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Kia brings Apple CarPlay, Android Auto to more cars via download

It sure beats waiting to receive a flash drive in the mail, or having to head to a dealership.

Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
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Andrew Krok

Back in May, Hyundai expanded its Apple CarPlay and Android Auto availability by way of a user-installed update. Given that Kia and Hyundai are sister companies, it was only a matter of time before the same was offered for Kia. That time has come, with multiple Kia vehicles becoming compatible with the phone systems.

At the end of July, Kia will email owners with instructions on how to download and install the update, which can be done without the help of a dealership. To get on the list, you'll have to sign up at MyUVO.com, which is Kia's web portal for its UVO touchscreen infotainment system.

The following cars will be eligible for the update. They're models equipped with either navigation systems or the non-navigation UVO3 system: 2017 Forte, 2015-2016 Optima/Optima Hybrid, 2015-2016 Sedona, 2014-2016 Soul, 2015-2016 Soul EV, 2016 Sorento and the 2017 Sportage.

If you have an iOS or Android phone, these systems can push your phone's capabilities (and user interface) to your dashboard. You can use voice recognition to call up directions, stream music and send or receive text messages. It's all about minimizing distraction for the driver, which is something we can all get behind. As for Windows Phone users....you're out of luck.

Watch this: 2015 Kia Sedona