Hyundai, Kia team up with smartphone giant for next-generation car tech

Modern cars are often described as smartphones on wheels, and you can’t blame those who make that comparison.

The interiors of cars from modestly priced brands such as Toyota and Subaru to stylish Mercedes-Benzes feature large touchscreens that control user-friendly software that can access a wide range of vehicle controls, it can connect to the internet and even act as an extension of your smartphone.

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South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia know the importance of technology in their cars.

For example, the Kia EV6 can be equipped with “Remote Smart Parking Assist,” which can help drivers remotely park and exit parking spaces outside the car. Some Hyundai car controls can be controlled with your voice.

Although these features are cool, Hyundai (HYMTF) and Kia (KIMTF) announced that they are partnering with a smartphone leader to develop future in-car technology.

The “SmartThings” application on the screen of a Hyundai vehicle

Hyundai/Samsung

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In a recent announcement, the car manufacturing duo announced that they are collaborating with fellow South Korean tech giant Samsung. (SSNLF) on a state-of-the-art software suite that will seamlessly link future Hyundai and Kia cars with Samsung’s electronic ecosystem.

The new software suite, which consists of a new infotainment system and an “open mobility ecosystem”, was developed with the help of 42dot, Hyundai Motor Group’s in-house software research and development arm.

Through this partnership, future Kia and Hyundai vehicles will be able to use Samsung’s futuristic SmartThings platform. This platform allows users to connect and control a range of Samsung electronics and home appliances without having to physically touch them.

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With this new system, Hyundai and Kia drivers will be able to wirelessly control compatible Samsung appliances, including air conditioners, dishwashers, surveillance cameras, pet feeders, washers, dryers and steamers, from the comfort of the driver’s seats.

Hyundai and Kia drivers will also be able to control in-car functions such as climate control, radio, locks and ignition using the SmartThings app.

Additionally, the new partnership will allow the SmartThings Find app to track Kia and Hyundai vehicles — Samsung’s equivalent of Apple’s “Find My” service for iPhones, AirPods and other devices.

“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,” said Paul Kyungwhoon Cheun, president of Samsung’s DX division, CTO and head of research at Samsung. “We will continue to expand the SmartThings ecosystem, bringing new lifestyles and value to even more customers.”

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Hyundai and Kia also plan to introduce new services on an ongoing basis to make everyday experiences more “user-centric”.

While Samsung is expanding the SmartThings platform to enable in-vehicle features like health monitoring, the new cohort is also working on a new app store for this new generation of “smartphones on wheels.”

“Our goal is to enrich the mobility experience of Hyundai Motor and Kia customers by providing personalized services that extend beyond transportation by seamlessly integrating vehicles with smartphones,” said Hyundai Motor Group’s Head of Advanced Vehicle Platforms Division, Chang Song .

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