Called the “Hyundai Virtual Guide,” the new app will debut with the 2015 Sonata, and will later become available for additional models.
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Having previously converted the traditional owner’s manual into an iOS app in 2010 and following up in 2014 by putting it inside the vehicle’s touchscreen, Hyundai has continued the evolution of the former glove box staple with the Hyundai Virtual Guide.
The app can virtually identify and provide information about various tasks and features, from checking your oil, to jumping the battery, to identifying/decoding lights in the instrument cluster, and even how to use the smart trunk.
Perhaps now you’ll read your owner’s manual over a cup of coffee in the morning?
Augmented reality comes into play by way of six 3D images built into Hyundai Virtual Guide.
Tablet-based electronic vehicle owner’s manuals are par for the course these days, but Hyundai’s taking it a step further, announcing this week that it’ll be launching an augmented reality (AR) manual later this year. The app would then recognize what you’re looking at and would relay information to you.
Great idea. It shouldn’t come as a big surprise to see fellow automakers follow Hyundai’s lead, either. After scanning an area of the vehicle, like the engine bay or the dashboard, the app will point out any relevant information regarding the auto part.
“The Virtual Guide is aimed at educating our owners on how to use the functions and features of their vehicle“, said Frank Ferrara, executive vice president, customer satisfaction, Hyundai Motor America.
Hyundai is the first mainstream automaker to release a 2D/3D owner’s manual accessible on portable, everyday digital devices.
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The application will be free of charge for both Android and Apple.
