Kia has rolled out its latest over-the-air (OTA) update, introducing a suite of new features for its connected vehicles – headlined by a generative AI voice assistant, now available for the EV3.
The update, which applies to telematics-equipped vehicles from model year 2022 onwards, brings improvements to voice control, connectivity, entertainment and navigation, reflecting Kia’s commitment to enhancing the digital in-car experience, reports Motor Trade News.
“We are very excited to bring the Kia AI assistant into our vehicles, as this highly capable voice assistant engages with drivers and passengers in a natural, conversational way, to easily plan trips, find entertainment, and much more,” said Pablo Martínez Masip, vice president product & marketing at Kia Europe and COO at Kia Connect. “This is a great example of how an award-winning connected vehicle can be made even better through a software update.”
The update for the EV3 includes access to entertainment platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, karaoke and in-car gaming – all available as paid options. A new Wi-Fi hotspot function allows passengers to connect their devices directly to the internet via the vehicle. The AI assistant, which comes with a free trial, enables intuitive natural-language interactions, supporting tasks such as trip planning, vehicle control and information requests.
Navigation functionality has also been updated across all compatible models. This includes TomTom-powered camera alerts, new destination sharing options and streamlined voice recognition for improved user experience. An Emergency Vehicle Alert feature will notify drivers when an ambulance or emergency vehicle is nearby.
“OTA updates reflect Kia’s commitment to optimising vehicle performance as they offer drivers more convenience and ensure that Kia vehicles have the latest technologies,” said Olivier Pascal, general manager connected cars at Kia Connect. “This innovation underlines our dedication to delivering a future-proof driving experience.”
(Pic: Kia)
