Volvo has revealed more details on the new XC90, this time explaining its clever new infotainment system.
OVERNIGHT VOLVO RELEASED MORE details about the new touch-heavy infotainment system that will debut in the all-new 2015 XC90. The new system has binned the usual press buttons for media controls, expanding the Sensus system and replacing them with a large vertically-oriented, tablet-like touch screen (which will interact with a digital instrument cluster in front of the driver), the XC90 will also offer head-up display and thumb controls on the steering wheel. Volvo has said the system will even allow for users to control the touch-screen system even while wearing gloves, thanks to the application of infrared technology on top of the existing touch sensitive surface.
Volvo says this new system will not only be easier to use, but also safer, “Smooth interaction without distraction has been the guiding expression for our designers and engineers. The in-car control system is designed to keep eyes on the road and hands on the wheel as much as possible,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Volvo Car Group’s Senior Vice President Design.
Volvo has previously revealed the XC90 would be the first car to offer Apple CarPlay, which brings selected features and services familiar to iPad, iPhone and iPod users directly into the car via the large centre console touch-screen display. But it’s now revealed it will feature an Ericsson-based cloud solution and HERE navigation, which offers the ability to remotely update maps and more. The press material says, ‘The selection of cloud-based services, which may vary depending on the market, includes Internet radio, connected navigation, finding and paying for parking, discovering new restaurants at the destination, seamless streaming of favourite music and much more’.
“As cars increasingly become more connected to the Internet and are able to offer a far wider range of functions and entertainment services, the way in which the driver interacts with the car’s systems is becoming progressively more important,” said Dr Thomas M. Müller, Vice President Electrics/Electronics & E-propulsion engineering of Volvo Car Group.
“The all-new XC90 will not only tell you when it’s time to visit the garage but also suggest an appointment for you at your Volvo dealership. The Connected Service Booking application is the first step in making the dealer workshop fully integrated into the connected eco-system,” he said.
