BENEFIT: Landmark move for Volvo
Volvo have joined the Open Automotive Alliance to make the Android smartphone platform available to drivers through their new user interface.
The manufacturers claim that the integration of Android Auto ‘promises to add yet another dimension to the Volvo in-car experience’.
It will bring features and services familiar to Android smartphone and tablet users directly into the car via Volvo Cars’ large centre console touchscreen display.
Hakan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars, claims the interaction between Android Auto and the brand new user interface transforms the look and feel of a car’s interior.
“Google’s approach to user-centricity and the application of technology to improve peoples’ everyday lives makes Android Auto a perfect addition to the Volvo experience,” he said.
“We have worked hard to ensure an enjoyable user experience with Android Auto.
“This will offer our customers a new degree of fluidity and accessibility in the usage of their mobile devices, and bring the digital ecosystem our customers already enjoy into the car, complementing Volvo Cars’ existing connected car services and applications.”
Android Auto will provide access to Google Search, Google Maps, Google Play Music and specially adapted third party applications, such as Spotify.
All phone-based applications can be controlled via voice or steering wheel controls or the car’s touchscreen.
“Android smartphone users will feel completely at home in a new Volvo,” added Mr Samuelsson.
“We have created a wholly-integrated user experience in our large portrait-oriented touch screen that takes the in-car mobile device experience to a new level.
“That, coupled with the obvious driver safety benefits of an advanced voice control system offered by Google, made Android Auto a perfect match for Volvo.”
Android Auto will be available on all new Volvo cars based on the new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), starting with the all-new XC90.
Volvo Cars will also include Apple CarPlay interoperability in all new models based on the new Scalable Product Architecture.
This will make it possible for Volvo car drivers to connect the most widely used smartphone platforms directly to their car’s touchscreen display.
