MG Hector's iSmart connectivity features unveiled

MG Motor has unveiled the India-spec Hector’s connected car features. The company claims that the SUV is India’s first Internet car and it will be offered with the iSmart Next Gen connectivity features.

The Hector comes equipped with a 10.4-inch head unit with iSmart features such as maps and navigation, voice assistant, pre-loaded infotainment content, emergency and concierge services and built-in apps. The system also supports Over The Air (OTA) updates, which would allow integration of services like remote tracking and location, geo fencing, automated emergency response, music and content streaming, up to date maps and real time navigation.

iSmart Next Gen uses an Airtel eSIM. The system is Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPV6) and 5G ready. The Hector's iSmart system comes with a cloud enabled AI-based voiced assistant. There are over 100 voice commands to operate the sunroof, climate control, open windows, radio controls, search embedded songs and for the TomTom navigation system. Apps like Gaana and Accuweather come pre-loaded into the system. 

All MG cars will be offered with an E-Call feature in case of an emergency. E-Call is automatically triggered when the airbags are deployed and sends a message with the vehicle's exact location to a response team at Pulse Hub, MG's customer centre. Pulse Hub then calls to reach the vehicle’s head unit and the owner's phone. If there is no response from either, the team calls the owner's emergency contact.

iSmart also has an embedded concierge service, which can be accessed by pressing the I-Call button. This sends out a message to the Pulse Hub, which then connects with the owner on phone. The Pulse Hub team can also send point of interest guides on to the head unit of the car.

MG Hector owners will be able to download the iSmart mobile app and owners can operate various vehicle functions like remote locking and unlocking, switching on the climate control and find my car. The app can be used to check pre-defined parameters of the vehicle, fuel level and range, lock/unlock status, set geo fencing as well as create travel plans and push it to the vehicle. Other features include security alert, vehicle management, abnormal tyre pressure notification, speed alert, MG network information and departure notification. 

Data related to driver and vehicle analytics, will be stored locally in the Microsoft Azure Cloud DC in India.