CES 2013: Hyundai, Kia add Google search to their navigation

Hyundai and sister carmaker Kia both announced partnerships with Google at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week that will bring Internet search functions on the road.

The new arrangement will bring the search engine's mighty voice-activated point-of-interest (POI) and local search functionality into their vehicles, and it will allow users to send searches from another device to their car.

Google turn-by-turn directions will not be part of the package, but the new functionality will give users access to Google's continuously updated database, rather than a fixed database as used in traditional portable navigators. Plus, it will work in concert with the optional navigation and telematics services offered by both carmakers, Hyundai Blue Link and Kia UVO.

The Google enhancements are set to begin rolling out on the 2014 Kia Sorento in a few weeks, and they will be phased in over time. Hyundai has yet to announce a launch date, and neither brand has said whether there will be an extra cost for the additional functionality.

See our complete CES 2013 coverage.

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