2010 Kia Rio

2010 Kia Rio

Ford has enjoyed having an exclusive deal with Microsoft for the North American market for the Microsoft Auto Platform that powers the Ford Sync voice-activated entertainment system. That deal came to an end with the close of 2008, so now it is time for the competition to play catch up. The first in line is the Kia Motors Corporation.

The Kia version of a voice-activated entertainment and information system will be called UVO. Like the Ford system it will be based on the Microsoft Auto Platform, a platform now known as Windows Embedded Auto software platform. The first vehicle to debut with the new UVO system has yet to be announced, but we do know that it will roll out to the North American market in 2010.

Some of the details are still fuzzy and Kia is keeping tight lips. The lack of open exchange is due to the fact that Kia wants to save the details until they formally introduce the UVO system next Tuesday. Our current information says that it will be introduced at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Stay tuned to AllSmallCars.com for more information as we know it and don’t be surprised if your next Kia vehicle has a competitive voice-activated system onboard.

 

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Required]