Android Auto and Other Definitive Answers

[Heymjo]

Like the rest of yo7u, I got annoyed and frustrated at the lack of information forthcoming from Hyundai, so I took matters into my own hands and wrote to the President of Hyundai America to say we need answers. He turned it over to his product planning guy and this is the e-mail I got today:

My name is Ricky Lao and I am the product planning manager at Hyundai Motor America responsible for the Genesis and Equus. I received a note last Friday from Dave Zuchowski, letting me know that you had some questions regarding your new Genesis, specifically related to infotainment technology on your premium navigation system.



First off, I wanted to thank you for providing valuable feedback on your Genesis. It makes my job a lot easier when I receive key customer input on feature issues and suggestions. My role is to be the voice of the US customer and to help our engineers understand how to develop the most satisfying vehicles in the market that address the needs of owners like yourself. I will do my best to answer all the key questions you have with the latest information that I have.



Question #1: Car Play & Android Auto availability, capability and timing for Genesis

· Compatibility with Genesis Navigation System à We announced at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show that both Apple Car Play & Google Android Auto would be available later this year on our new Sonata, which shares a version of the standard 8” Navigation system that’s on the Genesis. Though we haven’t made any formal announcements, it’s safe to assume that other Hyundai vehicles that share this navigation platform will, at some point will also receive Car Play and Android Auto capability. Timing is still to be determined because our electronics teams continue to work actively with both Apple & Google to validate the implementation to ensure both a predictable, stable and problem free experience. With regards to the premium 9.2” navigation system, no announcements of compatibility have been made yet as our engineers continue to work on the overall solution. Any formal announcements on timing will be made through our PR site: http://www.hyundainews.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/list so please stay tuned! Sorry, I wish I had a better answer for you at this time!



Question #2: Available Apps

· Your premium 9.2” navigation system comes pre-installed with Pandora and Aha radio applications. These applications will only appear on the Navigation screen and be available for use when (1) You connect a compatible phone that has these applications already installed on the phone (2) Connection for iOS (Apple) devices require a direct USB connection to operate these app features / Connection for Android devices require a Bluetooth connection to operate these features à this was driven by each company’s (Apple/Google) preferred connection method



Question #3: Siri Eyes Free Integration

· Yes, this feature is incorporated in both the standard 8” navigation and premium 9.2” navigation systems. If you have an iPhone, this feature will only be active when you have the phone connected to the navigation system via Bluetooth. When you long press the voice recognition button (located on the upper left hand side of the steering wheel, to the left of the “mode” button), it will bring up Siri eyes free voice recognition system. If you quick press the voice recognition button (instead of long press), it will bring up the navigation system’s internal voice recognition system and not Siri.



Your Suggestions – Thank You!

· Automatic parking à Yes, I will definitely look into this feature. I think with some recent advancements with sensor and control technology that this feature is really becoming for robust (trustworthy) and reliable.

· Around view camera à Yes, I hear you loud and clear. I also think this is a must have feature.

· Adaptive headlights à Yes, I think this is a viable feature as well. Probably more useful if you live in more rural areas, but definitely has more promise if the somewhat archaic US regulations governing headlamp light beam patterns were lifted to allow more dynamic light adjustment (currently prohibited by all) instead of just the swiveling feature.

· Separate DRL and Fog Lamp control à Currently, the DRL on/off function can be controlled by the light signal turn stalk. If left in the “Auto” position, the DRL will be “on” during the daytime. If left in the “Off” position, the DRL will be off. With regards to the LED fog lamp (currently only on our Genesis 5.0 models), there is a separate on/off switch for that feature as well. We do anticipate that this LED fog lamp feature will be available for the 3.8 models in the near future.

· Wi-fi availability à Yes, this is a feature that our electronics team is also looking to deliver in the future. We are looking at all possible options, from delivering a Wi-fi connection via through the navigation system up to some form of tethering using your existing cell phone plan as the data source.

· Secure cell phone storage location à Great idea. We are exploring possibilities around this, including some form of wireless charging capability as well.



I hope this helps to address your key questions. Thanks again for input as well on future features to incorporate on Genesis. As you can imagine, we are already looking at future lifecycle enhancements as well as next generation Genesis. I wish you many happy miles ahead in your Genesis!



Best Regards,

Ricky

 

[Boulderado]

Wow this is great, thank you very much @Heymjo! Working in a very large corporation myself, it is amazing that you can directly contact the CEO and receive a detailed email response from the product planning manager. My respect to Hyundai America has just gone up tremendously, way to run a business!

 

[Curt@MSN]

Thanks so much for taking the time to try and track some of this stuff down! I'm just happy that some of the key items we have been discussing at least seem to be on the radar at Hyundai USA.

Thanks again!

Curt

 

[ZoggyBottom]

Great work... thank you for posting such detailed information. I am hoping Hyundai keeps the 2016 9.2" nav system the same, so that it makes it more likely those of us from 2015 can also get the Android Auto update!

 

[DRS]

He is in charge of product planning. Yet vague on support of 9.2". Will be a curse if he/they turn that into a dinosaur. Be warned Ricky... Also, the disparate connectivity to activate different features seem very odd and should be corrected. Especially ones he mentioned. So, if Bluetooth connected, and USB will Siri hands free work? Maybe not? When I tried this I had both connections. And Siri did not work for me. Maybe I a, doing something wrong. So, if someone has Pandora subscription, connected both USB and Bluetooth audio will that work? Also, not any commitment to this app system in the future.

Look Ricky, I went high end on my first Genny.. Lost Bluetooth that worked fine in the lowly base rental that got me excited to buy a Genny (5.0). With the "advanced features", the dealer never told me that Bluetooth audio was gone. Now above I experience some of the same chaos. Support for the base system, obsoleting in the FIRST year the Ultimate electronics. Twice now this chaos? Ricky, tell me it is not so.

Mike... GREAT job sweating the detail, taking the time to go up to the executive offices. Thanks!! Not that we want to bombard them with email, and that is not my plan.. How hard was it for you to get all the coveted email addresses?

Ricky, if you are watching, we are all a loyal following.. And critical at times with what I experience as problematic decisions. We also applaud you on the tire decision. Choice to rid us of the square tires after the car sits, is excellent. Once past the gauntlet of Hyundai headhunter retread, busy body, .gov style workers for those with oil issues on the small run of 2012 V8, putting in new motors is the right thing to do. Congrats. It is good to know that the old Marine saying "a few good men" (and women) goes for Hyundai... There are some who really make a difference. Keep the TAU, swim away from the CO2 nut "V6 or 4 turbo only" lemmings. Keep investment on the TAU going. It is real red meat option. And it will meet tyrant environmental standards with a little bit if thought and energy. Same for mileage. Think cylinder deactivation, better electronics, whatever.. Many in The market will grow tired of wheezing UPS truck sounding motors quickly. Before 2025 comes along and we are forced to drive electrics, 3 cylinder buzz saws, make some V8 sedans that wIll be bought in enough mass.. and one day in the future,, make those at a Mechem or Barrett Jackson auction swoon as a "classic V8 Genny" passed the auction block.

 

[Aquineas]

DRS, I get where you're coming from and generally agree. As a side note, is your BT not working at all, or working intermittently enough to be problematic? I had that problem and it was a head-unit issue. My BT works wonderfully now. Streaming Spotify (good thing I am "grandfathered" on an unlimited data plan!!!) or music on the device, it's a dream.

 

[Heymjo]

Hey, DRS, first of all it's Mike (Heymjo), not Dave who got the information. It was not hard at all to find the info. I simply looked up who is President of Hyundai America and got the address from Customer Relations. I find Hyundai to be pretty accessible. They just don't provide the right people with the current information. I sent my letter less than 2 weeks ago, so the response was fairly quick.

 

[DRS]

DRS, I get where you're coming from and generally agree. As a side note, is your BT not working at all, or working intermittently enough to be problematic? I had that problem and it was a head-unit issue. My BT works wonderfully now. Streaming Spotify (good thing I am "grandfathered" on an unlimited data plan!!!) or music on the device, it's a dream.

Than you for the tip. I will do more testing. My BT is working generally. Has some intermittent glitches. You have zeroed in on something that might apply to me. I was mentioning the combo of having it connected to Bluetooth voice and audio, and the USB with lightening connecter. Both methods worked in general, except for the Siri feature mentioned above. I was going to test it without having the USB connected. His response seems to segregate each on his instructions. Will test to see if Siri eyes works while USB is also connected.

 

[DRS]

Hey, DRS, first of all it's Mike (Heymjo), not Dave who got the information. It was not hard at all to find the info. I simply looked up who is President of Hyundai America and got the address from Customer Relations. I find Hyundai to be pretty accessible. They just don't provide the right people with the current information. I sent my letter less than 2 weeks ago, so the response was fairly quick.

Thanks Mike.

 

[barboo]

Like the rest of yo7u, I got annoyed and frustrated at the lack of information forthcoming from Hyundai, so I took matters into my own hands and wrote to the President of Hyundai America to say we need answers. He turned it over to his product planning guy and this is the e-mail I got today:

My name is Ricky Lao and I am the product planning manager at Hyundai Motor America responsible for the Genesis and Equus. I received a note last Friday from Dave Zuchowski, letting me know that you had some questions regarding your new Genesis, specifically related to infotainment technology on your premium navigation system.



First off, I wanted to thank you for providing valuable feedback on your Genesis. It makes my job a lot easier when I receive key customer input on feature issues and suggestions. My role is to be the voice of the US customer and to help our engineers understand how to develop the most satisfying vehicles in the market that address the needs of owners like yourself. I will do my best to answer all the key questions you have with the latest information that I have.



Question #1: Car Play & Android Auto availability, capability and timing for Genesis

· Compatibility with Genesis Navigation System à We announced at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show that both Apple Car Play & Google Android Auto would be available later this year on our new Sonata, which shares a version of the standard 8” Navigation system that’s on the Genesis. Though we haven’t made any formal announcements, it’s safe to assume that other Hyundai vehicles that share this navigation platform will, at some point will also receive Car Play and Android Auto capability. Timing is still to be determined because our electronics teams continue to work actively with both Apple & Google to validate the implementation to ensure both a predictable, stable and problem free experience. With regards to the premium 9.2” navigation system, no announcements of compatibility have been made yet as our engineers continue to work on the overall solution. Any formal announcements on timing will be made through our PR site: http://www.hyundainews.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/list so please stay tuned! Sorry, I wish I had a better answer for you at this time!



Question #2: Available Apps

· Your premium 9.2” navigation system comes pre-installed with Pandora and Aha radio applications. These applications will only appear on the Navigation screen and be available for use when (1) You connect a compatible phone that has these applications already installed on the phone (2) Connection for iOS (Apple) devices require a direct USB connection to operate these app features / Connection for Android devices require a Bluetooth connection to operate these features à this was driven by each company’s (Apple/Google) preferred connection method



Question #3: Siri Eyes Free Integration

· Yes, this feature is incorporated in both the standard 8” navigation and premium 9.2” navigation systems. If you have an iPhone, this feature will only be active when you have the phone connected to the navigation system via Bluetooth. When you long press the voice recognition button (located on the upper left hand side of the steering wheel, to the left of the “mode” button), it will bring up Siri eyes free voice recognition system. If you quick press the voice recognition button (instead of long press), it will bring up the navigation system’s internal voice recognition system and not Siri.



Your Suggestions – Thank You!

· Automatic parking à Yes, I will definitely look into this feature. I think with some recent advancements with sensor and control technology that this feature is really becoming for robust (trustworthy) and reliable.

· Around view camera à Yes, I hear you loud and clear. I also think this is a must have feature.

· Adaptive headlights à Yes, I think this is a viable feature as well. Probably more useful if you live in more rural areas, but definitely has more promise if the somewhat archaic US regulations governing headlamp light beam patterns were lifted to allow more dynamic light adjustment (currently prohibited by all) instead of just the swiveling feature.

· Separate DRL and Fog Lamp control à Currently, the DRL on/off function can be controlled by the light signal turn stalk. If left in the “Auto” position, the DRL will be “on” during the daytime. If left in the “Off” position, the DRL will be off. With regards to the LED fog lamp (currently only on our Genesis 5.0 models), there is a separate on/off switch for that feature as well. We do anticipate that this LED fog lamp feature will be available for the 3.8 models in the near future.

· Wi-fi availability à Yes, this is a feature that our electronics team is also looking to deliver in the future. We are looking at all possible options, from delivering a Wi-fi connection via through the navigation system up to some form of tethering using your existing cell phone plan as the data source.

· Secure cell phone storage location à Great idea. We are exploring possibilities around this, including some form of wireless charging capability as well.



I hope this helps to address your key questions. Thanks again for input as well on future features to incorporate on Genesis. As you can imagine, we are already looking at future lifecycle enhancements as well as next generation Genesis. I wish you many happy miles ahead in your Genesis!



Best Regards,

Ricky

Do you happen to have Mr. Lao's email address?

I'm still very disappointed and disturbed over the Ultimate 9.2 DIS not having the ability to read information that scrolls on the screen, such as when you have a song on an mp3, or SXM that is too long to show completely without scrolling.

I understand why the scrolling is inhibited when you shift out of park, however, the smaller head unit screen on the Signature package, which also inhibits scrolling when you shift out of park, allows you to push a virtual button on the touch screen, in order to see the information on the display screen, while the vehicle is in motion.

This is an egregious engineering oversight, that I believe Hyundai doesn't particularly care about.

Maybe if I can communicate with Mr. Lao directly, I can convey my thoughts about this subject to someone who might.

Thanks.

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[Heymjo]

Yes, Ricky Lao's e-mail is RLao@hmausa.com. Good luck. let'
s get them on Android Auto for the 9.2" screen ASAP.

 

[Hyundailvr]

Just sent an email requesting it. Maybe if enough of us chime in, it could drive a speedy change.

 

[dsilinski]

"With regards to the LED fog lamp (currently only on our Genesis 5.0 models), there is a separate on/off switch for that feature as well. We do anticipate that this LED fog lamp feature will be available for the 3.8 models in the near future".
Does this mean future 3.8's will have the fog lamps, or does it mean they are working on a retro fit for our existing 3.8's?

 

[Heymjo]

Sounds to me like they mean future vehicles. I would think the only kind of upgrades we would get are software upgrades our perhaps a chip in the head unit for Android Auto. but a physical retrofit would be to expensive.

 

[OneOfOne]

I would love to see the around view camera system on the genesis. having leased 2 consecutive infiniti vehicles with it I can say its great. I can also say that the new c class merc originally had it but now because its problematic in the way merc electronics are the c class cannot be ordered with it. so I am hoping that hyundai electronics are more like japanese makers and not the germans.

 

[Heymjo]

I periodically check with Ricky Lao the product manager who knows about Android Auto and Apple Car play. No news yet. Here is what he wrote back to me:

Hello Mr. Ollins,



Sorry, there have been no updates at this point. Are US and Korea based engineers continue to work on this issue, in addition to Apple Car Play feasibility and deployment.



Thank you for your understanding.



Best Regards,

Ricky

 

[spltfngr66]

It looks like Android Auto is rolling out on the Sonatas.

http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/0...de-now-available-at-some-dealers-others-soon/

Hopefully,

The Genesis will been soon to follow.

 

[ntx_v8]

The Wall Street Journal had a video review of Android Auto today.

http://www.wsj.com/video/android-auto-video-review/D117CE2C-7146-48FA-AAB6-8806A5F0DFAA.html

 

[wasnt]

Watching that is driving me crazy... I want this feature! Android Auto looks so awesome.

 

[quanva]

all over my FB wall that is available today, saying first auto ever with the option