Hyundai Connects to Apple, Google in 2015 Sonata
Hyundai Connects to Apple, Google in 2015 Sonata
-by Joel Arellano
New models and car concepts were not the only noteworthy items on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the last major car show in 2014. Hyundai demoed to the press CarPlay and Android Auto by Google. Both systems allow users to sync their smartphones to Hyundai’s own Blue Link infotainment and access various functions.
Currently each automaker has its own proprietary method in the way its vehicles’ interface with smartphones. CarPlay and Android Auto, which were developed by Apple and Google respectively, provides a universal way for owners to access their phone’s functionality regardless of vehicle. According to Michael Deitz, Sr. Group Manager, Connected Car & Owner Marketing, Hyundai, that means each works in their own virtual world and only interfacing with the car in very specific ways.
I saw that during the demonstrations. Apple representative Steven plugged in an iPhone in the demo vehicle, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Most of the expected iPhone apps like Contacts, Recents, and Favorites, appeared on the sedan’s touchscreen. Not every app appeared – as he pointed out, only those that made sense while driving in a vehicle would be displayed. This included text messages. Siri, Apple’s well-known virtual assistant, would “read” out loud the message. Driver’s could then reply via the vehicle’s voice system.
Android Auto by Google worked similarly. Layout is slightly different, though. Apps are displayed in four “activity” areas: Maps, Phone Dialer, Music and a customized fourth area. This last bit housed items requested by automakers. Examples include music apps Pandora and Spotify. According to the Google representative, Android Auto already has over a dozen partners working on apps for it.
One thing I immediately noted during the demos is that both phones had to be plugged in via a USB cable. Most of today’s vehicle infotainment systems use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly to the vehicle’s system. The Google representative explained that Bluetooth doesn’t have the bandwith to handle all the features of Android Auto. When I asked him of future – possibly wireless systems – he refused to comment. (Of course.)
Android Auto is expected to roll out next year, most likely in February. The 2015 Hyundai Sonata will be one of the first vehicles with the system. Google is in talks with General Motors, Ford, Volkswagen and all major automakers to incorporate the Android Auto into their vehicles. I’m assuming Apple is doing the same with CarTalk as well. I’m speculating, but I believe most will be on board to do so. Because each smartphone’s operating system works in its own virtual space, owners and car manufacturers don’t have to worry about upgrading the vehicle’s infotainment system each time the phone’s OS is upgraded. This is extremely important since both Apple and Google on average update their OSs every few months. That’s far more rapid than vehicle electronic updates, which can sometimes take years; However, when automakers do so, they won’t have to scramble to make sure everything is compatible. Car owners will be able to use their future smartphones in their current and next Hyundai vehicle without any connectivity issues.
