Advancements in Kia's UVO voice-activation system highlighted at CES

At the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Kia has brought a collection of new and future technologies highlighting telematics and infotainment, each focused on creating a safer, more dynamic and efficient driving experience. The cornerstone of these new technologies is Kia's UVO system, which serves as the catalyst for connectivity between driver and car.

Alongside, Kia's KND-7 compact four-door coupe made its North American debut at this year's CES. Designed in Seoul under the direction of President and Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the KND-7 is less than 4,000mm long, has coach doors and an 'access-all-areas' concept due to the lack of B-pillars.

The KND-7 is both sleek and small, with design features created by Peter Schreyer for the 2007 Kia Kee 2+2 concept revisited in a new form. The KND-7's nose has a broad wrap-around 'mouth,' and there is a 'dip' in the top of the windshield.

The latest interpretation of Kia's signature grille is a shallow and incorporates the turbocharger's air intake. The KND-7 powertrain features a 1.6-litre GDI turbocharged engine producing 201bhp.

User-centered Driver Concept (UCD)
The UCD concept provides a wide, 18-inch Head-Up Display (HUD), which offers drivers an augmented-reality snapshot of vital information such as speed, navigation and traffic information.

Additionally, a 12.3-inch TFT-LCD cluster presents a 3D view of vital vehicle information, utilising eye-tracking technology to maintain a clear view from various angles.

Developed to allow full use of the vehicle's navigation services and other driver controlled operations without sacrificing safety, the UCD concept also includes a hand-gesture controller. 

Thanks to advanced infrared light and camera sensors, users can quickly access radio and navigation options with simple hand or finger movements without taking their eyes off the road.

In-vehicle Infotainment Concept (IVI)
The IVI Concept seamless delivers content via a multi-display layout, prominently featuring a 20-inch multi-touch centre console display.

The 'Smart Radio' function, offers the ability to personalise playlists according to the user's mood or based on five templates for different driving environments.

The development of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication is demonstrated in the IVI Concept as a series of real world scenarios.

Dynamic HD wireless (WiHD) technology enables and optimises connectivity of these various components, including front seat display and two independently functioning rear-seat entertainment units.

The Future of UVO
At the heart of Kia's telematics and infotainment innovations is UVO VR (Voice Recognition) technology.

Powering the next generation Kia telematics, this Hybrid VR platform enables users to easily and efficiently perform functions such as dictating messages, selecting their favourite music or asking for directions, all while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. 

As soon as next year, some 2015 model year Kia vehicles will arrive with an all new generation of multimedia suite.