Google and Volvo Cars partner to build Android into connected cars

Google and Volvo Cars are partnering to build Android into the next generation of vehicles featuring in-car infotainment and connectivity solutions.

Under this initiative, “hundreds of popular [Android] apps” — developed by Google, Volvo or third-party companies — will be offered to owners of the Swedish-made vehicles. No specific apps were mentioned, however.

“We are making an important strategic step with the Google partnership. Google’s platform and services will enhance the user experience by enabling more personalization possibilities, while Android will offer increased flexibility from a development perspective,” said Henrik Green, senior vice-president of research and development at Volvo Car Group.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Volvo to bring Android into their next generation connected cars,” said Patrick Brady, vice-president of Android engineering at Google. “This partnership gives us the opportunity to deliver a more seamless experience to Volvo drivers through a full-featured infotainment platform and rich ecosystem of Android applications and Google services.”

Volvo also announced that it will be bringing location-based service application Google Local Search to its recent car models. An update through the Sensus Navigation system will add the new functionality.

Volvo says further details will be revealed at Google’s annual I/O tech show later this week.

Image credit: Volvo 

Source: Newswire