2015 Hyundai Genesis to offer Google Glass integration

Fri, 03 Jan 2014

We suppose it was simply a matter of when (rather than 'if') wearable technology would infiltrated automobiles, and apparently that time has come. Hyundai has just announced that its new-for-2015 Genesis Sedan will be compatible with Google Glass thanks to its Blue Link infotainment system.

"As a leader in connected car technology, we're always exploring new ways to use technology to enhance the ownership experience for our customers. Wearables are a great way to extend the experience outside of the vehicle by leveraging these small screens to quickly access remote features and deliver timely vehicle information," said Barry Ratzlaff, the executive director of Customer Connect and Service Business Development for Hyundai.

Customers will need to download a Blue Link Glassware app to manage their new Genesis, but once that's sorted, owners will be treated to little "cards" that pop up on the Google Glass interface. Push notifications will show when maintenance is due and customers will even be able to schedule service via Glass. Features like remote start, remote locking and a vehicle finder will also be available, while points of interest will be selectable and loadable into the navigation system via Google Send-to-Car.

"In 2013, we saw millions of commands sent to Hyundai vehicles from our Blue Link mobile application," said Ratzlaff. "As new screens emerge, we see a real opportunity to expand our app strategy to provide added convenience for our owners."

Of course, on some level, this new compatibility presupposes that using Google Glass and similar technologies while driving is legal – and that's something that's clearly up for debate right now on local, state, and federal levels.

Either way, there's a short press release from Hyundai below, highlighting some of the features and benefits of having Google Glass in the Genesis. Scroll down to take a look.

HYUNDAI EXPLORES WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY WITH ALL-NEW GENESIS

Blue Link Will Allow Hyundai Owners to Remotely Access Features and Information through Wearable Devices like Google Glass

COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 2, 2014 – The way people interact with their cars is about to change. No longer is controlling a vehicle remotely through a gadget reserved for comic books, super hero movies or secret agents. Hyundai's next generation of products, starting with the all-new 2015 Genesis, will allow owners to connect with their vehicle using wearable devices. Hyundai's cloud-based Blue Link platform makes features like remote start and service information quickly accessible through new devices like Google Glass and others.

Wearable devices will help owners save time and add a new level of convenience by allowing remote interaction with the vehicle without the need to pull out their smartphone. Hyundai plans to launch a Blue Link Glassware application next year with the all-new 2015 Genesis sedan.

"We see wearables as a technology trend, expanding from fitness and health monitoring to broader applications," Barry Ratzlaff, executive director, Customer Connect and Service Business Development, Hyundai Motor America. "As a leader in connected car technology, we're always exploring new ways to use technology to enhance the ownership experience for our customers. Wearables are a great way to extend the experience outside of the vehicle by leveraging these small screens to quickly access remote features and deliver timely vehicle information."

Wearable device apps will join Hyundai's existing mobile app offerings designed to give Hyundai owners convenient access to Blue Link features and Car Care services. The all-new 2015 Genesis, with its suite of technology and connectivity features, is a perfect fit to showcase leading-edge mobility and connectivity features, many of which are not offered in competing products. Hyundai plans to launch the vehicle with new infotainment and connectivity features powered by Blue Link.

"Genesis is a unique take on luxury where the owner experience is enabled through the intelligent application of technology, features and services that empower the owner," said Mark Dipko, director of Corporate Planning and Strategy at Hyundai Motor America. "We feel this vehicle is a great product to showcase how the latest technology can enhance the ownership experience and give owners more time and convenience."

Small screens of wearable devices only allow a limited amount of information to be shown. As such, it is important to present useful and relevant information. On Google Glass, vehicle information will be presented as cards optimized for the Glass user interface. Push notifications will alert the owner when maintenance is due and allow quick service scheduling by enabling the wearer to initiate a call using the device's built-in functionality. The application will also allow owners to access popular Blue Link features like remote start, remote door lock/unlock, vehicle finder, POI send-to-car powered by Google quickly using the device's compact interface.

Hyundai is no stranger to mobile application development. In 2010, the company launched the all-new Equus premium sedan with an innovative iPad application that effectively replaced the vehicle owner's manual with a digital, interactive version. It was designed to be more convenient, immersive and save time.

Hyundai's new Car Care app introduced this summer builds on this strategy by allowing Hyundai owners without Blue Link to schedule service, look up maintenance schedule, read quick reference guides and more. With the launch of Blue Link, Hyundai also launched its Blue Link app for iOS and Android platforms to give subscribers quick access to Blue Link features while on the go. The company sees mobile apps as a convenient way for owners to access information.

"In 2013, we saw millions of commands sent to Hyundai vehicles from our Blue Link mobile application," said Ratzlaff. "As new screens emerge, we see a real opportunity to expand our app strategy to provide added convenience for our owners."

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, 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 Assurance includes Assurance Connected Care that provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for three years. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.

By Brandon Turkus