Hyundai confirms bringing CarPlay-enabled Display Audio infotainment system to 2016 models

Apple CarPlay integration on Hyundai's new Display Audio system

South Korean car maker Hyundai on Thursday confirmed that its new Display Audio in-dash system featuring a color touchscreen and CarPlay compatibility will be built into select 2016 models which will debut in late-2015 before being rolled out to the manufacturer’s entire car lineup.

In addition to CarPlay, Hyundai said that Display Audio will support Google’s Android Auto platform out of the box as well. The company will show off Display Audio with CarPlay and Android Auto integration at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show.

Display Audio in-dash units lack a CD player and don’t have an embedded navigation system. Instead, it relies on smartphones for music playback and GPS navigation.

Featuring built-in HD Radio capability, mixed AM/FM/Sirius presets, a high-resolution seven-inch color touchscreen that Hyundai says has been optimized specifically for enhanced smartphone integrations and the latest generation Blue Link system, Display Audio can project CarPlay apps and features, including Apple Maps, phone calls, Siri integration and more.

Of course, music playback with CarPlay is supported via CarPlay-enabled third-party apps like Beats Music, iHeart Radio, MLB At Bat, Spotify, Stitcher, CBS Radio News and Podcasts, among others. And as Apple signs up additional music services, they will become automatically available through Display Audio without requiring a vehicle software update.

Key infotainment features include:

  • Integration with Apple’s Siri-powered “Eyes Free” mode.
  • Functionality allows owners of compatible vehicles to use the voice command button on the steering wheel to ask Siri questions without taking their eyes off the road.
  • Siri Eyes Free supports making calls, selecting and playing music, composing and reading back test messages, using Maps and getting directions, reading notifications, finding calendar information, adding reminders, among other functions.
  • Integration with Google’s voice actions and predictive Google Now functionality.
  • Pandora integration with smartphone.
  • Sirius Satellite Radio with enhanced features.
  • Sirius Traffic and Travel Link.
  • Traffic flow data in major markets, 24/7 traffic incidents and alerts.
  • Sports scores and schedules, stock ticker, movie times, fuel prices and weather/alerts.
  • Advanced voice recognition.
  • Swipe technology.
  • Music, video and picture storage.
  • New home screen with multiple functions.
  • Functionality brings drivers relevant information like local weather, upcoming appointments and current traffic conditions.
  • Pause, back and play for current station.
  • Automatic recording of top six presets.

Following planned launch on select 2016 Hyundai models, Display Audio will eventually become the default infotainment system across all of Hyundai’s entry-level models.

In addition to CarPlay and Android Auto support, Display Audio includes phone-based connectivity with Blue Link for features like remote engine start and automatic collision notification.

[Hyundai]