ANDROID AUTO™ AND APPLE CARPLAY™ FOR LATEST KIA MODELS

Faults and Technical chat for the Kia Niro
Rob
Site Admin
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Joined: Mon Mar 31, 2014 2:38 pm

Post by Rob »

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.

Kia-Niro-11.jpg

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 line-up 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.

Chris_A
Posts: 40
Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2016 9:07 pm

Post by Chris_A »

Never experienced Android Auto or Apple Carplay before, since I was driving only older cars so far. Really looking forward to what these new gadgets can do and how they actually aid a driver.
bakerac
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Sep 25, 2016 12:03 pm

Post by bakerac »

Why was AppleCarplay not included in the Niro from the start.
NedKen
Posts: 8
Joined: Sun Jan 01, 2017 2:20 pm

Post by NedKen »

Wondering if Apple CarPlay will be possible to install, later on, via a software update or are we doomed to surgery or just non-availability?
TechnoFox
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Jan 31, 2017 1:36 pm

Post by TechnoFox »

I certainly hope so and would be very surprised if this was not the case. I asked my dealer about it today but he seemed to think that Android Auto was the same thing so not a great help.
Daithi
Posts: 11
Joined: Wed Feb 01, 2017 10:30 pm

Post by Daithi »

Anyone any info on when Apple Car Play will be available in UK and Ireland? My dealer told me it will be available via a software update towards the end of February ... that match what anyone else has heard? I'm in Ireland
Scottiebw
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2016 1:12 am

Post by Scottiebw »

Kia Customer Services are saying definitely before the end on Q4 2017 but hopefully within Q1.
Daithi
Posts: 11
Joined: Wed Feb 01, 2017 10:30 pm

Post by Daithi »

That's a bit of a difference. If they are even suggesting Q4 the cynic in me would assume that it wont be happening before then. I hope that is not the case as I am IOS all the way and it was one of the reasons I bought the car.
Hermano
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2017 8:14 pm

Post by Hermano »

Daithi wrote:Anyone any info on when Apple Car Play will be available in UK and Ireland? My dealer told me it will be available via a software update towards the end of February ... that match what anyone else has heard? I'm in Ireland
Also in Ireland; I was told Kia dealers will be able to do the update via SD card by the end of February.
Ianb1550
Posts: 15
Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2016 8:56 pm

Post by Ianb1550 »

Picked my first edition up today after a 17 week delay, I was told today that an update for Apple car play is not ready yet and no future date either. :(
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