The future tech of Kia (photos)

Kia brought its 2011 Sorrento to CES to show off its new UVO feature, which connects MP3 players and Bluetooth phones, enabling voice control over each. But Kia has a lot more tech on deck, which it brought to the show.

Kia displayed a new haptic thumbwheel controller mounted to a steering wheel. On the default setting, the thumbwheel clicks into detents when turned. In a setup screen, you can choose from nine different haptic settings, including different detents, smooth scrolling, and a spring stop.

The thumbwheel controls various onscreen menus. In this example it selects from different audio sources.

Digital TV options for cars are going to become more prevalent in the near future, and Kia is exploring this technology for rear seat entertainment.

Kia's UVO follows the feature-set already implemented in Ford Sync. This telematics display showed that Kia is still following in Ford's footsteps by offering a telematics service through a Bluetooth-connected phone. This photo shows POI information downloaded through a phone connection. The system would also include a 911 feature, contacting emergency services if it detects airbag deployment.

This system uses the connected car to bring in user-customizable content from the Web. The Community feature shows Facebook, Linked In, Twitter, and Flickr. Because of driver distraction issues, we doubt this mode would be operational while driving.

The Car Widgets can also tap into vehicle information through the car's OBD-II port, gathering operating information and presenting it to the driver in a useful format.

Kia is working with an antenna manufacturer on the Unity Antenna. This sharkfin-style antenna includes chips for AM/FM radio, 2G and 3G wireless data connections, and GPS. In total, it offers nine different band capabilities.