[ad_1]
GM believes drivers become distracted by glitchy Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems, leading the car giant to develop its own in-house software – at a time when more automakers are turning to the tried-and-tested technology.
US car giant General Motors has doubled down on its bizarre decision to move away from the world’s most popular ‘smartphone mirroring’ systems – Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – instead developing its own software to curb “safety concerns” brought about by the technology.
In April, General Motors – the former parent company of Holden, and owner of Chevrolet and Cadillac – announced its future electric vehicles would not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the systems which allow drivers to connect their smartphones and use popular applications.
At the time, GM did not provide an explanation for the decision, despite being heavily criticised for moving away from systems designed by two of the world’s largest tech giants in favour of its in-house software.
This week, GM’s head of product for infotainment, Tim Babbitt, told US publication Motor Trend the company believes drivers are more likely to pick up and look at their smartphones if the mirroring systems are slow and glitchy.
However, some industry analysts say Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems which are slow and unreliable are the fault of the car maker integrating the technology – such as GM – rather than the smartphone makers.
Instead, GM’s own infotainment system – known as Ultifi – utilises apps developed by Google (the creators of Android Auto) as well as approved third-party services such as music streaming service Spotify, but it is understood it cannot play and send text messages.
While GM is the highest-profile brand to axe Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its future vehicles, electric-car giant Tesla has never integrated the smartphone mirroring systems in its models – instead developing its own software, to mixed reviews from users.
For now, both the Chevrolet Silverado pick-up and Corvette sports car – the only two GM products on sale in Australia – are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the upcoming Cadillac Lyriq electric SUV is also fitted with the smartphone mirroring systems.
[ad_2]
Source link
