Although almost all carmakers are now including support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in their vehicles to avoid locking out major segments of the buying public, some are being more aggressive in capitalizing on the technology Google makes available. One of those companies is Volvo which already had a strong partnership with Google. This week, against the backdrop of Google I/O 2018, Volvo announced plans to embed several Google products directly into their Sensus infotainment system.
Volvo is planning to include Google Assistant, Google Play Store, and Google Maps at a minimum in their system and other apps may join them in the future. By embedding Google technology directly into the system, Volvo drivers will be able to avail themselves of features like voice-control or navigation provided by Google even if they do not have an Android smartphone.
Users will also benefit from not having to switch back and forth between the Google apps provided through Android Auto and the Sensus interface. Instead, users will be able to stay within the Google ecosystem even to do things like control control heat/air settings or other vehicle features.
Henrik Green, senior vice president of research and development at Volvo Cars said,
“Bringing Google services into Volvo cars will accelerate innovation in connectivity and boost our development in applications and connected services. Soon, Volvo drivers will have direct access to thousands of in-car apps that make daily life easier and the connected in-car experience more enjoyable.”
According to the press release, Volvo anticipates the first vehicle benefiting from this expanded partnership with Google should be ready within a couple years.
source: Volvo
