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Hyundai Drivers Will Start Their Cars With Watches In 2015

Giuseppe Macri Tech Editor
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The 2015 Consumer Electronics Show is still a few days away, but early previews from participants indicate it’s going to be a smartly accessorized year with even smarter cars — especially if you drive a Hyundai.

Starting in early 2015 drivers sporting wrist-wearable Androids will have access to Hyundai’s Blue Link app, which will give them James Bond-like control over their Korean autos including ignition, door locks, location tracking, headlights, horn and roadside assistance.

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Users will also be able to tap into Android Wear’s voice recognition tech to execute commands via voice with phrases like “start my car,” “lock my car” and “find my car.”

Hyundai will debut its new device connectivity on Jan. 5, one day before the official CES opening. Android users with the app downloaded to their phones can connect via Bluetooth and take control of 2012-2015 Hyundai Sonatas, 2015 Azeras and Geneses from anywhere, so long as they have a cellular or data connection.

“This new app expands Hyundai’s exploration into how wearable technology and Blue Link fit into a customer’s lifestyle,” Barry Ratzlaff, an executive director with Hyundai Motor America said in a Friday press release. “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.”

Features including destination search and maintenance alerts will be added to the next generation Blue Link system coming to the 2016 Elantra GT and Veloster models later in 2015. (RELATED: BMW Is Building Cars You Can Park With Your Smartwatch)

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Tags : hyundai
Giuseppe Macri