Hyundai, Kia, and Samsung are joining forces to develop a next-generation infotainment system that will seamlessly integrate future software-defined vehicles from the automakers with smartphones.
The three companies have begun developing the new infotainment system and an open mobility ecosystem in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group’s global software center, 42dot. Future vehicles will be seamlessly integrated with Samsung’s ‘SmartThings’ ecosystem through an Internet of Things (IoT) platform, allowing owners to control Samsung smart devices directly from their cars.
For instance, drivers could wirelessly manage Samsung air conditioners and other smart home gadgets. Additionally, the partnership will give Hyundai and Kia drivers access to ‘SmartThings Find’, a global crowdsourced vehicle location tracking service that leverages data from hundreds of millions of Samsung Galaxy devices. This technology could help locate a stolen Hyundai or Kia anywhere in the world.
According to the president and chief technology officer of Samsung’s DX Division, Paul Cheun:
“Through our collaboration with Hyundai and Kia, customers will experience the convenience of SmartThings not only at home but also in their vehicles, transcending space. We will continue to expand the SmartThings ecosystem, offering new lifestyles and value to even more customers.”
Hyundai and Kia also plan to introduce new services to owners routinely to “make all daily experiences user-centered.” A new vehicle app market for software-defined vehicles will also be established. An expansion of the SmartThings platform is underway and will enable in-vehicle health monitoring of occupants through Galaxy devices and wearables, like smartwatches.
The president and head of Hyundai Motor Group Advanced Vehicle Platform Division, Chang Song, said:
“Our goal is to enrich Hyundai Motor and Kia customers’ mobility experience by offering personalized services that extend beyond transportation, seamlessly integrating vehicles with smartphones.”
The new infotainment system will be unveiled in 2026, although neither Hyundai nor Kia have said when it will be introduced into their production cars.
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