Vehicle manufacturer Volvo Cars and technology group Microsoft are launching a voice control system that will allow Volvo owners to talk to their cars using the Microsoft Band 2 wearable device.
The system will allow owners to instruct their vehicle to perform tasks remotely, such as setting a destination on the navigation system, activating the climate control, locking the doors, flashing the lights or sounding the horn – all by using Volvo’s mobile app, called Volvo on Call, and the Microsoft Band 2 fitness tracker.
“Volvo is intent on making the car experience as easy and convenient as possible by utilising the latest technology in the most relevant and inspiring ways,” says Volvo Cars electrics/electronics and chassis VP Thomas Müller.
“With voice control we are only just beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible with digital assistant functionalities.”
“When innovating, we are not interested in technology for the sake of technology,” adds Volvo Cars chief information officer and senior VP Klas Bendrik. “If a technology does not make a customer’s life easier, better, safer or more fun, we don’t use it.”
The ability to connect to a Volvo with voice control through Microsoft Band 2 will be available for customers in Volvo-on-Call enabled markets later this year.
The availability of Volvo on Call in South Africa is yet to be determined.