Kia Unveils Seven Advanced Automotive Technologies at 2010 CES - VIDEO ENHANCED
- All-new ‘UVO powered by Microsoft®’ in-car multimedia
system
- World ‘firsts’ with live digital TV reception and
9-band antennas
- Innovative touch-sensitive controls with
‘haptic’ feedback
LAS VEGAS - January 8, 2010: Kia Motors returns to the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which opens today (7 January), to showcase seven new and advanced infotainment technologies, including the all-new ‘UVO’ system co-developed with Microsoft that will appear in future Kia vehicles.
The all-new UVO (short for ‘Your Voice’) system is the world’s most advanced in-car multimedia technology. It features a new level of voice recognition through full Microsoft® intelligent speech engine technology, combined with Windows Embedded Auto software, to provide voice- and hand-activated experiences for simple management of music files and hands-free communications.
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“Since forming a long-term partnership with Microsoft in 2008, Kia has moved forward rapidly with its in-house development of new and innovative solutions to deliver next generation in-car infotainment systems,” commented Mr. Hyoung-Keun Lee, President, Kia Motors Corporation.
“Kia is investing in a five-year IT and technology advancement program to provide drivers and passengers with safe and easy-to-use personalized in-vehicle communications and entertainment and to offer consumers an experience that will give our cars a clear competitive advantage,” concluded Mr. Lee.
In addition to the ‘UVO powered by Microsoft®’ system which debuts at the 2010 CES, Kia Motors is revealing six new in-vehicle technologies.
Innovative ‘touch-sensitive’ control panel
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Looking forward, the use of touch panels with Field Effect ASIC (inner and outer electrodes triggered by finger contact) will enable Kia engineers and designers to take bold steps in rethinking the interior design of Kia models.
Click PLAY to watch a demonstration of the UVO system
World’s first ‘haptic’ steering wheel controls
Kia is showcasing the world’s first ‘haptic’ control module
built into a car’s steering wheel. Touch-sensitive, the haptic
control is positioned for easy operation by the driver’s thumb and
generates reactive feedback vibrations. It features seven modes to control
all elements of the vehicle’s audio system.
Drivers will quickly learn to monitor the car’s systems through touch alone, allowing them to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road – improving road safety.
Better connectivity with full Telematics service
Kia’s all-new
full Telematics service operates through the car’s built-in audio
system via hands-free Bluetooth® technology to facilitate better
connectivity. Rapid and seamless transfer of information to the vehicle
occupants is ensured by the high-speed Telematics service’s 40
bytes-per-second transfer speed (830 bytes-per-second of raw data).
The new system will also provide automatic emergency service calls (in the event of an accident where airbags are activated), navigation and vehicle diagnostics service.
First opportunity to watch ‘live’ digital TV in an
automobile
Kia’s new breakthrough TV technology will enable live
digital television channels to be watched on in-car entertainment systems
for the first time. Uninterrupted TV reception is possible at speeds up to
180 mph, delivering dual-band television transmissions with clear,
high-quality broadcasts that entertain and inform rear seat occupants.
The television signal runs through the car’s audio system, allowing a wide variety of content to be viewed and occupants to be alerted to breaking new stories in a visually-rich format.
‘Widget’ framework for a wireless communications hub
The main customer benefit of Kia’s new widget system is allowing users
easier access to key services by reducing the number of steps involved in
accessing them via their car’s terminal screen – both while
stationary and in motion.
Developed in partnership with industry leader Ubivelox, Kia’s widget can receive RSS news and financial feeds, immediate traffic and weather reports and updates from networking SNS applications such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Active Antennas with two world ‘first’ technologies
Working together with Korean-based Ace-Antenna, Kia has developed two innovative
multi-use, high performance antennas that promise to be far more
cost-effective to install, operate and maintain.
The ‘Unity External Shark Fin Antenna’ is the world’s first nine-band system that reads a variety of signals, including CDMA and GPS, while incorporating a conventional analog radio aerial. Another world ‘first’, the ‘Unity Internal Mirror Antenna’ features six bands and is incorporated into the rear-view mirror housing. Designed for Telematics and ITS reception, it also supports CDMA and GPS signals.
The 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center runs from 7-10 January. Kia’s stand (#1822), which is located in the North Hall, In-Vehicle Technology Zone, features a UVO-equipped Kia Sorento, a Kia Forte Koup and six new technology displays.
UVO-equipped Kia Sorento and Kia Soul models are also being displayed on the Microsoft ABU (Automotive Business Unit) stand at CES.
Editor’s note: For more detailed information about the new Kia technologies being showcased at the 2010 CES, please visit www.kia-buzz.com.