Volvo and Microsoft are launching a wearable-enabled voice control system more than 33 years after the TV show Knight Rider inspired us to believe that talking to your car could one day become a reality.
The so-called wearable is of course the Microsoft Band 2, which can allow you (through Volvo on Call) to tell your car to perform tasks such as setting the navigation, starting the heater, locking doors, flashing lights and even sounding the horn.
The two companies first announced their collaboration back in November 2015, with the first automotive application of HoloLens technology – the world’s first fully untethered holographic computer, which could conceivably redefine the way we explore and even buy cars in the future.
Now, they’ve moved on to remote voice control and right off the bat, the system seems to work brilliantly.
“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 Thomas Muller, VP of Electronics & E-Propulsion at Volvo. “With voice control we are only just beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible with digital assistant functionalities.”
This isn’t the first time Volvo has focused on innovations outside of the traditional automotive landscape, as they’ve seen keen on opening up potential partnerships and new business models.
“When innovating we are not interested in technology for the sake of technology. If a technology does not make a customer’s life easier, better, safer or more fun, we don’t use it. Let’s face it – who hasn’t dreamed of talking to their car via a wrist worn wearable,” asks Volvo’s Senior VP Klas Bendrik.
We can’t help but agree, and it seems that Microsoft exec Peggy Johnson is on board with this philosophy as well. “Our ongoing partnership with Volvo continues to bring ground breaking technology to enhance the automotive experience. Together with Volvo, we’re just beginning to understand the potential that technology has to improve driver safety and productivity.”
Volvo customers will be able to connect to their cars via voice control through the Microsoft Band 2 in ‘Volvo on Call’ enabled markets in the spring of 2016.
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