At CES in Las Vegas, Kia showcased an exciting new feature that enables vehicle owners to communicate directly with their cars. Known as UVO Agent for Google Assistant, this innovation allows commands to be sent to Kia vehicles using Google Assistant, which is available on devices like Google Home, Google Home Mini, and numerous Android smartphones. Kia describes this feature as an “easy-to-use voice assistant that enhances the owner experience.”
With Google Assistant, drivers can perform various tasks such as starting the engine remotely, regulating climate settings, activating the horn and lights, and locking or unlocking doors. Additionally, it can manage the charging process for the Niro PHEV or Soul EV. Initially, this feature will be available exclusively for the Niro, Soul EV, Optima Plug-In, and K900. While these models are among Kia’s less common offerings, a company representative informed The Drive via email that “we will be rolling out this feature into all [Kia] cars over the next two years.”
This development adds to the ongoing competition between Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa for supremacy in the smart assistant space. Amazon has established partnerships with brands such as Toyota, Ford, and BMW for Alexa integration in vehicles. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz is incorporating both Google Assistant and Alexa, while the luxury brand Genesis, which falls under the Kia/Hyundai umbrella, offers Alexa compatibility as well. There is speculation about whether Google Assistant could also be introduced to Hyundai and Genesis models if it proves successful for Kia.
While one might view the integration of smart assistants in cars as merely a gimmick, the increasing connectivity associated with the “internet of things” suggests that it may soon become a standard feature in new vehicles. Is this a glimpse into the future, or merely a trend that will be chuckled about in 20 years?
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