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Polestar races from designing EVs to releasing its first smartphone
Basically, it's a rebranded Meizu 21 Pro that costs a lot more
In the past few years, many brands from outside the tech world have launched dedicated smartphone or wearable lineups. While such products have a relatively short shelf life, they are mostly launched as accessories for the brand's luxurious items to create a personalized experience for the buyer.
A few weeks back, Xiaomi, best known for its smartphones, unveiled a high-end electric vehicle that it suggests can compete with the likes of Porsche and Tesla. Restoring balance to the universe, luxury EV brand Polestar is set to unveil its new smartphone next week. While we don’t know much about it in terms of the specs and features, the company today shared some pictures of what the phone looks like, and boy, does it look cool!
Luxury EV maker Polestar is making a smartphone, but not for the reasons you think
It is partnering with China’s Meizu on a premium smartphone
The smartphone market has consolidated over the last few years. LG exited the business completely, while HTC is no longer a key player in the industry. And while Huawei has managed to survive despite the US trade sanctions, it is no longer a big name outside of China. With smartphone sales declining, you'd think most companies would be wary of entering the market. But Polestar — the Swedish automotive brand owned by China's Geely — has announced plans to launch its smartphone in December this year.
Polestar 2 Android Automotive review
Google finally gives you a car worth talking to, and it's called Polestar 2
In all likelihood, Android Automotive is a flavor of Google's near-ubiquitous operating system you've never actually used, and probably won't (statistically) for a long time yet. It's also, in my eyes, the most important version of the platform since the original. About two weeks ago, I spent four days with Automotive in the Polestar 2, an EV from the sister brand of Swedish carmaker Volvo, that launched in the United States in 2020. I also drove it last year for a few short hours, and didn't exactly have the time to fully flesh out my thoughts on the car, the software, and how it all works together in a cohesive way. This time, I had the leisure of living with a Polestar 2, anemic charging infrastructure and all, as my daily driver, with Android Automotive as my steadfast copilot. And you know what? The future of Android looks bright.
Android Automotive is coming to a lot more vehicles this year — here's which brands are supporting it so far
Meanwhile, BMW is integrating Android Auto more tightly
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Google is trying to take over in-car software with initiatives like Android Auto and Android Automotive OS, and that effort seems to be well received among customers and car manufacturers. The company today announced that there are now over 100 million cars compatible with Android Auto on the road. And Android Automotive, Google's dedicated software kit for in-car infotainment, is also coming to ten more vehicles launching this year.
Polestar, the performance-focused subsidiary of Volvo, introduced its latest concept vehicle at this year's Geneva Motor Show. The Polestar Precept is an all-electric sedan designed to showcase the company's "next-generation HMI" (human-machine interface) powered by Android Automotive and the extensive use of sustainable materials in its design.