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www.usatoday.com_tech_ 2015 00331.txt.txt

#Hyundai becomes first with Android Auto LOS ANGELES --Whether it's hunting for directions or tracking down trivia answers, Hyundai thinks it has found the most seamless way yet to let drivers integrate their smartphones seamlessly into their cars. Hyundai says it is the first automaker to launch Android Auto in a production car, a service that will go initially into its new Sonata sedan. All that's needed to get it is a free software flash at a dealership. Android Auto and the yet-to-arrive Apple Carplay are aimed at preventing drivers from becoming distracted. It should make it possible to undertake many smartphone functions while barreling down the interstate at 60 miles per hour. With the Android Auto companion app users will be able to access Google maps, send text messages, query their phones for information, play music storeed in the phone and other functions. And they can do it any of three ways: the car's touchscreen, steering wheel controls or voice.""Android Auto aligns with Hyundai's core interior design principles of safety, intuitiveness and simplicity,"said Dave Zuchowski, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, in a statement.""We launched this highly anticipated feature on our best-selling Sonata, adding to our promise of value.""USA TODAY was allowed to be among the first in the automotive media to test the system. We found ourselves relying heavily on the voice commands, simply because it's the easiest way to keep focused on the road. The navigation system worked fine, but it was duplicative of a key function that the car was already able to perform through its own navigation system. Why do need you both? More useful was the ability to text others and tap the smartphone's music collection. The system was reasonably good at deciphering our dictated commands. Our expectation was that it would get even better as it heard the same voice day after day. The function that really made Android Auto worthwhile was the ability to seek information. From finding the nearest dry cleaner to settling bets about presidential history, the system did its best to hunt down answers. The decision to make Android Auto available for free should engender lots of warm feelings from Sonata buyers. What's more recent Sonata owners can also take advantage of the update. Now let's see if Apple Carplay is just as good d

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