Apple Watch now compatible with select Hyundai cars

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Hyundai Apple Watch
Now Hyundai owners can start their cars while sitting in their cars but using an Apple Watch.
Photo: Hyundai

Hyundai has good news for Apple Watch owners who also drive late-model Sonatas: You can now use your wearable to control parts of your car.

The auto manufacturer has rolled out an update to its Blue Link app, which already creates an interface with an iPhone, to expand the connected-car functionality to Apple’s new smartwatch.

“Giving customers more ways to connect with their cars is what it is all about,” said Hyundai Motor America’s executive vice president of customer satisfaction Frank Ferrara in a press release. “The Blue Link Apple Watch app complements all of our other high-tech features. Drivers can get into a Sonata today and find iPhone integration, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection and a smart trunk that will open automatically when you stand behind it.”

Blue Link is a safety and service platform that costs $99 a year. It’s currently available on about 40 Hyundai models released since 2012, and in addition to the unlocking and remote start features, the service will also detect accidents, control car temperature, and help you find your vehicle if you forget where you parked it.

While the Apple Watch component doesn’t add any features that aren’t available on the iPhone version, the convenience of having these controls on your wrist is pretty cool. After all, if you’re going to reach into your pocket to get your phone to unlock your car, why not just grab your keys while you’re in there?

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