Cerence Inc. announced it is collaborating with Microsoft to bring Microsoft's communication and productivity tools, including key Microsoft Teams features, into the car to support an AI-powered, voice-first experience. This new collaboration brings the power of Microsoft Azure Communication Services to Cerence-powered automotive assistants, empowering professionals with conversational AI-enabled, hands-free access to key Microsoft productivity capabilities, including Teams, while on-the-go. As a growing number of companies shift to the work-from-anywhere model, the need for effective, flexible productivity tools is growing.

By bringing relevant Azure Communication Services components into the car via a voice-first user experience, Cerence enables drivers to supercharge their in-car travel time, transforming the car into a workstation on wheels where meetings and communications are intertwined with a safe, hands-free experience – all without drivers needing to pull out their smartphones, helping them keep their eyes on the road. This integrated voice-powered experience enables drivers to use voice commands to complete key actions in Microsoft Teams, including: Join and leave meetings, Schedule meetings and inquire about the time of their next meeting, Receive notifications so they do not miss a meeting, Chat with meeting participants, Take notes during a meeting, Transfer meetings from their phones to the car and vice versa instantaneously, so they never miss a moment of critical conversation. For automakers, Cerence and Microsoft's integrated solution enables a simple, streamlined implementation.

OEMs can easily integrate the solution into their in-car assistant experience and customize the offering, empowering them to delight their drivers with communication and productivity tools from Microsoft.