Owners of Volvo cars and SUVs will now be able to give voice commands to their cars through a smartband and an updated Volvo app that will allow them to operate a range of functions on their vehicles before they even sit in the driver's seat.
The new voice command capabilities for the company's existing Volvo on Call app were announced by the Swedish automaker on Jan. 5 at the CES 2016 event in Las Vegas. The system works through a Microsoft Band 2 smartband that is worn by the vehicle owner, who can communicate voice commands through the wearable, which is linked to a Microsoft Windows smartphone.
Using the Band 2 and the Volvo on Call app, vehicle owners can perform in-car tasks such as setting the navigation system, turning on the interior heater, locking the doors, flashing the lights, sounding the horn in a crowded parking lot and more.
According to Klas Bendrik, the CIO of Volvo Car Group, the new voice command service will be available starting this spring for all Volvos.
