Volvo leads with Android 15 and Gemini AI thanks to Google
Volvo Cars and Alphabet's Google announced on Wednesday that Volvo is now the lead development partner for Android automotive software. This partnership will allow Volvo buyers to access new versions of the software before they are available via car industry rivals.
"We're going to be able to be fast in bringing new capabilities, new features and new experiences to our customers," stated Alwin Bakkenes, Volvo's head of global software engineering. "This really gives us an edge in building fantastic customer experiences."
Deepening Partnership
While the two companies have been collaborating for a decade, the enhanced partnership now involves Google engineers driving Volvo cars with the latest software to understand how the product behaves in real-world scenarios much earlier and quicker.
In the auto industry, vehicles typically lag behind mobile phones by about two Android releases, leading to limitations in what can be done in the car compared to a mobile device.
Android 15 and Gemini AI
Volvo vehicles currently run on Android 13, but at Google's I/O annual developer conference, they showcased Volvo's flagship EX90 electric SUV operating on Android 15. This latest version of Google's mobile operating system will be integrated into production models later this year, giving Volvo an advantage over competitors who may have to wait years to access the latest Android version.
Additionally, at the I/O conference, Google's Gemini artificial intelligence model was demonstrated running in the EX90. Volvo plans to implement this AI technology in cars with Google built-in. With Gemini, drivers can simplify tasks such as finding destinations by asking the AI to search through their emails or messages. Gemini can also assist in finding recipes and generating a shopping list on the driver's phone, enhancing the overall driving experience.
