What Is Android Auto and How Is it Useful for Drivers?

Android Auto not only brings a high technology experience to drivers, but also improves safety. For example, at any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving.

Android Auto helps keep drivers’ eyes and attention on the road by integrating the advanced driving-related functions of the user’s smartphone with the familiar centralized screen, physical controls and microphone of their car.

Furthermore, the smartphone’s screen becomes “locked,” so drivers are not tempted to look down and interact with their phones directly while Android Auto is in use.

Owners will need the Android 5.0 “Lollipop” operating system or later, and the Android Auto companion app on their compatible phone to utilize Android Auto.

Hyundai has released “Do It Yourself Android Auto Installation” for Sonata. Owners of a 2015 Sonata with Navigation can now get the Android Auto software update free of charge at MyHyundai.com. The software is also available for free at Hyundai dealerships.

A micro USB cable is required to connect the phone to the car’s USB port. The first time an owner plugs his or her phone into their parked Sonata, the phone will prompt the download of the Android Auto companion app from the Google Play.

Users of Android Auto will instantly recognize familiar Android phone applications, such as Google Maps, Google Now, messaging, phone calling and Google Play Music upon connecting their Android phone to their Hyundai vehicle.

These applications 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, Slacker, Skype, TextMe and many more.

Owners can find out up-to-date information about phone compatibility at Google Support for Android Auto.

“This is the first time we’ve made a software upgrade available using the MyHyundai portal,” said Michael Deitz, senior group manager of Connected Care, Hyundai Motor America. “Sonata owners can add more value with Android Auto in an easy-to-do upgrade that takes less than an hour. Hyundai is continuing to offer the best user experience possible by leveraging its MyHyundai platform, so customers have the option to update their car – their way.”

The Android Auto compatible Navigation system with an eight-inch touchscreen display is available on the Sonata Sport, Eco, Limited, Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T models.

To obtain the software, customers need to visit the MyHyundai owner’s site. If the owner does not have a MyHyundai account, they need to click register. To register, owners will need their name, e-mail address, zip code and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Once the owner has a MyHyundai account, they can login by entering their account ID and password. Upon login, the owner must perform the following steps:

• Select 2015 Sonata on the drop-down menu in the top left of the navigation bar.
• Once the owner gets to the Sonata 2015 screen, they can select downloads in the navigation then the Android Auto downloads drop-down.
• On the Android Auto downloads page, the owner must agree to the terms and conditions to activate the download button.
• Once the download button is active, clicking it will start the download.
• Once the download is complete, the owner opens the downloaded file and selects run.
• Upon completing the download, the download tool will start.
• At this point, the owner connects a compatible USB driver to their computer.
• The download tool will automatically extract the downloaded files and put them on the USB drive.
• A confirmation screen will appear when the download is complete.

Vehicle Software Update steps:

• Park the car in a well-ventilated area and start the engine.
• Connect the USB drive with the vehicle software on it to the USB port in the Sonata.
• Press the setup button near the radio controls.
• Scroll down and tap the System Info icon on the touch screen.
• Tap update at the bottom of the touch screen.
• The Software Update will begin automatically.
• Enable Android Auto. Navigate to Connectivity Settings in the Setup menu to find the enable Android Auto on/off switch.

Installing Android Auto on the Phone

• Connect an Android Auto compatible phone to the Sonata via a micro USB cable and download the Android Auto app when prompted.
• Then the customer needs to hit the Android Auto icon on his or her touchscreen and Android Auto is ready.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea.