Volvo has announced it will make Android Auto available for its largest cars including the recently-launched S90, V90 executive cars and the XC90 SUV.
The Android Auto software allows customers to pair the vehicle’s infotainment system with Android devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. For Volvo’s latest large cars, the Android Auto software arrives in addition to the Apple CarPlay system already offered, which comes as part of a £300 Smartphone Integration pack.
With the Android system onboard, owners of new Volvos will be able to access apps such as Google Maps and Google Play Music while on the move, thanks to the car’s built-in touchscreen as an interface. The system also lets the user make and receive calls and receive text messages sent to their android phone.
Unlike similar Android systems found in other manufacturers’ cars, the Volvo’s portrait screen allows the Android interface to sit alongside the car’s other functions, rather than in a separate menu.
The managing director of Volvo in the UK, Jon Wakefield, said: “It’s more important than ever for our customers to stay connected while on the move. Our Apple CarPlay integration was already the best in the business, and the introduction of Android Auto brings our class-leading smartphone integration to a whole new audience.”
