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UVO POWERED BY MICROSOFT® VOICE-ACTIVATED INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM

UVO POWERED BY MICROSOFT® VOICE-ACTIVATED INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM

09/26/11 ID: 3829

Advanced Technology Available on Most 2012 Kia Vehicles Provides Seamless Hands-free Operation of MP3 Players and Bluetooth® Wireless Devices

  • UVO, short for "Your Voice," provides simple and quick hands-free access to media content and connectivity via phone calls and SMS text messages
  • Based on Windows Embedded Auto Software, UVO is one of the first infotainment systems to integrate Microsoft's® latest voice recognition and speech technology

    • IRVINE, Calif., September 26, 2011 - Kia Motors America's (KMA) design-led transformation has delivered an impressive lineup of vehicles that combine world-class styling with cutting-edge technologies and modern amenities, including the UVO Powered by Microsoft®1 voice-activated infotainment system which debuted on the 2011 Optima Hybrid in June 2010. UVO, short for "Your Voice," provides consumer friendly voice- and touch-activated experiences for management of music files and hands-free mobile phone operation. Co-developed with Microsoft®, and based on Windows Embedded Auto software and available on most 2012 model year Kia vehicles, UVO is an easy-to-use, hands-free solution that allows drivers and passengers to answer and place phone calls, receive and respond to SMS text messages, access music from a variety of media sources and create custom music experiences.

    Understanding drivers want and need intuitive controls, Kia Motors and Microsoft® designed UVO to enable a new level of voice recognition through Microsoft® speech technology. UVO users are able to access media content and connect with people through simple, quick voice commands without having to navigate through menus. By supporting complex grammar, UVO needs only short voice commands to connect drivers and passengers with their desired functions. An interactive system, UVO responds to inquiries such as "What's playing?" and provides audible answers and related functions, helping to keep drivers' eyes safely focused on the road ahead of them.

    UVO also brings advancements to in-car technology through an immersive user experience. The interface features a 4.3-inch, full-color display that provides detailed information on media content, phonebook data and vehicle information, and the screen also doubles as a rear-view camera when the shifter is put in reverse. UVO is an open platform that seamlessly integrates with a wide variety of mobile phones, music players and other devices, making it easy for drivers to quickly pair devices. Based on the award-winning Windows Embedded Auto platform, UVO can be updated easily as new consumer devices continue to be introduced to the market.

    Key Features of UVO, powered by Microsoft:

  • Advanced Speech Recognition: Intelligent Microsoft® speech technology is trained to the system operator's voice, creating a personal profile and allowing for up to two different voice profiles in various languages. Support for large grammar commands and faster response time means the content is delivered when you ask for it. Kia Motors' UVO system is the first in-vehicle solution to integrate full Microsoft® speech engine technology.

  • Natural Interface Advancements: A full-color, easy-to-use, in-dash touch-screen monitor allows occupants to quickly scroll through media and mobile device content through intuitive voice and touch-screen commands.

  • Custom Media Experiences with MyMusic: UVO's "Jukebox" function features a 700MB media storage drive, allowing users to save up to 200 MP3 tracks into personal MyMusic folders, indexed by title, artist, genre, and accessed through voice commands. The system can toggle through the entire multimedia experience such as MP3 players and HD radio stations including Satellite, and instantly identify what's playing all through simple voice commands.

  • Rear Backup Camera: When the vehicle is put in reverse, a built-in rear backup camera uses UVO's in-dash display to provide clearer images of the environment behind the car assisting the driver to identify objects that otherwise may be difficult to see.

  • Ability to Continuously Update Features and Services: Based on a flexible Windows Embedded Auto platform, updates and services can be delivered in a number of ways (over-the-air, over-the-Web) for Kia to continue to provide a superior user experience after the system enters the market.

    • Design-Led Transformation and Product Line
    Kia Motors has undergone a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and brand growth through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology. Kia's commitment to the U.S. market is represented by its U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – which is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and added the critically-acclaimed Optima midsize sedan to its production line in September. Kia's model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

    About Kia Motors America
    Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 745 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies.

    Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

    1 Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
    Press Release Information Accuracy Disclaimer
    Information posted in press releases on the Kia Media website was accurate at the time of posting but may be superseded by subsequent releases or other information.
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