Google to Embed Apps & Other Services in Volvo Car’s Infotainment System

The next time you buy or get on to a Volvo car, rest assured that it comes with voice-controlled Google Assistance, Google Play Store, Google Maps and other Google services. The premium car maker and Google are working in a concerted manner to embed these services into the car’s GeNext Sensus infotainment system based on Google’s Android operating system.

The partnership is also expected to further enhance the way Volvo car customers engage with and interact with their cars. The Apps and services, which Google and Volvo Car will develop will be embedded in the car. Besides, there will be thousands of additional apps, which will also be made available through the Google Play Store. The Google Play Store, on its parts, will be optimized and adapted for Android-based car infotainment system.

Henrik Green, senior vice president of research and development at Volvo Cars, said that embedding and enabling Google services into Volvo cars will foster innovation in connectivity and boost its development in applications and connected services. Volvo drivers will soon have direct access to thousands of in-car apps that make daily life easier and the connected in-car experience more enjoyable.

With the next generation of Sensus being run on Android, new apps and software updates will be available in real time and can automatically be applied. Once this is done and made operational, future Volvo cars will be able to react to customer needs and offer drivers up-to-date information and predictive services.

For instance, the Google Assistant would provide a central voice interface for the car that allows drivers to control in-car functions such as air conditioning, and use apps to play music and send messages. This integration would contribute to reducing driver distraction, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road at all times. Google Maps, on its parts, will also enable the next generation of Sensus to provide refreshed map and traffic data in real time, keeping drivers informed about upcoming traffic situations and proactively suggesting alternative routes. Interestingly, Volvo Car also continues to develop its own apps, software and connected services within the group using its growing force of software engineers.