Volvo’s Polestar first to get YouTube
Google announced in early May, all cars with “Google built in” will have YouTube available on their screens beginning with Volvo’s electric division Polestar. According to the company YouTube will only be available while parked and for passenger use. The ability to access YouTube directly from the front dash display screen increases the convenience. Cars will also be equipped with rear seat screens for backseat passenger entertainment and enjoyment.
However, YouTube in cars is not new. Previously many newer vehicles could access YouTube through Android Auto, an app that runs through an android phone which then communicates wirelessly with the vehicle and allows the driver to access most of their phone apps through the car display. “Google built in” will now provide access to Google apps without the use of a phone. The new system is styled on a Linux-run open base mobile operating system and Google modified it to be used in cars without the use of Smart phones or tablets.
Volvo’s all electric Polestar 2 was the first vehicle to have “Google Built-in” and in early 2023 the automaker said the Polestar 3 will have Google’s HD mapping solution therefore the YouTube launch was the next logical step.