Hyundai Adds Blue Link Skill For Amazon Alexa
Hyundai this week became the first mainstream automaker to connect cars with homes using Amazon Echo and its new Blue Link skill for Amazon Alexa. Hyundai owners can now lock, unlock, and remote start their vehicles from home using voice commands. The new Blue Link skill for Amazon Alexa is available across Alexa-enabled devices and Hyundai vehicles equipped with the second generation of Blue Link.
"Our customers increasingly want more ways to interact with their vehicles, especially when they are hustling to get out the door," said Barry Ratzlaff, executive director of digital business planning and connected operations at Hyundai Motor America, in a statement. "Linking smart devices like the Amazon Echo and Apple Watch to vehicles via Blue Link continues to fill that desire. Allowing consumers to send commands to their car is just the beginning."
Owners of the new Hyundai IONIQ electric and plug-in electric vehicles and Sonata plug-in electric cars can now start and stop the charge of their cars with simple voice commands with the Blue Link skill. Hyundai owners can also use the voice service for remote start, including climate control across all supported Hyundai models, remote door lock/unlock across all Hyundai models, and remote horn/lights across all Hyundai models.
The BlueLink feature also offers destination search by Google, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Blue Link can be accessed from the buttons on the rearview mirror, the web, or via smartphone app. In addition to the new Blue Link skill, some of these features can be controlled via the latest Android Wear and Apple Watch smartwatch offerings.
"We're excited to work with Hyundai to expand their Blue Link skill for Amazon Alexa to more cars with Blue Link," said Rob Pulciani, director of Amazon Alexa, in a statement. "Being able to complete simple tasks like locking your car doors, set your car temperature, and more, all with just using your voice from inside the comfort of your home, is a magical experience. We can't wait for Alexa and Blue Link customers to try out this new skill."
The Blue Link skill for Amazon Alexa is compatible with second generation Blue Link equipped vehicles. These vehicles include the following:
- All 2017 model Blue Link-equipped vehicles;
- 2016 Genesis, Azera, Tucson, Sonata (SE, Sport Limited, Sport 2.0T, Limited 2.0T, Eco 1.6T), Sonata Hybrid (Limited Ultimate package), Veloster (Tech package), and Elantra GT (Tech package).
- 2015 Genesis, Sonata, Azera.
To send commands to Hyundai vehicles via Alexa, users must enable the Blue Link skill in their Alexa app available on iOS, Android and Fire tablets, and then link their existing Blue Link accounts within the Alexa app. Voice commands will only be sent to Hyundai vehicles after Alexa prompts owners for their Blue Link Personal Identification Numbers (PINs).