Kia Motors Challenges Ford in Infotainment System Arena

Ford has been an industry leader in producing cars with connectivity ability. Their SYNC system has been updated giving users to ability to access web browsers and third-party apps like Twitter and Pandora from anywhere on the road. Automakers are beginning to realize the importance of integrating tech into the next generation of cars and are jumping into the fray.

Kia Motors unveiled the UVO infotainment system at the 2010 CES. Like SYNC, the UVO system was also co-developed with Microsoft.  UVO will also allow drivers to answer phone calls, receive SMS, and access music via voice control just like SYNC, but that’s where the similiarities end.

The name UVO is actually short for Your Voice. The system also allows drivers to set different voice profiles. The first voice-activated system with full Microsoft speech engine technology, UVO will learn up to two different voices, even in different languages.

The system will also feature a widget system that users can use to access RSS feeds, traffic reports, and social networking apps. UVO will be housed in a 4.3-inch touchscreen full color display. Navigating the system will also be handled using voice command when the car is in motion. When the car is at a full stop, the touchscreen can be manipulated manually. When the driver is in reverse, the screen acts as a rear-view camera, eliminating the chance of an unfortunate and costly fender bender.

UVO will be rolling onto the streets this summer in the 2011 Kia Sorento. No word on pricing, but as the first viable competitor to Ford SYNC, the battle for tech car supremacy is heating up.