FCA Releases Next-Gen Uconnect 5

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) released the Uconnect 4 only a model year or two ago, quickly appearing on 2019 models for every brand under the umbrella, including Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram. Some of the must-have features for the next-generation 2019 Ram 1500 included Uconnect 4 – most notably, Uconnect 4C on its available, class-exclusive 12-inch  touchscreen display. Uconnect 4, also known as the fourth-generation of Uconnect infotainment systems available to FCA vehicles, came with an assortment of improvements and upgrades, and 4C offered improved smartphone connectivity. It’s 2020 and with the New Year comes the fifth generation of Uconnect, Uconnect 5.

All-New Uconnect 5

They’re calling it the “Most Advanced Uconnect System Ever”, and it better be if they’re going to come out with an all-new generation of the popular infotainment system. This isn’t the iPhone where we can add on two camera lenses and call it “new”. The Uconnect 5 is powerful, comes with all-new features, it even talks to Alexa.

2020 model consumers and owners won’t need to buy a fancy add-on, Alexa has a new Uconnect skill and any consumers with Alexa-enabled devices at home can talk to Alexa from the vehicle via a Uconnect skill, or app that Alexa can enable and use at any time when connected to its server via Wi-Fi. The Uconnect skill even allows consumers to start the car, lock/unlock doors, and with Alexa built into 2020 models that come with Uconnect 5, occupants can use Alexa for all the same functionality one would add home, such as asking Alexa to play music, podcasts, and audiobooks; add items to their shopping list; check news, weather, traffic, etc, all in real-time; and access the many skills available to Alexa-powered devices. With responses delivered through the audio system, anyone can interact with Alexa while in the vehicle.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been upgraded, already available on more than 80 percent of FCA’s North American units. Uconnect 5 will make Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on all models going forward in the North American market. With wireless connectivity, consumers can wirelessly project phone apps without having to take their hands or eyes off the road. While discussing the connectivity of smartphones and wireless devices, Uconnect 5 can now connect two Bluetooth phones simultaneously. No need to change between phones depending on the driver or passenger playing the role of DJ. Uconnect 5 can manage two phones and still offer its many functions.

Everyone with a smartphone likes personalization, that’s one of the reasons why Uconnect 4C became so popular. Uconnect 5 features several fully customizable interfaces with the ability to store up to five profiles to automatically configure the vehicle to certain preferences for music, and vehicle operation, along with temperature, seating position, and mirror placement. The ability to customize a home screen as one would do with a smartphone has carried over from Uconnect 4C, and a new, card-based format system that contains all driver profile info, personalized home screens, etc. All one needs to do is insert the card, like a portable game save file.

The new Uconnect 5 is five times faster as luck would have it, with quick response to consumer inputs and with the ability to enable up to four displays simultaneously in the vehicle. Uconnect 5 also comes with the largest touchscreen in any FCA product, a total of 12.3 inches. The amount of technology available on this new infotainment system feels almost limitless. A 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is available, many services like Sirius XM with 360L and Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora and the Uconnect Mobile app add even more functionality – Uconnect 5 can even offer Firmware Over The Air (FOTA) Updates for in-vehicle messaging reminders for things like car maintenance and service.

For the first-time, all product lines will come with voice recognition functionality. Moreover, Uconnect 5 features a new voice recognition engine with software, microphone technology, and natural voice capability to replicate a more human-to-human conversation between driver and vehicle. Consumers can even ask functions like, “Find an available EV charging station near me” or “Hey Chrysler, change the temperature to 70 degrees.” Navigation has also been improved, now with Maps Over the Air and Last Mile Navigation. Maps Over the Air is a TomTom technology that automatically detects, downloads, and installs available map updates without interrupting on-screen performance. For those of us that get a little lost and end up on foot, Last Mile Navigation lights the way with walking directions from your vehicle to your final destination via a smartphone app, Uconnect companion.

Uconnect just got much, much better. Come to Aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram and check out a new 2020 FCA model with Uconnect 5.

Photo Source/Copyright: FCA Media