Volvo to Integrate Google Gemini AI for an Enhanced Driving Experience

In the race for in-car technology advancement, Google is also stepping up to maintain its lead position. The update comes just a few days after Apple made headlines with its upgraded Apple CarPlay Ultra system developed in collaboration with Aston Martin. Google has now announced a major tech advancement in its in-car technology. It will now integrate AI-powered voice assistance, Google Gemini, into Volvo cars. 

The update will go live later this year in Volvo cars. Android Automotive will get a major upgrade in the new range of Volvo car models, replacing the existing Google Assistant with the new Google Gemini. The upgrade will add a new chapter to Google’s collaboration with a Swedish automobile manufacturer, which has been one of the major carmakers to offer Android Auto as standard in all new models. 

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More Natural and Smarter Voice Interactions

Gemini is already available in Android smartphones and is designed to deliver more intuitive and conversational voice commands. Integrating Gemini will give drivers a more interactive in-car experience with its more natural language and conversation abilities in the new range of Volvo cars. 

This major upgrade will not only offer more convenient experience when putting information from digital owners’ manuals but also help in finding the nearest restaurants or road trip planning. The Gemini can compose and translate messages along with standard tasks like navigation and music controls. All these activities can be performed with normal voice commands while putting hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the ad traffic. 

Volvo said that the enhanced conversational ability of Gemini will minimize the mental load on drivers and is central to the company’s vision of safety and a user-friendly tech experience. With a major step to integrate Gemini into its range of vehicles, Volvo now serves as Google’s lead development partner for Android Automotive, meaning the new features and OS updates will be available first in Volvo cars. 

The latest version of the Android OS, Android 15, which was recently rolled out in new smartphones, is also expected to arrive in Volvo cars later this year. In comparison, other car manufacturers will have to wait for up to two years for the same upgrade, Volvo’s global software head Alwin Bakkenes stated.