MyHyundai could be the first carmaker-specific Android Auto app

By Andrew Hard May 18, 2016

This story is part of our complete Google I/O coverage

Hyundai Android Auto

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

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

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.

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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…

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How much room do you have: Different vehicles have different dash configurations that make picking a head unit a bit more challenging. Some vehicles have what is known as a double-DIN stereo, which is essentially two “slots” stacked together. Others have a single-DIN stereo, which is a smaller space overall. You’ll need to know which units will fit before shopping.
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Other vehicle systems: In some vehicles, removing the stereo will cause all sorts of problems with other systems, such as airbags, climate controls, and theft deterrent systems. It’s important to know how your vehicle will behave once the stock head unit is removed.
Appearance: If you have an older vehicle, you may want to preserve the stock look of the dash. In these cases, a custom install or running your smartphone separately might be a good idea, because Android Auto head units take up a lot of space. They also don’t look particularly period-correct. In other cases, make sure that the head unit’s color scheme and appearance fit with the rest of your vehicle’s interior aesthetic.

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Google's presence in the auto industry isn't limited to developing autonomous technology. Millions of drivers power up its Android Auto software each day, either because they find their car's infotainment system confusing or because they want a more smartphone-like interface.

Like CarPlay, Apple's rival system, Android Auto promises to make driving safer by reducing distractions. Whether it achieves this goal depends on who you ask; AAA found it helps drivers keep both eyes on the road, but a British study concluded that using it is more distracting than driving drunk. The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle, and common sense goes a long way when using in-car tech. Here's what you need to know about Android Auto.
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