Google Home & YouTube Integration with Volvo Cars

Google Expands Android Connectivity at CES 2022

During CES 2022, Google revealed several new methods for maintaining connectivity across its Android devices, with a significant focus on integration within the automotive sector.

The increasing prevalence of electric vehicles and the transformation of automakers into software companies are driving a surge in connected car technologies.

Volvo Cars and Google Collaboration

Volvo Cars, in partnership with Google, announced new content and services for future vehicle models at CES 2022.

These enhancements include the availability of the YouTube app through the Google Play Store and seamless communication with the Google Home ecosystem.

New Volvo vehicles are already equipped with the Android Automotive operating system, featuring integrated Google Assistant, the Google Play Store, Google Maps, and other Google services.

Previously, YouTube and Google Home integration were absent from this system.

Enhanced Vehicle Control with Google Home

Within the coming months, the Google Home ecosystem will be accessible within Volvo vehicles.

This will enable owners to remotely start or stop their car, adjust the cabin temperature, and monitor battery life using voice commands via Google Assistant-enabled devices.

Once a Volvo vehicle is linked to a Google account, occupants can also engage in direct voice interactions with Google while driving.

Initial availability will be in the United States and several European countries – Sweden, Norway, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain – with further expansion planned.

YouTube Streaming in Volvo Vehicles

The YouTube app will be the inaugural video platform available for download in Volvo cars via the Google Play Store.

This marks a significant step towards enabling video streaming capabilities within vehicles.

“Providing our customers with the option to enjoy videos during charging sessions or while awaiting passengers enhances their overall experience,” stated Henrik Green, Chief Product Officer at Volvo Cars.

“The addition of YouTube, alongside other forthcoming streaming services, transforms charging time from a potential inconvenience into an enjoyable opportunity, simplifying electric vehicle ownership.”

Qualcomm Snapdragon Digital Cockpit Integration

Video streaming demands substantial processing power, leading Volvo to integrate Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Cockpit Platform.

This collaboration aims to elevate the Google Android Automotive-based infotainment system to a new level of performance.

The partnership with Qualcomm supports Volvo’s broader strategy of facilitating more digital services and enhancing passenger entertainment.

This development is particularly relevant as Volvo prepares to launch Ride Pilot, its new unsupervised autonomous driving system.

Ride Pilot is expected to enable fully self-driving capabilities on highways in Volvo’s upcoming electric SUV, allowing drivers to relinquish steering control for other activities.

Google’s Digital Car Key Expansion

Google’s initiatives extend beyond Volvo, as demonstrated by the unveiling of its digital car key in December.

This technology allows users to lock, unlock, and start compatible BMW vehicles (models from 2020, 2021, and 2022) using select Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones.

Later this year, Google will introduce an ultra-wideband digital car key, enabling hands-free vehicle unlocking and key sharing.

This feature will be available across multiple markets in Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, Russia, New Zealand, and Australia.