Volvo Cars in strategic partnership with Google to build Android into next generation connected cars
15 May 2017
Volvo Cars announced a “close” partnership with Google to develop the next generation of in-car infotainment and connectivity solution based on Android, offering access to a wide array of apps and services. It will launch on new Volvo models within two years.
The large catalog of popular Android apps—developed by Google, Volvo, or third party app developer—will offer connected and predictive services in and around the car.
We are making an important strategic step with the Google partnership. Google’s platform and services will enhance the user experience by enabling more personalization possibilities, while Android will offer increased flexibility from a development perspective.
With the advent of Android we will embrace a rich ecosystem while keeping our iconic Volvo user interface. We will offer hundreds of popular apps and the best integrated experience in this broad, connected environment.
—Henrik Green, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Group
Volvo Cars’ partnership with Google reflects the ongoing convergence between the automotive and technology industries as cars become increasingly connected. Volvo believes smart partnerships are the future for the car industry. The company said that using Android as the base operating system will increase speed and flexibility in the development and offer its customers the ability to personalize the connected in-car experience.
Volvo is also collaborating with Google on another initiative to update recent Volvo models by adding Google Local Search, a location based service application. This will be released through an update to customers with Sensus Navigation.
Further details on the partnership and Android OS will be announced at Google’s annual tech show, Google I/O, later this week.
The subject of A.I, robots,drones including killer, infrastructure hacking and vulnerabilities as well as autonomous vehicles and the affect on humans especially on the young is a big area for news reporting and debate.
Seems everyone has an opinion and most of what I read makes a lot of sense.
The fact is it exists now it will become more common at a rate alarming to people who have not grown up in or stayed abreast of the computer age. There are many who just switch off and reject. Some wear 'rose coloured glasses' and take the sink or swim approach when changing the world around us.
Personally as an observer attempt to consider how those technologies affect us for both good and potential downsides. It is beholden to recognise and attempt to address the big picture with a priority on safety and minimise perceived hazards. The subject and debate is unusual in that we are all on the same page in that respect.
Well worth the read.
https://medium.com/startup-grind/stop-letting-danger-pay-attention-to-you-d6be95327eb7
All just to say here is a well
Posted by: Arnold | 15 May 2017 at 03:51 PM