Owners of certain Volvo models stretching back to the 2020 model year will benefit from a new over-the-air update, one which will install the company’s redesigned infotainment UX which just debuted on the EX90 and EX30.
And, yes, before you ask – it is free of charge. The brand plans to roll out the update gradually during the remainder of this year, feeling it will eventually reach somewhere in the neighborhood of 2.5 million vehicles around the globe. Models scheduled to be part of this upgrade include everything with Google built-in, from the C40 to V90.
Volvo feels this is one of the most comprehensive infotainment updates by a carmaker to date, and they may be correct. A wholesale revamp of a UX is no small matter. Still, there are notable examples of companies rolling out important or entertaining updates, such as Ford adding retro-style gauge display options in the Mustang.
“Our new-generation user experience will deliver a significant improvement in customer experience and is an important step in our journey to delivery human-centric technology solutions to our customers,” says Erik Severinson, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at Volvo Cars. Beyond the marketing word salad and back in the real world, customers who get the update will benefit from having to make fewer taps to access frequently used controls, a contextual bar which changes display according to the situation whilst showing one’s most recently used apps. And, as a helpful tool, a person navigating at parking lot speeds will see an icon for viewing the outside cameras to help with maneuverability in tight spots.
Some will surely say those types of things should have been part of the UX from Day 1, or that physical buttons are better for all these controls. There’s a point to be made there, for sure – but that’s for another post. At least companies are waking up to the ability of being able to push out these updates if finding they’ve built a better mousetrap. After all, eons ago this author used to perpetually remove and install DIZ-sized audio in an effort to chase the latest tech. Now it’s downloaded for free while you sleep.
[Image: Volvo]
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