GM Makes a Big Bet on Google
- Paul Thurrott
- Apr 03, 2023
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General Motors has confirmed that it will drop Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its coming electric vehicles and will instead use a Google infotainment system with built-in Google experiences like Maps and Assistant.
News of the strategy shift was first reported by Reuters and has since been confirmed by the automaker. GM says the new system will be based on Google Maps integration and won’t require users to pair their phones with its vehicles. That said, they will of course be able to do so via Bluetooth, and they can listen to music, make and receive phone calls, and so on. The new system will also support apps like Audible and Spotify.
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“We have a lot of new driver assistance features coming that are more tightly coupled with navigation,” GM chief digital officer Edward Hichme told Reuters. “We don’t want to design these features in a way that are dependent on persons having a cellphone.”
GM EV buyers will gain access to the system for free for 8 years. And the firm will continue to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its non-electric vehicles.