Volvo Cars has joined the Open Automotive Alliance to make the Android smartphone platform available to drivers through its new ground breaking user interface. This move brings together one of the world’s most progressive car companies and the world’s most popular smartphone platform, developed by Google.
Volvo Cars will also include Apple CarPlay™ interoperability in all new models based on the new Scalable Product Architecture. The integration of Android Auto™ promises to add yet another dimension to the Volvo in-car experience. Android Auto brings features and services familiar to Android smartphone and tablet users directly into the car via Volvo Cars' large centre console touch screen display. This will make it possible for Volvo car drivers to connect the most widely used smartphone platforms directly to their car’s touch screen display. Some companies had only tied-up with either Apple or Android, now everyone wants both on-board.
The interaction between Android Auto and Volvo Cars' brand new user interface transforms the look and feel of a car’s interior. Volvo Cars' interiors will be characterised by their high-tech simplicity and functionality. “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,” says Hakan Samuelsson.
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 touch screen ensuring the entire interaction with Android Auto content is both safe and easy. Volvo Cars' portrait touch screen provides users with the benefit of having both Volvo Cars and Android Auto content on the screen simultaneously, removing the need to switch between car and Android phone screens.
Android Auto will be available on all new Volvo cars based on the new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), starting with the all-new XC90, due to be publically revealed at this year’s Paris Motor Show. We can expect this new Volvo to make its debut in India next year. The XC90 has been the best seller for Volvo globally and the company is looking to continue with the same glory it had achieved in the current generation XC90.
Source : CarDekho