A new bike that uses Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant is set to be revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
The Cybic Legend will allow riders to ask Alexa anything as they cycle, from traffic updates to directions.
The Alexa capability works like this: a control mounted to the handlebars will feature a menu, which provides access to all the Alexa functions.
Using their voice, cyclists will be able to request traffic updates, turn-by-turn directions, weather forecasts and all the other fun things you can do with Alexa including send messages and add items to your shopping list.
If it’s starting to get dark on your way home you could have smart lights set up on your bike that you can ask Amazon Alexa to turn on using your voice rather than having to reach to hit a manual switch.
“Adding Alexa functionality expands the notion of “Alexa On The Go”, where Alexa is available anywhere where the bike is, said David Kumar, principal product manager at Alexa Voice Services (AVS). “The combination of Alexa and Cybic enables riders to enjoy a great range of innovative, integrated bike features without their hands ever having to leave the safety of the handlebars”.
The WiFi-enabled bike also comes with a Vodaphone sim that has three years free 3G data, and has an app to control most of the smart functions. It has a security lock and alarm that is accessed via the app and a tracker to keep the thieves at bay.
“We’ve seen innovations in alternative commuting go from strength to strength and after electric bikes we predict that the next big trend for commuters will be smart bikes. The Cybic contains all the features you love about Alexa, but now in a bike. The technology will help cyclists with many things including getting traffic updates, getting turn-by-turn directions, personalised light settings, playing music and much more.”
Prices for the new bikes are unconfirmed at the moment but €1,000 is thought to be a ballpark figure.
