Dive Brief:
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First Feature in the U.S.: The 2027 Hyundai Tucson SUV will be the inaugural vehicle in the U.S. to showcase the new Pleos Connect infotainment platform, as announced by Hyundai Motor America in a press release on October 1.
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Features of Pleos Connect: Designed to provide a more intuitive, safe, and personalized in-vehicle experience, Pleos Connect features an upgraded interface, advanced navigation, and a new AI agent named Gleo, along with an app ecosystem allowing users to download apps directly to their vehicles.
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Shift in Vehicle Experience: Eric Wood, Hyundai’s SVP of product experience, emphasized that Pleos Connect allows continuous updates and improvements throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle, enhancing the user experience over time.
Dive Insight:
Pleos Connect is structured around Google’s Android Automotive OS and aims to improve intuitiveness, safety, and openness in infotainment systems, available in the U.S. for Hyundai vehicles with large touchscreens.
Hyundai’s innovation includes supporting native applications, over-the-air updates, and connected services. The design is grounded in user research to enhance interactions within the vehicle, marking a significant shift towards software-defined vehicles.
Future Rollout:
Hyundai projects deploying Pleos Connect in around 20 million vehicles by 2030, enhancing the Tucson, its top-selling model in the U.S., with smart technology.
The platform includes smartphone integration features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus advanced Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities.
Built-in Gleo AI Voice Assistant:
The Gleo AI assistant, a notable feature, uses advanced language processing to understand and respond to natural-language requests. Drivers can engage in conversations for navigation and vehicle functionalities, improving interaction comfort.
Navigation System:
The navigation system integrates Here Maps and Google Places, allowing flexibility in use via a large customizable interface. Notable features include offline capabilities and a user-friendly display for simultaneous app use and route navigation.
Pleos App Market:
The Pleos App Market presents a variety of vehicle-optimized applications directly on the Tucson’s infotainment system. These apps can be independently updated and include entertainment and productivity tools. Hyundai also facilitates third-party app development, ensuring each app undergoes stringent cybersecurity checks.
Hyundai promises additional details on availability and features closer to the Tucson’s launch.
This new infotainment platform sets a precedent for future vehicles, shifting the focus from a static product to a continuously evolving platform tailored to users’ needs.
