Digital systems in Polestar cars will become more personalized - with Google's help

Volvo's performance EV spin-off, Polestar, became the first automotive brand to offer an infotainment system fully powered by Google's Android operating system when it launched the compact sedan Polestar 2 last year.

This means that Google's most popular apps, such as Google Maps and Google Assistant, are built in, and since Google is opening up car-specific versions of Android to third-party developers, in the near future useful useful third-party apps will also be able to be installed.

But the benefits don't end there. On Tuesday, Polestar announced that future Android updates will allow users to have a more personalized experience when they get into their cars.

For example, there are already cars that recognize the driver and automatically adjust mirrors, driver's seat position, and air conditioning settings according to that person's preferences. In the future, more preferences, such as those used in apps, could also be adjusted based on who is behind the wheel. Reliance on digital profiles could also provide personalized planning based on driver habits and preferences.

Some examples cited by Paulster include Google Assistant's voice-activated app being able to recognize more languages and understand regional accents and slang, and more personalized video streaming content while parking or charging available, and more personalized video streaming content while parked or charging.

While all of this may sound like it would detract from the enjoyment of driving, Polestar said it will add features to ensure that drivers do not suffer from information overload. These include eye tracking and proximity sensors, which provide information only when the driver needs it. For example, if the driver looks at the screen, the screen will automatically brighten. [Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath said, "We have already shown the world that we take digital integration in cars seriously and are open to collaborating with experts in these areas. Now we are continuing that story and sharing a vision that is even more tailored to individual customer preferences."

Future plans for Polestar will be announced on February 25.