equation.
People who buy a Genesis G80 or G90 will be able to access a number of vehicle functions using Amazon's Alexa. It will work with the Amazon Echo, Tap, Echo Dot and Fire TV. The new Alexa skill, which is available from today, can be booted up with a simple voice command: "Alexa, open Genesis." All you have to do to set it up is enable the Genesis skill in the Alexa app, and you're good to go.
Assuming it doesn't accidentally start playing "Land of Confusion," you'll be able to control several different vehicle features, including door locks, the horn and lights, remote start and remote stop. You can also tell Alexa to start your Genesis at a certain temperature, and it will set the car's HVAC system to match your request. Alexa will ask for your Genesis Connected Services PIN, so your kid can't start your car for fun in the middle of the night.
There is one catch, because there's always a catch. You'll need to be signed up for Genesis Connected Services, which is free for the first three years of ownership. After that, you'll need to shell out dough to keep the services running. If you're not near an Amazon device, you can still control the car by way of a phone app or web portal.
