Volvo rolls out biggest ever OTA update for its cars

Volvo has announced that it is bringing out a comprehensive over-the-air (OTA) update for all its existing cars built from early 2020 that don’t have the latest interface. The update brings ‘Volvo Car UX’, which is based on the Android Automotive operating system (AAOS) by Google. The carmaker says that it is its largest OTA update, promising a more intuitive user experience for customers.

1. Volvo Car UX has new features that aid in reducing frequent touch inputs
2. Nine nameplates in India, including new and previously sold models, will get the update
3. The update can be downloaded and installed free of cost

Volvo Car UX OTA update details 

Home screen now features commonly used functions for easy access

One of the additions is the content screen, which brings commonly used apps and controls to the home screen itself. For example, changing music during navigation will no longer require leaving Google Maps. Another feature is the contextual bar that changes what drivers see depending on circumstances and displays recently used apps. A use case is the bar displaying an icon for surround-view cameras when driving at low speeds to aid in manoeuvring tight spots.

For plug-in hybrids, Volvo Car UX features drive modes on the home screen, wherein users can easily switch between hybrid and pure electric power. Volvo states that it will roll out Google built-in software for all customers, which needs to be purchased and comes without the Pilot Assist driver assistance feature. 

Volvo also says that updated cars’ infotainment displays will have a user-friendly interface that reduces the number of touch inputs by enabling easy access to the most used functions. Moreover, the carmaker claims improved navigation across menus through a refreshed look, aided by real-world research and customer feedback.

Volvo Car UX OTA rollout compatibility

Nameplates built since early 2020 are eligible for the update

About 2.5 million Volvo cars across 85 countries are set to receive the OTA update. The brand says it will arrive on cars built from early 2020, free of cost, as part of its strategy to make models better over time with software updates. For India, current models that are compatible include the EC40, EX40, XC60 and XC90, while previously sold nameplates like the C40, XC40, S60, S90 and V90 will receive the update as well. The carmaker mentions that the design language across its models’ infotainment systems will be uniform, meaning that older models will get the same benefits as newer ones.

Volvo mentions that the updates will be rolled out free of charge as long as the car runs the latest updates on a regular basis and has internet access. If not, customers may visit an authorised service centre to obtain the update, likely incurring a fee. Moreover, the update availability will vary by market and model year. Select cars will also receive an OTA update featuring Google Gemini in the near future.