Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Kia
Hyundai and Kia have announced a new software update that includes one of the most anticipated features: support for wireless Android Auto and CarPlay.
While the wireless experience has been available for several years in Hyundai and Kia models without navigation, the feature was missing on the higher trims, and the October 2023 update comes to resolve this for European users.
Before you get your hopes too high, it's important to understand the update is not available for Hyundai and Kia owners in the United States and Canada.
The new software update is rolling out only in Europe, though there's hope that the carmakers are already working on expanding the availability to the United States. I contacted the carmakers for more information and will update the story when and if I get an answer.
Meanwhile, the software update includes lots of improvements, most of them aimed at the navigation experience behind the wheel. For example, Hyundai has integrated a new option called "Nearby Offers," which shows special offers at the points of interest around you, including gas stations and cafes.
The whole thing sounds like ads, but as long as you get cheaper gas and coffee, who cares, right?
The new update also includes navigation updates whose role is to make applications like Google Maps and Waze less impressive. One of these features monitors the route for traffic conditions and automatically looks for a new route when it detects slowdowns. You'll see alternative routes on the screen, so you can always choose the right one to the destination.
The software update also includes other functionality in addition to the navigation improvements. Drivers are getting a new option to automatically close windows when the vehicle enters a tunnel. Hyundai says the setting helps prevent external air from entering the cabin, keeping the air inside clean.
Amazon Music is also part of the update, so if you want to connect to the service without Android Auto and CarPlay, you can do this right from the infotainment screen. You won't have to connect your smartphone to the head unit, though you must own an Amazon Music subscription to listen to content.
Last but not least, the update includes a new EV split-screen menu that allows you to get more information easier. For example, you can use the split-screen interface to see charging station information, battery status, range, configure the destination, begin the navigation, and get essential battery data.
You can find the full list of models eligible for the update on the Hyundai and Kia update pages, but remember that the new release is only available in certain markets.
If your car comes with wired Android Auto and CarPlay support, and you can't live without a wireless connection, you can always upgrade the experience with one of the many adapters available on the market.
Before you get your hopes too high, it's important to understand the update is not available for Hyundai and Kia owners in the United States and Canada.
The new software update is rolling out only in Europe, though there's hope that the carmakers are already working on expanding the availability to the United States. I contacted the carmakers for more information and will update the story when and if I get an answer.
Meanwhile, the software update includes lots of improvements, most of them aimed at the navigation experience behind the wheel. For example, Hyundai has integrated a new option called "Nearby Offers," which shows special offers at the points of interest around you, including gas stations and cafes.
The whole thing sounds like ads, but as long as you get cheaper gas and coffee, who cares, right?
The new update also includes navigation updates whose role is to make applications like Google Maps and Waze less impressive. One of these features monitors the route for traffic conditions and automatically looks for a new route when it detects slowdowns. You'll see alternative routes on the screen, so you can always choose the right one to the destination.
The software update also includes other functionality in addition to the navigation improvements. Drivers are getting a new option to automatically close windows when the vehicle enters a tunnel. Hyundai says the setting helps prevent external air from entering the cabin, keeping the air inside clean.
Amazon Music is also part of the update, so if you want to connect to the service without Android Auto and CarPlay, you can do this right from the infotainment screen. You won't have to connect your smartphone to the head unit, though you must own an Amazon Music subscription to listen to content.
Last but not least, the update includes a new EV split-screen menu that allows you to get more information easier. For example, you can use the split-screen interface to see charging station information, battery status, range, configure the destination, begin the navigation, and get essential battery data.
You can find the full list of models eligible for the update on the Hyundai and Kia update pages, but remember that the new release is only available in certain markets.
If your car comes with wired Android Auto and CarPlay support, and you can't live without a wireless connection, you can always upgrade the experience with one of the many adapters available on the market.
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