Alibaba launches internet-enabled smart car

Alibaba Group has announced the launch of OS’Car, the first mass-produced internet car powered by the company’s YunOS smart car operating system.

The company has developed OS’Car RX5 in collaboration with SAIC Motor Corp. The new car will be supported by a cloud-based platform that enables data streaming, modeling and reporting to augment the driving experience.

YunOS provides drivers will features such as an intelligent map with accurate location tracking without Wi-Fi or GPS, as well as integrated screens including an intelligent rear-view mirror for safer driving.

The vehicle supports voice commands – in fact audio is the primary mode for controlling the system. It can automatically recognize the driver through connected smartphones or smart watches and provide personalized services such as greetings or preferred music.

“What we are creating is not ‘internet in the car’, but a ‘car on the internet’. This is a significant milestone in the automobile industry. Smart operating systems become the second engine of cars, while data is the new fuel,” Alibaba Group chairman Dr Wang Jian said.

“Going forward, cars will become an important platform for internet services and smart hardware innovation. We will be embracing a world where everything is closely connected.”

YunOS has been designed as an open platform to support third party hardware and services.