Google is not too far behind competitors Nokia and Apple as it takes aim at the automobile industry with its already established mapping services, The search giant announced on January 2 that they have finalized deals with two Korean car manufacturers. Google has partnered with Kia Motors to offer Google Maps and Place services through the auto makers new UVO eServices telematics system. Hyundai will also be employing Google’s mapping services through the Send-to-Car feature from the technology giant.
Kia’s new 2014 Sorento CUV models will be coming with Google power thanks to APIs that will give users turn-by-turn directions. The Sorrento will be ready for sale in early 2013 and will employ Google’s services to also give drivers points of interest as they drive around.
Kia is looking to further integrate modern day mobile devices with its own UVO smartphone app. The system will allow the user to connect to the car’s telematic system through the new Send-to-Car feature. The iPhone only app will allow the user to grab maps from their phone and move them to the car. An android version is expected in the second quarter of 2013. The UVO also gives the driver several other amenities including hands-free mobile connectivity, USB compatibility, media players, maintenance functions, roadside assistance and infotainment.
Google’s Send-to-Car feature will also be found in Hyundai along with the company’s own Blue Link technology. The Korean manufacturer has not stated which cars will get the feature from Google but it is expected to me making it way into cars soon.
Asian car manufacturers are not the only ones that that are working with Google. Audi, Daimler and Tesla Motor are ready to roll out Google’s services in their own cars. However, these car manufacturers are using the search engine’s services to create their own unique features. For example, Audi will link Google local search, satellite and Street View to the car so that users can use them on the go. Tesla does things a little differently with a 17-inch, high-resolution touch screen display that uses Google for providing maps and real-time traffic updates.
Competitors Nokia and Apple made 2012 the year the companies made the big push into the auto industry. BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Hyundai worked with Nokia on the Navteq mapping platform while Apple sold its voice activated virtual assistant SIRI to auto makers.
Source: The Next Web
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