Previewed earlier this month at the automaker’s European headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, the Hyundai Connectivity Concept is a new technology designed to wirelessly mirror the content of the owner’s smartphone directly into their vehicle. Expected to move from prototype to full production status by 2015, Hyundai says it can also replace the conventional key fob, allowing the smartphone to perform locking/unlocking functions merely by placing it over an NFC (Near Field Communications) tag on the door.
Once the driver is inside, the smartphone is placed in the center console where it activates the user’s profile by streaming content to a 7.0-inch touchscreen that displays all of the user’s personal preferences for music, radio stations and phone contacts as well as control the navigation and various other on-board infotainment/telematics systems – all while wirelessly recharging the phone’s battery. Hyundai’s innovative new setup is also designed to accommodate multiple users and their individual smartphones.
In announcing this latest advance, Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Hyundai Motor Europe, noted: "Hyundai’s Connectivity Concept showcases the brand’s philosophy of making tomorrow’s technology accessible to a wide range of customers. With this technology, Hyundai is able to harness the all-in-one functionality of existing smartphone technology and integrating it into everyday driving in a seamless fashion. As the technology continually develops there will be capabilities to store driver’s seating positions and exterior mirror settings, providing customers with a comfortable and individual driving environment."
