Intent on taking the UVO platform to yet another level of enhancement, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced that free Apple CarPlay and Android Auto software updates3 will be available for eligible vehicles when equipped with a compatible navigation system or UVO35. Customers will be notified by the end of July via email to go to myuvo.com for vehicle eligibility and step-by-step instructions on updating their vehicle with the latest downloadable software. All owners of new and pre-owned vehicles must register at myuvo.com to receive email notifications that the software is available for download.
The following vehicles are eligible for the software update:
- Forte (MY17)
- Optima (MY15-16)
- Optima Hybrid (MY15-16)
- Sedona (MY15-16)
- Soul (MY14-16)
- Soul EV (MY15-16)
- Sorento (MY16)
- Sportage (MY17)
“With the advanced growth of telematics and infotainment systems, Kia is excited to offer to more of our customers the opportunity to have the latest software update for their vehicle free of charge via myuvo.com,” said Henry Bzeih, Managing Director Connected & Mobility Services, KMA. “Providing CarPlay and Android Auto to a greater number of vehicles in our lineup will revitalize our current owners’ systems with an additional element of convenience while maximizing the benefits of connectivity.”
Android Auto connects to the user’s Android device and allows them access to smartphone apps and functions through Kia’s UVO infotainment system, such as voice-guided Google Maps navigation, hands-free calls and texts and voice recognition. Android Auto also lets users stream music from Google Play Music. CarPlay gives iPhone owning drivers the ability to access their device’s seamless user interface through Kia’s UVO infotainment system. By connecting the iPhone into the USB port, users are able to make phone calls, access music, send and receive messages, get directions optimized for traffic conditions and more.
