Hyundai Motor has rolled out the world’s first car with the Android Auto system, teaming up with Google to usher in next-generation vehicles.
Korea’s top carmaker from Tuesday will allow users of Android smartphones who own a 2015 Sonata with navigation to get Android Auto free from dealers. The system’s availability will be expanded to other Hyundai models.
Android Auto could be offered in up to 28 other brands for next year’s model, Google said.
Drivers can utilize Android Auto via their smartphones to use apps such as those of maps or Spotify through activation by voice, controls on the steering wheel or a dashboard touchscreen. The phones are locked while in use so that drivers look at the road.
A vehicle infotainment system allows mirroring of a system’s OS onto a vehicle's head unit, and Hyundai said this will raise safety by eliminating a driver’s desire to look at a smartphone in addition to real-time navigation updates, searches, entertainment and other options.
Not one to fall behind its main rival, Apple will have the similar CarPlay system follow suit among Hyundai models.
By D.H.Peter Kim