Android Auto in 45 minutes 4 2015Hyundai Sonata

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Android Auto in the 2015 Hyundai Sonata
Android Auto in the 2015 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai announced today, that the update for compatible Hyundai Sonatas to Android Auto is available at Hyundai dealers for free. Hyundai is the first automaker to offer Android Auto for its Sonatas with the 8″ screen and navigation package.

“An appointment with a dealer always helpful but not required,” wrote Hyundai spokesman Miles Johnson in an email to AUTO Connected Car News about the update that takes only 45 minutes to install.

Pairing the Android phone is fairly easy process and the dealers will help with the first phone pairing. To connected Android Auto to an Android phone a micro USB cable is required.  Therefore we suggest that you bring a micro USB cable with you to to dealer if you want pairing help.

There are few other things you should know before updating.

Owners of existing 2015 Sonata with Navigation can get the Android Auto software update. An online update using a USB drive will be available later this summer. The update will require a MyHyundai account to start the Android Auto download.

Owners will need the Android 5.0 “Lollipop” operating system or later, and the Android Auto companion app on their compatible phone to integrate Android Auto into Sonata’s screen and controls.

Currently, according to Google Developers only 9.7% of Android owners are using Lollipop.

There are some compatibility issues with the following popular devices updated to Android 5.0.

  • LG G3 Android Auto issues for Verizon Wireless customers. Google is working with LG on compatibility and will announce an update when the issue is resolved.
  • Samsung Galaxy S5 Android Auto issues for Sprint and Verizon Wireless customers. Google is working with Samsung on compatibility and will announce an update when the issue is resolved.
  • Samsung Galaxy S4 -Android Auto issues for AT&T customers. Google is working with Samsung on compatibility and will announce an update when the issue is resolved.

The Android Lollipop smartphone must be paired via Bluetooth and via a USB cable. There have been reports of some problems with cable compatibility with Pioneer Android Auto infotainment systems.

Android Auto allows for use of an Android smartphone with Google Maps, Google Now, messaging, phone calling and Google Play Music after connecting their Android phone to their Hyundai. The apps can be controlled by voice, steering wheel controls and touchscreen. Android Auto also will offer third-party audio apps that owners have on their phones, including iHeartRadio, Spotify, TuneIn, NPR, Stitcher, Skype, TextMe and many more.

Google Now’s card system will give you suggestions while on your drive based on your preferences.

Android Auto does not support video apps. Drivers can’t use the keyboard while driving.

To use the cars’ voice command button for Android Auto, make sure that you press and hold it for 1-2 seconds until you hear the system beep. A short press will take you out of Android Auto and back into your car’s native system.

Hyundai is heavily supporting Android and already has Android smartwatch Hyundai Blue Link apps. Hyundai reported that will stop offering CD players in cars starting in 2016.

Hyundai owns a patent for technology to kill cellphone use while the driver is engaged in activities.

There is class action lawsuit against Hyundai for charging a fee to reinstate Blue Links services after the service has been inactive for a year.

The new 2015 Hyundai Sonata is built at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant in Montgomery, Alabama.

There have been 7.3 million Hyundai Sonata units sold since its introduction in 1985.