What is Volvo Google Built-in infotainment and what features does it offer

It doesn’t seem like that long ago that we were happy to get a working Bluetooth connection in our cars, whether that meant via a manufacturer-installed receiver or a third-part doohickey attached to your sun visor.

If that doesn’t seem like that long ago, then it must seem like just yesterday that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allowed you to essentially wirelessly turn your vehicle’s infotainment display into a built-in version of your favourite device.

Well, even that now seems somewhat “old hat” with the advent of Google Built-in in recent Volvo vehicles. More than just a wireless connection between your phone and your car, Google Built-in provides you with all the services you need without ever having to look at your phone.

You can make calls, send text messages and even set your Google Maps simply by saying “Hey Google”, like you have with your phone and tablet for years. Better still is how since Google Built-in is tapping into your phone, it can see all the pertinent information, from your contact list to previous places you’ve visited.

An added bonus for those driving Volvo Recharge models is the system’s ability to find charge stations on your route.

When it’s time to sit back and relax on your drive, the system allows you to access your Google Play library and you can have Google Assistant access your Google calendar to make sure everything’s on schedule. You can be sure to start your day of right with a simple “Hey Google, what’s on my agenda for today?” command and all your pertinent tasks will be listed for you.

Once you’ve had Google set your day out for you and you’ve started your favourite playlist, Google Built-in can then be used to control the more “mundane” everyday in-car things; it can change your climate control system, adjust your seat heater or even turn on the defrost.

There’s so much more to see with Google Built-in, so come see us for a tour of the latest in-car tech from Volvo and Google.