Google and Apple’s car phone projection services can now be enjoyed wirelessly inside the car.
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia announced on Thursday, the 21st, that they will support wireless connections for Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay through an infotainment software update.
This update is being conducted for the Hyundai models that apply the next-generation infotainment system ccNC, including the Grandeur, Kona, Kona EV, Sonata facelift, new Santa Fe, and Ioniq 5 N, as well as the Kia EV9 and Sorento facelift models.
Until now, customers needed to connect via USB cable to operate Android Auto or CarPlay through the car’s infotainment system, but this update allows for a much more convenient wireless access to smartphone projection services.
After the update, once you start the vehicle after getting in, it will automatically connect to your smartphone. However, to activate the feature, both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the smartphone need to be turned on.
Existing customers who used to connect USB will need to go into settings and delete the device information registered with both the smartphone and vehicle before reconnecting. After reconnecting, users can choose to use either wired or wireless connections selectively.
Hyundai Motor Group plans to expand wireless connectivity to Genesis vehicles equipped with the high-end 6th-generation and ccIC infotainment systems in the future.
This software update also expands access to video streaming services (Over the Top, or OTT). Following the existing ‘Watcha’ and ‘Wavve,’ ‘U+ Mobile TV’ has been newly added to enhance customer convenience.
In May, Hyundai and Kia first introduced the ‘Cinema’ feature, which allows customers to view OTT services on the vehicle’s navigation screen, during a significant software update.
The new ‘U+ Mobile TV’ feature is currently available only for vehicles equipped with the Hyundai and Kia ccNC infotainment system.
To use the Cinema feature, users must subscribe to the ‘Streaming Plus’ service via the connected car service app provided by Hyundai and Kia, then select the ‘Cinema’ button on the navigation home menu and log into their subscribed streaming service account. However, with U+ Mobile TV, users can watch a total of 15 live channels without separate login.
The vehicle OTT content is available only when parked (in P gear) for safety.
A Hyundai and Kia representative stated, “With this infotainment system update, customers can now enjoy smartphone projection services more conveniently,” and added, “We will continue to develop new services and convenience specifications to ensure a safer and more comfortable travel experience for our customers.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr