Hyundai first in the world to bring Google’s Android Auto system to cars

Hyundai has become the first automaker in the world to launch Android Auto on production vehicles. Android Auto safely brings familiar Android smart phone features directly to Hyundai cars via Hyundai’s fourth generation touch screen Audio Video Navigation (AVN) systems. This facility brings the user-friendly Android experience into the car by ‘projecting’ apps and services to the screen in the dash; it is designed to make it safer and easier to access information while on the road.

With Android Auto, Android integration gives drivers access to apps and services which have been optimised for the car with voice input and glance-able controls. Android Auto aligns with Hyundai’s core interior design principles of safety, intuitiveness and simplicity. The interaction between Android Auto and Hyundai’s AVN software transforms how an Android phone can be used inside a vehicle. To ensure ease of use it allows drivers to connect their phone to Android Auto via a USB port.

Android Auto not only brings a high technology experience to Hyundai owners, but also improves safety. It helps keep drivers’ eyes and attention on the road by integrating the advanced driving-related functions of the user’s smart phone with the familiar centralised screen, physical controls and microphone of their car.

Android Auto connects to drivers’ smart phones and lets them access certain apps like Google Maps or Spotify by voice, steering wheel controls or touch screen graphics on the dashboard. Furthermore, the smart phone’s screen becomes “locked” while in use to help keep drivers’ eyes on the road. So drivers are not tempted to look down and interact with their phones directly while Android Auto is in use as it reduces driver distraction by integrating the driver’s smart phone with the vehicle’s screen and controls.

At present, this all-new integration and highly anticipated feature is available on the best-selling Sonata in the US adding to the promise of value. With the launch of Android Auto, Hyundai provides more owners with the experience of cutting-edge technology. However, Hyundai is fine-tuning the Android Auto / Google Carplay to be available globally. Thus the facility will later become available on other Hyundai models as well.

Hyundai says it expects to offer Apple’s version of the system, CarPlay, sometime soon.

Advantages of Android Auto

n The Google Now card-based experience provides suggested locations and travel times based on the user’s searches, calendar entries and home and office locations, as well as weather information and “now playing” information for music streamed via the phone

nApp software (navigation, streaming music, etc.) is automatically updated because the apps live on the phone

nNatural voice recognition with Google voice actions

Owners can easily bring their personal reminders, suggested destinations, calendar appointments and music preferences with them when they get in their car

nAndroid Auto automatically pairs with the Sonata for phone calls through Bluetooth when connected for the first time via USB

nAndroid Auto has familiar interfaces that are easy to use and have almost no learning curve