Hyundai Offering Existing Owners the Best Smartphone Integrations for Free Through a Software Update
Hyundai is adding smartphone integrations to several existing models today, via do-it-yourself installation. The software update compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto is now available at no cost through MyHyundai.com. The software will also be available at Hyundai dealerships nationwide for an installation fee, starting in June.
“Launching smartphone integrations on these existing models through MyHyundai will enhance the overall ownership experience,†said Barry Ratzlaff, executive director, digital business planning and connected operations, Hyundai Motor America.
“Existing owners can now get the most out of their smartphones, by simply loading new software into their cars’ infotainment systems. Just a few years ago, they would have had to buy a new car to get such a powerful upgrade.â€Â
Compatible Systems
This is not the first time Hyundai has made a software upgrade available using the MyHyundai portal. Last year, Android Auto was offered to 2015 Sonata owners with Navigation via MyHyundai.com. Hyundai continues to offer a customer-focused user experience by leveraging the MyHyundai.com platform. MyHyundai.com gives customers the option to update their car for free, on their own schedule. Hyundai will continue to add value to its vehicles with easy-to-do upgrades via MyHyundai.
To complete the software upgrade, owners need their VIN number and a USB memory stick or the SD card from their Navigation system. MyHyundai.com has installation guides to walk customers through the process. In the near future, consumers will have access to do-it-yourself installation videos. The videos will be found on MyHyundai.com and the Hyundai USA YouTube channel and will include detailed download and installation instructions on the software. How-to-use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto videos also are available on MyHyundai.com and the Hyundai USA YouTube channel.
Hyundai will soon make an announcement about CarPlay and Android Auto upgrades for the following 2016 model-year vehicles equipped with Navigation: Sonata Hybrid, Sonata Plug-In Hybrid, Veloster and Azera.
Upgrade Times – Times are dependent on Internet speed
[table style=”table-striped”]
Year | Model | Trim Details | Computer Download Time | Software Upload Time (Inside vehicle) |
Requires Map Update Via SD Card |
2015 | Sonata | With Navigation | 1 – 3 hours | 40 mins. | Yes |
2016 | Sonata | With Navigation | 1 – 3 hours | 40 mins. | Yes |
2016 | Sonata | With the seven-inch touchscreen display | 15 – 30 mins. | 20 mins. | |
2015 | Genesis | With the eight-inch touchscreen Navigation system with rearview camera | 1 – 3 hours | 40 mins. | Yes |
2016 | Genesis | With the eight-inch touchscreen Navigation system with rearview camera | 1 – 3 hours | 40 mins. | Yes |
2016 | Elantra GT | With Navigation | 15 – 30 mins. | 20 mins. | Yes |
2016 | Tucson | With Navigation | 1 – 3 hours | 40 mins. | Yes |
2017 | Santa Fe | With the seven-inch touchscreen display | 15 – 30 mins. | 20 mins. | |
2017 | Santa Fe | With Navigation | 15 – 30 mins. | 20 mins. | |
2017 | Santa Fe Sport | With the seven-inch touchscreen display | 15 – 30 mins. | 20 mins. | |
2017 | Santa Fe Sport | With Navigation | 15 – 30 mins. | 20 mins. |
[/table]
Dealer Fees
If a customer does not wish to complete the software download and upload procedure on their own, they can take their vehicle into their local dealer. The dealer will charge the customer a fee for the labor required to install the software.
Apple CarPlay
CarPlay is the smarter, safer and easier way to use an iPhone in the car and gives users the features they want such as Phone, Messages, Music and Maps, while allowing them to stay focused on the road.
CarPlay delivers an instantly recognizable experience to iPhone users that will help them be instantly familiar and comfortable inside their Hyundai. CarPlay support lets drivers make calls, get directions optimized for traffic conditions, listen to music and access messages. With CarPlay, Siri provides drivers an eyes-free experience by responding to requests through voice commands that are easily and directly accessed through the steering wheel’s voice button. Using a Lightning connector, CarPlay works with iPhone 5 and newer models running the iOS 7.1 or higher operating systems. The CarPlay roster of supported apps can be found at the following link: apple.com/ios/carplay/.
Android Auto
Similar to CarPlay, Android Auto helps keep drivers’ eyes and attention on the road by integrating the advanced driving-related functions of the user’s smartphone with the familiar centralized screen, physical controls and microphone of their car. Furthermore, the smartphone’s screen becomes “locked,†so drivers are not tempted to look down and interact with their phones directly, while Android Auto is in use.
Owners will need the Android 5.0 “Lollipop†operating system or later and the Android Auto companion app on their compatible phone to utilize Android Auto. A micro USB cable is required to connect the phone to the car’s USB port. The first time an owner plugs his or her phone into their parked compatible Hyundai, the phone will prompt the download of the Android Auto companion app from the Google Play store. Users of Android Auto will instantly recognize familiar Android phone applications, such as Google Maps, Google Now, messaging, phone calling and Google Play Music. These applications can be controlled by voice, steering wheel controls and touchscreen. Android Auto will also offer many popular third-party audio apps, including iHeartRadio, Spotify, TuneIn, NPR, Stitcher, Slacker, Skype, TextMe and many more.
Display Audio
Hyundai’s Display Audio system features a high-resolution seven-inch color touch-screen display optimized specifically for smartphone integrations and Blue Link. In addition, Display Audio incorporates Hyundai’s latest and most innovative in-vehicle technology by offering a simple, multi-use home screen, HD Radio® capability, mixed AM, FM and SiriusXM presets, along with Pandora-link integration.
Additional Display Audio Features:
- Integration with Apple’s Siri Eyes Free and CarPlay
- Functionality allows owners of compatible vehicles to use the voice command button on the steering wheel to ask Siri questions without taking their eyes off the road
- Supports making calls, selecting and playing music, composing and reading back text messages, using Maps and getting directions, reading notifications, finding calendar information, and adding reminders, among other functions
- Integration with Google’s voice actions and predictive Google Now functionality through Android Auto
- Functionality allows owners of compatible vehicles to find destinations in Google Maps, set appointment reminders, make and receive calls, respond to text messages with intuitive voice commands and more
- Pandora integration
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio with enhanced features
- Pause, back and play for current station
- Automatic recording of top six presets
- SiriusXM Travel Link
- Sports scores and schedules, stock ticker, movie times, fuel prices and weather/alerts
- Advanced voice recognition
- Multi-touch screen that supports swipe and wipe gestures
- New home screen with multiple functions
Eight-Inch Navigation System
Hyundai’s eight-inch navigation system offers an enhanced display and home screen that shows map and music information, regardless of the music source.
Blue Link
Blue Link brings seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like Remote Start with Climate Control, a Monthly Vehicle Health Report, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Car Finder and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Remote features can be accessed via Hyundai’s smartphone app or Web portal. Blue Link also features maintenance alerts and safety features, such as Automatic Collision Notification and SOS. The Blue Link system uses a 4G connection. The Blue Link Connected Care package includes safety and diagnostic features and is standard for one year on equipped models.