IN-CAR technology takes another leap forward as Volvo adds Skype for Business in its top-range 90 Series models.
Microsoft’s Skype for Business will allow greater in-car productivity says Volvo – the first car maker to introduce such technology to cars.
According to Anders Tylman-Mikiewicz, who is vice president consumer connectivity services at Volvo Car Group: “We’ve all been there.
“Sitting in the car trying to join a conference call. Having to enter a phone number and long pin code is not the easiest process, and your attention is not where it should be – on the road. With the addition of Skype for Business all that goes away.”
Skype for Business is in use by millions of people at work around the globe. But usually at their workplace.
In Volvo’s 90 Series cars people will be able to view their upcoming meetings and participant details, and join meetings with one click via the large centre display.
Anders Tylman-Mikiewicz said: “Skype for Business represents another big step forward for our in-car connectivity and communication offer.
“With the dawn of autonomous cars we see a future where flexible in-car productivity tools will enable people to reduce time spent in the office. This is just the beginning of a completely new way of looking at how we spend time in the car.”
Volvo’s partnership with Microsoft also includes the exploration of using Cortana, Microsoft’s intelligent personal assistant, with the express intention of adding seamless voice recognition and contextual insights to support peoples’ daily lives by actively predicting their needs.
Ben Canning, director of product management for Skype for Business at Microsoft, said: “Volvo Cars is leading the way in its recognition that the nature of work is increasingly mobile.
“People need to be productive from anywhere – including their cars. We’re thrilled to extend modern meetings to Volvo cars.”
Recently, Volvo added Android Auto to its new Smartphone Integration package that also includes Apple CarPlay. It allows users of Android smartphones to connect their device directly to their Volvo’s Sensus media system.
