Just because the Geneva International Motor Show is primarily about cars doesn’t mean there that the Android operating system isn’t being spoken about. Today we have the Korean car manufacturer, Kia, announcing that it plans to roll out Android Auto across its European model range – starting with its new hybrid crossover vehicle, the Niro, which is due to be released in the third quarter of 2016.By the end of 2017, Kia envisages that all of its models will feature Google’s Android Auto system. While the Niro crossover will be the first to use the system, Kia’s Optima Plug-in Hybrid and Optima Sportswagon will follow suit later on.
Kia’s Chief Operating Officer, Michael Cole, had this to say:
“In-car connectivity is increasingly important to our buyers, who are young-at-heart and often seek the latest technologies on offer. It makes a great deal of sense to offer full Android and Apple compatibility so our customers can use a wide range of smartphone functions in a safe and seamless way. Kia is integrating these technologies to let drivers maintain their concentration on the road ahead.”
Like many car manufacturers, Kia is hedging its bets with regards to car infotainment systems because it will also be rolling out Apple’s CarPlay solution to its models over the same time period.
If that isn’t quite enough choice for prospective buyers, each Kia automobile will also feature Kia’s Connected Services system which is powered by TomTom. This system is free to buyers for seven years after the purchasing of the vehicle, and will provide live traffic updates, speed camera locations and alerts, as well as weather forecasts.
Full Press Release:
Kia to launch in-car Apple and Android operating systems
– Niro hybrid crossover first to offer Android Auto™
– Apple CarPlay™ rolled out across first Kia models later this year
– Every Kia model to be available with the technology by the end of 2017
– Latest models offer Kia Connected Services, powered by TomTom®, for ultimate connectivity
Kia Motors is to introduce Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ functionality across its entire European model range over the next 18 months, making the Korean manufacturer’s customers some of the most connected drivers on the road.
The all-new Kia Niro hybrid crossover, Optima Plug-in Hybrid and Sportswagon will be available with the latest smartphone-compatible operating systems when they are launched in Europe later this year. Every new model in Kia’s product lineup will feature these technologies in future as the brand seeks to offer the latest connectivity technology to buyers at all price points.
Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe, commented: “In-car connectivity is increasingly important to our buyers, who are young-at-heart and often seek the latest technologies on offer. It makes a great deal of sense to offer full Android and Apple compatibility so our customers can use a wide range of smartphone functions in a safe and seamless way. Kia is integrating these technologies to let drivers maintain their concentration on the road ahead.”
Kia Niro hybrid crossover first to offer Android operating system
The new Niro hybrid crossover will be the first Kia model to feature Android Auto™ (designed to work with Android phones running 5.0 Lollipop or higher). Once the phone is connected to the car via USB, both the Android and Apple systems feature voice control and allow the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road ahead. Android Auto™ will be available on the Niro from the start of European sales in Q3 2016.
Android Auto™ connects to the user’s Android device and lets them access smartphone apps and functions through the in-car infotainment system, such as voice-guided Google Maps navigation, hands-free calls and texts and voice recognition. Android Auto™ also lets users stream music from Google Play Music™.
Apple CarPlay™, for iPhone 5 or newer, will be available to Niro buyers by the end of 2016, after the car’s initial launch. Apple CarPlay™ will enable full Siri voice control to control an iPhone’s various functions and apps, including navigation via Apple Maps, calls and text dictation. The system also supports other audio apps, such as music streaming or audiobooks that the user may have downloaded to their iPhone.
The system has been designed to minimise distractions, and allow the driver to maintain their focus on the road ahead at all times. The new operating systems are built into a large 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system at the centre of the dashboard.
Additional Kia models to follow throughout 2016 and 2017
After its initial introduction in the Kia Niro, Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ will be rolled out across every model in Kia’s European product line-up over the next 18 months, starting with the new Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid and Sportswagon, due to launch later in 2016.
Like the Niro, the Optima Plug-in Hybrid will be available with Android Auto™ from launch (during Q4 2016), with Apple CarPlay™ due to follow before year-end. The Optima Sportswagon, which goes on sale during Q4 2016, will be the first Kia model to offer both technologies from launch. Kia expects every model in its range to be available with the integrated smartphone operating systems by the end of 2017.
High-tech Kia Connected Services available on new Kia models
The all-new Kia Optima and Niro – and also the recently-launched Sportage crossover – are each available with Kia Connected Service, powered by TomTom®. Kia Connected Services is a new connectivity package offering drivers a wide range of up-to-date information, including live traffic updates*, speed camera locations and alerts*, local point-of-interest search and weather forecasts. In Europe, the system is available to buyers free of charge for seven years after the car’s purchase.
Come comment on this article: Kia will offer Android Auto across its European range in next 18 months
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