The wait is finally over! More than a year after Hyundai promised an update to its infotainment system, the Apple Car Play and Android Auto feature has arrived.
Silently dropping the good news to its patrons, Hyundai updated its MyHyundai page to include the two new features. At the bottom of the page, consumers will find the clickable names of the features. Clicking on any of the two would load a corresponding tab that presents FAQs about the chosen feature.
On the Apple CarPlay page, Hyundai explains the upside of plugging the iPhone to the infotainment system and taking advantage of the mobile apps one can use while on the go. The highlighted apps of the Apple CarPlay feature are Voice Control via Siri, Calls & Messages, Navigation and Your Music.
Similarly, the Android Auto page highlights the same four apps. The only difference is that the Voice Control app is powered by Talk to Google. In addition, the Android Auto support page also advertises other apps that drivers can use while embarking on a road trip. Some of the apps mentioned here are iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Spotify, Threema, NPR, KIK, and Pocket Casts.
The update is downloadable from the MyHyundai.com and tech-savvy drivers can install it on their own. CNET reported on its Road/Show website that to manually install the update, one can either download the software to a USB memory stick or an SD card. After which, installation is as easy as following the directions that automatically appear on the screen upon plugging in any of the two devices.
For not-so-tech-savvy car owners however, it is best to have the update installed by the nearest Hyundai dealer. The help is not free of charge, though, with the rate increasing based on the amount of time it takes to upload the data to the infotainment system and the model of the car.
Installation starts at $50. However, the entire updating process could take more than two hours so the fee could go up. Additionally, USA Today noted that the update installation at Hyundai dealers will not be available in the remaining days of May. Car owners will have to ask for the update in June.
The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto update is currently available to a select number of models, including the 2015 Sonata, 2016 Sonata, 2015 Genesis, 2016 Genesis, 2016 Elantra GT, 2016 Tucson, 2017 Santa Fe Sport and the 2017 Santa Fe.
