The company wants people to stop using their smartphones while driving.
Automaker GM says goodbye to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The software used by the smartphone navigation And for Entertainment purposes What is reflected on the screen in the car is actually very popular among car buyers. According to MotorTrend, the company’s decision is not fully understood.
Security must be better
Tim Babbitt, GM’s infotainment product manager, explained the decision as a result Higher security. Without a smartphone, drivers will not be distracted. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are popular, Babbitt said Stability problemsOr bad communication or bad offer or Slow reactions On the input. This draws attention to the smartphone and not to the road.
➤ Read more: Google Maps and Apple Maps: CarPlay error can be serious
Resolving these software issues is also beyond the control of the vehicle manufacturer. According to Babbitt, having your own navigation or infotainment software is safer. However, GM cannot support his thesis with numbers. Still there There are no tests under laboratory or real conditionsWho was going to investigate this?
GM offers its own programs
GM offers its alternative Special infotainment programmes Which fully integrates some Google applications such as Maps and Google Assistant in addition to other popular applications such as Spotify or Audible. Google Maps integration in particular often plays a role in new customers’ purchasing decisions, as the navigation software is also used outside of the car and is therefore well known.
Google Assistant also makes it possible to control the car’s systems Voice commands To control. Voice control in cars isn’t anything new per se, but automakers’ assistants typically lag far behind those of Google and Apple. However, these voice assistants are still not fully integrated into the car. Therefore, at GM, it should be possible in the future not only to handle calls or text messages via voice control, but also to adapt the navigation system or Air conditioner To control the car.
Profit intentions of General Motors
However, GM’s decision may not be purely altruistic in nature. Car manufacturers have been wrangling with Google and Apple for years over control of in-car technology Data generated. No matter what software drivers use, data is collected about how they drive, where they drive, or what apps they use while driving. This data is intended for both automakers and technology companies Extremely valuable.
In addition, the car’s infotainment software can be used Subscriptions to car functions To complete. Automakers see a huge new revenue stream in subscriptions that unlock more range, better acceleration or better driving assistants. GM alone hopes to reach 2030 $25 billion annually in subscriptions alone to earn.
➤ Read more: BMW charges a monthly fee for heated seats
Another source of income for GM is Data tariff for car owners. The car manufacturer includes an 8-year data plan when purchasing a new car so that services like Google Maps and Google Assistant can be used. After that, owners have to pay to use more data.
