Volvo to use Google’s Android software for next generation models

Volvo Cars has announced their technological partnership with Google. This will enable Android OS software for their infotainment system and connectivity solution.

Within the next two years, Volvo will be introducing vehicles with Android OS based in-car infotainment and connectivity solution. This will be the result of Volvo Cars recent announcement of collaboration with Google - to co-develop the technology for better connected cars for the future.

Volvo claims that the objective of this partnership is to revolutionise how Volvo customers engage and interact with their vehicles. Henrik Green, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Group said that they will continue to keep their current user interface of the infotainment system. However, the software will be upgraded to feature the vast catalogue of popular Android apps developed by Google, Volvo and third party developers. These apps will offer numerous connected and predictive services in and around the car.

Volvo claims that the reason they chose Android as their base operating system and to build on that is that it can “increase speed and flexibility in the development and offer its customers the ability to personalise the connected in-car experience.”

Volvo and Google are currently working on another project. This project is trying to integrate Google Local Search, a location based service application to Volvo’s system. The release of this update will allow customers with Sensus Navigation.

Google will host their annual tech show, Google I/O on May 17, 2017. The company will reveal further details on the above mentioned projects at the event.

Volvo revealed their latest product offering with the new XC60 which has just gone into production. Later this year, Volvo will reveal a brand new product, the XC40. This will allow the company to enter the compact premium SUV segment.