'Chris' - The voice-controlled assistant for drivers - soon coming to India

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and voice-controlled technology were among the major attractions at IFA 2018 in Berlin, where German start-up German Autolabs showcased "Chris", a smart digital assistant designed specifically for drivers.

The voice-controlled device allows motorists to make phone calls, send messages, play music and access navigation without having to physically handle their smartphones while driving.

Launched for customers in Germany and Britain at the consumer electronics and home appliances trade show, Chris could also make its way to India the following year, according to a company official. German Autolabs was looking for a local distributor after receiving a number of enquiries from the Indian market.

Daniel Mieves of German Autolabs said the device can be installed in virtually any car and is designed to remain useful even when an internet connection is unavailable.

"We will possibly be able to bring Chris to India next year. Mapping works in India, everything else works in India... but we do not yet have a distributor. We are seriously looking for a distributor there as we have a lot of requests from India," Mieves told IANS.

One of Chris's key features is its ability to function offline. Unlike cloud-dependent voice assistants such as Amazon's Alexa, Chris has voice-recognition technology built directly into the device, allowing it to continue responding to voice commands when the vehicle enters a tunnel or an area with poor network coverage.

The system can operate both online and offline, although certain functions require a data connection through the user's smartphone.

Chris requires a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone and works with a companion application available for both Android and iOS devices. Users can download the free app, pair the phone with the device and install Chris on the car's windscreen in a manner similar to a conventional navigation unit.

The device also supports basic hand gestures, giving drivers another way to control its functions without reaching for their phones.

German Autolabs co-founder and Head of Product Patrick Weissert said Chris was designed to act as a digital co-driver, helping motorists keep their attention on the road.

"Touch screens are not good in the car because they require the driver to take the eyes off the road -- so voice and gestures are the future user interfaces for the car," Weissert said.

The product also addresses growing concerns around distracted driving. Using smartphones while driving is restricted or illegal in many countries, with Germany imposing a fine of 100 euros for drivers caught using a phone while driving, according to a company spokesperson.

Chris was conceived by Holger Weiss and Patrick Weissert around two and a half years before its IFA debut. The company positioned the device as an alternative to smartphone-based controls, particularly for drivers who need navigation and communication features while keeping their hands on the wheel.

The device was priced at 299 euros at the time of its launch. Its potential entry into India would depend on the availability of a local distribution partner and the company's ability to adapt its services to the Indian market.