Polestar is deepening ties with Google to make its next-generation cars “easier, safer and more fun,” the Volvo subsidiary’s boss said.
The partners, who collaborated to equip the Polestar 2 with Google's Android operating system, aim to offer a vehicle environment that automatically adjusts to the user’s personal preferences and last-used applications, Polestar said today.
“We already showed the world we take digital integration in our cars seriously and are open to collaborate with experts in these fields,” Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath said in a release. “Now we continue that story, sharing a vision that is even more in tune with the preferences of our individual customers. Building on the Android infotainment system in the Polestar 2, our future systems will make life in our cars easier, safer and more fun.”
Polestar said that Google Assistant will be an even more helpful co-pilot in its future models by offering an advanced speech technology that includes more languages, understands local accents and provides more personalized experiences.
Polestar, Google deepen ties to create next-level in-car features
The approach of a user’s hand toward a display will trigger the appearance of the controls. When the hand moves away the extra buttons and information disappear.
The future models will offer video streaming from popular apps and other services for occupants when the vehicle is parked, such as during charging.
To counteract information future Polestars will have advanced eye-tracking and proximity sensors to deliver information in a controlled manner. Screens will alter their brightness and content based on conditions and reactions of the driver.
Dimmed displays will increase intensity when users glance in their direction (see video, below), and the approach of a user’s hand will adapt the presented controls.
The system will also warn users if they are spending too much time looking at the screen rather than the road ahead.
In addition, Polestar will fuse its advanced driver assistance systems with Google Maps to promote safer maneuvers on the road.
The advanced technical features will appear in the electrified brand’s “design vision” vehicle that will have its full reveal on Feb. 25 ahead of its public debut at the Geneva auto show next month.
Last week Polestar outlined a number of ways that it will make its future vehicles more environmentally friendly. The goal is to reduce weight, cut plastic content and lessen waste material through the use of natural and recycled materials.
