Genesis Owners Can Now Manage Their Car From A Smartwatch

Smartwatches don't have the same buzz as they did just a couple of years ago, but automakers are still rolling out services that connect vehicle functions to the device strapped on your wrist.

Hyundai introduced smartwatch support for its BlueLink telematics system in 2015. Now it's expanding a Genesis-branded system for its recently launched luxury division, with the Genesis Intelligent Assist app for Apple Watch and Android Wear. BMW, Porsche, and Volvo all started offering similar systems in the last year or two, all aimed at making it easier for luxury consumers to control some of the car's features through their smartwatch or smartphone.

The Genesis app features the ability to control vehicle functions such as remote start, setting the climate control, locking and unlocking the car, and lets owners flash the lights or sound the horn. It also includes services such as a vehicle finder, status check, and to see the ability to see how much time is have left on a parking meter.

But Genesis' app goes further than Hyundai's with the ability to use the Genesis Connected Services that come standard on the 2017 G80 and G90 sedans for the first three years. This includes a vehicle diagnostics check, recall notifications, the ability to schedule service appointments, as well as emergency assistance and a stolen vehicle finder and recovery, among other services.

The Genesis app is available for both Apple and Google smartwatches.