Volvo vehicles are getting Google Gemini voice assistance technology, allowing for more natural interactions than the existing Google Assistant.
Google Gemini will replace Google Assistant in all Volvo vehicles equipped with Google built-in later this year.
The change is expected to come as part of an over-the-air (OTR) software update.
While Google Assistant can handle basic requests like dictating text messages and playing media, Gemini allows you to have a natural conversation instead of barking prompts to the system.
Google also says it can handle more complex requests.
“You can talk naturally to craft messages, translate them into another language before sending, ask questions from the car’s user manual or learn specific details about your destination,” says Volvo.
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“This kind of natural conversation can help reduce your cognitive load so that you can stay focused on driving, reducing distractions for everyone onboard.”
Additionally, Volvo says it has become one of the reference hardware platforms for Google’s development work on the Android operating system in cars.
The automaker will be used as a lead development partner for new features and updates, which means Volvo owners will enjoy new features and enhancements first before they’re added to the main Android codebase.
“For years, Google and Volvo Cars have collaborated closely to bring cutting-edge technology to connected cars,” said Patrick Brady, vice president of Android for Cars at Google.
“We’re excited to deepen this partnership, accelerating the pace of innovation that will not only improve the driving experience for Volvo customers but also set new benchmarks for the automotive industry.”
Google built-in features in all current Volvo products.
It was introduced in the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric for model year 2021, the C40 and XC60 for model year 2022, and the XC40, XC90, S60 and V60 for model year 2023.
Volvo is one of several brands to use the Android Automotive operating system with Google built-in, which allows various Google apps to be embedded in the infotainment system and more available to download through the Google Play Store.
Other automakers that use Google built-in locally include Honda, Polestar and Renault, though there are even more carmakers that use the tech overseas.
Volvo recently announced it would deploy an OTA update for vehicles from as far back as model year 2022 to give them a refreshed user interface, with Australian-delivered vehicles also included.