K900

Make
Kia
Segment
Sedan

Augmented reality is changing how we interact with our cars. Porsche, for example, is utilizing the technology to help technicians service cars, and recently launched an app that superimposes sports cars onto your driveway. Now, Kia has announced it's launching a new AI-based owner's manual dubbed the 'Kia Owner's Manual App' developed in partnership with Google Cloud and Megazone. So the next time you buy a new Kia model, it might not have a traditional printed owner's manual.

Using a smartphone camera, the app explains the functions of features inside Kia models when scanned, making it more convenient to find out specific information than flicking through the pages of a traditional printed owner's manual. Kia has offered augmented reality mobile apps in some markets since 2017, but use of the app was limited as it required measuring all layouts and switches for every new model.

This new app can recognize symbols on the switches, meaning it's compatible with any new Kia model, such as the Kia K900.

According to Kia, applying Google Cloud's unique AI platform-based image learning technology enables the app to accurately scan and identify in-car switch symbols from any angle. For example, if a user scans the 'cruise control' symbol on the steering wheel with a smartphone, the AI will recognize the image and display a video detailing the functions of the cruise control system. The Kia Owner's Manual App serves can also be used as a digital owner's manual with a search function and provides an illustrated list of in-car symbols and instrument cluster warning lights.

"The Kia Owner's Manual App will offer a unique customer experience with our products," said Eui-sung Kim, Vice President and Head of Global Dealer & Service of Kia Motors. "Kia drivers will be able to enhance the safety and convenience of ownership with the app, which provides easy and intuitive information on the various functions of their vehicle and our latest technologies."

The Kia's Owner's Manual App will be available worldwide for new models in the second half of 2020. Potentially, we can imagine the technology evolving into a mobile diagnosis app in the future that enables you to take a photo or record a video of a technical issue to troubleshoot problems.