Hyundai Next-Gen Blue Link
Hyundai is updating its Blue Link application and telematics system in the 2015 Genesis sedan. Previously, telematics was a seperate device on the CAN bus. Now it's being integrated with the infotainment hardware. The modules still communicates over 3G, but by moving it into the head unit, Hyundai can more easily upgrade to LTE later.
The newest addition to Blue Link is a revised app that looks better and responds faster. Although the existing Blue Link app gets the job done, it's also a little clunky, and there's a notable delay when you send remote start, unlock, or lock commands. Hyundai promises to address those delays with its update.
Also new to the Blue Link app is Google Now-esque functionality. By tying into your calendar and following your vehicle usage patterns, the app pops up reminders to remotely start your car before work if it’s cold outside, for example, or send your upcoming destination to the car so its navigation system is ready to go as soon as you climb in. Those are features we would actually use on a daily basis. Hyundai plans to launch its latest build for Android and iOS. We asked about Windows Phone compatibility and were told it isn't available yet.
Hyundai Glass App
Hyundai is jumping into Google Glass development with a Blue Link app for the 2015 Genesis sedan. It will provide access to Blue Link features, such as remote start, lock and unlock, and maintenance reminders. Conceptually, this stuff is cool.
Kia KND-7 Concept
Kia used CES 2014 to introduce its KND-7 concept, which serves as a platform for the company's latest infotainment technology with app support. The KND-7 is an update to the Cub concept car shown off in Seoul last year, packing a 1.6 L turbocharged motor making 201 hp. It's cute, and sports a smiley grin.
Inside, there's an 18-inch heads-up display, a 12.3-inch LCD gauge cluster, eye tracking, and hand gesture sensors. Unfortunately, there were just too many other folks checking out the demo and we had to keep moving, so we didn't get any time to play with Kia's technology.
Kia K900 Cutaway
Kia is ready to enter the luxury market with its rear-wheel drive K900, which shares an architecture with Hyundai's Genesis sedan. The company had a K900 cutaway display in its booth showing the car's features and technology. The UVO infotainment system, blind spot monitoring, traffic alert, lane departure warning, LED headlights, and 360-degree camera caught our eyes. You can expect Kia's K900 to show up later this year with V6 and V8 options, similar to the Genesis sedan.
Kia UVO Facebook App
Kia also showed off its new Facebook application that leverages the UVO platform to make driving social. How does such an intimate activity become something you share? Through Social Music, Local Info, and Path Tagging. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable sharing location-based information on the road, particularly not to Facebook, where everyone can see. The last thing I need is to get judged for jamming to some Selena Gomez.
Mercedes-Benz Predictive User Experience
Mercedes wants in on the parade of predictive apps that help control your car. The futuristic-looking infotainment system is simply called Predictive User Experience, and it's said to adopt your preferences. Mercedes is even working with Nest (I guess that'd be Google now) to integrate support, so that your car notifies your house's thermostat to dial in the right temperature in time for your arrival.
There's a lot of cool technology at work here. When you get in and start your car, cabin temperature, seat heaters, and the heated steering wheel are all adjusted to your preference. Let's say most of your commute is fairly boring, though there's a sequence of curves you enjoy taking faster. The system should adapt to your style, maintaining economical settings for much of the trip. As you approach those bends, though, it stiffens the suspension and adopts more aggressive shift points without any driver intervention.
Nvidia Tegra K1 VCM
Nvidia’s big news for CES was its Tegra K1, based on the Kepler graphics architecture. While we expect tablets and other large form factors based on this latest SoC, the company was also talking about its Tegra K1-based Visual Computing Module, which attempts to make infotainment hardware easier for auto makers to swap in and out.
Unfortunately, there aren't any Tegra K1 design wins to talk about yet in the automotive space. However, the modularity of the VCM has us hoping for an aftermarket head unit that might be upgradeable. We might even have something in the works for the tinkerers who want to roll their own infotainment system.
Nvidia Tegra K1 LCD Gauge Cluster
We’re typically not fans of LCD gauge clusters, since they tend to lack visual depth. This is something Nvidia is trying to address; the Kepler-based graphics engine in Tegra K1 facilitates increased material realism and faster response.
Nvidia had mock-ups in its booth to show off what a Tegra K1-driven gauge cluster might look like. Of course, I'll reserve judgement for my first test of a production vehicle with with this technology inside.
Parrot's SOCA Platform
Parrot showed off its OEM-only SOCA platform, based on a single-DIN box. It's powered by a custom Parrot P7 SoC that features two Cortex-A9 cores with Mali 400 graphics. The company rolls in a couple of other enhancements for more specific functions, such as noise canceling and voice recognition. This platform runs on Android 4.4 KitKat, and should be easily upgradeable.
The SOCA system communicates through Ethernet. It can also access the vehicle CAN bus. Other notable features include Miracast smartphone mirroring, Wi-Fi, support for USB-based LTE modems, and assured compatibility with standard Android apps.
Parrot's SOCA Rear Entertainment System
Given its communications capabilities, Parrot's SOCA supports distributed playback to standalone tablets via Ethernet or Wi-Fi as well. This gives auto makers the ability to choose the Android-based tablet they like best and integrate them for rear-seat entertainment.
Unfortunately, the SOCA platform doesn't have any design wins yet. Parrot's last-generation OEM platform was adopted by Volvo as the Sensus Connected Touch system.