Volvo's Over-The-Air Update Adds Voice Control From Other Google Assistant Devices

Warming up your Volvo with a simple “Hey Google” voice command from inside the house will now be possible.

Volvo and Google have collaborated in the past, with the latest fruit of the collaboration, being the tech-laden Volvo EX90 electric flagship. Yet, the EX90’s technological-tour-de-force status doesn’t mean the rest of the lineup will be ignored. Volvo announced that it is bringing the ability to manage the vehicle via voice commands from other Google Assistant-enabled devices, via an over-the-air (OTA) update.

This is Volvo’s biggest OTA update yet; reaching more than 350,000 vehicles in 68 markets, or about 95% of its cars sold that are capable of handling the update. The update will be available for any Volvo with Google built-in.

The Google Assistant update is large, allowing for what Volvo says is a seamless connection between your Google devices and your car. Now, a simple “Hey Google,” command to your connected and compatible device can let you check the battery charge or fuel level of your car, start the climate control, stop (or start) a charging session, and more. For those who have Google Home, a Google Pixel, or use Google Assistant anywhere else, this means there are a huge number of devices that can be used to conveniently manage the vehicle, without being inside of it.

Initially, the rollout will start in the United States, with other markets coming “in the near future.” Likewise, the ability to add more functions via the “Hey Google,” prompt can also be expanded on, via future OTA updates.

Volvo’s big OTA update also includes upgrades to the Care Key feature, allowing it to be used on any Volvo vehicle that can handle OTA updates.

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