The electronic content keeps going up.
Kia Motors America showed in Detroit its new in-car communications and entertainment system, “UVO powered by Microsoft,” to be available in select Kia vehicles starting this summer.
The system provides, it is claimed, consumer-friendly voice- and touch-activated experiences for simple management of music files and hands-free mobile phone operation.
Co-developed with Microsoft and based on Windows Embedded Auto software, UVO is an easy-to-use, hands-free solution that allows drivers and passengers to answer and place phone calls, receive and respond to SMS text messages, access music from a variety of media sources as well as create customized music menus.
UVO is just one of a growing number of electronic systems offered by automakers as fatalities from distracted driving rise to record levels. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that 6,000 people died last year and hundred of thousands more were injured in distracted driving accidents.
UVO debuts this summer in the 2011 Kia Sorento CUV and will be extended to additional Kia vehicles as part of the brand’s technological evolution. Kia Sorento, Soul, Forte and Forte Koup already come with Bluetooth as standard equipment as well as iPod/MP3/USB connectivity, and a three-month Sirius satellite radio subscription
“UVO powered by Microsoft is a breakthrough for in-vehicle infotainment that helps allow drivers and passengers to safely and easily use all of their personal technologies to create personalized in-vehicle communications and entertainment experiences,” says Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA. “Collaborating with Microsoft, Kia Motors is able to offer drivers an experience that will provide our cars with a clear competitive advantage.”
The system utilizes a new level of voice recognition through Microsoft’s speech technology. Users will be able to access media content and connect with people through simple, quick voice commands without having to navigate through menus. By supporting complex grammar, UVO needs only short voice commands to connect drivers and passengers with their desired functions. An interactive system, UVO responds to inquiries such as “What’s playing?” and provides audible answers and related functions, helping to keep drivers’ eyes safely focused on the road ahead of them.
UVO also brings advancements to in-car technology through an interface featuring a 4.3-inch, full-color display that provides detailed information on media content, phonebook data and vehicle information, and the screen also doubles as a rear-view camera when the shifter is put in reverse.
In addition, UVO is an open platform that seamlessly integrates with a wide variety of mobile phones, music players and other devices, making it easy for drivers to quickly pair devices
“We are very excited with the customized approach Kia Motors is bringing to in-car infotainment,” says Kevin Dallas, General Manager of Microsoft’s Windows Embedded Business division.