Hyundai’s augmented reality app turns everyone into a mechanic

The benefits of augmented reality are huge but are still largely unexplored on an everyday, pedestrian level. Things are steadily changing though and Hyundai is leading the charge. The company has just demoed an augmented reality app at CES 2016 for both the 2015 and 2016 Hyundai Sonata that will instantly turn you into a mechanic.

The Hyundai Virtual Guide app lets you point at any of 45 different parts of the vehicle to see both 2D and 3D overlays and video tutorials explaining what each part does, how to remove or fix it and other useful information. It’s the most useful user’s manual ever.

From the dashboard controls to engine components, the AR app can guide you through a number of useful tasks, including changing brake fluid, replacing the air filter, pairing a Bluetooth device or topping up the oil. While the services the app provides are relatively low level – it won’t have you ready to join a pit crew – the app is super cool and easy to follow, demystifying newer engines for the uninitiated.

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Some tasks will still be out of bounds, especially those including the vehicle’s computer, but general maintenance just became a whole lot simpler. The app will be available in the coming months for both the current and upcoming Sonatas and will work on both Android and iOS devices.

Where do you see the future of AR going? What other everyday applications can you imagine?