Android Auto on steroids.
Anyone who regularly uses Android Auto will be very happy with this news. While smartphone integration into built-in infotainment systems have made huge improvements over the last few years, nothing’s quite as good as the real thing. Mirror them in any way and they still won’t be as slick or as smooth to use as they are on the device itself. Can’t do much about that.
Except for revamp the system.
While Mercedes-Benz and their new MBUX system has an in-house system that they’ve developed that operates remarkably like Siri and Amazon Alexa, Swedish marque Volvo’s decided it’ll just be easier to get someone else to do it. Why bother trying to outdo the competition when it’s simpler (and cheaper, likely) to just adopt the technology that already exists?
“Bringing Google services into Volvo cars will accelerate innovation in connectivity, and boost our development in applications and connected services. Soon, Volvo drives will have direct access to thousands of in-car apps that make daily life easier and the connected in-car experience more enjoyable.” — Henrik Green, Senior VP (R&D), Volvo Cars
The company already enjoys a partnership with Google, though that cooperation is set to expand further with Volvo seeking to include things like Google Assistant, Play Store, Maps, and other software in the next-generation of its Sensus infotainment system. Volvo says that with the utilisation of Android as the base operating system for Sensus, they will be able to offer real-time software updates that will in turn offer only the most current information and conveniences to drivers.
While this is all very exciting, it’s worth bearing in mind that such a system won’t be found in a production car for at least another couple of years, so don’t throw away that phone holder just yet.
For more information on Volvo, check out our Showroom.
