Autoblog

Hyundai and Kia adding Google Maps API to nav systems

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Crossover, Hyundai, Kia, Infotainment

Hyundai's Blue Link and Kia's UVO infotainment systems will be adding three Google features: Send2Car, Point of Interest Search and Local Search by Voice. Send2Car lets travelers send destinations to their vehicle's navigation system from a computer or via a mobile phone app, and the POI and local searches are continuously updated in Google Places' database. The new data service integrations mean that drivers will have more access to more destinations and be able to find them more quickly.

Hyundai hasn't said when the new features will debut nor on what model. Kia buyers will find them introduced on the 2014 Kia Sorento expected to roll into dealerships shortly, with the Forte sedan following. You'll find a press release on the updates below.

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Hyundai and Kia adding Google Maps API to nav systems originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Jan 2013 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia launching Uvo 2.0 in 2014 Sorento

Jeffrey N. Ross — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Technology, Crossover, Kia, Infotainment

Along with all the new model introductions hitting the stages of the LA Auto Show, automakers made plenty of announcements in regards to technology heading into the show. Chevrolet's MyLink will be adding Siri and Ford is reportedly preparing some more updates for its MyFord Touch and My Lincoln Touch, but now Kia has announced that it will be releasing the next version of its Uvo infotainment system in the 2014 Kia Sorento and later in other Kia models including the redesigned 2014 Forte.

Uvo is Kia's hands-free infotainment system, and now it will be adding a telematics "eServices" system including vehicle diagnostics, a parking location reminder for drivers and 911 Connect. Officially called Uvo eServices Infotainment System with Voice Command Navigation, this is essentially the "version 2.0" for Uvo, which came with voice recognition and hands-free control of mobile phones when it was introduced in 2010.

When the 2014 Sorento goes on sale, the new Uvo will only be compatible with iPhones, but Android phones are expected to work by the second quarter. Scroll down for Kia's press release on the updated Uvo system.

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Kia launching Uvo 2.0 in 2014 Sorento originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Dec 2012 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia to offer limited edition 2013 Rio 5-Door SX with manual gearbox

George Kennedy — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Kia

Up until now, if you wanted the top-of-the-line version of the Kia Rio 5-Door, you could only get it with the six-speed automatic transmission. But now, Kia has now announced a limited run of six-speed manual-equipped hatchbacks.

That means that Rio 5-Door buyers no longer have to decide between a row-your-own gearbox and features like the UVO infotainment system, backup camera and Bluetooth hands-free calling. You can have all these features, plus the manual gearbox for an MSRP of $17,900.

According to Kia, the combination of range-topping trim and manual transmission provides a "more engaging drive experience without sacrificing the comfort and convenience offered by the subcompact model's highest trim level."

The idea for the Rio SX M/T (manual transmission) was apparently inspired by Kia's B-Spec race car, which has been competing in the Grand-Am race series. Only 500 examples of the SX M/T will be sold for the 2013 model year.

Continue reading Kia to offer limited edition 2013 Rio 5-Door SX with manual gearbox

Kia to offer limited edition 2013 Rio 5-Door SX with manual gearbox originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Translogic finishes CES by going solo

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

Our sister site Translogic follows up on its Consumer Electronics Show coverage with a new episode this week. This one is a smorgasbord of automotive tech, including a spin on the Solowheel, a mobility device that's sort of like half a Segway.

The Translogic crew also talks to the chief technology officer at Panasonic, who draws some interesting comparisons between electric cars and refrigerators. Audi shows off a new gesture-based, heads-up display. Kia announces a new version of its UVO telematics system and shows it off in some concepts.

Click past the jump to watch the whole episode.

Continue reading Translogic finishes CES by going solo

Translogic finishes CES by going solo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on with Kia UVO2

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology, Videos, Kia, Infotainment

Kia is rolling out the second generation of its UVO infotainment system before we could really get to know the original, but UVO2 is packing all the advanced telematics and connectivity features of its competitors - or at least it will when it ships later this year.

We had a chance to sample the lower-spec version of UVO2 in an Optima Hybrid, and overall, it's an improvement over its predecessor both in terms of polish and features.

Included in UVO2 is automatic crash notification, road-side assistance, service reminders and tracking, along with geo-fencing, speed warnings and a curfew setting that lets you know when the kiddies stray too far, go too fast or stay out late.

Along with the normal raft of music and navigation features, there's a companion iPhone app that keeps track of maintenance and notifications. It also includes a vehicle finder that automatically logs the vehicle's last location and lets you find it using a nifty augmented reality feature. Get more details in the press blast and hands-on video after the jump.

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Hands-on with Kia UVO2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia working on next-gen telematics system that doesn't require smartphone

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Kia, Infotainment

Kia's UVO has been rolled out to generally appreciative audiences, the head-unit system combining with your smartphone to provide a wide range of voice-command operation. Kia boffins have returned to the lab, though, to develop a second-gen UVO interface that doesn't require your phone to be fully functional.

Sounding like an extension of Windows Phone 7 (UVO uses Windows software as a base), Ward's Auto described its preview of UVO's next-gen as featuring "a screen that, like a tablet computer, lets the user choose from a series of icons and change screens by swiping a fingertip." The system will be fully voice controlled, and will able to download applications. A Kia rep said that UVO could access the information on a paired phone, but the smartphone connection would be optional.

The next generation is meant to be viable for all of Kia's international markets, whereas this first generation was developed specifically for the United States. From this initial report it sounds like it will provide a more comprehensive experience, which is good for everyone - but we wonder if it will still force you to choose between UVO and in-dash nav.

Kia working on next-gen telematics system that doesn't require smartphone originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Kia Sorento gets 2.4L GDI engine, UVO infotainment

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 15 May 2011 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Technology, Crossover, Kia

2011 Kia Sorento SX - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2012 Kia Sorento will be available with the company's hands-free UVO infotainment system, and its brand-spanking-new GDI direct-injection four-cylinder engine. With those new features, the big Kia crossover can really dance with the big guns from the likes of Ford.

Other available options include Kia's YES Essential seat treatment, which makes the seats resistant to stains and static electricity and includes an anti-bacterial chemical. That, along with an entertainment system to be reckoned with, should keep the young family demographic very happy.

The Sorento's new engine uses the same GDI setup as the upcoming 2012 Rio, but this time, it sees duty atop a 2.4-liter version of the brand's Theta II architecture. Thanks to GDI, the 2012 Sorento should close in on 200 ponies, as opposed to the old engine's 175.

For those who aren't looking to upgrade to the Sorento just yet, the new options are also available on the 2012 Sportage. Click past the break to see Kia's full press release.

Continue reading 2012 Kia Sorento gets 2.4L GDI engine, UVO infotainment

2012 Kia Sorento gets 2.4L GDI engine, UVO infotainment originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 May 2011 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Kia Sportage keeps moving in the proper direction

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Hyundai, First Drives, New Car Reviews

2011 Kia Sportage - click above for high-res image gallery

The crossover is the high-fructose corn syrup of the automotive world. Think about it: Rather than using real sugar, Pepsi opts for a cheaper, highly refined and processed sweetener. Which, according to lots of studies, is pretty bad for us. Why would they do that? Higher profits, pure and simple. Likewise, CUVs offer all of the space of a comparably long station wagon or hatchback, get inferior mileage, don't handle as well, take longer to stop and in most cases offer none of the utility of a true off-roader. But guess what? They pull in fistfuls of greenbacks for auto companies.

Like high-fructose corn syrup then, car experts ("Hi, Mom!") can scream out their lungs until they're blue about the benefits of a more sensible, safer, smarter product (again, wagons). Yet consumers simply don't listen. The fastest growing automotive segment is - of course - the small CUV. Like the Snickers bar, the Twinkie and a twenty-piece Chicken McNuggets meal with BBQ sauce (all of which is mostly corn syrup), they are here to stay, forever. Buyers just seem to like the looks and the perceived safety that a high-riding vehicle affords them. Plus, for those with infant children, not having to stoop down to strap Junior into his car seat is the most luxurious feature on earth. With all that in mind, some CUVs are better than others - and not only in terms of looks, but also handling, packaging, content and value. Is the new 2011 Kia Sportage one of them? Read on to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Kia Sportage

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Kia Sportage keeps moving in the proper direction

First Drive: 2011 Kia Sportage keeps moving in the proper direction originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: We take Kia and Microsoft's Uvo for a test drive at CES

Tim Stevens — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology, Kia

Kia's UVO system hands-on - Click above to watch video after the jump

Tucked in between Google's hot new smartphone and a variety of other computer peripheral equipment at this year's CES show is a crossover. Not the jacked-up, tricked-out, neon-dragging customized type that we typically see around the Consumer Electronics Show, but a bone-stock, 2011 Kia Sorento. Well, stock except for one option: UVO.

We recently got a chance to try out the newly-announced system in the plastic, and while impressive in its own right, just hours after sitting down with Ford to check out the latest Sync and MyFord Touch, it's somewhat less than stunning. But, ignoring that for now, Kia's offering looks good and still ahead of the rest of the curve. It's functionally comparable to early Sync, enabling easy access to media on 1GB of internal storage, on a USB-connected drive or even on a CD. You can rip from CD straight to internal memory or to a thumb drive, an interesting feature we're not sure is particularly useful. The touchscreen display is a nice improvement over Ford's two-line Sync readout, but remember that if you get this system, you'll have to opt out of in-dash GPS. Good thing you splurged and got that Droid, right? Check out some screens in the gallery below, and there's a quick video demo after the break.

Gallery: Kia and Microsoft's UVO

Continue reading Video: We take Kia and Microsoft's Uvo for a test drive at CES

Video: We take Kia and Microsoft's Uvo for a test drive at CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia UVO details released, like SYNC circa 2008

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology, Kia

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas kicks off this week and the first major announcement from the automotive world comes from Kia in the form of its UVO (short for "your voice") infotainment system.

Co-developed by Microsoft and based on the Windows Embedded Auto software, UVO is similar to Ford's beloved SYNC system, offering users the ability to rip music from CDs and integrate an MP3 player, with a heavy focus on voice commands. Utilizing Microsoft's next generation voice technology, two distinct profiles are stored in the system allowing users to access different elements of the UVO system through voice commands or through the 4.3-inch color touch screen. A back-up camera is also included in the setup, however, it appears that UVO won't be available without the screen, unlike Ford's system.

Although pricing has yet to be announced, UVO is set to launch on the 2011 Kia Sorento this summer and is expected to filter throughout Kia's line-up over the coming year. Make the jump for the official release.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Kia Sorento

Continue reading Kia UVO details released, like SYNC circa 2008

Kia UVO details released, like SYNC circa 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia and Microsoft set to debut UVO at CES, leave us wondering for now

Tim Stevens — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology, Kia

When you think Microsoft car technology you think SYNC, right? Perfectly natural, since it's the only place Redmond's bits and bytes have made much of an impact on the automotive scene. But SYNC is just Ford's flavor of Microsoft's Windows Embedded Technologies -- naturally with plenty of customizations and functionality on top. It's not an exclusive partnership and we've known for some time now that Hyundai and Kia were next in line to get some love from Washington. Kia's time has come, with the company set to launch UVO at CES next week. The only question now is: What exactly is it?

We spoke with representatives from Microsoft and Kia on Wednesday, where they unveiled the UVO name, explained as being short for "your voice." Because of that we expect there will be a strong focus on speech recognition in this system, but beyond that it's anyone's guess what the latest automotive infotainment system will be packing -- those same representatives were tight-lipped about the details. Naturally we expect it'll be generally similar to Ford's SYNC, but Kia is a very different sort of company than the one Henry built, so surely a much fresher look and feel is in store at the very least.

Ford recently announced that it would be letting outside developers augment SYNC's functionality, and after the amazing success of Apple's App Store it'd be a shame if Kia didn't support the booming app market from the start (just think of all the telemetry systems a developer could build with access to vehicle sensor data and a three-axis accelerometer). All will be unveiled at next week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where Ford will be similarly showing off its latest SYNC revisions. Which infotainment system will reign supreme? We can't wait to find out.

[Source: Kia, Microsoft]

Kia and Microsoft set to debut UVO at CES, leave us wondering for now originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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