[ad_1]
The system will debut in Polestar 2 when deliveries begin at this time next year. The Polestar 1, a hybrid coupe with limited production, will arrive a few months earlier, but will use the same system and interface as those used in current Volvo sedans and SUVs. Both cars will be built in China.
Although Google works with many other car manufacturers, the Polestar 2 will be the first car to integrate this system in its entirety. FCA, Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi are also working with the technology company and will use its open source operating system in future models. However, Polestar will be the first to use its platform and to offer its applications and services.
For years, Audi has proposed Google Earth in its navigation system, but he did not use the platform of Google to support it. Haris Ramic, the product manager of Android Automotive, says this has become a problem. "Google Earth with the underlying operating system was simply not scalable," he says.
Ramic admits that Tesla was a source of inspiration, but the entire system interface was designed internally at Polestar, including all the graphics, menus and its 11-inch touchscreen, which replaces the central stack of the car. Its design is similar to the 3 model but, unlike the Tesla screen, the Polestar unit is mounted vertically, which, according to Maximilian Missoni, head of design at Polestar, is better for you. displaying maps and lists.
In addition, unlike the Tesla, the Polestar 2 always has a dashboard in front of the driver. It's a 12.3-inch screen, but there's no round gauge or needle-punched instruments, just clean the digital displays for speed, battery charge levels and other vital elements. The map of the navigation system is also imitated in the space and three configurations are chosen with a button on the steering wheel; car centered, minimal and centered on the map.
"We call it the region now," Missoni said. "It displays at a glance the information that the driver needs.The other screen is the zone" At any time "and offers less important information for cases where the driver can afford to hijack the look of the road. " Surprisingly, a head-up display will not be available.
Most of the magic happens in the region each time. As on an Android phone or tablet, the home screen features four large thumbnails, one for card, phone, audio and car charge consumption. Each thumbnail scrolls within it to reveal groups of apps corresponding to each genre. You can also touch the thumbnail and open it in full screen. Unlike Volvo's current system, there is no side scrolling.
It's well organized and the graphics are clean and colorful. And everything is big. According to Google, the graphics have been optimized for driving with larger "touch targets" so drivers can use the screen quickly with as little distractions as possible. The cards have also been simplified and display less detail, making it easy to see at a glance. Satellite view is available and the system will be equipped with FM, SiriusXM and Spotify.
The response of the screen to my touch is fast – not as fast as my iPhone 6S, but close. Polestar says the production version will be faster than this prototype. At the bottom of the screen is a virtual home button, but there is no back button and this seems to be an oversight. As in all Teslas models and current, Polestar air conditioning controls are also integrated in the touch screen, as well as other functions such as adjusting the headlights, seats and locks of the car.
The Google Assistant is another important part of the package. It may be the best voice control system we've tried – but it's not perfect. During the 20 minutes we spent inside the car, the Google product manager quickly started throwing commands at the AI system. "Ok Google," she says. "Take me to Monterey." After about two seconds, the display shows a route and the distance traveled in miles from the car's current state of charge. It's close enough that no recharge is needed to cover the distance.
"Ok Google," I say. "Take me to Los Angeles." To my surprise, the system perfectly understands my New Jersey accent and quickly displays a complete route with charging stations along the way.
Then she says, "Ok Google, play" At Last ". "One Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi … Etta James was found on Spotify and her soulful voice filled the cabin, and then we had a little problem," Ok Google, "she says. "
No answer.
"Ok Google, turn up the volume." Nothing. It changes the language of the request. "Ok Google, increase the volume." This time it works, but the volume increase is low. Missoni must love his bent airs. He kept a big volume knob on the Polestar console and volume buttons on the steering wheel, shared with the Volvo XC40 and the sedan platform.
In another smart move, the system will support Apple CarPlay, which will be wireless. The whole system will also be customized according to the driver, recognizing you from your smartphone and memorizing all your settings and favorites. "In the future, your identity will accompany you," says Ramic.
Your smartphone will also serve as the car's key, unlocking the doors within two meters and putting the driver's seat in touch. Buyers will also receive a traditional key ring for valets and a waterproof activity key.
Although the system is impressive and its interface is clean and well thought out, it does not seem to innovate in terms of functions or functionality. All this seems a little familiar. In fact, if you've used Android Auto, you've probably used Google Assistant in your car before. The difference is via your phone, which had to be plugged into the car, the system is integrated into the car.
Ramic said that there will be regular updates on the air, and that the real innovation will come from the developers of third-party multimedia applications. At this stage, however, no applications have been approved for the automotive system and the guidelines are still in progress. YouTube is called as an example of the application that would not be eligible, because watching videos while driving would clearly be dangerous.
Polestar now holds deposits for the Polestar 2 and Polestar 1 and the cars will be sold in independent stores. "This car will never be in a Volvo showroom," says the director of the brand's operation. The Polestar 3, a coupe-style SUV, will feature a new platform. It will also debut with the brand's next design language, both inside and out, which will further separate it from Volvo's offerings. He will arrive in the backend of 2021.
Source link
