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One thing we haven't quite understood here at AutoSpies is how the automakers have seemingly overlooked a major thing when it comes to technology. For what feels like too long the manufacturers have been offering these heavy duty in-car infotainment head units that are clunky and a bit expensive.

And then there are the controls. While I love Audi's MMI at first, I've learned to dread using it.

What Agent 001 has been wishing for is for a car company to wise up and use the power of our super capable smartphones to take on the brunt of the work. After all, everything the latest in-car units can do have already been capable via smartphones for years now. Why not utilize the power in your palm and have something you can take with you — hence, mobile device — rather than a fixed unit that doesn't do you much good when you exit?

It seems Hyundai has finally answered our call. That's because at this year's Consumer Electronics Show it is going to be showing off its latest infotainment unit to appear in its 2016 models. From the sound of it, all you have to do is plug your mobile device into a USB port and voila! Your work is done.

Does THIS sound like a good idea to you? Is THIS what you've been waiting for? Who's going to follow Hyundai's footsteps NEXT?

To learn MORE about Hyundai's debut at CES, scope out the press release below!


Hyundai's press release follows:

HYUNDAI TO DEBUT DISPLAY AUDIO SYSTEM AT 2015 CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW


All-New Infotainment Unit to Be Offered in Select 2016 Models


Brings Android Auto™, which extends the Android™ platform in a way that is purpose built for driving
Brings Apple CarPlay™, the smarter, safer and best iPhone experience, on four wheels
Features the next generation Blue Link system with Connected Care, a suite of safety and car care features and remote engine start with climate control
Incorporates the latest smartphone-enabled technologies and the next generation Blue Link® system into more lower price Hyundai models without embedded navigation systems
The Display Audio system includes a large color touch-screen display that has been optimized for smartphone integration

Fountain valley, Calif. – Hyundai is doing the unthinkable at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES®) by showing a new Display Audio system with no CD player or embedded navigation system. Display Audio is a high resolution seven-inch color touch-screen display that has been optimized specifically for enhanced smartphone integrations and the latest generation Blue Link system. iPhone owners can use Apple CarPlay to take the familiar features from their iPhones and put them right on the touch-screen display while driving. Android Auto brings the Android experience into the car by 'projecting' apps and services into the Display Audio system. Android Auto is designed to make driving safer and easier by providing the information drivers need when they're on the road.

Display Audio launches on select 2016 Hyundai models and will quickly become Hyundai's volume head unit. Hyundai will eventually bring the new infotainment system to all of its entry-level models in order to provide the best streaming multimedia and ownership experience possible. Display Audio combines the best of phone-based connectivity technologies with Blue Link, which provides features that are that are only possible with an embedded telematics system such as remote engine start and automatic collision notification. Hyundai's exhibit (North Hall, booth #2818) at CES will be open Jan. 6-9, 2015.

"Hyundai will offer more technology than ever before inside affordable Hyundai models, allowing owners not only to text message through voice commands and stream their favorite music apps, but also to make calls in a safer way, and navigate using phone-based, off-board navigation through the car's screen and controls," said Cason Grover, senior group manager, cross-carline planning, Hyundai Motor America. "As affordable car buyers are often younger, Hyundai aims to provide what they want most in their car – all the latest smartphone-enabled technologies at a lower price."

The Display Audio system brings the newest smartphone integrations into Hyundai vehicles using an easy-to-access USB port. Once the connection is made, users can access their smartphone for phone calls and contacts, music, navigation, messaging, and optimized third-party apps. Display Audio will have navigation capability through smartphone integrations and will also offer entertainment apps for music, news, sports, and Podcasts. Apple CarPlay offers third-party audio app support, such as Beats Music, iHeart Radio, MLB At Bat, Spotify, Stitcher, CBS Radio News and Podcasts, among others. Android Auto's initial app roster includes iHeart Radio, MLB At Bat, Spotify, SoundCloud, Pandora, TextMe and WhatsApp. Each partner plans to add additional third-party apps in the future and these will not require any vehicle software updates.

The Display Audio system will also incorporate Hyundai's latest and most innovative in-vehicle technology by offering a simple, multi-use home screen, HD Radio® capability and mixed AM, FM and SiriusXM presets.

Additional Display Audio infotainment system features:

Integration with Apple's Siri-powered "Eyes Free" mode
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
Siri Eyes Free supports making calls, selecting and playing music, composing and reading back test messages, using Maps and getting directions, reading notifications, finding calendar information, adding reminders, among other functions
Integration with Google's voice actions and predictive Google Now functionality
Pandora integration with smartphone
SiriusXM Satellite Radio with enhanced features
SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link
Traffic flow data in major markets, 24/7 traffic incidents and alerts
Sports scores and schedules, stock ticker, movie times, fuel prices and weather/alerts
Advanced voice recognition
Swipe technology
Music, video and picture storage
New home screen with multiple functions
Functionality brings drivers relevant information like local weather, upcoming appointments and current traffic conditions
Pause, back and play for current station
Automatic recording of top six presets

NEXT GENERATION 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 and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Remote features can be accessed via a smartphone app and Internet. Blue Link also features maintenance alerts and the new Hyundai Assurance Car Care in-vehicle app. The next generation Blue Link system is uses a 4G connection.




HYUNDAI Is The FIRST Automaker To GRANT Our Wish For An Infotainment Unit Based On Your Phone — Who's NEXT?

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