Volvo
is
set
to
enhance
its
in-car
technology
by
integrating
Google
AI
(Gemini
AI)
into
its
vehicles.
This
new
AI
will
replace
the
existing
Google
Assistant,
aiming
to
improve
voice
interactions
and
minimise
driver
distractions.
The
change
is
part
of
a
broader
effort
to
redefine
automotive
technology,
with
Google
taking
steps
to
maintain
its
competitive
edge.

Starting
later
this
year,
Volvo
cars
equipped
with
Android
Automotive
will
see
Google
Assistant
replaced
by
Gemini.
This
marks
a
significant
development
in
the
collaboration
between
Volvo
and
Google,
as
all
new
Volvo
models
already
feature
Android
Automotive
as
their
standard
software.

Enhanced
Voice
Interactions
with
Google
Gemini

Gemini,
which
is
already
available
on
Android
smartphones,
offers
more
intuitive
and
conversational
voice
commands.
Volvo
drivers
can
use
natural
language
for
tasks
like
accessing
the
digital
owner’s
manual,
locating
nearby
restaurants,
or
planning
trips.
This
AI
assistant
extends
beyond
basic
functions
such
as
navigation
and
music
control.

The
capabilities
of
Gemini
include
composing
and
translating
messages,
finding
recipes,
and
creating
shopping
lists.
These
features
allow
drivers
to
keep
their
hands
on
the
wheel
and
eyes
on
the
road
while
performing
various
tasks.
Volvo
emphasises
that
reducing
cognitive
load
is
crucial
for
safety
and
user-friendly
technology.

Volvo’s
Role
in
Google’s
Automotive
Strategy

Volvo’s
partnership
with
Google
positions
it
as
a
key
player
in
automotive
technology.
As
Google’s
lead
development
partner
for
Android
Automotive,
Volvo
will
be
the
first
to
receive
new
features
and
operating
system
updates.
For
instance,
the
transition
from
Android
13
to
Android
15
will
debut
in
Volvo
vehicles
before
other
carmakers.

Android
15
has
recently
become
available
for
mobile
devices
and
is
expected
to
roll
out
to
Volvo
cars
later
this
year.
Other
manufacturers
using
Android
Automotive
might
face
delays
of
up
to
two
years
for
this
upgrade,
according
to
Alwin
Bakkenes,
Volvo’s
global
software
head.

Bakkenes
stated:
“We
strive
to
deliver
human-centric
technology,
and
a
stunning
customer
experience
is
an
essential
part
of
this.” He
added
that
their
expanding
partnership
involves
collaborating
on
innovative
solutions
shaping
the
future
of
connected
cars.

This
move
comes
shortly
after
Apple’s
announcement
of
its
upgraded
CarPlay
Ultra
system
with
Aston
Martin.
The
competition
between
tech
giants
like
Apple
and
Google
highlights
the
ongoing
race
to
innovate
in-car
technology.