Highlights
- European Hyundai and Kia models with navigation now feature wireless Android Auto and CarPlay.
- The update is not yet released for the American and Canadian markets.
- New ‘Nearby Offers’ and improved traffic routing elevate the navigation experience.
- The software also integrates direct access to Amazon Music, adding to in-car entertainment options.
European owners of select Hyundai and Kia vehicles are poised to enjoy an enhanced driving experience, as the automotive giants have rolled out a software update introducing wireless Android Auto and CarPlay functionality for models with in-built navigation systems.
Previously, only lower-tier models without navigation could boast of wireless connectivity.
This exclusion in higher trims left a significant gap in the tech offerings of these vehicles.
With the latest update, European drivers can now enjoy the convenience of a cable-free digital ecosystem, bridging this feature gap and aligning with current automotive trends.
In addition to wireless connectivity, the software update enhances the overall navigational system.
It integrates a ‘Nearby Offers’ feature, presenting drivers with promotions at nearby locations like gas stations and cafes, a boon for savings-savvy motorists
To challenge popular navigation applications like Google Maps and Waze, the update also improves route optimization by actively monitoring traffic conditions and suggesting alternatives to bypass congestion, displaying them conveniently for the driver’s selection.
For music enthusiasts, the update includes access to Amazon Music directly from the infotainment system, circumventing the need for Android Auto or CarPlay — a subscription to Amazon’s service notwithstanding.
However, this update comes with a regional caveat — it is not yet available for Hyundai and Kia customers in the United States and Canada, potentially leaving a portion of their market in a lurch.
FAQs
What new functionality does the Hyundai and Kia software update offer?
The latest software update for European Hyundai and Kia models introduces wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, alongside a ‘Nearby Offers’ feature for location-based promotions. Enhanced traffic routing for navigation and the integration of Amazon Music for in-car entertainment are also included.
Are there plans to release the update for Hyundai and Kia owners in the USA and Canada?
As of now, the update is exclusive to the European market. Hyundai and Kia have not provided a specific timeline for the release in the USA and Canada, but there is anticipation that this update will be made available in these regions.