Volvo and Google tease next generation connected OS

Volvo’s Concept Recharge. Image: Volvo Car Group

Volvo Car Group was the first car maker to introduce cars with an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS (distinct from Android Auto) with Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play built-in. We already know the next generation of Volvos will be exclusively fully electric, and the two companies are looking to build on their strategic partnership to provide a world-leading in-car operating system.

Volvo has released this series of concept renderings overnight, outlining the basic functionality and design of the new OS. The automaker is seemingly staying with the portrait-oriented screen, increasing the size over the Polestar 2 and XC40 Recharge while mounting it closer to the driver.

Volvo promises easy-to-see information and responsive interaction. The Polestar 2 is already excellent in this regard, but Volvo claims the new OS results in “a simple user experience that is consistent, clean, easily scannable and takes a minimalistic and contextual approach.”.

“Our teams have spent a lot of time with Google to further develop and improve our user experience for the next generation of Volvo cars,” said Henrik Green, chief technology officer. “Especially in terms of safety, serenity and simplicity, we have made great strides thanks to a deeper integration of design and technological development. We are convinced that it will allow us to create even better Volvo cars and set a new industry standard.”

Volvo hasn’t ditched the driver’s instrument display just yet, retaining a compact, digital cluster and adding a head-up display. Numerous manufacturers are now offering an augmented reality (AR) version of this projection technology—which aids drivers by highlighting navigational directions and hazards in real-time in the line of sight—and Volvo is expected to follow suit.

The ability to use a smartphone to lock and unlock the vehicle will become standard, as will on-demand, over-the-air vehicle updates a la Tesla. Volvo has been building up its software development team too, as it works to move key vehicle development in-house. While we don’t have any confirmation around specific next-generation models to feature this technology, we now know from Volvo that the fully electric successor to the XC90 full-size SUV will arrive sometime2022.