Korean auto giants Hyundai and Kia shake hands with Korean tech giant Samsung.
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration with Samsung Electronics, marking a significant leap forward in the integration of technology into our daily lives. This alliance, announced on January 3, is set to enhance the connectivity between residential and mobility spaces through a Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car service partnership.
The agreement paves the way for Hyundai and Kia customers to remotely control digital appliances using touch and voice commands through their car’s in-car infotainment systems. Conversely, users can also exercise remote control over various vehicle functions through AI speakers, TVs, and smartphone apps. This seamless integration is made possible by combining Hyundai and Kia’s connected car services with Samsung’s renowned Internet of Things (IoT) platform, ‘SmartThings,’ promising users uninterrupted connectivity experiences
This innovative partnership promises a myriad of applications in users’ daily lives. For instance, during a hot summer evening commute, users can activate ‘Home Mode’ to control their air conditioner, air purifier, robot vacuum, and lights for a comfortable living space. Similarly, before leaving home, initiating ‘Away Mode’ ensures lights are off, the robot vacuum is at work, and the vehicle’s air conditioning is pre-activated for a pleasant return.
Hyundai and Kia’s Car-to-Home service allows users to register specific modes for driving situations, minimizing distractions. Location-based automatic operation, along with touchscreen and voice commands, further enhances convenience for customers. Electric vehicle owners can leverage SmartThings’ integrated home energy management service to monitor and adjust energy usage for both home and vehicle, optimizing charging times.
Hyundai and Kia have ambitious plans to extend their Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car services globally. By linking connected car platforms and Samsung SmartThings, the collaboration aims to transcend geographical boundaries. The companies will develop stable service-providing infotainment systems, ensuring these features reach existing vehicles through over-the-air (OTA) and USB-based updates
