CES: Kia debuts UVO e-Services telematics & smartphone integration

17 Jan 2012

Kia Motors America (KMA) has unveiled UVO eServices, the next iteration of the company's innovative voice-activated infotainment system, during the 2012 International Costumer Electronics Show (CES).

UVO eServices represents an evolution from the original UVO sytem's capabilities, adding a new telematics suite ("eServices") that is powered by a free smartphone app that will provide drivers with an innovative in-vehicle connectivity experience including navigation, diagnostics capabilities and added convenience features.

Powered by Microsoft, UVO is short for "Your Voice", and provides consumers easy-to-use voice and touch-activated experiences to manage music files and hands-free mobile phone operation.

UVO continues to offer drivers hands-free mobile phone management capabilities and hands-free control of music from a variety of media sources, including CD, radio, USB, media player, and the Digital Jukebox. Users will now be able to control the on-board navigation system through voice commands when the vehicle is outfitted with the UVO eServices/navigation package.

Also new with UVO eServices is an enhanced telematics suite, which includes a number of maintenance, and infotainment functions, including:

Crash Notification Assist, Roadside Assist, Automatic Diagnostics, Scheduled Diagnostics, Vehicle maintenance, eServices Guide, Trip Info, Safe - and eco-friendly driving awards, Send2Car, Curfew Limit, Speed Alert, Geo Fencing, Car Care Web, Park Assist.

These functions, with the expception of eServices Guide and Crash Notification Assist, are run through the owner's smartphone equipped with the free UVO eServices app.