Volvo is introducing new Safety Connected Features and Spatial Audio support in Apple CarPlay to its EVs.
Essentially, this update introduced four new alerts to Volvo’s connected safety technology: Large Animal, Vulnerable Road User (cyclists and pedestrians), Roadwork Alert, and Accident Ahead Alert.
For context, Volvo’s connected safety technology was first launched in 2016 and already includes features such as Slippery Road Alert and Hazard Light Alert.
“Accidents tend to happen when we are surprised by something, or when something isn’t the way we thought it would be, and reaction times make accidents unavoidable sometimes,” said Åsa Haglund, head of Volvo Cars Safety Centre. “So the main thinking behind these alerts is to allow people more time to be more prepared for what’s ahead on the road.”
“We have this habit where you would meet a car, and it would flash its headlights; and everyone would know that means to be vigilant, or there is something going on ahead, and that thinking is the same here.”
According to the press release, more than 1 million Volvo vehicles have activated connected safety tech. Using the European Data for Road Safety ecosystem, alert data (alert type and vehicle coordinates) can also be shared with cars from other brands and national traffic centres.
The features will be available in the EX60 and EX90 EVs, but Haglund told me during an interview that it will be expanding to other models in the near future.
Dolby Atmos spatial audio support
The latest software update also brings support for Dolby Atmos (also known as spatial audio) in CarPlay to the Volvo EX90 EV. To access it, the EX90 must have the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system with 25 high-performance speakers.
To add some context, Dolby Atmos is an object-based surround sound system that uses height-based channels with assigned metadata to create a 360-degree audio experience. Atmos is a specific technology, while spatial audio is a more general term that covers various forms of immersive sound. Dolby Atmos is used in products and streaming services such as Apple AirPods, Apple Music, Crave, Disney+, and the PS5.
Now, I tested out Dolby Atmos when GM added it as a standard feature to Cadillac vehicles, and honestly? It’s a life-changing experience. I’m excited for when the update is rolled out to more Volvo vehicles.
