The Consumer Electronics Show noted the launch of Hyundai Blue Link – a smartwatch app that allows owners to connect with their cars.
Connect with your car via the Blue Link app
The Hyundai Blue Link smartwatch app debuted at the recently concluded International Consumer Electronics Show 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. TechRadar declared it as the Best Car Tech at the Show. The app, once downloaded on a smartwatch, allows the wearer to connect with their car using Hyundai’s cloud-based Blue Link platform. Hyundai partnered with Station Digital Media to develop the Blue Link smartwatch app. Previously, users were able to connect their smartphones with Blue Link using Bluetooth technology or a USB cable.
The app allows the user to control their car by tapping the icons on the screen or by voice command. The wearer can remotely start the engine, lock or unlock the door, flash the car’s lights or even honk its horn! There’s a car finder that will help you locate your car in crowded parking lots. You can even call Roadside or Blue Link using the app.
“This new app expands Hyundai’s exploration into how wearable technology and Blue Link fit into a customer’s lifestyle,” said Barry Ratzlaff, Executive Director, Customer Connect and Service Business Development, Hyundai Motor America. “Connecting to your car through a smartwatch and voice recognition was previously something seen only in science fiction movies. Now, we can provide this capability to owners of Hyundai vehicles equipped with Blue Link.”
The app is compatible with first and next generation Blue Link equipped Hyundai models. The first generation Blue Link system was released with the 2012 Sonata and expanded across the line-up through 2013. Next generation Blue Link equipped models include the 2015 Genesis, Sonata and Azera. The smartwatch app provides all users, including first generation owners, with even more freedom of choice when interacting with their Hyundai cars.
Access Blue Link on your smartwatch and smartphone
The next generation Blue Link system will feature a destination search powered by Google. Maintenance alerts and the Hyundai Assurance Car Care in-vehicle app will be debuting on the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT and Hyundai Veloster in 2015.
Android wear users can download the app from Google Play for free from first quarter of 2015.
Another big star of the Consumer Electronics Show was the self-driving Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion. Read about it here.