GM Opens Infotainment API to Developers to Spur Vehicle-Specific Apps [2013 CES]
GM has announced that it plans to open up its infotainment Application Programming Interface (API) to app developers so that they may create fresh apps for the system or make existing apps compatible. The stir is similar to what Ford also announced (also at the two thousand thirteen Consumer Electronics Showcase) that it is doing with its AppLink software, save for one key detail.
Whereas Ford opened its AppLink (the software conduit inbetween mobile device–based apps and the company’s Sync infotainment system) to developers, GM is opening its entire infotainment system to developers. That means outside firms will be able to create apps for GM’s system, not necessarily for phones or devices that run on the system. GM will suggest developers a software development kit to help them get embarked and give them access to the system’s code.
The system in question forms the basis for three semi-unique infotainment setups—in Chevrolets, it goes by the name of MyLink; in Buick and GMC vehicles, it’s called IntelliLink; and in Cadillacs, it’s called CUE. GM’s objective with its developer-friendly stir is to generate more auto-specific apps that will keep its infotainment system fresh over time; if drivers are able to download fresh apps to their car every so often, their infotainment interface won’t seem to date as quickly.
To facilitate this, GM is creating an app catalog for customers to access, however it won’t come online until the automaker’s next-generation infotainment systems arrive for the two thousand fourteen model year, beginning with the fresh MyLink setup in the two thousand fourteen Chevrolet Impala. For CES, GM is demonstrating off its next-gen Chevy MyLink system with four prototype apps developed with what it is calling potential playmates; the apps include iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Slacker, and The Weather Channel.
While the tech world always appreciates the opening of software to the masses, it remains to be seen just how buck-wild developers will go with GM’s infotainment API. After all, even tho’ GM wishes to see more GM-vehicle-specific apps (which will live on the infotainment system itself, not users’ phones or devices), that leaves developers with a relatively puny market to deal with. Unlike an app designed for an Apple product or anything running Android software, GM-specific apps will run only on GM vehicles—a relatively narrower segment. Ford faces a similar problem with the opening of its AppLink API—sure, developers can get their arms on it, but how many are likely to build all-new apps from the ground up just for Ford customers? Much more likely, a flood of popular Apple or Android-compatible apps will be converted to run on GM’s system (and Ford’s AppLink). But we’ll have to wait and see.
GM Opens Infotainment API to Developers to Spur Vehicle-Specific Apps – News – Car and Driver, Car and Driver Blog
GM Opens Infotainment API to Developers to Spur Vehicle-Specific Apps [2013 CES]
GM has announced that it plans to open up its infotainment Application Programming Interface (API) to app developers so that they may create fresh apps for the system or make existing apps compatible. The stir is similar to what Ford also announced (also at the two thousand thirteen Consumer Electronics Demonstrate) that it is doing with its AppLink software, save for one key detail.
Whereas Ford opened its AppLink (the software conduit inbetween mobile device–based apps and the company’s Sync infotainment system) to developers, GM is opening its entire infotainment system to developers. That means outside firms will be able to create apps for GM’s system, not necessarily for phones or devices that run on the system. GM will suggest developers a software development kit to help them get embarked and give them access to the system’s code.
The system in question forms the basis for three semi-unique infotainment setups—in Chevrolets, it goes by the name of MyLink; in Buick and GMC vehicles, it’s called IntelliLink; and in Cadillacs, it’s called CUE. GM’s purpose with its developer-friendly stir is to generate more auto-specific apps that will keep its infotainment system fresh over time; if drivers are able to download fresh apps to their car every so often, their infotainment interface won’t seem to date as quickly.
To facilitate this, GM is creating an app catalog for customers to access, tho’ it won’t come online until the automaker’s next-generation infotainment systems arrive for the two thousand fourteen model year, beginning with the fresh MyLink setup in the two thousand fourteen Chevrolet Impala. For CES, GM is displaying off its next-gen Chevy MyLink system with four prototype apps developed with what it is calling potential playmates; the apps include iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Slacker, and The Weather Channel.
While the tech world always appreciates the opening of software to the masses, it remains to be seen just how buck-wild developers will go with GM’s infotainment API. After all, even however GM wishes to see more GM-vehicle-specific apps (which will live on the infotainment system itself, not users’ phones or devices), that leaves developers with a relatively petite market to deal with. Unlike an app designed for an Apple product or anything running Android software, GM-specific apps will run only on GM vehicles—a relatively narrower segment. Ford faces a similar problem with the opening of its AppLink API—sure, developers can get their palms on it, but how many are likely to build all-new apps from the ground up just for Ford customers? Much more likely, a flood of popular Apple or Android-compatible apps will be converted to run on GM’s system (and Ford’s AppLink). But we’ll have to wait and see.