Hyundai has announced today that it’s working on an Android Wear app, marking another advancement in the next-generation of the company’s Blue Link system for monitoring and controlling your car remotely. The company says the the Blue Link Android app will be updated with Android Wear support at some point in “early 2015” and that it will be showcasing the app at its CES booth on January 5th.
All of the functions of the app will work via voice command on your Android Wear device, allowing you to say things in plain English like “lock my car” while on the go. Alternatively, users can just tap a quick button for a variety of functions as you can see in the image above. Of course the Android Wear device will require that it be tethered via Bluetooth to an Android smartphone running the official Blue Link app (which is free on the Play Store).
As noted in the company’s press release (which you can find embedded below), the Blue Link features that users will be able to take advantage of via their Android Wear smartwatch include:
- Remote Engine Start
- Remote Engine Stop (Only available when vehicle is in remote engine start mode)
- Remote Door Lock / Unlock
- Remote Flash Lights / Honk Horn
- Car Finder
- Call Roadside
- Call Blue Link
While the app is being shown off working with the 2015 Genesis, Sonata, and Azera (which are all equipped with the next generation Blue Link system), the company says that all cars equipped with Blue Link since it was introduced in 2012 alongside the 2012 Sonata will be compatible with the smartwatch app. Hyundai plans to debut even more Blue Link features, including maintenance alerts and the “Hyundai Assurance Car Care in-vehicle app” with the the 2016 Elantra GT and Veloster set to launch later this year.
Next Generation Blue Link System to Launch on 2016 Elantra GT and Veloster
- The Blue Link smartwatch app works with first and second generation Blue Link equipped Hyundai models.
Fountain Valley, Calif., Jan. 2, 2015 – Smartwatch sales are skyrocketing and starting early in 2015 Hyundai owners will be able to connect with their cars using these wearable devices and the Hyundai Blue Link® smartwatch app. Hyundai will debut and demonstrate the Blue Link smartwatch app at Pepcom’s Digital Experience and at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES®). Pepcom’s Digital Experience takes place before CES on Jan. 5 and Hyundai’s exhibit (North Hall, booth #2818) at CES will be open Jan. 6-9, 2015. Hyundai’s cloud-based Blue Link platform allows features like remote start and service information to be quickly accessed through devices like smartwatches and smartphones. Hyundai partnered with Station Digital Media to develop the Blue Link smartwatch app.
“This new app expands Hyundai’s exploration into how wearable technology and Blue Link fit into a customer’s lifestyle,” said Barry Ratzlaff, executive director, customer connect and service business development, Hyundai Motor America. “Connecting to your car through a smartwatch and voice recognition was previously something seen only in science fiction movies. Now, we can provide this capability to owners of Hyundai vehicles equipped with Blue Link.”
The app is easy to use. The wearer simply taps an icon or uses voice commands to execute remote functions. The Blue Link smartwatch app allows Hyundai owners to remote start, lock and unlock doors as well as find their car in a crowded parking lot. Pushing the microphone icon on the watch activates the voice function, where the driver can execute commands such as “Start my car,” “Lock my car” or “Find my car.”
Blue Link smartwatch features
The Blue Link smartwatch app must be paired via Bluetooth to an owner’s smartphone that contains the Blue Link mobile app. Remote functions can then be executed from almost anywhere in the U.S. as long as the user’s smartphone has a Bluetooth and cellular or Internet connection. Hyundai representatives will be demonstrating the Blue Link smartwatch app on Samsung, Motorola, Sony and LG smartwatches. Android Wear users can download the app from Google Play for free starting in the first quarter of 2015.
The Blue Link smartwatch app works with first and next generation Blue Link equipped Hyundai models. The first generation Blue Link system rolled out on the 2012 Sonata and expanded across the lineup through 2013. Next generation Blue Link equipped models include the 2015 Genesis, Sonata and Azera. The smartwatch app provides all Blue Link users, including first generation owners, with even more freedom of choice when interacting with their Hyundai.
Blue Link Smartwatch features (all voice activated):
- Remote Engine Start
- Remote Engine Stop (Only available when vehicle is in remote engine start mode)
- Remote Door Lock / Unlock
- Remote Flash Lights / Honk Horn
- Car Finder
- Call Roadside
- Call Blue Link
NEXT GENERATION BLUE LINK AND THE 2016 ELANTRA GT AND VELOSTER
The next generation Blue Link system featuring a destination search powered by Google™ continues to add new capabilities and is being applied to additional Hyundai vehicles. Recently introduced features such as maintenance alerts and the Hyundai Assurance Car Care in-vehicle app will debut on the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT and Hyundai Veloster in 2015.
NEXT GENERATION BLUE LINK PARTNERS
The combined first and second generation or next generation Blue Link platform is supported by several key operating partners including Hyundai AutoEver Telematics America, Verizon, Covisint, Minacs, TeleTech and Sirius XM.
STATION DIGITAL MEDIA
Station Digital Media is a specialized design and consulting company focusing on connecting brands with today’s cloud-based consumer. Station’s unique approach lies in design driven product development and application delivery. The Station team has expertise in connected cars, brand strategy, visual design, industrial design, retail environments and urban planning. By enabling transactional ecosystems across mobile, tablet and wearable devices, Station helps clients operate at the hub of today’s consumer experience. Station Digital Media is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif.
Covisint
Covisint’s (Nasdaq: COVS) B2B Cloud Platform provides a single entry point for business partners, customers, employees and “things” to connect and share trusted information with the right people, at the right place and the right time. With Covisint, auto manufacturers can quickly evaluate opportunities and innovate and incorporate new technologies, getting to market faster and more cost effectively. As such, they can continually provide enriching experiences to their end users – be they vehicle owners, automobile dealers, suppliers and more. Securely and seamlessly connecting both people and things, Covisint is helping its automotive customers take full advantage of major evolutions in the market, from connected vehicles, to the Internet of Things. To learn more about how Covisint is reshaping industries and helping customers gain a digital business advantage, please visit: http://www.covisint.com.
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Blue Link Connected Care provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for one year with enrollment. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.
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