Volvo recently announced that CarPlay, the iOS-based connected car software, is now available in its cars, nearly two years after the company first announced its partnership with Apple. The 2016 Volvo XC90 crossover will be the first vehicle in the US to use the iPhone-connected interface. Almost two years after the company initially revealed its collaboration with Apple, Volvo recently declared that CarPlay, the iOS-based connected car software, is now available in its vehicles. The first car in the United States to use the iPhone-connected interface will be the 2016 Volvo XC90 crossover.
It was worth the wait for Volvo. In March 2014, Volvo became one of the first automakers to announce plans to include the Apple (AAPL) vehicle interface in future models. But the company has also been working on refining the integration between CarPlay and its new in-car Sensus Connect touchscreen platform since making that announcement. For Volvo, it was worth the wait. One of the first car companies to declare intentions to incorporate the Apple (AAPL) vehicle interface into upcoming models was Volvo in March 2014. However, since making that announcement, the business has also been working on improving the way CarPlay integrates with its new in-car Sensus Connect touchscreen platform. We are going to discuss different aspects of Apple carplay Volvo.
Apple CarPlay: Automaker Partnerships
In contrast to Apple’s previously announced automaker partnerships, the XC90’s touchscreen display will remain intact when Carplay is activated. Additionally, drivers may benefit from this as it eliminates the need for them to exit Sensus Connect and return to CarPlay in order to carry out tasks like changing the air conditioning’s temperature.
Rather, the new Sensus Connect platform from Volvo operates using a four-tile system. The touchscreen’s individual tiles each manage a distinct function, including media, phone, in-car navigation, and, if the user desires it, CarPlay. The operation expands when you touch the tile, but it doesn’t take up the entire screen.
Instead, a four-tile system powers Volvo’s new Sensus Connect platform. The individual tiles on the touchscreen each control a different function, such as media, phone, in-car navigation, and, if the user wants it, CarPlay. Touching the tile causes the operation to expand, but it doesn’t fill the screen.
Apple Carplay: Launches Mobile App
The fact that CarPlay won’t appear on the interface until the user launches the mobile app is another noteworthy feature. Also, the user has the option to completely remove the app from their phone. Apple’s decision to allow Volvo owners to remove Carplay or never have it installed is unusual since the company typically has strict guidelines for its partners. Third-party apps may also occupy the fourth tile if CarPlay is not installed.
The Sensus Connect platform from Volvo is a component of the company’s $11 billion five-year investment, which aims to completely revamp the lineup by 2019. By the end of 2018, the technology will be standard on all new Volvo vehicles, having made its debut on the XC90. The S90 sedan, which is the next car on Volvo’s makeover list, will debut globally at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit the following month.
Software of Apple CarPlay
Volvo announced on Tuesday that owners of Volvo XC90s that took delivery of their cars before November 25th, as an early adopter benefit, can make an appointment with their local dealer and get a free software update. However, owners of cars delivered after that time will need to shell out $300 for Apple software. All XC90 owners will also receive a free update that includes access to third-party Sensus Connect applications like Pandora, Yelp, Find Parking, updated navigation maps, and traffic data, according to the company.
Volvo joined rival Google’s (GOOG) Open Automotive Alliance a few months after being among the first automakers to announce CarPlay integration. The Alliance is a partnership that Nvidia, Audi, GM, Honda, Hyundai, and others formed with the goal of integrating the Android platform into automobiles. Volvo’s technology and product communications manager, Jim Nichols, told Fortune that the company intends to integrate Android Auto software into future models, but no specific date has been set.
New Announcements and Updates
Volvo revealed on Tuesday that as an early adopter perk, owners of Volvo XC90s that took delivery of their vehicles before November 25th can schedule a free software update by scheduling an appointment with their local dealer. Owners of cars delivered after that date, however, will have to pay $300 for Apple software. According to the company, a free update for all XC90 owners will also grant them access to third-party Sensus Connect applications such as Yelp, Pandora, and Find Parking, as well as updated navigation maps and traffic information.
Conclusion
Many of the features of CarPlay and Android Auto are similar, such as enabling drivers to link their smartphone with the dashboard of their car. Additionally, users can access their smartphone’s music, selected apps, maps, and navigation on the car’s screen after plugging in their Android or Apple smartphone through the USB port. Both platforms offer voice, touchscreen, and steering wheel control options for their applications. Many of the same automakers, including Audi, BMW, Ford (F), GM (GM), and Kia, are partners of Android Auto and CarPlay.
Unlike Apple’s previously disclosed manufacturer partnerships, when Carplay is enabled, the XC90’s touchscreen display will not be affected. This may also help drivers because it will save them from having to switch from Sensus Connect to CarPlay in order to perform tasks like adjusting the temperature of the air conditioning.