Hyundai to Enable Wireless Android Auto and CarPlay in New Models, Starting with the Kona and Kona EV

Hyundai has finally announced that it will be enabling wireless Android Auto and CarPlay in its new models, starting with the Kona and Kona EV. The software update will also be available for other Hyundai models equipped with the new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), including the Grandeur, Sonata facelift, Santa Fe, IONIQ 5, and Kia EV9. The new Sorento will also receive the update at a later time.

Hyundai says it is also working on enabling wireless Android Auto and CarPlay in Genesis models, but no further specifics were shared at this point. All models with ccIC should receive the software update.

Once the update is installed, drivers will have to delete their existing connection profiles to start from scratch with a wireless connection. However, once the cordless configuration is complete, users can run Android Auto and CarPlay without connecting their phone to the head unit with a cable.

Hyundai did not reveal when it plans to begin the rollout of the infotainment software update, but the first models should receive it by the end of the year.

This is a welcome addition for Hyundai and Kia owners, as it will make it easier and more convenient to use their smartphones in their cars. Wireless Android Auto and CarPlay also reduce the amount of clutter in the cabin, as there is no need for a cable to connect the phone to the car.

Why are some carmakers moving to Android Automotive?

Some carmakers, such as General Motors, are moving to Android Automotive, which is a full-fledged version of the Android operating system that is integrated into the car’s infotainment system. Android Automotive offers a number of advantages over traditional mobile phone projection systems, such as access to vehicle information and features, and the ability to download and install apps directly from the Google Play Store.

However, Android Automotive also has some disadvantages. For one, it can be more expensive to implement than traditional mobile phone projection systems. Additionally, it can be more difficult to keep Android Automotive up to date, as it requires carmakers to release software updates.

What about Tesla and Rivian?

Tesla and Rivian have both opted to develop their own in-house infotainment systems instead of using Android Automotive or mobile phone projection systems. These systems offer a number of advantages, such as deep integration with the vehicle’s hardware and software. However, they can also be more expensive and less user-friendly than traditional infotainment systems.

Conclusion

The adoption of wireless Android Auto and CarPlay is a positive development for consumers. It makes it easier and more convenient to use smartphones in cars, and it reduces the amount of clutter in the cabin. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of different infotainment systems before making a purchase decision.

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Cars

According to Sundar Pichai, Waymo may be open to selling you a self-driving car

by George Mensah 2025-04-26

During Alphabet’s recent earnings call, CEO Sundar Pichai revealed that Waymo is considering selling autonomous vehicles for personal ownership, marking a potential strategic expansion beyond its current ride-hailing services. This “future optionality around personal ownership” represents a significant evolution for the autonomous vehicle pioneer that has primarily focused on commercial fleet operations until now.

Historical Context and Current Partnerships

2018 Chrysler Partnership: Waymo previously collaborated with Chrysler to develop autonomous Pacifica minivans, exploring private ownership models
Current Commercial Operations: Waymo maintains partnerships with Moove in Miami and Uber in Austin (with Atlanta expansion coming soon)
Global Expansion: The company recently began testing in Japan, demonstrating its growing international presence

The Emerging Personal AV Market Landscape

Waymo’s Potential Consumer Offering

While details remain scarce, industry analysts speculate that Waymo’s consumer vehicles might feature:

The same advanced sensor suite (including lidar) used in current Jaguar I-Pace robotaxis
Five-seat configurations similar to existing fleet vehicles
Potentially higher price points reflecting their premium technology

Tesla’s Competing Vision

Elon Musk has outlined Tesla’s very different approach:

Cybercab Concept: A $30,000 two-seater targeting 2026 availability
Minimalist Design: No steering wheel and camera-only perception system
Aggressive Timeline: Promises of “millions” of autonomous Teslas by late 2025

Critical Differences in Technology and Strategy

Sensor Philosophy

Waymo: Relies on comprehensive sensor arrays including lidar, radar and cameras
Tesla: Bets entirely on camera-based “Tesla Vision” with no lidar

Business Model Evolution

Waymo: Potentially transitioning from B2B to B2C while maintaining commercial operations
Tesla: Building on existing consumer sales while adding robotaxi functionality

Current Operational Reality

Waymo Advantage: Hundreds of vehicles already operating in multiple cities
Tesla’s Challenge: Still awaiting regulatory approval for fully autonomous operations

The Road Ahead for Personal AV Adoption

Key Challenges Both Companies Face

Regulatory Hurdles: Approval processes for consumer-owned autonomous vehicles
Insurance Complexities: Developing coverage models for owner-operated robotaxis
Maintenance Infrastructure: Creating service networks for advanced AV systems
Consumer Acceptance: Overcoming public skepticism about self-driving technology

Market Potential

Industry analysts project:

The global autonomous vehicle market could reach $2 trillion by 2030
Personal AVs may represent 30-40% of total AV sales by 2035
Early adopters likely to be tech enthusiasts and luxury vehicle buyers

Expert Perspectives on the Coming AV Wars

“Waymo’s potential move into consumer sales represents a natural evolution,” says Dr. Sarah Chen, MIT Mobility Initiative researcher. “Their rigorous approach to safety and proven technology gives them an advantage, but Tesla’s existing customer base and manufacturing scale present formidable competition.”

Automotive analyst James Follett notes: “The fundamental difference in sensor strategies will make for an interesting case study in AV development. We’re essentially seeing two completely different technological philosophies competing for the same market.”

What This Means for Consumers

As the personal AV market develops, potential buyers should consider:

Safety Records: Compare real-world performance data as it becomes available
Total Cost of Ownership: Factor in potential savings from robotaxi income
Geographic Availability: Services will likely roll out in select markets first
Technology Maturity: Early versions may have operational limitations

The coming years will prove crucial in determining whether Waymo’s methodical, safety-first approach or Tesla’s ambitious, scale-focused strategy will dominate the personal autonomous vehicle market. One thing is certain: the race to put self-driving cars in private garages is heating up.

Cars

Trevor Milton, the founder of Nikola, is charged with attempting to sabotage the bankruptcy case

by George Mensah 2025-04-12

What started as a smooth court hearing on Friday regarding the sale of Nikola Corporation’s key assets to Lucid Motors took a sharp turn toward controversy — all thanks to a late intervention by a familiar figure from Nikola’s past.

The hearing, conducted via Zoom and overseen by Delaware bankruptcy judge Thomas Horan, had been progressing without a hitch. No formal objections had been filed, and Judge Horan gave his verbal approval for the sale without hesitation. That is, until a new voice broke the calm.

A lawyer, representing ISSO LLC — a firm tied to Trevor Milton, Nikola’s embattled founder — spoke up. His client had “concerns” about the auction process, the attorney said, though he clarified they could be addressed later. He emphasized, however, that he didn’t want his client’s current silence to be used against them in future legal proceedings.

This seemingly minor comment cast a long shadow over what should have been a straightforward conclusion. Trevor Milton, recently spared a prison term by a pardon from former President Donald Trump, appears far from finished with Nikola.

Milton’s Ongoing Influence and Legal Entanglements

Trevor Milton has a complicated history with Nikola. After resigning amid fraud allegations, he faced multiple lawsuits and an arbitration award ordering him to pay $168 million to Nikola — a sum that plays a critical role in the company’s ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Before filing for bankruptcy, Nikola agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit from shareholders who had accused Milton of making false and misleading statements. That settlement hinged on distributing any proceeds from the arbitration award to affected shareholders.

Milton’s legal maneuvering during the bankruptcy process has not gone unnoticed. His representatives’ attempts to contest the sale or delay proceedings suggest he may be angling to undermine the company’s efforts to stabilize and move forward — potentially impacting that $168 million award.

What Lucid Motors Is Gaining — and What Nikola Still Holds

Despite the courtroom drama, the sale to Lucid Motors was officially approved. Lucid acquired:

Nikola’s Coolidge, Arizona factory
The Phoenix headquarters lease
Key manufacturing equipment
Around 300 Nikola employees who will join Lucid’s workforce

However, Nikola is not completely out of the asset business. It retains its inventory of hydrogen-powered trucks and various other equipment, leaving the door open for additional sales to generate much-needed funds.

Nikola’s Legal Team Pushes Back Against Milton

Nikola’s attorney, Joshua Morris, made it clear during the hearing that Milton’s last-minute objections were not only expected but also unwelcome.

“This is a pattern of behavior that we’ve seen over and over,” Morris said, referencing Milton’s history of disruptive tactics.

Morris argued that Milton’s actions appeared to be an effort to sabotage Nikola’s recovery, speculating that Milton might be trying to force a desperation-driven settlement that would devalue the arbitration award he owes.

“We believe these are baseless assertions. When asked for any evidence or specificity, none was provided,” Morris stated. “We ran the sale process openly and involved all parties.”

Ultimately, the hearing concluded without any formal delays, though the unresolved tension between Milton and his former company leaves open the possibility of future legal battles.

A spokesperson for Milton did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

What This Means for Nikola’s Future

The approval of the asset sale to Lucid Motors is a critical milestone for Nikola as it seeks to navigate bankruptcy proceedings and chart a path forward. However, Trevor Milton’s lingering influence and legal maneuvers could continue to complicate efforts to fully stabilize the company.

As Nikola pushes forward, the focus will likely remain on:

Successfully liquidating remaining assets
Upholding the shareholder settlement linked to Milton’s arbitration award
Minimizing disruption from ongoing legal threats

Lucid Motors, meanwhile, gains valuable infrastructure and talent to bolster its own ambitions in the competitive EV market.

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