GM Says It's Ditching Apple CarPlay, Android Auto For Your Safety (motortrend.com) 164
Earlier this year, General Motors announced plans to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, shifting instead to built-in infotainment systems developed with Google. Now, the company has explained why it made that decision to MotorTrend: Tim Babbitt, GM's head of product for infotainment, gave MT a better explanation at a press event for the new Chevrolet Blazer EV, the flagship vehicle in the no CarPlay or Android Auto strategy. According to him, there's an important factor that didn't make it into the fact sheet: safety. Specifically, he cited driver distraction caused by cell phone usage behind the wheel. According to Babbitt, CarPlay and Android Auto have stability issues that manifest themselves as bad connections, poor rendering, slow responses, and dropped connections. And when CarPlay and Android Auto have issues, drivers pick up their phones again, taking their eyes off the road and totally defeating the purpose of these phone-mirroring programs. Solving those issues can sometimes be beyond the control of the automaker. You can start to see GM's frustration. Babbitt's thesis is that if drivers were to do everything through the vehicle's built-in systems, they'd be less likely to pick up their phones and therefore less distracted and safer behind the wheel. He admits, though, GM hasn't tested this thesis in the lab or real world yet but believes it has potential, if customers go for it.
The issues Babbitt cited with CarPlay and Android Auto seem like they'd be mostly linked to using those programs wirelessly, and while he says that's true, just plugging the phone into a USB data port doesn't solve all the problems. Babbitt says even when using a physical connection, Android phones are prone to compatibility issues between the vehicle and all the various phone manufacturers running Android. iPhones, meanwhile, suffer from backwards compatibility issues that cause older iPhone models to have trouble running CarPlay consistently. He points to J.D. Power data that shows issues with CarPlay and Android Auto are common owner complaints, and that customers tend to blame the automaker rather than the phone manufacturer or phone software. In that way, eliminating CarPlay and Android Auto potentially relieves GM of a key customer complaint dragging down their perceived quality scores. After MotorTrend's story was published, GM issued the following statement: "We wanted to reach out to clarify that comments about GM's position on phone projection were misrepresented and to reinforce our valued partnerships with Apple and Google and each company's commitment to driver safety. GM's embedded infotainment strategy is driven by the benefits of having a system that allows for greater integration with the larger GM ecosystem and vehicles."
The issues Babbitt cited with CarPlay and Android Auto seem like they'd be mostly linked to using those programs wirelessly, and while he says that's true, just plugging the phone into a USB data port doesn't solve all the problems. Babbitt says even when using a physical connection, Android phones are prone to compatibility issues between the vehicle and all the various phone manufacturers running Android. iPhones, meanwhile, suffer from backwards compatibility issues that cause older iPhone models to have trouble running CarPlay consistently. He points to J.D. Power data that shows issues with CarPlay and Android Auto are common owner complaints, and that customers tend to blame the automaker rather than the phone manufacturer or phone software. In that way, eliminating CarPlay and Android Auto potentially relieves GM of a key customer complaint dragging down their perceived quality scores. After MotorTrend's story was published, GM issued the following statement: "We wanted to reach out to clarify that comments about GM's position on phone projection were misrepresented and to reinforce our valued partnerships with Apple and Google and each company's commitment to driver safety. GM's embedded infotainment strategy is driven by the benefits of having a system that allows for greater integration with the larger GM ecosystem and vehicles."
No Android Auto = No Sale (Score:5, Insightful)
It's literally that simple.
I will not go back to an age of crappy OEM software that is buggy, lacking features, never updated, and/or expensive to update, and or impossible to update yourself.
Re:No Android Auto = No Sale (Score:5, Interesting)
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I hear what you're saying, a standardized upgradable generic screen would be nice, but some integration with the car to a known standard is necessary for a good experience, like voice commands, dipping the radio volume during prompts, managing the audio source if you want to play media from the app, limiting UI behavior while driving.
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I have all of this in my 2003 Honda Accord. I installed an aftermarket head unit with Apple CarPlay and it works perfectly. I've not once experienced the technical glitches that GM is claiming. It just works.
It's more reliable than the Honda-supplied infotainment unit that came with my 2015 Honda Fit. It works well enough, but isn't as bug free as my
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BMW wants me to buy a new car for AirPlay support when replacing two parts they could charge me $2000 for would add it. If I waited two weeks to buy my car, it would have been there.
That among a multitude of reasons makes me distrust car companies who existed before the connected car era.
That said, GM had to recall all cruise taxus to perform software updates. Would you trust GM with computers when they can't even remote update their cars?
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"Would you trust GM with computers when they can't even remote update their cars"
I'd prefer my vehicle to NOT have remote update capabilities. I want to control when and how modifications to my vehicle are performed. The last thing I want is a forced reboot that goes wrong while on the middle of a roadtrip 1000 miles from home.
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As long as the Android Auto implementation is decent, I wouldn't mind it being fixed. It's just a screen and touch panel.
Physical controls are a must for HVAC and all driving functions. And a round wheel, no yokes or other nonsense.
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I don't know. I don't want it integrated with the car at all. Put a standard size hole in the dashboard where you can dock an after-market add-on with a big fancy touch-screen, but let me have my radio knobs and hvac knobs that never need firmware updates, thank you very much.
You mean a DIN or Double DIN slot?
I largely agree but audio equipment manufacturers cant even agree on a single wiring loom/socket, hence you're either splicing wires or getting wiring harness that's already done it for you.
Re:No Android Auto = No Sale (Score:5, Interesting)
Others who do buy them are going to go back to putting a phone mount in their car which is arguably worse than Android Auto and CarPlay.
Revenue... (Score:5, Insightful)
Betcha the system is useless to the driver without the subscription.
Betcha the system makes money by Google tracking everything the car does.
Re: Revenue... (Score:2)
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I don't want my care phoning home to mothership with ANY information....whether it be telemetry, location, etc....
On new cars...I guess before I buy, first thing I'll look into is how to best cut the cell communications out of the car completely.
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Well, I've lived and operated a number of decades before this tech and with out it even after intro....so, I'm good.
It didn't kill me and I somehow always made it where I needed to.
Then again, as a kid during the summe
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...shifting instead to built-in infotainment systems developed with Google
Literally the first sentence in TFS.
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What do these services even do? I use Bluetooth for music and occasionally Waze to an aftermarket radio. What other features do you need?
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It's nice to have Waze displayed on the car screen and use the car speaker but not something I'd choose or dismiss a vehicle over.
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Dunno about others, but I use CarPlay to make and receive calls, send and read texts, navigation and BBC Sounds (radio but asynchronous, so I listen to the program I want, when I want). And sometimes I use music services. Calls and texts are especially useful.
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The law says that none of those things are considered to be *so distracting* that it is illegal to do them. If you spend many hours in your car, as many people do, then being able to do those things is very helpful. I mean, if you're truly claiming you've never felt the need to call or text or answer a call or hear a text when you've driven, then I flat out don't believe you. You may have resisted the urge each and every time, but this is basic common human stuff.
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I am generally annoyed by calls and texts when Im driving and am pleased that it’s socially acceptable to say that I was driving and didn’t answer. I am honestly baffled by the number of people driving and walking around playing on their phones. Maybe I don’t have enough friends anymore or maybe I’m just not on social media.
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You are confusing a need with a want here. You don't NEED to make that call right that second. If it was that critically important, you could pull over and make the call or text but we all know this is just about convenience and not NEEDS. You want to make that call. You don't need to make that call.
Re:No Android Auto = No Sale (Score:5, Insightful)
All I need is decent bluetooth and a place to put my phone. All audio listening and navigation is done through the phone. I don't need or want Android Auto or an OEM replacement.
Now if I could just get the darn thing to stop auto-playing audio when bluetooth connects. Very annoying. I've tried all the settings in the phone, the phone apps, and the car's system. Doesn't happen with my bluetooth headset. But it does happen on all in-car bluetooth systems I've used.
I also find it frustrating it's not possible to turn off the car's audio system (radio for example) without shutting off the entire screen and losing access to the climate controls display. You can mute the audio only. It's almost like the designers cannot fathom that someone might not want to listen to something sometimes.
Re:No Android Auto = No Sale (Score:5, Insightful)
I don't need or want Android Auto
Okay...
Now if I could just get the darn thing to stop auto-playing audio when bluetooth connects. Very annoying.
Ah, so like the option in Android Auto? Turns out products with settings and UIs that can support aftermarket functionality that can be expanded on are useful.
I also find it frustrating it's not possible to turn off the car's audio system (radio for example) without shutting off the entire screen and losing access to the climate controls display. You can mute the audio only.
... so... like on Android Auto where you can stop the audio?
All audio listening and navigation is done through the phone
You can do it through your phone, but it sure is nice when you have a nice big display to have your navigation there, and some giant buttons to manage your streaming...
Re:No Android Auto = No Sale (Score:4, Interesting)
Sorry no the automatic audio playback bug has nothing to do with Android Auto. This is some issue with Android itself and the interaction with the bluetooth transmitter. It happens on even "dumb" head units too (traditional radio units that have buttons and knobs and no touch screen). And it happens to everyone I know also. But like i said it does not happen with a bluetooth headset.
I don't want or need Android Auto as a "fix" for this. Also I don't want or need a big screen to interact with my audio. In fact for some inexplicable reason the big screen can't do much with bluetooth audio anyway. Can't even skip forward in the track if I wanted it to. Most of the time I just need a pause button, which of course all the dumb heads had.
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Sorry no the automatic audio playback bug has nothing to do with Android Auto. This is some issue with Android itself and the interaction with the bluetooth transmitter. It happens on even "dumb" head units too (traditional radio units that have buttons and knobs and no touch screen). And it happens to everyone I know also. But like i said it does not happen with a bluetooth headset.
iOS does the same thing. It's #1 on my "reasons why I hate Bluetooth" list.
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I actually tend to physically plug my iOS phone into my car's system (Mazda)....I find that the audio quality seems to be much better than with Bluetooth.
And I don't seem to have the problem you describe...maybe give that a try?
Re:No Android Auto = No Sale (Score:4, Insightful)
It's app dependent. Look in the settings for "resume on Bluetooth connection". I use Foobar for music and it has that option. Also Voice and Music Folder Player do.
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Interesting. I connect my phone with bluetooth and then use VLC to play locally stored mp3s. A single button push on the center console (or the steering wheel controls) will skip to the next song in the series or if I press the back button once, restarts the song, twice to the previous song.
I just pick what playlist or folder of music I want to play when I get in the car (most the time i just let it continue on with what it was playing the previous time) and away we go. Calls come in just fine and if I want
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I would like a screen larger than my phone screen, and I have an S22 Ultra.
Also, where I live touching your phone while driving is fineable, touching the head unit isn't.
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I like having a fixed screen in the car because it's easier to touch, and bigger. Being fixed to the dash makes it easier to use than a phone in a wobbly holder.
The bigger screen makes the display less cluttered and clearer, with a split for navigation and audio.
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I also find it frustrating it's not possible to turn off the car's audio system (radio for example) without shutting off the entire screen and losing access to the climate controls display. You can mute the audio only.
So you want the sound off but are not happy with simply having no sound? I honestly do not understand your complaint. The designers *can* fathom that you may not want to listen to music so they gave you the option to mute or turn it down to zero.
All I need is decent bluetooth and a place to put my phone.
I need you to not fuck around with your phone in the car.
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Android Auto/Apple CarPlay is a must have at this point. GM really needs to bring something incredible to the table for that to not be a deal breaker for a lot of car buyers nowadays.
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New GM cars sitting on the lots for extended periods because buyers go "no android auto/carplay? No Sale (without extensive discount)" would have the dealers screaming and GM scrambling to retrofit it back in.
But I'm not convinced that would happen.
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Back in 2020, about half of consumers said that they would only buy a car with Android Auto or CarPlay. I'm sure that percentage has only increased over time.
https://www.autopacific.com/au... [autopacific.com]
So yes, I expect that there will be a dent in GM's sales figures as a result of this move
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When I bought my last car I wanted a highlander. I liked the car, it drove well, but CarPlay wasn't coming out until the next year. So I didn't buy a highlander, I ended up buying a X5. I know the cars are not in the same class, but I really did like the highlander and still think it will be my next car in 5-7 years when I'm ready for a new car. That is providing it has CarPlay.
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I'm sure you're not alone. It was one reason I didn't get a Tesla, despite knowing that Tesla's own infotainment is the best in the business
Re: No Android Auto = No Sale (Score:2)
GM: "We heard a screaming baby, and decided to throw it out with the bath water."
No Apple Carplay = No Sale (Score:3)
Just as simple and for the same argument.
As a fanboy, I won't settle for a crappy Google-based sub-par OEM platform.
There's plenty of good cars out there w/ Carplay, so they will get my business, GM will not.
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Meh. My car has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, but I just use the BT connection and built-in nav because it is superior to Google Maps, if a little less convenient to use.
I connected my phone exactly one time to see what Android Auto was like and immediately ran into connection problems as the phone was jostled and I never used it again.
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Oh horseshit. Every review of every car ever covers its infotainment system. Consumers are plenty aware of the state of built-in infotainment systems, and the vast majority prefer to use CarPlay or Android Auto when they have the choice, because the built-in systems just suck by comparison. Laggy, buggy, terrible graphics, awful UI, not to mention horrible data privacy practices.
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VW? You mean the VW whose boss is on the record admitting the company's infotainment systems had major problems? That VW?
https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/... [carmagazine.co.uk].
Consumers consistently say that they strongly dislike OEM infotainment systems. Reviewers agree. Sure, YMMV. But that's you, not the general public
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I am curious what is better than carplay? I have a great maps app, some streaming music, and an OBDC snarfer and it’s glorious to turn on the car after a few weeks and check the state of the battery from my seat or pull into a gas station on a long summer trip and get detailed temperature data. I havent dealt with a check engine light in this car but it will beat the pants off the old days of eyeing it nervously as I mentally try and work a trip to pep boys in my day. I might even be excited the fi
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If I had to use the BMW native system I'd sell my car. Same with when I had an Audi. My wife's Mazda infotainment system is down right horrid. Fords? Oh for fucks sake it's terrible. Who has a good one?
But my CarPlay works like my phone, which I know how to use. It uses my music app, it has Siri, it can read telegram texts to me and join a zoom call while I'm on my way to the office. I can setup my maps on my phone and then just pick a destination in the car without using a wheel to type in an address (and
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Dude all my problems with carplay get ironed out before i put the car in drive and then things just work. I’m honestly surprised to find anyone on this site that takes GMs statements at face value.
What really happened is car manufacturers were able to razzle dazzle consumers with any shitty LCD panel full of low effort j2me apps. Then smartphones exploded and consumers demanded better. The phone manufacturers onloaded the hassle and the car manufacturers were happy to be rid of the expense until th
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That rather depends on the phone and the car, doesn't it?
The software for my car was such hot garbage that they shut it down 3 months ago. Not that I was using it, just happened to pop the application up and get a "We're shutting down! message", because I had tried it, and occasionally gave it another try to see if they fixed things. Nope.
I'd have appreciated android auto just for the ability to put the navigation map on the screen and slightly better integration with directions.
Not much else I can pictur
Don't blame them (Score:2)
Everybody's looking to make a payday through a lawsuit.
"I wouldn't have been maimed in that crash if you hadn't helped me be distracted by my phone, it's your fault, deep-pockets-corporation!"
Lost me as a customer (Score:2)
I won't buy a car without Carplay support. Period. So you just lost me as a customer.
Re:Lost me as a customer (Score:5, Insightful)
I wouldn't buy a Tesla due to lack of Carplay/Auto.
I cancelled a Rivian preorder when it became clear Carplay/Auto would never be added (though Rivian pretends to play footsy with the legions of people who want these features).
What a shitty explanation. People are far more likely to pick up there phone rather than use the shitty GM interface.
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Funny, I like my Tesla because it doesn't have Android Auto. Google restricts you too much when using their UI while driving, more specifically restricts what the passenger can do while someone else is driving. I'll take Tesla's UI any day over anything Apple or Google put out.
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Funny, I like my Tesla because it doesn't have Android Auto. Google restricts you too much when using their UI while driving, more specifically restricts what the passenger can do while someone else is driving. I'll take Tesla's UI any day over anything Apple or Google put out.
I haven't used Android Auto, but Tesla's nav system is definitely way, way better than using CarPlay. Too bad the actual directions aren't as good. What I really want is Tesla's UI with Google's server backend running on an Apple-quality display panel. :-D
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What? I’d be too happy driving my 800hp all wheel drive electric truck to bother with a display.
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Username checks out.
Re:Lost me as a customer (Score:5, Interesting)
Having rented a Tesla to a few weeks, I didn’t miss AirPlay, which I normally use exclusively over all the other OEM phone integrations I’d used until then. Tesla’s implementation of Maps and integration with the phones for calls was more than good enough for me to not mind and in the case of Maps, Teslas integration with the battery management optimized trip routing and prepped the battery to mimimize charging time.
So I’m mostly with everyone on forswearing GM in their Data selling, junk gui but it IS possible for OEMs to deliver a good GUI if they are a tech firm like Tesla even if the GMs of the world butcher theirs.
Re:Lost me as a customer (Score:5, Interesting)
I wouldn't buy a Tesla due to lack of Carplay/Auto.
FWIW I was a hardcore, dyed-in-the-wool CarPlay user before buying a Tesla. But after using the Tesla touch screen and voice controls for five minutes I've never missed CarPlay. If you haven't tried the Tesla touch screen I'd encourage you to give it a shot. It is, by a million miles, the fastest, most usable, well laid out infotainment system by a long shot. It's comparable to the performance you get from your smartphone. You really cannot compare it to the garbage infotainment systems in every (literally) other brand.
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I wouldn't buy a Tesla due to lack of Carplay/Auto.
And here I am, thinking that if I can't put in an aftermarket head unit, then at least give me an AUX connection and I am satisfied.
I don't want my phone and my car to share data. What the fuck?
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I am somewhat in the same boat. It was like a year before I decided to check out this “carplay” thing my sales guy was cumming himself over.
It’s not indispensable but a good phone is way more powerful than anything a car (or most appliance companies) are willing to stick behind that LCD they installed to replace all your expensive physical controls and they’ll never sink the same amount of dev costs into their maps app that apple did.
Now in this case they’ll probably use the s
It's about your data (Score:5, Insightful)
I guarantee you this is about accessing and controlling your data to a higher degree. I don't mind who does my system as long as it is usable and doesn't spew my data everywhere. At least with android auto its very easy to just keep an old phone paired to the car that isn't tied to a normal user account. Hiding in plain site. I guarantee you they are going to tell you you have buy yet another data connection also.
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One article I read speculated that they were going to tie the new system into an Onstar subscription.
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If I were to get a GM car, I'd want the entire onStar hardware ripped OUT of the vehicle and displayed to me in a box.
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I think another big factor is the ability to force subscription payment for their crappy navigation and "apps"
Re:It's about your data (Score:4, Insightful)
IMO their research showed that android auto/carplay users tended to cancel their onstar subscription.
GM's embedded infotainment strategy is driven by (Score:5, Insightful)
There, fixed it for you.
We seen OEM car entertainment systems before...... (Score:5, Insightful)
.....and they sucked big green donkey dick. Buggy as hell, lacking in features, and just generally poorly designed trash (see the "new" systems Honda is putting in the redesigned Pilot).
Now GM is citing safety. Earlier this year when the change was first announced, GM said it was because they wanted to build their own so they could 1) charge subscription fees, and 2) sell the gathered data.
Now which is more probable......that GM gives two shits about the safety of those driving their cars, or that they are looking for additional perpetual revenue streams?
Between this and the recently announced "impaired driver" systems coming to cars in 2024, I think it's time I start looking to buy an electric retrofitted Porsche 911. It's time to check out of the automotive technology race.
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Money grab, the rest is smokescreen (Score:5, Insightful)
Re: Money grab, the rest is smokescreen (Score:3)
GM is just grasping at straws (Score:5, Insightful)
The fact it took them THIS long to even make this claim that it was done for "safety" tells you all you need to know. If this was really the concern motivating the change, GM would have been talking about this from day 1 of announcing it!
They've been taking a beating in the press/media for months now about this. I have a 2020 Chevy Bolt EV, for example. And if you follow any of the forums about this vehicle, you'll find numerous threads of owners stating they refuse to buy one of the "next generation Bolts", despite GM announcing it's going to be continued on as a product rather than cancelled. And the key reason is the lack of CarPlay/Android Auto!
To be honest? GM has a plausible theory here with their claim. But the problem with their logic is, proprietary infotainment systems that don't run from smartphones have a history of being categorically awful. They crash regularly and have awkward to use UIs that make drivers take their eyes off the road far longer than they do to work a familiar UI like the one their smartphone already uses.
No - I think most of us are well aware of why GM ripped this feature out. They've been eyeing avenues to generate additional revenue from more subscription-based offerings in their vehicles. Auto-makers liked the traditional in-car GPS, for example, because then they could sell you map updates annually for exorbitant prices (typically $149 on a sale/special price, or as much as $349).
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This is the post I wish I wrote....
I don't drive (Score:2)
I don't drive, but what is wrong with a headset on your head and your phone in a WeatherTech cuphone-holder...
Re:I don't drive (Score:5, Insightful)
Because a device that blocks your ears is a driving violation in many places.
All the explanations were red herrings (Score:5, Interesting)
From personal experience, I have used an old Samsung Galaxy Note 9 for the last several years with multiple vehicles either in pure bluetooth mode or more commonly in Android Auto mode and experience none of the issues this guy from GM is talking about. It's plain to see they have an ulterior motive, so to all you GM buyers out there: caveat emptor.
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I've personally experienced some android auto glitches, and every time it's because I've worn out the cheap USB cable I bought out and I just swap it with another cheap USB cable, and then it works great for another year. The idea that this is a safety hazard is BS.
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Spoiler: The data doesn't support the claim.
No, *your* data doesn't support the claim. This is GM we're talking about. They can barely make a car that doesn't spontaneously burst into flames. The company you worked for likely has a base level of competence that you can't assume for GM ;-)
Head further up their tailpipe (Score:2)
It was bad enough to make the decision... To then make up bullshit excuses just shows how desperate GM is to convince buyers to pay GM yet more money for their vehicles (and their extra charge subscriptions...).
I'm with those who will not step foot in a GM dealership as long as they play this "we want your money and your data too" game.
Buggy software (Score:2)
I've used Android Auto in vehicles made by Toyota, GM, Chrysler, and several aftermarket units. The Toyota and aftermarket units worked perfectly, while the GM and Chrysler units had major trouble. I've spoken to family members and friends who say the same thing - some infotainment system makers have done a much better job than others at implementing Android Auto. (I have not tested Apple Carplay.)
When GM sa
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If GM works out the wireless or bluetooth standard to do the same functionality wit
Re: Buggy software (Score:2)
Actually, just today I plugged my Google Pixel 6 into my Toyota Sienna and the Pixel popped up a notification that said something to the effect of "this cable may be broken, and you may have issues with Android Auto, we suggest you get a new cable."
It then worked perfectly for the next 20 minutes, until I moved my phone a little bit and it got disconnected. I have no idea what it was detecting, but it was clearly corre
bullshit (Score:2)
Bullshit. They're ditching AA and ACP because with those platforms, GM doesn't own the data the systems collect. Under the new system, GM will get all of that data that they can sell to the highest bidder.
And I'll pull out that generic GMC console (Score:2)
Then make modular computers (Score:2)
Offer Both? No "because reasons" (Score:2)
They could pretty easily offer both experiences if the goal was user happiness and choice and "the safest option".
But of course we all know this is a nonsense justification to force a business decision down everyones' throats. Most likely this is just a step backwards so they can sell the "upgraded" infotainment experience. Remember the multi-thousand dollar upgrade cars used to charge for mediocre GPS? They want that money back. They also want to control your experience and mine data from it so they ca
More "for your own good" bullshit. (Score:3)
At this point, I hold pretty much any justification for any kind of negative effect as "For your own good/safety." In the same regard as "Thank you for your understanding/patience." and "We apologize for the inconvenience." In other words, they're all a steaming pile of hot bullshit. This is nothing more than a cash grab. And if you believe a single word they spew forth as justifying it as anything else... well... I just happen to own some fabulous oceanfront property just west of Miami that would make for an outstanding vacation property. Call me.
> According to Babbitt, CarPlay and Android Auto
> have stability issues that manifest themselves as
> bad connections, poor rendering, slow responses,
> and dropped connections.
Oh really? I don't know about GM... I was never going to buy one of their junkers even if it did have CarPlay... but somehow My Subaru, and the Honda I had before it, never had these issues with CarPlay.
> Solving those issues can sometimes be beyond the
> control of the automaker.
So why are Subaru and Honda able to avoid these issues that GM is supposedly unable to fix? Somebody might want to inform this nitwitted PR flack that proclaiming you're merely incompetent and not actually malicious is not so much better a look as he thinks it is; even when itâ(TM)s not such a transparant lie.
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I have experienced them with my low-end Honda CR-V when iOS was 16.x. It's trim that requires a USB connection to the phone. Sometimes the head unit will not recognize Apple CarPlay and drop the GPS from the screen. Sometimes it won't recognize the phone. I've subsequently updated iOS to 17.2 but I hardly drive that car so haven't had the chance to test it in recent months.
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Yes, my BMW doesn't need a cable for CarPlay and works perfectly every single time. It's 2 years old. MY wife's brand new Mazda needs a cable, lacks all the features, and frequently fails (even with cable swaps). I can only imagine Mazda picked a cheaper component and we are paying the price.
I want a car that isn't cloud connected. (Score:2)
What a bad idea! (Score:2)
Car manufacturers have been notoriously bad at software. I don't imagine that has changed.
Lets just see how they keep up with feature parity with those automakers who expose their internal chips somehow to Apple & Android.
It's just for data theft (Score:2)
They want everything to sign in directly and feed them more data on hardware they control. Instead of the information your phone is willing to pass on to them, they want it to be their closed eco system, with your account signed in accepting their terms to access all your profile data and collect it.
That's all.
I don't get it (Score:2)
What is it that people want that can't be achieved by simply routing audio thru the car from their phones via bluetooth?
If I want maps they are on the phone. If I'm listening to the stereo the map software will automatically switch sources to alert me of speed traps. If someone sends me a text message it will automatically read it. If someone calls I push phone button. I can listen to anything on my phone and call anyone by pressing the phone button.
Unless people are like streaming movies or something t
Re: (Score:2)
1. Bigger and better screen
2. In many countries, eg the UK, it's illegal to touch your mobile phone when driving, but you can touch a car's touchscreen
That's odd. (Score:2)
If GM's having all those problems, perhaps they should fix their end of the system.
GM's car interface has always been utter garbage (Score:2)
I speak from experience. I have owned GM vehicles in the past and currently own a GM Volt. I also own a Tesla. The interface for the two vehicles couldn't be more different. It is clear that GM's interface for nearly everything was designed by a committee of clueless execs. It is exceptionally painful to use. GM has been making these things or a very very long time. You'd think that they'd fix some of the super obvious shortcomings. But, no. They refuse to put any effort into it.
Also, they love the
So do better (Score:2)
The car has connectivity problems with phones? Do better, then. Make devices that focus on connectivity instead of having afterthought antennas and cheap radios. Require a wired connection and put in a phone holder that works with one. Do anything other than just giving up in disgrace.
How much did google pay GM? (Score:2)
For your safety (Score:2)
Sounds to me... (Score:2)
... like GM's complaint is that Apple Carplay and Android Auto can be a bit buggy, or rather in the car they're talking to can be a bit buggy. And instead of fixing these issues, or working with Apple / Google to address any issues concerning safety, they're just going to shed the integration altogether. A more constructive approach would be to talk to Apple / Google about some kind common communications protocols that address issues with drop-outs, and allowing these products to more closely integrate into
Half true (Score:2)
That's half true, but not thought through:
Of course people will pick up their phones again if Carplay/Auto isn't working correctly.
But they will definitely do that, if the car doesn't have those interfaces.
Never used any of these features... (Score:2)
So long as the car has bluetooth as an option, I just connect my phone to that and stream music/calls through that. It even auto-connects when I get in the car and just works. Why do I need anything more then that?
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
So it's entirely possible to do that, but remember, this is GM so it's entirely possible they'll build a whole bunch of cars with an odd number of wheels, or something.