The 2015 Hyundai Sonata LF will be the first series production vehicle to feature Google’s Android Auto telematics platform. Said software is due to appear on subsequent Hyundai models in the near future, according to the Korean carmaker in a statement.
Current owners of the Hyundai Sonata with Navigation will be offered a free upgrade to include Android Auto either by visiting a dealership or by downloading the app onto a USB drive prior to uploading it into their cars – the latter method available from the middle on 2015 onwards.
For compatibility purposes, owners will be required to possess an Android smartphone with the latest 5.0 ‘Lollipop’ operating system or newer. A micro USB cable is then needed to connect the smartphone to the car. Connecting for the first time will prompt the system to enable a download of said app, following which, a driver-optimised display of the software will appear on the car’s infotainment screen.
Employing a Google Now card-based experience, owners will be provided suggested locations and corresponding travel times based on searches, personal reminders with calendar entries, weather forecasts and current choice of music. Calls are patched through via Bluetooth when the car is connected to the smartphone via USB.
Apps such as Google Maps, Google Now, Google Play Music and several more will be adopted into a car-optimised layout and appear on the aforementioned in-dash display. Said apps are manipulated either by steering wheel controls, touchscreen interaction or by voice – the latter augmented by Google Now.
A plethora of third-party apps will also be made available for the convenience of the driver and occupants. The list includes iHeartRadio, Spotify, TuneIn, NPR, Stitcher, Skype, TextMe and the list goes on and on. However, apps that the system deems as a distraction to drivers (social media, games) will be locked while the vehicle is in progress – as is the smartphone, reducing the need for drivers to utilise it.
GALLERY: 2015 Hyundai Sonata LF 2.0 Executive tested in Malaysia
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Proton already achieved 6 speed manual… Lousy hyundai only “moving backward” with android auto hahaha.
Shame on Hyundai. Please learn from DrM la.
every 1-2 years hav to change the player same like we change our phone, laggy~
Android Auto is powered by your Android phone, there is no need to change the head-unit “every 1-2 years” as the phone will receive all necessary updates.
Excellent! Hope this sort of devices to become more popular.
Android on car? goodbye to stability.
Android is fine with handphones but very troublesome and unstable for cars. For now. Hope Hyundai do their homework well.
andriod, please hack in the engine and tuning it
GS: G-A-A telematics, tell me what u think of Sam Loo?
G-A-A: Hilat.
What? Kimchi again? Bad RV! Nuy Toyota better! Good RV.
Stupid
That’s cool actually. AOA – Android Open Accessory provides total access of your android phone content to be accessed on the car screen. For safety reasons, yes, u hv to block the social chat thingy..hihihi.. but you can get cd like quality audio sound through it because they can tap out digital signal.
this whole thing is for infotainment only. Nothing to do with the car sofware config.. correct me if i”m wrong..