Kia releases update: Silence at the press of a button

With the comprehensive update, Kia is improving the operating system in many vehicles. The manufacturer promises 153 innovations. These include, among other things, a significantly improved route planner for electric cars that provides information on arrival times, charging status and charging stations. Also new is that preconditioning is activated when the driver searches for charging stations using voice recognition. Voice control also supports other commands, for example controlling ambient lighting and the instrument cluster. The music streaming service SoundCloud is also integrated.

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Peace of mind at the press of a button

From July 7, all cars registered in the EU for the first time have been subject to the requirement that a visual and acoustic warning be given when a recognized speed limit is exceeded. This can be temporarily turned off, but it turns on again every time you restart. However, many test cars show some significant shortcomings when it comes to detecting traffic signs. Sometimes a warning is given even if it is not necessary – and vice versa. Manufacturers are aware of this and usually approach the problem from two sides. On the one hand, one can assume that the detection rate will improve. What some manufacturers offer in this regard cannot be a permanent offer. On the other hand, they initially make it easy to turn off this warning. Mercedes has built in a button at the top level for this. Kia makes this possible via a steering wheel button after an extensive update to the operating system. Many people have probably been waiting for this, since until now the driver has had to disable the often vague warning device every time he starts the car if he doesn’t want to be repeatedly scolded for no reason.

Who gets this?

The update will gradually reach over-the-air (OTA) from the 2022 model year on all Kia cars that can receive the update this way. Most Kia models include two OTA updates within the first year, only the EV9 has six. If you want to stay updated without going to a dealer, you will have to subscribe for 89 euros per year, which includes two packages. In addition, it seems that Kia has also drilled the transmission into the car. According to the press release, over-the-air updates can be done significantly faster thanks to the three times bandwidth.

(MFs)