Electric performance-car brand Polestar is expanding its collaboration with Google to build the first car powered by Android.
The Polestar 2 comes with Google Assistant, Google Maps and the Google Play Store built in, and Android will be used to personalize and contextualize the driving experience. The integration will open up possibilities beyond adjustments of mirrors, seats, climates and entertainment settings to the driver’s personal preferences.
Tailored information will be displayed based on the detected driver profile, enabled by the Polestar Digital Key when the driver approaches. With the driver’s permission, the system can proactively offer personalized planning according to habits, preferences or conditions.
Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar, said, “We have already showed the world we take digital integration in our cars seriously and are open to collaborate with experts in these fields. Now we continue that story, sharing a vision that is even more in tune with the preferences of our individual customers. Building on the Android infotainment system in Polestar 2, our future systems will make life in our cars easier, safer and more fun.”
Google Assistant will build on existing functionality in the Polestar 2 to deliver a naturally flowing conversation that improves over time. Entertainment will be provided with video streaming from popular apps and services for passengers when the vehicle is parked or during charging.
Polestar is trying to avoid overload information by implementing advanced eye-tracking and proximity sensors to deliver information in a controlled manner.
Screens will alter brightness and content based on conditions and reactions of the driver. Dimmed displays will increase in intensity when users glance in their direction, and the approach of a user’s hand will adapt the presented controls.
The system will also warn users if they are spending too much time looking at the screen rather than the road.
