Geely's Volvo Cars said it was fundamentally rethinking infotainment for its forthcoming fully electric XC40.
Powered by Android, the new infotainment system offers "unprecedented" personalisation, improved levels of intuitiveness and new embedded Google technology and services, the automaker claimed.
Go deeper with GlobalData
It is the first automaker to work with Google on integrating an infotainment system powered by Android, with Google Assistant, Maps and the Play Store built in. The two companies have been development partners for the past few years.
The new system offers full integration of Android Automotive OS, Google's open-source Android platform, with real-time updates to services such as MapsAssistant and automotive apps created by the global developer community.
The electric XC40 is also the first Volvo that will receive software and operating system updates over the air.
Hence the fully electric XC40 will keep evolving and improving over time, rather than it being at its peak when it leaves the factory.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData"We are finally giving you the same experience in your car that you're used to on your phone, but adapted for safe interaction while driving," said Henrik Green, chief technology officer at Volvo Cars.
"By introducing over the air updates for everything from maintenance to completely new features, the car can stay as fresh as your other digital products, always with the latest and greatest features."
Android Automotive OS is an Android operating system familiar to millions of developers, tailored to run in the car. Technology and services created by Google and Volvo Cars' developers are embedded in the car, while additional music and media apps optimised and adapted for cars will be available through the Play Store.
Assistant allows customers to get things done using just their voice for in-car functions such as controlling temperature, setting a destination, playing their favourite music and podcasts on apps such as Spotify, and keeping in touch by, for example, sending messages.
This integration contributes to reducing driver distraction. Assistant also allows interaction with smart-home devices from a car.
Maps will be able to provide refreshed map and traffic data in real time, keeping drivers informed about upcoming traffic situations and proactively suggesting alternative routes, as well as suggesting the nearest charging station en route.
This same map data will be used to improve the capabilities of the EV's Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) by providing important information such as speed limits and curves in the road to the car.
Volvo Cars also continues to develop software and connected services, using its growing force of software engineers and its digital services platform, Volvo On Call. For example, the new infotainment system will be fully integrated with On Call, offering new features such as monitoring battery status and charging levels.
On Call 'classics' such as pre-heating or cooling the car, finding it in a large car park, remote locking and unlocking, and car sharing via a digital key are also included.
