Who said anything about ota updates? There are none, at least on the 22/23 MY models. Maybe in the future. The nav fw update on 22+ is using a windows program that downloads necessary files then builds a structure on a usb flash drive. Flash drive inserted to console type a port to perform update. The older models used a sd card port to house the data, so the sd would get updated instead.

The built in modem is to connect to the kia uvo service which integrates with nav to provide better search capabilities, provides vehicle details via app, allows app start/stop/monitoring. And most importantly (probably buried in the terms/conditions) provides telemetry data back to the mothership. The last is most concerning.

I never did the trial of the service nor subscribed to it. Kia shouldn't be receiving any of my info, but I suspect it is (sorry, just don't trust this tech). Short of remove the modem or its fuse, I don't believe it's truly off.

Here's the different uvo plans - https://owners.kia.com/content/owner...-packages.html

 

If it has a modem there is no telling what the hell is going on in the background. To be fair, I was never a fan of any monitoring- even that OnStar crap that GM introduced. Hard NO for me. Just wait, it is only a matter of time before these cars (in general) start getting hacked.

Anyway, back to topic...

 

No, it just means they will stop selling updates and not make any new ones. However, you should consider just getting an Apple CarPlay/Android Auto module instead, which is what I'm thinking of getting.

 

Re AA/ACP, isn't it a hassle to have to plug/unplug the phone each time you enter/exit the car? Or they modules provide for wireless connectivity?

I've played around with AA in the stinger - it uses a wired method although car's hardware has wireless support but not in the software. I found the whole experience clunky.

 

The NiftyCity one apparently can be ordered with a wireless option: Infiniti M 2008-2020 Apple CarPlay & Android Auto OEM Integration (niftycity.shop)

Seems like a pretty easy install, too.