News link - The Verge GM cutting off Apple CarPlay and Android Auto starting with the 2024 Blazer To me, that suggests they are giving up on the under-35 demographic. For plenty of younger people, cars have always been smartphone accessories. I can understand GM's motivation for wanting to change that, but I'm not optimistic for their chances.
"GM emphasized that the decision was primarily motivated by improving the navigation and charging experience for future EV owners. For example, when an EV owner routes to a charging station, the vehicle’s native software can begin warming up the battery so that it’s primed for a faster charge." Sounds like it is like GM is trying to be like Tesla, but is using Google's help. Forcing the car owner to need a subscription for data for these apps is also a plus.
Given Google's propensity for changing their minds and abandoning users and investments I'd be real careful with these cars. I could see it going from daily updates to +++ATH0 <brickedforlife> within the first four years. I suppose it'll have a rental/fleet/valet mode that could persist for basic functions. I mean one would hope...? They're going to keep the phone mount people in business for years to come.
GM might be less thrilled about handing the entire dash over to Apple, and worried about losing the subscription and data revenue to them. "The issue at hand begins with the next-gen CarPlay’s extreme integration. Rather than embedding a simplified iPhone mirror into a centrally positioned multimedia touchscreen, the revamped interface takes over all interior displays, including the instrument panel and related gauges, along with ancillary items like air conditioning controls." https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/apple-carplay-scares-automakers-1234733424/ Apple CarPlay could be a trojan horse into the automotive industry This could be the beginning of CarPlay and Android Auto being phased out for something more tied into the car.
I think that's a fair read on it.... unfortunately. I absolutely love the way Apple CarPlay works today, and though I have much less exposure to it, Android Auto seems pretty close. I'd seen other articles about the next generation stuff and I'm not too enthusiastic about it. Something something diminishing returns.
I for one don't want the car to be connected. As long as it is affordable, safe, comfortable, and reliable to move me from point A to point B, I don't need or want an infotainment system that comes with modern cars. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
With the original radio, it always automatically syncd with my android phone. I now have an Alpine system with Android Auto. It too syncs seamlessly to my phone but with Android Auto, it automatically "mirrors" the face of my phone and allows me to do things on the Alpine screen as if it was the face of my phone. I find it a cool feature, but I hardly use it due to the ability to scroll thru my playlist using the steering wheel controls. Android Auto is good when I use google maps. I can watch the Alpine screen instead of my phone.
I know I'm younger than you but I still felt old making it. I was maybe 9 when dad got us a Hayes Micromodem and he must have terribly regretted it because he couldn't get me or my sister off the family computer ever again.
No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Rivian Forum – Rivian R1T & R1S News, Pricing & Order... (rivianownersforum.com)
Sounds like there's a market for dash phone mounts that fit Rivians. EDIT: Noticing that forum post is nearly 2.5 years old... nothing newer on the topic?
Ford commits to continued CarPlay support as GM, Tesla, and Rivian face backlash for holding out - 9to5Mac
Well... given that they spent most of their last earnings call talking about an 11-figure warranty charge I can see their motivation for offloading or outsourcing some technology.
