Kia KND-7 Concept and UVO Voice Recognition System
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Kia unveiled its KND-7 concept car and presented its UVO voice-activation telematics system.
The South Korean brand renamed its CUB concept – first presented in Seoul – to the KND-7 Concept which houses the UVO technology.
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The KND-7 is a coupe with suicide doors to facilitate access to the rear seats; an approach not unlike that of its cousin, the Hyundai Veloster.
Under the hood lies a valiant 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo that develops 204 horsepower.
The Consumer Electronics Show
A car manufacturer wouldn’t attend this impressive electronics fair without presenting an innovative technology itself
For Kia, this is what the UVO system represents. It will be mainly used for speech recognition and is powered by Microsoft. The Kia Sportage was actually the first vehicle to benefit from the UVO system.
Kia says the UVO system enables users to easily and efficiently perform functions such as dictating messages, selecting their favorite music or asking for directions, all while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
“With UVO, Kia has a strong base to build from in the advancement of telematics and infotainment technology, pushing the boundaries of connectivity and convenience while maintaining safety as a top priority,” remarked Henry Bzeih, chief technology strategist at Kia Motors America. “Kia’s teams are constantly looking for new and better ways to strengthen the relationship between driver and car. Our real-world approach to in-car technology, coupled with compelling design and premium amenities has the Kia brand moving in new and exciting directions.”