Volvo Cars is launching what it describes as the largest over-the-air (OTA) software update in its history, rolling out a revamped “user experience” to about 2.5 million vehicles in 85 countries beginning this week.
The update introduces a new interface called Volvo Car UX, which is aimed at making the central touchscreen more intuitive, namely by reducing the number of taps is required to access common features. The refreshed layout will be delivered free of charge to customers driving Volvo models equipped with Google built-in, including older vehicles built as early as 2020.
Related Story
“This update is one of the largest over-the-air updates in automotive history, leveraging years of investment in Volvo Cars’ tech stack to improve life with their cars for millions of people,” said Anders Bell, chief engineering and technology officer at Volvo Cars. “Our new user experience delivers significant updates and improvement in areas most used by drivers, and directly addresses the needs and desires of our customers.”
Built on the Android Automotive operating system, Volvo says the new interface will make accessing frequently used apps such as navigation, media, and phone easier to access. The automaker gives the example of a driver using Google Maps; the update will allow the driver to adjust their music without leaving the nav display.
Volvo
Specific to plug-in hybrid models, drivers will be able to access the “Pure” electric-only setting now available directly from the home screen.
Volvo will also begin offering certain customers the ability to purchase and download the Pilot Assist driver-assistance feature via software, provided their vehicles are equipped with Google built-in. The update also prepares eligible cars for the upcoming integration of Google Gemini conversational AI, expected later this spring.
But for a couple of sketchy, short-lived gigs right out of college, Natalie Neff has had the good fortune to spend the entirety of her professional life around cars. A 2017 Honda Ridgeline, 1972 VW Beetle, 1999 Ducati Monster and a well-loved purple-and-white five-speed Schwinn currently call her garage home.
