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Future Volvo cars to have Play Store, Maps, and Google Assistant built-in
July 27, 2025
As part of theGoogle I/O 2018Automotive session, Volvo Carswill showcase a previewof the new Android-powered infotainment system of the future. Among other feature upgrades, this new system will have theGoogle Play Store,Google Maps, andGoogle Assistantbuilt right in.
Last year, bothVolvo and Audi announcedthat future cars would be connected and powered by Android. Volvo’s upcoming demonstration of the progress on that promise will be developers’ first look at whatAndroid Autowill be able to do soon.
Using Google Assistant, drivers will be able to issue the same voice commands in their car that they use on theirGoogle Homedevices back at the house. Things like “OK Google, play some jazz music,” will fire up Google Assistant and start some jazz music playing through your default music streaming app. But, instead of going through your phone and then connecting to Android Auto, everything will happen right in the dash unit itself.
Along with entertainment-based Google Assistant functions, there will also be social and navigation support. Drivers will be able to send and listen to group messages (includingRCS messages) using only voice commands – allowing them to stay connected while keeping both hands on the wheel. Drivers will also be able to use Google Maps using only their voice.
Volvo’s demonstration of the new Android Auto features will happen in the dash unit of a current XC40. If you’re not going to be at Google I/O, don’t worry: you can stillcatch the livestreamof the session to see how it all works.
NEXT:Android Auto: Everything you need to know
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