Volvo and Microsoft reveal new wearable control device at CES

Volvo has developed software in collaboration with Microsoft, which allows drivers to control certain functions remotely, through the Microsoft Band 2 smartwatch.

The new tech, officially revealed at CES, allows the car owner to set the navigation and heating, lock the car's doors, flash the headlights and sound the horn via the smartwatch.

Commands are spoken to the smartwatch and the actions are carried out remotely via the ‘Volvo on Call’ app.

The smartwatch app is the second in a series of collaborative projects between Volvo and Microsoft, as the two brands team up to develop its next generation of automotive technological features.

The voice command technology will be available in mid-2016 in markets where Volvo on Call is available.

“Volvo is intent on making the car experience as easy and convenient as possible by utilising the latest technology in the most relevant and inspiring ways. With voice control, we are only just beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible with digital assistant functionalities,” said Thomas Müller, vice-president Electrics/Electronics and E-Propulsion at Volvo Car Group.

“When innovating, we are not interested in technology for the sake of technology. If a technology does not make a customer’s life easier, better, safer or more fun, we don’t use it. Let’s face it – who hasn’t dreamed of talking to their car via a wrist-worn wearable?” said Klas Bendrik, senior vice-president and Group Chief Information Officer at Volvo Car Group.

"Our ongoing partnership with Volvo continues to bring ground-breaking technology to enhance the automotive experience," said Peggy Johnson, executive vice-president of business development at Microsoft. "Together with Volvo, we're just beginning to understand the potential that technology has to improve driver safety and productivity."

Also read: Volvo Cars and Ericsson developing intelligent media streaming for autonomous cars