RAM Officially Announces Uconnect 5 Infotainment Software For Its Pickup Lineup!

In-car technology has played a major factor in a person’s decision to purchase a vehicle over the past decade. It seems that every couple of years connectivity in the automotive sector continues to advance in great strides. So many RAM enthusiasts weren’t shocked when HDRams.com broke the news that the popular Uconnect 5 infotainment software was going to be installed into 2022 Ram 1500 and Heavy Duty vehicles.

Yesterday, RAM officially unveiled details about the use of its Uconnect 5 system and a sneak peek of what the new software will look like installed into the 2022 Ram 1500.

Customization:

The Uconnect 5 allows users to create an exclusive home screen with a familiar feel. Those users can now personalize the Uconnect home screen with their most frequently used features for quick and easy access via a one-touch operation. This means for those who are towing or hauling a heavy payload, the Uconnect 5 system can be customized to quickly give drivers the information they need in the driver’s cluster screen, center-mounted touchscreen, or the Heads-Up Display (HUD). 

For example, RAM says if you are towing a heavy load up a steep grade with more than 100°F (37°C) temperatures, the user may want to view a customized cluster of gauges to monitor the truck’s powertrain temperatures. Or for those who like off-roading, the user can create a direct link to the Off-Road Pages (Power Wagon & 4×4 Off-Road models) app in the center screen with one touch of the screen or less.

Uconnect 5 introduces a new, card-based format that allows display screens to be personalized, simplified, and grouped by individual needs and interests while delivering a cleaner, fresher look. With multiple cards, the user can access the available features and determine how and where they are displayed. 

Uconnect 5 features several fully customizable interfaces storing up to five different user profiles. A perfect setup for those who use their Rams as multi-driver commercial vehicles or have several drivers in one household. Each user can build their own custom profile featuring their music preferences and various layouts of the apps. It also connects vehicle-side systems to a driver’s profile, such as temperature, seating position, and mirror placement. Switching between user profiles can be handled by a single touch.

Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto:

Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto make it easy to stay connected to the vehicle and wireless charging further simplifies the experience. Additionally, when equipped with the available 12-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay can now occupy the entire screen space for the first time in a Ram pickup.

Uconnect 5 also features a dual phone application that makes connecting and sharing easy for Ram pickup and commercial fleet customers. Uconnect can manage input from both devices with the ability to name one a priority over the other for various functions, including navigation, music selection, and text messages.

Amazon Alexa Capable:

With the Uconnect skill for Alexa, customers with Alexa-enabled devices at home can easily ask Alexa to start the car, lock/unlock doors, and more. Uconnect 5 brings Amazon Alexa directly into the vehicle itself, giving occupants the freedom to interact with Alexa just as they do at home or on a personal device. With Alexa built-in, occupants can ask Alexa to play music, podcasts, and audiobooks; add items to their to-do list; check the news, weather, traffic, sports, and other real-time information; and access tens of thousands of Alexa skills. Responses and streaming audio are delivered through the vehicle’s audio system, allowing anyone in the entire vehicle to easily interact with Alexa.

TomTom Navigation:

Uconnect’s navigation is an intuitive built-in solution from TomTom and includes traffic and connected services, giving drivers the latest information for a safer and smoother journey. Additionally, turn-by-turn navigation is available in the cluster and HUD with or without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Maps Over the Air (OTA) and Last Mile Navigation also are new to Ram. The Maps OTA feature automatically detects, downloads, and installs relevant available map updates in the background. Last Mile Navigation provides walking directions from your vehicle to your final destination, via the Uconnect companion smartphone app.

New Over-the-Air Capabilities:

Servicing and updating the 2022 Ram pickups, has never been easier. The new Telematics Box Module (TBM) preps for growth and assists in quickly moving large amounts of data, engineered for the fastest speeds available. The trusted and secure ecosystem provides an optimal environment for continuous improvement through a built-in cellular network. Notifications work in harmony with the Vehicle Health Report, Vehicle Health Alert, and Ram mobile app. For some updates, OTA capability will automatically load the improved software to the vehicle, seamlessly. Other services can be handled at your local dealer with a Service Scheduling feature.

Updated Voice Recognition: 

Uconnect 5 features an advanced voice recognition engine with natural voice capability. Statements that would normally be understood in human-to-human conversation can be used to communicate with the navigation system, such as, “find an available truck stop near me.”

The advanced voice control system also improves its listening ability in high background noise situations, such as a rolled-down window or rain hitting the windshield. Additionally, the embedded voice recognition system has wake-up word capability that correlates to the Ram brand: “Hey Ram, change the temperature to 70°F.” Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also can be controlled via voice by using the voice recognition button.

Ram Telematics Upgrade:

For the 2022 model year, the Ram Telematics feature receives a major upgrade, allowing preferred third-party fleet data collection companies to offer monitoring services for fleet owners. More detailed information helps provide savings across the fleet in terms of fewer accidents, regular maintenance, avoided downtime, and general operational efficiency.

Under the direction of the fleet owner, Ram’s new TBM sends information related to those specific vehicles to the cloud, where it can be collected by assigned third-party companies. The data collection companies then package the information for the fleet owner to use in making decisions on how best to organize routes, appropriate vehicles, driver changes, and loads.

Uconnect Mobile App:

With the available Uconnect app, your smartphone can start the engine, lock or unlock doors and receive notifications. Inside the vehicle, SOS Call provides external assistance at the touch of a button. An automatic feature calls for outside assistance if the vehicle senses a crash has taken place. With Assist Call, owners can contact the Uconnect customer care team for help with their vehicle or instructions on using a Uconnect system. Stolen Vehicle Assistance (SVA) helps police track a vehicle’s location and Family Drive Alerts delivers notifications to concerned parents when boundary, curfew, or speed limits are exceeded. Owners can also receive a notification when someone else drives the vehicle while in Valet mode.

User Experience (UX):

The Uconnect digital platform has become a significant reason for purchase, tailored for each brand, vehicle, and region. Research has shown that 51% of new-car buyers consider in-vehicle technology as part of their purchase. Also, 64% of customers reported their technology experience made them more likely to buy from the same brand. The award-winning Uconnect system has led the industry in content and exclusive features since its inception in 2003 and the fifth-generation continue the momentum.