Android Auto finally comes to its first car—the 2015 Hyundai Sonata

Google's little in-car project called "Android Auto" has been out for two months and is already available through in-dash receivers for a while now but it seems like the project is about to provide the most immersive service it offers as it finally hits its first actual car -the 2015 Hyundai Sonata.

Android Auto was first announced during the Google I/O 2014. This in-car project aims to assimilate the features of an Android smartphone that are applicable within the car system. It provides a familiar smartphone interface on a vehicle's navigation, media, and communication system. This allows the drivers to have a cooler and more convenient driving experience. Some of the Android smartphone's relevant applications such as Google maps, Google Now, and more, can be integrated with the car's dashboard LCD and even in the voice-command system.

In order to avail of these services, the user needs to connect their Android 5.0 phones to a compatible car and install a particular car-ready interface to the car's dashboard LCD screen. Since Hyundai has already integrated the system of Android Auto in its 2015 Sonata model, Google's in-car project is already set to go on its actual driving immersion really soon.

Hyundai is the first automaker to offer the Android Auto system with its 2015 model of Hyundai Sonata. For the existing owners of the said model, they can visit their local dealers for an upgrade to the dashboard system which is required for compatibility purposes. The car company promises that it will offer the said upgrade later this summer. However, it was also emphasized that a MyHyundai account is also required to perform the said upgrade which will be a software download that can be moved to the vehicle through a USB stick.

It was already noted that Apple has vied the in-car project with their own CarPlay which obviously is only for iPhone users. The company has started the shipping process last year and since it has compatibility differences with its rival, some automakers have also pledged to support its CarPlay system.

Meanwhile, other car manufacturers like Honda, Chevrolet and Audi have also committed to offer Android Auto however, it will not yet be featured in its vehicles until later this year.


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