Skip advert
Advertisement

Volvo to fit new Android Auto in-car tech

Google reveals new Android Auto infotainment interface, with Volvo the latest manufacturer to sign up

Volvo Android Auto

Google has unveiled its Android Auto interface, a new piece of software that integrates your Android smartphone into the car’s infotainment system.

Similar to Apple’s CarPlay set-up, it works by making standard Android features available within the car but in a simplified form.

This sees phone-based apps like Google Maps scaled down to the bare essentials, with access managed via voice and steering wheel controls, or directly through the car’s touchscreen.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In a video posted online (below), Android’s director of engineering Patrick Brady describes the system as combining “the best of both worlds”, offering “the connected apps and services on your smartphone with the physical controls that were optimised for driving”. The clip goes on to demonstrate how Android Auto allows drivers to set reminders that’ll alert them on the move or on their phone if they’ve left the car. There’s also access to Google Search and Play Music, as well as text messages and specially adapted downloadable apps.

It’ll arrive in vehicles later this year, with Audi, GM, Honda and Hyundai having already signed up as part of the Open Automotive Alliance – a group of technology and automotive companies working to bring the Android platform to cars.

Volvo is the latest manufacturer to come onboard, confirming today that Android Auto will be available in the forthcoming second-generation XC90 following its public debut at the Paris Motor Show.

The Google-developed interface will make its way to all new Volvo models built on the Swedish brand’s Scalable Product Architecture, an identical arrangement having been agreed for Apple CarPlay, too.

On top of this, Volvo has confirmed its portrait touchscreen is designed to allow users to display both its own and Android’s content simultaneously, removing the need to switch between the two.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best classic cars - the classics we’d most love to own
Best classic cars - July 25

Best classic cars - the classics we’d most love to own

These are our favourite classic cars, from British beauties to V8-engined beasts
Best cars & vans
8 Jul 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025
New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer
Volvo EM90 - front

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer

Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it’s for China only
Road tests
20 Jun 2025
Buckle up! Volvo's new 'super seatbelt' could transform car safety
Volvo EX90 - front cornering

Buckle up! Volvo's new 'super seatbelt' could transform car safety

New multi-adaptive seatbelt pretensions according to real-time crash data, as well as occupants’ dimensions
News
5 Jun 2025

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand
Cyberster Black - front 3/4

New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand

MG boss thinks special editions like this might be the ticket to keeping up demand for the electric sports car
News
10 Jul 2025
Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona: small hybrid SUVs in a big battle
Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona - front end

Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona: small hybrid SUVs in a big battle

Hybrid newcomers slug it out for family buyers’ hearts and minds
Car group tests
12 Jul 2025