I tested ChatGPT and Perplexity AI as my CarPlay voice assistants - both made Siri look bad

Editor's take

ChatGPT and Perplexity AI, when integrated into a CarPlay system, demonstrably outperform Apple's native Siri in conversational ability and factual recall. This technological leap highlights the widening gap between specialized AI models and the general-purpose voice assistants embedded in consumer devices. The implications are significant for automotive manufacturers and app developers, potentially accelerating the adoption of more sophisticated AI for in-car experiences beyond basic commands.

This development underscores a critical industry trend: the rapid advancement of large language models and their practical application in everyday scenarios. While Siri remains competent for core functions like navigation and music control, its limitations in nuanced understanding and information retrieval are becoming increasingly apparent. The ability of models like GPT-4 and Perplexity's proprietary engine to handle complex queries and provide detailed responses presents a compelling alternative, positioning them as potential successors or essential complements to current in-car assistants.

Future developments will likely focus on seamless integration, latency reduction, and ensuring the safety and reliability of these AI systems in a driving context. The key question is whether Apple will prioritize enhancing Siri's intelligence with similar LLM capabilities or face increasing pressure from third-party solutions to open up its platform. The pace at which these external models can be refined for real-time, voice-activated use in vehicles will be a crucial indicator of their long-term viability against established, albeit less capable, incumbents.