Intel Powers Next Gen Volvo Infotainment System Running Google's Android P

Intel, Google, and Volvo Cars have announced at Google I/O that Intel will be powering Volvo's next-gen in-car infotainment systems. These infotainment systems will be powered by the latest Intel Atom SoC and run Android P. At the show, the new infotainment system is being demonstrated in a prototype Volvo XC40 compact crossover utility vehicle.

Volvo notes that the new infotainment system has advanced features like voice recognition via Google Assistant, support for the Android app ecosystem directly from Google Play Store and the ability to use Google Maps natively in the infotainment system. You won't need to connect your smartphone via Android Auto to get this functionality -- it's already baked in. “At Intel we are committed to building Android as a turn-key automotive OS that helps automakers deliver the latest in-car infotainment for consumers. Our collaborative efforts with Google and Volvo mean automakers will have optimum compute power with hardened security for the latest Android OS to enable new and exciting in-vehicle experiences," said Imad Sousou, corporate vice president and general manager, Open Source Technology Center, Intel Corporation.

Intel says that cars have become an extension of an owner’s digital life in the last decade making infotainment systems a battleground for automakers. Intel projects that the market for in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems is set to reach $33.8 billion by 2022. Intel also says that to realize the full potential of an IVI, automakers need to stop using proprietary software solutions. The chipmaker wants the required OS and applications to be easily customizable, updated, and scaled. Google is doing this according to Intel starting with Android OS for IVI devices back in 2015 and continues to evolve the ecosystem.

“We’re excited to work with Intel and Volvo to bring drivers the next generation of in-car infotainment powered by Android,” said Patrick Brady, vice president of Android Engineering at Google.

Intel says that with Android running on its Atom automotive SoCs that automakers get optimized processing, latest software versions, and security features. The Intel board support package (BSP) for Android is optimized for the Atom SoC. Volvo is the first partners for this Intel and Android tie up.