Kia Shows Head-Up Display, Next-Gen UVO Features at CES

Kia debuts a new user-centric technology concept at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas today, including an 18-in. (46-cm) head-up display.

The display, part of Kia's UCD (User-Centered Driver) concept, details speed, navigation and traffic information in an "augmented-reality" fashion, the automaker says.

Also part of the UCD concept is a 12.3-in. (31-cm) LCD screen that tracks a users’ eyes to provide a clear view of the screen no matter the viewing angle. Vehicle information on the screen is shown in 3D, Kia says.

The radio and navigation system can be accessed via the UCD concept's hand-gesture controller, which uses infrared light and camera sensors to gauge hand or finger movements.

To keep mobile devices fully charged, a wireless charging pad with magnetic induction rounds out the list of features on the UCD concept.

Kia also uses the CES stage to announce features of its next-generation UVO infotainment system.

Future UVO-equipped Kias will get next-gen voice-recognition technology allowing users to dictate messages, ask for directions or select music via voice commands.

Further, a new multimedia suite will debut on some '15 Kias with UVO, featuring new apps by iHeart Radio, music-recognition company Sound Hound and user-review site Yelp.

Other technologies at Kia's CES stand include a 20-in. (51-cm) multi-touch center console and dynamic HD wireless technology on an In-Vehicle Infotainment Concept; a UVO EV smartphone app, with battery-level status and charging-station search, in anticipation of Kia's upcoming Soul EV; and Smart Cruise Control and Around View Monitoring on the K900 flagship sedan, which goes on sale this spring in the U.S.

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