In-car communications is nothing new. Pairing one’s phone with the car’s infotainment system is now pretty much commonplace. Bluetooth, along with phone mirroring interfaces have made it possible to connect seamlessly and wirelessly. This, as opposed to the more ancient aux input, help make driving and staying connected a lot safer.
Volvo Cars, however, wants to take things to the next level by introducing Skype for Business to its 90-Series cars. Soon, models like the S90, V90, V90 Cross Country, and XC90 will be able to let drivers make conference calls and video calls via Skype for Business.
The move is a tie-up with Microsoft, makers of Skype for Business. Sure, using such apps as Skype in the car may not exactly be new as people have tried using it for quite some time now. Problem is, things like connecting to the app, trying to key-in the PIN code, or even making a call have gotten in the way. Moreover, these are done while taking one’s eyes off the road—a truly dangerous thing.
Thanks to the app being included in the car’s infotainment system, using Skype for Business is now as natural as driving itself. One can conduct business without taking one’s eyes off the road. All one needs to do it look every so often at the central display—say when at a stoplight.
Of course, it doesn’t stop there. With Volvo’s plans to make its cars autonomous, the future may see people staying productive (using Skype and other app) while on the move. And with the car taking over the driving duties every now and then, one’s vehicle may soon become a true rolling office.
