[ROY-K5-EX]

Are any of you that opted for the 10.25" touch screen that comes with the Premium Package on the EX trim upset that Kia decided to remove the Wireless Android Auto even though it's standard on the 8" touch screen? It doesn't make sense that the more expensive EX with the more expensive 10.25" screen would not have a feature available on the less expensive 8" version. I have emailed Kia and I am waiting for their input.

I am aware that the "AAWireless" adapter/dongle, that brings wireless to any Android Auto unit, will be available via the Indiegogo campaign but the first units won't be out until December and those are sold out. The next batch will be available in March but we shouldn't have to use a third party to get the wireless feature. We need to put a little pressure on Kia to provide an update or other means to get Wireless Android Auto.

What are your thoughts?

 

[meubin10]

I have the 8" screen, although I don't care about the wireless capability so the 10.25" wouldn't matter to me. But I still think it's crazy they didn't include the wireless functionally in the 10.25". Weird.

 

[Luv2SkiCO]

This impresses me as the sort of thing that can be fixed with software. Isn't the Apple Car Play wireless broken as well on the 10.25" unit?

 

[ROY-K5-EX]

Neither is "broken"; Wireless AA & Apple Car Play are just not available for the 10.25" screen even though they are available on the less expensive 8" screen. That is why I ask that all owners of the 10.25" screen to complain to Kia to get them to issue a software update or other means to make wireless AA and ACP available.

 

[mike]

I have a new Sorento MQ4 equipped with a Prestige package with a 10.25" screen. It's completely irracional to exclude wireless Android Auto from the more expensive and more advanced system. I hope it's only a matter of a new software but if 10.25" system lacks proper Wi-Fi module, then software update won't help.

 

[ROY-K5-EX]

I emailed Kia and this was their lame response:

We have received your recent online contact and we appreciate the opportunity to assist. Unfortunately, we do not have any information regarding product design details or information regarding design decisions. As the vehicle manufacturer, we value customer feedback and consider this information paramount to our brand. We will ensure your input is provided to the appropriate levels within KMA. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

Thank you for contacting Kia.

Sincerely,
Haley S.
Kia Motors America

I replied to that email with a more forceful request and notified them that I was requesting more complaints from a "Kia Forum". I have been able to get into the "Engineering" menu of my 10.25" screen and saw that it has a wi-fi module. We need to keep the pressure on Kia to get them to update the firmware for wireless AA.

I get the impression that not many Kia owners out there have opted for the 10.25" screen since very few have posted a response to this discussion. Come on people, let's mobilize and show Kia that their customers expect more them than just a lame response.

 

[mike]

I can enter engineering mode too but where should I look for to find if it has wifi module?

 

[Luv2SkiCO]

The wireless Apple CarPlay feature initiates contact over Bluetooth and then uses that BT connection to establish a high bandwidth connection over WiFi to support bandwidth-intensive chores like dynamic map display, etc. Wired CarPlay requires Apple MFI certification of the vendor's platform (and royalties paid to Apple, of course). Most of the MFI program info is covered by NDAs so details are sketchy. It would appear that both the 8" display and 10.25" infotainment display units have been certified by Apple for wired CarPlay and only the 8" unit for wireless CarPlay.

If both platforms are made by the same OEM and if the underlying embedded OS is the same, one could expect that a software port of the 8" wireless CarPlay software would be straightforward. Maybe they ran out of memory on the 10.25" unit (with all of its bells and whistles) or they have issues getting it MFI certified. Hard to say, but Kia needs to up their game here!

 

[mike]

So, possibly, Wireless Android Auto is disabled because Wireless Apple CarPlay is an extra cost for an unit that already has a navigation with 7-years of free updates? Or maybe it's just a matter of a simple strategy: 8" unit doesn't have navigation so it supports Wireless AA/AC and 10.25" unit has navigation so it doesn't need Wireless AA/AC technology.

Either way, I would love to hear the real reason behind such decision.

 

[mike]

And by the way, the 10.25" head unit in my Sorento MQ4 has 128GB eMMC storage, so running out of memory is not a problem here.

 

[mike]

According to the engineering menu, the 10.25" head unit is equipped with BCM89359 5G WiFi/Bluetooth Smart 2X2 MIMO Combo Chip with RSDB Support. Its key features are:

• Optimized for seamless interaction with enhanced wireless applications and feature-rich systems like Apple CarPlay and Google Auto Link, the BCM89359 device is the first WLAN combo architected specifically for multi-band concurrent automotive infotainment and telematics operation.
• RSDB support enables simultaneous connectivity to the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands, improving throughput and latency when using multiple applications.
• Integrated 5G WiFi technology provides the bandwidth required for multiple high resolution in-car displays, allowing uncongested 5GHz video to coexist concurrently with Wi-Fi Internet access and 2.4GHz Bluetooth hands-free audio.
• 2x2 MIMO technology delivers twice the Wi-Fi performance of any other solution on the market today, providing the highest throughput in-car network possible for multiple user experiences.
• A dedicated Bluetooth antenna enables concurrent operation of Bluetooth and WLAN applications and employs advanced coexistence algorithms to maximize voice quality and data access speed in simultaneous operation.

 

[Cojax]

This impresses me as the sort of thing that can be fixed with software. Isn't the Apple Car Play wireless broken as well on the 10.25" unit?

Wireless android auto don't work all the time either

 

[Mehul]

I just bought K5 EX with premium package last month. I am absolutely upset that I am not getting wireless AA with my new 10.25" display. I have even bought few USB WIFI 5GHZ dongle thinking that I can make wireless connection from my phone to USB port so that it can connect AA wirelessly, and it didn't work since those dongle support windows OSs and apple OSs. and not able to detect driver of the WIFI dongle. I don't know what operating system does KIA infotainment uses.
Also, I found that when I connect my Samsung s20 phone with USB cable, it connected successfully, when I open the google map on the 10.25" display, I am so upset that display just use 8" portion of the screen for google map, then what's the point of getting 10.25 inch screen. that's so stupid.
Also I realized that KIA used so cheap plastic for dash and in the middle that it started making bad noise in just 500 miles.

Does anyone ever saw KOREAN version on K5, they are offering more tech in same price? seems the KIA USA wants to get rid of some old left over parts that they have used in new K5 and make money out of it. Compare SONATA of USA and KOREA, they are offering everything same? I am very very upset with it. Even I have wrote this in review and they never responded. sometimes I thought I wish I would bought some other car.

Does anyone know what operation system does KIA use? I am thinking to create wireless connection from my phone to USB port. please help if you have more knowledge and which dongle is good for it. please share link to buy.
Thank you everyone to bring it in front.

 

[Mehul]

According to the engineering menu, the 10.25" head unit is equipped with BCM89359 5G WiFi/Bluetooth Smart 2X2 MIMO Combo Chip with RSDB Support. Its key features are:

• Optimized for seamless interaction with enhanced wireless applications and feature-rich systems like Apple CarPlay and Google Auto Link, the BCM89359 device is the first WLAN combo architected specifically for multi-band concurrent automotive infotainment and telematics operation.
• RSDB support enables simultaneous connectivity to the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands, improving throughput and latency when using multiple applications.
• Integrated 5G WiFi technology provides the bandwidth required for multiple high resolution in-car displays, allowing uncongested 5GHz video to coexist concurrently with Wi-Fi Internet access and 2.4GHz Bluetooth hands-free audio.
• 2x2 MIMO technology delivers twice the Wi-Fi performance of any other solution on the market today, providing the highest throughput in-car network possible for multiple user experiences.
• A dedicated Bluetooth antenna enables concurrent operation of Bluetooth and WLAN applications and employs advanced coexistence algorithms to maximize voice quality and data access speed in simultaneous operation.

how does android auto connect to audio system from phone. Does it use WIFI or BLUETOOTH (what frequncy) for connection?

 

[mike]

As far as I know both audio streaming and calls uses Bluetooth connection. No matter if you are wired or wireless connected.

 

[ROY-K5-EX]

Fellow K5 Owners,
I just rented a 2021 Hyundai Sonata that had absolutely no extras; no keyless entry, no keyless start, no power seats, but guess what - it has WIRELESS Android Auto in the smaller 8" head unit. If a base Sonata can have wireless android auto, why can't a K5-EX Premium have it??

 

[mike]

It's the same with all modern KIA/Hyundai models. 8" (standard) screens have Wireless AA/ACP and 10,25" (premium, Bose) doesn't. At least for now.

 

[ROY-K5-EX]

It's the same with all modern KIA/Hyundai models. 8" (standard) screens have Wireless AA/ACP and 10,25" (premium, Bose) doesn't. At least for now.

Mike, You seem very "connected" but do have any influence/contacts with Kia to get us the requested update?

 

[mike]

No, sorry. I am just a new KIA owner and I have absolutely no deep connections. It's just that I like to dig things myself instead of relying on others.

It is very hard to contact with someone "important" at KIA as they always ask you to contact with a "local dealer". It is really frustrating not be able to give any feedback or report spotted software problems...

 

[sethm]

I have seen a new indigogo campaign for Car Dongle. Its a usb device thats supposed to make any touch screen wireless capable when connected to an android. Its not out yet so have no idea if it really works or a scam. I have placed my order yet. Its supposed to come in march if on time. So tempting. The gt line is on my list for a new car and was thinking about the 8 inch because it has the wireless. What im reading here is that the 8” screen does not have built in Nav. If thats true, then bummed. From what photos ive seen with android auto and google maps - the map looks very basic.