AI voice assistant, video streaming, and Wi-Fi hotspot included in Kia’s latest OTA update

Kia’s much-anticipated AI voice assistant is now available for EV3 drivers as part of a range of features included in the company’s latest over-the-air (OTA) update. These features cover improvements to voice control, connectivity, entertainment, and navigation, as Kia continues to enhance the driver and passenger experience.

“We are very excited to bring the Kia AI assistant into our vehicles, as this highly capable voice assistant engages with drivers and passengers in a natural, conversational way, to easily plan trips, find entertainment, and much more,” said Pablo Martínez Masip, Vice President Product & Marketing at Kia Europe and COO at Kia Connect. “This is a great example of how an award-winning connected vehicle can be made even better through a software update.”

Kia vehicles from Model Year 2022 (MY22) onwards that are telematics-equipped that are eligible to receive two free OTA updates. After that, further OTA updates can be purchased in the Kia Connect Store, accessible via the Kia Connect App.* The latest update adds new features specifically for the EV3, with various entertainment packages, YouTube streaming, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and AI assistant among 18 changes available for that vehicle**.

Wireless technology is used to download the latest available software. Once the download is complete, and the ignition is turned off, a confirmation window appears on the infotainment screen for the installation to start.

Updates specifically applicable to EV3, EV6, EV9, and Sorento*** (MY22 onwards)

• Changing the temperature: new embedded command “increase temperature” raises the temperature by 2°C, while “lower temperature” reduces the temperature by 2°C. Also includes new intuitive commands such as “I’m cold” and “I’m sweating” to adjust the climate control.
• Volume control: supporting natural language commands for volume control, including increases and decreases based on percentages.
• Enhanced EV Route Planner: possibility of changing the target State of Charge at destination and at charging station, possibility to use Kia AI assistant (EV3 only) to navigate and possibility to see the EV Route Planner on the split screen. 
• New navigation functions: sharing current location, information on waypoints and destination information.
• Simplified text-to-speech: voice recognition prompts are simplified to increase the customer experience.
• Emergency Vehicle Alert: provides an alert service when emergency vehicles (such as ambulances) are approaching****

 Updates applicable to all telematics-equipped Kia vehicles (MY22 onwards):

• Navigation alert camera: the navigation camera alarm is now based on information from TomTom.

 EV3-specific updates

• Wi-Fi hotspot: enables passengers to connect their devices to the internet directly through the vehicle (available as a paid option).
• Entertainment packages, including Netflix, Disney+, karaoke and gaming, provide customers with a richer in-car entertainment experience (available as a paid option)
• YouTube Home Card application: enables customers to access YouTube directly from the vehicle’s screen (available as a paid option).
• Kia AI assistant: powered by generative AI, the assistant understands natural language and allows for more intuitive interaction, to assist with trip planning, vehicle control, entertainment and more (free trial included in all EV3).

“OTA updates reflect Kia’s commitment to optimising vehicle performance as they offer drivers more convenience and ensure that Kia vehicles have the latest technologies,” said Olivier Pascal, General Manager Connected Cars of Kia Connect. “This innovation underlines our dedication to delivering a future-proof driving experience.”

An initial one-year trial bundles two free OTA updates for the vehicle’s navigation maps and infotainment. After that, a subscription service is available on the Kia Connect Store with the update packages delivered twice per year. Prices and availability of all features may vary depending on the country.