Nov.11 , 2015—Hyundai is set to be the first mainstream automaker to launch an augmented reality owner’s manual app, which will be available later this year. The Hyundai Virtual Guide app allows consumers to use their smartphones or tablet computers to get how-to information for repairs, maintenance and vehicle features.
At launch, the Hyundai Virtual Guide is compatible with the 2015 Sonata model, and will soon become available for additional models. The new app recognizes more than 45 features of the Sonata and is available for free download on the Apple App store and Google Play.
In order to determine the top difficult-to-use features to incorporate in the app, Hyundai used quality consumer survey results. The app also contains 82 how-to-videos, six 3D overlay images that appear once users scan areas of their vehicle like the engine bay and over 50 informational guides.
"The Virtual Guide is aimed at educating our owners on how to use the functions and features of their vehicle," said Frank Ferrara, executive vice president, customer satisfaction, Hyundai Motor America. "We modernized the idea of an owner's manual to provide the highest-quality user experience for the growing population of tech savvy consumers."
The Virtual Guides uses two- and three-dimensional tracking technology to deliver information about various parts of the car. Users simply place their phone or tablets over the part of the car they want to learn about.
The Hyundai Virtual Guide can virtually identify and provide how-to information on the following features:
- Air filter
- Smart Cruise Control
- Bluetooth phone pairing
- Warning indicators
- Clock
- Engine oil
- Brake fluid
- Fuse box
- Smart trunk