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Volvo and the Google system: problems finally solved?

Volvo and the Google system: problems finally solved?

June 27 2024 Volvo Cars Saint-Léonard

Introduction

“Hey Google, let's go to Miami”.

Just imagine. You're cruising along in your new 100% electric Volvo, when suddenly you're overcome with the urge to escape Quebec's wintry conditions.

But such an excursion takes preparation, especially when you own an electric vehicle where every stop is an opportunity to recharge the battery.

Luckily, your 100% electric Volvo is now equipped with the new Google Built-in infotainment system. An ecosystem which, for example, enables your vehicle to plan journeys across a country, taking into account the recharging stations along the way, while pre-conditioning the battery for optimal recharging right up to the final destination.

In this article, we explain what Google Built-in is and share with you the latest features due to a recent update.

What is Google Built-in?

Since 2015, all Volvos have been equipped with the Sensus infotainment system - an ecosystem that allows our vehicles to benefit from integrated navigation or the famous Volvo On Call.

But to deliver a better driving experience, we needed to update our system. And to do this, we decided to collaborate with the American giant Google.

The advantages of the Google Built-in system

Instead of Sensus, Google Maps, Google Play and Google Assistant are now seamlessly integrated into Volvo's infotainment system.

The main benefit of this approach?

Offer native applications, adapted to the Volvo interface, for a completely hands-free driving experience.

For example, with Waze, you now have direct access via your Volvo's infotainment system to real-time navigation routes, alerts and preferences at eye level, without having to touch your smartphone.

And let's not forget all the Google Assistant features that allow you to get answers to all your questions with a simple “Hey Google”.

Problems with the Google Built-in system

However, before these new features mature, there have been some launch problems, especially in late 2021, early 2022:

For example, some users have noted a significant reduction in functionality when the Volvo Cars mobile application is paired with an AAOS (Android Automotive OS) vehicle.

Other annoyances concerned the Volvo On Call mobile app, which limited the application to remote start and lock/unlock.

Finally, some users also encountered difficulties with the Google Assistant, which sometimes struggled to interpret and execute basic instructions, leading to frustration among our drivers.

The latest updates to the Google Built in system

However, Google and Volvo have corrected the various shortcomings, thanks to updates; while bringing new features at the end of 2023 (non-exhaustive list):

Support for Apple Maps displayed on the digital dashboard
Improved infotainment system stability.
User profiles that switch correctly depending on the key used.
Watch TV and movies or surf the web from the vehicle's infotainment screen.
Amazon Prime Video available in the Google Built-In Shop for selected Volvo models
Integration of The Weather Channel app into Google Built-In, providing hourly forecasts, alerts, and the “Trip View” function on the infotainment screen.
Join scheduled meetings and conference calls from the car screen via Android Auto, with audio-only call support for Cisco WebEx and Zoom.