For companies like Apple, Google, and others in the tech sector, pushing an update to millions of devices around the world isn’t a huge deal. For a comparatively small automaker, though, that’s an impressive accomplishment. Volvo is the automaker in question, and this week it will release a comprehensive update to the infotainment system of millions of cars from multiple model years. It will even let owners add a feature they may have skipped when they bought their cars.
It’s Meant To Be Faster And More Useful
In total, Volvo is expecting 2.5 million vehicles around the world to be able to update to this new operating system, which is called Volvo Car UX. It’s not the most exciting name, but it does accurately describe the software. It’s available for Volvo models “built as early as 2020” with Google Built-In, and it’s completely free to download. Volvo claims that the system will run more quickly, though that’s something that we won’t be able to tell without being hands-on with systems back-to-back after updating.
We can at least see some of the graphical and layout changes that Volvo is implementing. The company said that Google Maps will receive priority, and it’s shown prominently at the top of the screen in the official images. Other functions can be accessed without losing the map display as well.
Media and phone shortcuts are also prominent, along with a bar that shows the most-recently used functions. That bar can also bring up contextual functions, such as access to surround cameras when the vehicle is at slow speeds. Owners of plug-in hybrid Volvos will also get a drive mode shortcut to make it easier to toggle between electric and hybrid settings. At the bottom will remain the climate settings. All of these changes have been made to keep frequently-used apps close at hand and accessible.
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This article originally appeared on CarBuzz and is republished here with permission.
