Skip to main content

MyHyundai could be the first carmaker-specific Android Auto app

Hyundai Android Auto
Image used with permission by copyright holder
The convenience of Android Auto isn’t hard to come by these days, but just last year, the smartphone projection system was a bit more scarce. The program was only available on aftermarket head units initially, but Hyundai broke the proverbial seal by becoming the first automaker to offer the system in a production car with the 2015 Sonata. At Google I/O 2016, the brand is expected to cross yet another milestone in smartphone connectivity.

Hyundai will debut the MyHyundai application at the event, which could be the first automaker-specific Android Auto app to hit the market. While still in its concept stages, the system includes a variety of exclusive features including Hyundai Roadside Assistance, monthly vehicle reports, maintenance alerts, and a Valet Mode that notifies the driver if their vehicle exits a pre-determined boundary. Sorry kids, that means the joy rides are over.

MyHyundai Android Auto app
Image used with permission by copyright holder

More importantly, however, MyHyundai may signify a huge shift in the world of automotive infotainment. Typically, carmakers have their own dedicated user interface and offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay connectivity over the top of it, however in many cases people opt for the mobile option and bypass the factory offering altogether. MyHyundai does not require the driver to exit the Android Auto interface to use other vehicle functions, and while you won’t be able to access climate control or other core functions just yet, it could represent a whole new chapter in how motorists interact with their cars.

MyHyundai Android Auto app
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The look and feel of MyHyundai will likely change before it’s released later this year, so expect additional features to be announced in the coming months. Currently, Android Auto is available in more than 100 new vehicles and third-party head units, and countless more are on the way.

Read more: Hyundai proves a good value doesn’t have to feel cheap with the 2017 Elantra

For more Google I/O news, check out our dedicated event page as well as our Twitter feed.

Editors' Recommendations

Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
Google wants you to know Android apps aren’t just for phones anymore
Person holding Samsung Galaxy smartphone showing Google Play Store.

When most people think of the Google Play Store, the first thing that comes to mind is smartphones. However, the spread of the Android ecosystem is far broader than that, and Google is taking steps to increase awareness of this and make it easier for folks to find apps on the Play Store for their smart TVs, watches, and even cars.

In a blog post today, the Google Play team announced three significant changes that should make it easier for Android fans to discover apps for all their devices, right from their phone. This includes recommendations of apps for non-phone devices, a search filter to focus on only games optimized for non-phone devices, and even a remote install feature that will let you deliver those apps to your Android TV, Wear OS watch, or Android Automotive-equipped car.

Read more
Google launches Switch to Android app to chirping crickets
Switch to Android app displaying Step 2 of 4 for transferring data from iPhone to new Android device.

Google has quietly launched the Switch to Android app on the App Store to the sound of chirping crickets. As reported by TechCrunch, the tech giant rolled out the app on Monday to make it easier for users who want to switch to an Android device, whether they want to try out Android for the first time or they just miss having one of the best Android phones in their hand. It was a quiet launch, so nobody paid any mind to it -- until now.

The Switch to Android website gives you steps on how to copy all the data in your iPhone -- contacts, photos, videos, calendar events, etc. -- and send them to the new Android device of your choice. It also instructs you to turn off iMessage, so you'll be able to see important text messages once you open your new device, and request Apple to transfer a copy of your data from iCloud. The app works in a similar manner to Move to iOS, which Apple launched in 2015 to ease users' transition from Android to iPhone.

Read more
Android Auto will now tell you if your USB cable is faulty
Android Auto in a car.

Broken USB cables cause big problems for anyone trying to use a wired connection between their phone and their car, but the latest Android Auto update is looking to reduce that frustration. With the rollout of the 7.5.121104 update, Android Auto is able to run diagnostic checks of any cable connected to an Android device.

This could drastically reduce the number of connection issues that users experience when using wired connections, as they'll be able to know if the problem they're experiencing is tied to their cable. Up to this point, it's been tricky to know for certain if a USB cable is faulty on the fly, but the diagnostic test that Android Auto can run will tell users instantly if their phones are properly sending/receiving data through a cable.

Read more