Hyundai announces OnStar-like telematics system

[dataguy]

http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/hyundai-announces-blue-link-telematics-system-makes-texting-you/

There's voice recognition, enabling the driver to search for POIs and the like without taking a single hand off the wheel. There's also remote start, which is handy on a cold morning, and even remote disabling of the car via text message, which is handy if you find nothing but an oil stain where you left your prized ride.

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Be sure to click on the press release (at the end of the linked piece) for a list of details.
And I thought the DIS did marvelous things...

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Oh, and nice find Dataguy!

 

[OBCT]

Though we all knew something like this had to be coming eventually, this is HUGE news for Hyundai. Competent-or-better implementation of this new telematics system, combined with a few more well-engineered options available under the hood in the future (ie. AWD, direct injection, 8-speed auto tranny, 5 liter engine, super-/turbo-charger, R-spec/sport package, hybrid, ZEV, etc) will make the Hyundai brand thoroughly compelling for a widening cross-section of car buyers.

I hope they hit this one out of the park... the potential is there.

 

[dataguy]

Personally, I would prefer more smartphone integration like many of the other manufacturers are starting to do. I'd even settle for modern iPod control with Bluetooth audio streaming. But this does get some of the features (safety, remote start, remote diagnostics, stolen vehicle tracking) that make a lot of people I know go for OnStar.

Doesn't sound like it may make it into the 2nd gen Genesis initially, but perhaps it will.

 

[ilovemygenesis]

Personally, I would prefer more smartphone integration like many of the other manufacturers are starting to do. I'd even settle for modern iPod control with Bluetooth audio streaming. But this does get some of the features (safety, remote start, remote diagnostics, stolen vehicle tracking) that make a lot of people I know go for OnStar.

Doesn't sound like it may make it into the 2nd gen Genesis initially, but perhaps it will.

Makes you wonder why more companies don't try to duplicate this service

 

[waveman]

This looks great, especially the guidance part, which will apparently incorporate traffic conditions in routing ("Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition"). I guess it makes sense to introduce on the Sonata first because it's their best seller.

I hope that Hyundai has put sufficient effort into making the web-enabled features like remote start and unlock very secure, though.