The smartwatch, or basically a smartphone for your wrist, is increasing in popularity at an exponential rate. According to Research and Markets, the wearable device market has the potential to reach $32.9 billion by 2020. The market research store also stated that the Android operating system, which is currently the most popular variety for smartwatch manufacturers, would expand even more throughout the next five years. This news is particularly good for Hyundai who recently announced their tried and true Blue Link telematics system’s availability as a smartwatch application.
Titled the Blue Link smartwatch companion app, the software is currently only available for Android Wear via the Google Play Store. Features such as remote start, remote engine stop, remote door lock/unlock, and remote flash lights or horn are available either via touch or, voice activation. Other features include Blue Link’s Car Finder, Call Roadside and Call Blue Link which connects you to some of the nicest operators in the automotive industry. The app works with first and second generations Blue Link equipped Hyundais which date back all the way to the 2012 Sonata. The question of whether or not this app will be available for Apple products has yet to be answered.
“Now you can remote start your car with your smartphone, smartwatch, laptop, desktop or tablet. It is like being James Bond 007 or Scotty in Star Trek,” said Frank Ferrara, executive vice president, customer satisfaction, Hyundai Motor America in an official press release. This statement alone makes us want to go out and get a black Genesis 5.0 and a tailored suit.
