Photo: Kia
In-car navigation systems have greatly simplified drivers’ lives - thanks to these systems there’s literally no destination too hidden to drive to. But not all of them are perfect.
Navigation systems for cars are only good where there are roads. They become useless when the final point of destination, say a restaurant or something, is much further than the closest parking spot.
Or at least they were useless, if we are to trust Kia. The South Korean carmaker is preparing a major update of its UVO Connect infotainment system, which includes a feature called Last Mile navigation.
This innovation allows the smartphone UVO app to continue guiding the driver from the parking spot to wherever the final destination is, provided it is at a distance between 200 meters and 2 km (0.1 to 1.2 miles).
You might say that’s what other GPS apps do, but this one has been specifically made to guide the driver from start to destination, including on foot, and with the possibility of having directions relayed to the smartphone screen via an augmented reality function.
The update for the UVO also includes an improved online navigation system that takes into account real-time and historical traffic data, the transfer of profiles between cars, and even a valet parking mode that allows owners to supervise the vehicle whenever someone else is driving it.
Kia says it will begin the rollout of the Phase II UVO Connect in Europe this year on most new models, including the new Kia Sorento.
“We strive to introduce technologies that make life behind the wheel easier and more intuitive for our customers. UVO Connect, already available across much of our range, is central to this goal, and the new ‘Phase II’ features revealed today will make journeys even easier,” said in a statement Pablo Martinez Masip, Chief Operating Officer for Kia UVO.
Or at least they were useless, if we are to trust Kia. The South Korean carmaker is preparing a major update of its UVO Connect infotainment system, which includes a feature called Last Mile navigation.
This innovation allows the smartphone UVO app to continue guiding the driver from the parking spot to wherever the final destination is, provided it is at a distance between 200 meters and 2 km (0.1 to 1.2 miles).
You might say that’s what other GPS apps do, but this one has been specifically made to guide the driver from start to destination, including on foot, and with the possibility of having directions relayed to the smartphone screen via an augmented reality function.
The update for the UVO also includes an improved online navigation system that takes into account real-time and historical traffic data, the transfer of profiles between cars, and even a valet parking mode that allows owners to supervise the vehicle whenever someone else is driving it.
Kia says it will begin the rollout of the Phase II UVO Connect in Europe this year on most new models, including the new Kia Sorento.
“We strive to introduce technologies that make life behind the wheel easier and more intuitive for our customers. UVO Connect, already available across much of our range, is central to this goal, and the new ‘Phase II’ features revealed today will make journeys even easier,” said in a statement Pablo Martinez Masip, Chief Operating Officer for Kia UVO.
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