Adding Smartphone integration to S90

[Blue Oval]

Hopefully a very quick question guys...

A friend is looking at a 2018 S90 that has all the spec he could want EXCEPT for Smartphone integration (seriously, who doesn't spec this?)

Am I right in thinking that this can be officially added as a retrofit by the Volvo dealer? I'm struggling to find definitive confirmation on the Volvo page...

[nu11eaf]

Yes you can add this as an accessory for around £300.

P.S, I am one of those that did not add it to my new car, it should be standard fit, £300 in my opinion is a rip off, much cheaper cars have it as standard. When I bought mine it was just Apple carplay and not Android which is what I use, again I wont use Apple products they rip you off too. Android carplay was added later, a lot of people may not have optioned it for the same reasons, 1/ rip off, 2/ was only Apple at first.

[Lexman8]

Originally Posted by Blue Oval

A friend is looking at a 2018 S90 that has all the spec he could want EXCEPT for Smartphone integration (seriously, who doesn't spec this?)

Check that he understands that basic smartphone integration comes as standard; i.e. there is Bluetooth and USB connectivity which integrates contacts, etc., and provides full hands-free voice facilities as well as text message read-out and subsequent reply using voice recognition. Music streaming from the phone is also standard. If the car has Volvo On Call (VOC; not sure if it's standard now) there is also wifi and a further level of integration with the car via the VOC app on the phone.

What nu11eaf describes above is, as he rightly says, the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some people rate these whilst others are underwhelmed by them.

[roundyuk]

I don’t have this on my V60, but I am not sure what benefit you get by having it these days when the car has nav etc built in.

[gaby]

I have it, it came as part of something else, but I wouldn't have paid for it since I don't use it.

[Roosterb]

Originally Posted by Lexman8

?...and subsequent reply using voice recognition....

Lexman8 not sure this is the case if using iPhone. Doesn't work for me.

[Lexman8]

Originally Posted by Roosterb

Lexman8 not sure this is the case if using iPhone. Doesn't work for me.

Ah, okay, perhaps it's an Android-only thing as it works with my Pixel 2.

[CoopsSA]

Having had Android Auto in a previous car (Skoda), am I the only one who thinks it's a waste of time?

With a decent sat nav I can't really see the point of it.

[Duri13]

Well, it is not only for navigation. I must admit I have never had this feature in my car but once I upgrade my Volvo I expect to use it also for Apple Music, which I guess will provide a better and safer user experience that browsing songs on your phone. Or for podcasts. But also for navigation, with Apple Car you can switch to satellite view on your Google/Apple maps, which is sometimes better than the Volvo Sensus nav. And I do not like to have my phone attached to the front window, therefore any option that would allow me to have my phone stored somewhere just comfortably accessing its screen is very welcome.

[Wizzpop]

Apple Car Play was a £300 option on my V60, whereas it came as standard on my wife's Peugeot 208. I didn't include it as I didn't think it was worth it.