Many of you may remember that over a year ago, Hyundai had announced it was working on a Glass app to go in with their Blue Link system. It was supposed to launch with the Hyundai Genesis last year, but it launched and no word about Google Glass came with it. Earlier this year, just before CES, they announced that they were working with Android wear with their new cars. So what happened with Glass? Well they dumped it. They decided to go all in with Android Wear. Which is probably smarter. As I’m sure more people have Android Wear than Glass. And with all the shake ups with Glass this week, it was probably a good idea.
Hyundai seems to be the car maker that’s embracing all of Google’s technology. Between Android Wear and Android Auto (not to mention Glass before that). We’ll be getting some hands on time with both of those next week, with the Hyundai Sonata. It’s really great to see these types of features coming to cars. Even if we aren’t going to see them for a few months or even a few years.
So what can you do with your Android Wear Smartwatch and a new Hyundai vehicle? Well you can start, unlock and even locate your car. Locating your car probably doesn’t sound like a big deal, but when you’ve parked in a big parking lot and forgot where you parked, it’s a big deal. And being able to start your car from your watch, well that’s just amazing! Especially if you live in the north where it’s really cold right now.
Android Wear, Android Auto, what else does Hyundai need to implement to get you to buy one of their new cars? Maybe they should 3D print some cars as well? Let us know what you think about all of this in the comments down below.