Hyundai and Kia are partnering with Samsung for a new generation of multimedia system.

Hyundai and Kia announced on Wednesday a partnership with electronics giant Samsung to develop a next-generation multimedia system. The goal is for the new system to take advantage of the new software capabilities offered by the group’s future vehicles.

In their announcement, the companies mentioned a software-defined vehicle. This means that the electronic architecture of the model will allow it to receive updates over the air throughout its lifetime.

The new multimedia system planned by Hyundai and Kia will enable users to control more vehicle functions using a smartphone than is currently possible. This will be made possible by integrating Samsung’s SmartThings application, which allows control of multiple connected devices through a single application. To simplify the registration process, user accounts will be linked to the user’s phone account, as specified by Hyundai and Kia.

This new generation multimedia system will be unveiled in 2026. The specific models it will be used with are not yet known, but typically with this kind of innovation, it first appears with newly designed or significantly refreshed products, and then extends to other vehicles of the brand as they are revamped.

Both companies clarified that the new system will benefit from a series of features developed in-house as well as by third parties. One of them will be a global vehicle locator that will rely on a network of hundreds of millions of Samsung phones using Bluetooth connectivity, which means it will not require cellular coverage to function.

Features related to the user’s lifestyle and preferences, extending beyond the vehicle, will eventually be offered by the system. The health and animal care domains were mentioned by the companies.

Many details are still to come. It is anticipated that the Android Auto application will be present since Samsung uses this system for its own devices. Compatibility with Apple CarPlay is also expected.

More details will be provided in due time.

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