Volvo takes a powerful swing at the infotainment area and offers Spotify streaming, straight from the dashboard.
Automakers understand that the race towards infotainment supremacy is a long one, and that is why they work hard to implement features such as XM-radio capabilities and Bluetooth connectivity, or to secure partnerships with Android or Apple.
Late last year Volvo unveiled Apple's CarPlay to be available as an option for the crossover SUV XC90, 2016 model.
"CarPlay is a smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in the car. CarPlay takes the things you want to do with your iPhone while driving and puts them right on your car's built-in display," Apple says.
But Volvo went further than integrating a user interface that can stream music from your phone into its infotainment system. The company made an important strategic move by integrating the music streaming service Spotify.
Volvo is not the only carmaker who embedded music streaming in its infotainment system. One way other automotive companies solved this problem was by becoming partners with Pandora radio. Some automakers went as far as allowing drivers to sync their infotainment systems with apps from their smartphones.
However, Volvo is gaining the upper hand as the huge music collection from Spotify is available to drivers without gulping their cellphone data.
New XC90, S90 and V90 variants will be able to use the Spotify app baked in. The touchscreen infotainment system features a tablet-like interface, which is both easy to use and safe to handle during driving.
The Spotify music streaming service will resemble satellite radio to some extent. Car owners who want to enjoy endless hours of their favorite music while driving have to get a Premium subscription.
However, if you do own a Volvo S90, V90 or XC90, you can test the Spotify app for a month at no charge whatsoever.
What is more, the app for Volvo's infotainment system can be used via a mobile device that uses the Spotify Connect feature.
"We are very proud of our unique and custom-made interface for Spotify," says Björn Annwall, Volvo Cars' Senior VP of Marketing, Sales and Service.
Volvo is placing big bets on technical avant-garde. Last week, the automotive company also revealed that it will work on a smartphone app that will make car keys obsolete.
Watch the video trailer below to see exactly how Spotify can be accessed on Volvo's infotainment system.
