More tech from Kia at CES
BY DANIEL GARDNER | 9th Jan 2014
Kicking-off last Tuesday in Las Vegas, the CES provides the platform for a wide range of companies to debut new technology, but car-makers haven’t previously given the show much attention – until now.
The Korean manufacturer is showing-off advancements in voice-activation, smartphone integration, telematics destined for the upcoming Soul EV and even its Cub concept vehicle will get wheeled out for its American debut.
One new system featuring at the show combines a large 18-inch head-up display screen, a 12.3-inch LCD screen and eye-tracking gear to keep the driver informed of all vehicle systems, without having to take their eyes off the road.
Infra-red sensors and cameras monitor cabin motion and allow the control of vehicle systems with nothing more than a hand movement, while a magnetic inductor charges devices without the need for cables.
Other technology on display focuses more on entertainment systems and the ‘in-vehicle infotainment concept’ allows occupants to access social media, parking assistance systems, vehicle-to-vehicle connections and music through a series of front and rear seat displays.
Named UVO and standing for ‘your voice’, Kia’s telematics interactive exhibit demonstrates voice-recognition functions, a smartphone connectivity application and other internet-based services, all of which have been specifically developed for future electric vehicles.
Users will be able to customise their experience and choose between various functions including vehicle battery/charging status, nearby charging station information, message dictation, music search/playback and route guidance.
With additional applications such as iHeartRadio and Sound Hound passengers will also be able to broaden their music choices, with many more applications available from Kia’s own UVO-based app-store.
The CUB compact hatchback concept that rolled out in Seoul last year will also make an appearance at the CES, showing-off its pillar-less suicide-doors, wide-arched looks and 1.6-litre 150kW petrol four-cylinder engine.
If a version of the CUB does make it to production it is likely it will contain some of the new toys on display at the show.
Some of the featured technology such as adaptive cruise-control and 360-degree cameras is already appearing in current Kia models but other advances will begin to appear in production vehicles from as early as next year.
Audi has already announced it has chosen the CES to demonstrate its new laser headlights in the Sport Quattro concept, while Volvo will feature its Sensus technology for various vehicle system control.
The International Consumer Electronics Show closes tomorrow.
