Volvo Partners with Microsoft on Vehicle Voice Control
Swedish car maker Volvo and Microsoft are launching a wearable-enabled voice control system that will enable Volvo owners to talk to their cars via their Microsoft Band 2 smart watches. With this technology, users will be able to instruct their vehicles to perform certain tasks including setting the navigation, starting the heater, locking the doors, flashing the lights, or sounding the horn via Volvo’s mobile app Volvo on Call and the connected wearable device.
In November Volvo and Microsoft announced their high-profile collaboration with the first automotive application of HoloLens technology, a fully untethered holographic computer. Now the two companies are delivering remote voice control for Volvo cars via the Microsoft Band 2.
"Volvo is intent on making the car experience as easy and convenient as possible by utilizing the latest technology in the most relevant and inspiring ways. With voice control we are only just beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible with digital assistant functionalities," said Dr. Thomas Müller, vice president of electrics /electronics and chassis at Volvo Car Group,in a statement.
"When innovating we are not interested in technology for the sake of technology. If a technology does not make a customer's life easier, better, safer, or more fun, we don't use it. Let's face it: who hasn't dreamed of talking to their cars via a wrist worn wearable?" said Klas Bendrik, senior vice president and group chief information oOfficer at Volvo Car Group, in a statement
"Our ongoing partnership with Volvo continues to bring ground breaking technology to enhance the automotive experience," said Peggy Johnson, executive vice president of business development at Microsoft, in a statement. "Together with Volvo, we're just beginning to understand the potential that technology has to improve driver safety and productivity."
The new possibility to connect to a Volvo with voice control through Microsoft Band 2 will be available this spring.
Launched in 2001, Volvo on Call became one of first car-based telematics systems in the world. Today Volvo on Call is available in the United States, Canada, China, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Russia, Poland, and Brazil.
Microsoft Band 2 enables you to live healthier by tracking your heart rate, exercise, calorie burn and sleep quality. Users can also stay connected while on the go, thanks to customizable email, text, calendar, call alerts and social updates.