Among the benefits of having connected cars is the ability to receive new features and improvements throughout their lifetime simply via over-the-air (OTA) updates. In the case of Volvo cars such as the fully-electric XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, a new update has been deployed to enhance their Apple CarPlay experience.
There are quite a number of Apple CarPlay improvements have been included in the software 2.9 update and the main highlight would be the ability to have navigation maps to be shown directly on the instrument cluster. Prior to this, this particular feature is available exclusively to the Google Maps that came together with the Android Automotive operating system that Volvo used for these models.
Having the navigation map shown directly inside the instrument cluster is much more convenient since it requires less eye movement as compared to taking a glance at the map inside the centre console’s screen. In the media release, Volvo also said that this feature is available for “other supported navigation apps” but did not list any other names aside from Apple Maps.
Another useful CarPlay-specific improvement that is part of the new update is the ability to show phone call information inside the instrument cluster as well. It will also be displayed on the vehicle’s head-up display as well as the CarPlay tile on the centre console screen.
To handle the phone calls, drivers can utilise the button on the steering wheel. The update has also added Now Playing information into the CarPlay tile alongside the “Play/Pause” and “Next/Previous” buttons.
In addition to these new CarPlay-related features, Volvo’s software 2.9 update also performs some adjustments for drivetrain optimisation and infotainment system stability. The update will also enable drivers to switch between Pilot Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control directly through the buttons on the left side of the steering wheel.
Furthermore, it has also added a new option to the Control settings that allows door mirrors to fold automatically when the vehicle is locked and the user’s preference for this option will be tied to the current profile. Drivers will also find that the vehicle’s user profile should switch correctly to the currently used key and the radio channel remains unchanged when they start a new driving cycle.
For XC40 and C40 Recharge owners out there that are not familiar with the OTA process, the update package will be first downloaded into your vehicles in the background whenever you are driving them. The installation will only take place when you are not driving or charging the SUV.
Specifically, you need to press Install now in the centre display and then leave the car. Do note that the vehicle doors need to be locked and still have at least 40% of the battery left in it for the update installation to take place while you also have to avoid opening the car during the installation process.
Meanwhile, this update is also available for other Volvo models with Google built-in such as the plug-in & mild hybrid variants of the XC40, XC90 Recharge, S90 Recharge, XC60 Recharge, V60 Recharge, and many more. So, do look out for the update notification in your vehicle’s centre screen if you own any of these models.
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