Volvo Becomes First Car Manufacturer to Offer Skype In Cars

This generation is one that definitely will find life without its smartphones. We need them to keep track of all the aspects of our business and personal lives through social media, email, IM. Connectivity in cars has become increasingly important from a customer’s perspective and they would now prefer to buy models that offer at least some features that they find in their smartphones. Volvo has got a headstart on its competitors by becoming the first car manufacturer to offer Skype as part of its infotainment system.

Volvo has partnered with Microsoft to incorporate Skype for Business into its flagship range of luxury vehicles. Volvo’s connectivity expert, Anders Tylman-Mikiewicz, said that the new Skype for Business functionality will allow busy executives to seamlessly participate in conference calls even while focusing on the road.

The feature will be available in the latest versions of the brand’s high end models like the S90, the XC90 and the V90. They will be able to see details of upcoming conference calls on the center console display, and can use just a single touch to join in the call. They will even be able to record voice memos.

To further enhance the safety aspect and minimize distraction, no video functionality is offered and the app will be limited to voice calls. Voice calls are also distracted but Volvo’s position is that using the one touch interface will be a whole lot safer than fumbling with your phone.

In the future, Volvo is also planning to integrate the Cortana “digital personal assistant”, which is similar to Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa into its cars. The Cortana which is also a Microsoft product has an artificial-intelligence system that will offer enhanced voice recognition and “contextual insights to support peoples’ daily lives with its ability to anticipate their needs.