Saar: Volvo joined forces with Google in May last year to develop the new Sensus infotainment system on Android platform.

Volvo Cars has extended its partnership with Google to further up the game in developing the next-gen Sensus infotainment system. But before we get to that, let’s see where it all started. The official announcement of this partnership came in May last year. Back then, the Swedish carmaker said that its next-gen Sensus infotainment system will be Android-based, which will also offer connectivity solutions. It also mentioned that this new infotainment system will launch on Volvo models within two years.

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Fast-forward. One year has passed and now Volvo has made another announcement about its upgraded Sensus infotainment system. The carmaker says it is working with Google to embed voice-controlled Google Assistant, Google Play Store, Google Maps and Google Services as well into its new Sensus infotainment system. Since the platform chosen for new-age Sensus infotainment is Android, embedding various Google applications within its brain wouldn’t take long.

Needless to say, all the embedded apps will be optimised to work seamlessly with the Sensus system. Volvo also says that regular OTA updates will ensure that the onboard apps are up-to-date. In today’s time, Google’s Android platform isn’t unknown to many and since the majority of the world’s population uses and have accustomed themselves to the Android operating system, Volvo’s Sensus will be easy to learn and easier to live with. The only obvious downer is the unavailability of any support to Apple CarPlay or iOS users. Perhaps, a rather basic compatibility link will be created to those minority (worldwide) users.

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We are sure that Volvo has done its homework to find out the ratio of iOS users to Android users who are clients or potential customers. Henrik Green, who is the senior vice president of research and development at Volvo Cars, certainly feels that it is the right move forward. In his own words:

“The Google partnership to be entered into is an important strategic alliance for Volvo Cars. The Android platform, Google services and Google’s working relationship with app developers in-house and worldwide will help us further improve the Volvo car experience. Volvo drivers will have direct access to thousands of in-car apps that make daily life easier and the connected in-car experience more enjoyable.”

All that is great. But Volvo, don’t forget about Apple users!