(Telecompaper) Hyundai is launching the first car with the Android Auto software. The Google system is premiering on the 2015 Hyundai Sonata in the US and will become available later on other Hyundai models. First announced a year ago at Google's annual developers conference, Android Auto helps integrate Android smartphones in car systems in order to improve safety, navigation and entertainment services. To use Android Auto, car owners need to have a phone running Android 5.0 or higher and download the associated app from Google Play. Once the phone is connected to the car with a micro USB cable, Android apps such as Google Maps, Google Now, messaging, phone calling and Google Play Music will be displayed on the vehicle screen. These applications can be controlled by voice, steering wheel controls and touchscreen. Android Auto also will offer third-party audio apps that owners have on their phones, including iHeartRadio, Spotify, TuneIn, NPR, Stitcher, Skype and TextMe. Owners of existing 2015 Sonatas with Navigation can get the Android Auto software update free at Hyundai dealers now, and Android Auto will be available online later this summer for download to a USB stick.