Use Google Cardboard and Volvo Reality App to Test Drive the new Volvo XC90 SUV

Google had casually announced Google Cardboard at the end of its I/O keynote. Google Cardboard is a simple and inexpensive approach to experience virtual reality. It transforms your Android smartphone into a virtual reality headset. Volvo seems to be the first company to make use of Google Cardboard to promote its brand.

In ordered to promote its upcoming re-designed Volvo XC90 SUV, the company has developed a “Volvo Reality” app that takes the user on a leisurely virtual drive accompanied by music along the way. The drive consists of various episodes for the users to experience virtual driving in diverse environments and at different times of the day. One episode is available at the time of launch of the app with more to follow soon.

Have a look at the video below:

The cardboard unit is paired with the Android app which takes you on a virtual drive in the XC90. App for iOS devices is coming soon. The cardboard is similar to the one shown at the Google I/O but in black color and has the Volvo brand on it. The app is available on Google Play and also works without the Google Cardboard.

 

The Volvo Reality app works best on Samsung Galaxy S4 & above, Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Google Nexus 4 & above, and the Moto X. The app and the Cardboard are available for free. The Cardboard can be ordered through the app from November 18 onward and can be used with any Cardboard-enabled app.

So, ready to go on a virtual reality drive in the Volvo XC90?

 

Via The Verge

Use Google Cardboard and Volvo Reality App to Test Drive the new Volvo XC90 SUV

Volvo Plans to Charge its Buses Wirelessly

Reportedly Swedish automobile giant Volvo is working on building electric gateways to charge its electric buses wirelessly. Volvo in partnership with Swedish government has plan to improve its electric bus model “Hybrid” by charging buses on the go.  The buses will be charged inductively as do your electric toothbrushes.

This is not a far-fetched idea as inductive charging is used as a test fleet is already up and running in South Korea and so did Utah. English city better known as the home of Red Bull’s Formula One team, Milton Keynes will field a few of the buses on a 15.5-mile test route.  So, what is Volvo doing different in this?

The answer is nothing.But the idea of world’s biggest truck and bus manufacturer jumping into this inductive charging of its electric vehicles gives a whole new push to the the world of electric vehicles. Volvo has already experimented with plug-in hybrid buses in the city of Gothenburg in Sweden. But without the cord the buses will run greater distances that too faster.

The prototype is running and the project is dubbed “Electric-City”. According to the officials the work would be completed in mid-2015 and buses would start running in central Gothenburg. So, its not far away when you would be able to charge your phone on the bus-stop waiting for an “Electric-City” bus.

Volvo Plans to Charge its Buses Wirelessly

LG makes an official declaration for support of Android Auto hardware

Last week at the Google I/O 2014 event, the search giant made a big announcement bringing new tech Android Auto into action that brings an whole together new driving experience. Many big automotive and tech giants have joined hands to support this feature thereby creating an Open Automotive Alliance for the same. Korean tech giant LG has also been a part of this and has officially announced its support for the hardware of the tech. this means that by 2015, we could see a wide range of products ranging from car audio systems to navigation units. Android Auto cars are expected to hit the markets next year 2015 and just few days back we saw automotive giant Volvo making announcement of its Android Auto based car that is to arrive in October.

Lets see how things shape out ahead as every one of us would surely be excited to see this tech being brought to cars very soon. Other car manufacturers like Audi and many more has also openly declared their support for the tech.

LG makes an official declaration for support of Android Auto hardware

Volvo to unveil its Android Auto based car in October

Two days back at the Google I/O event, Google went out announcing many of its new ventures, Android Auto being one of them. Android Auto is Google’s interface that turns your car’s dashboard into a smartphone that brings almost everything that you can do with your smartphone will now be available on your cars dashboard. You can check our detailed review for Android Auto.

However, many big car manufacturer’s are popping their eyes out on this beautifully car-embedded tech and have officially announced their support for the project and the Open Automotive Alliance is an example of this. Earlier automotive giant Audi has announced the support for Android Auto and now Volvo has went out announcing it officially with its first car, XC90, featuring Android Auto. The car could be shown off in October and will officially make its way to the markets by 2015.

Android Auto enables a voice based assistance getting you with almost any information at the “drop of hat”. This is similar to the voice based Google Now. With such a useful features and stunning technology many automobile manufacturer’s are expected to bring this feature in their vehicles making navigation much more easy and convenient. We wish to see the Android Auto vehicles soon.

Volvo to unveil its Android Auto based car in October