DailyTech - CES 2013: GM Launches New Developer Program for Vehicle Apps

Submit News

Auto CES 2013: GM Launches New Developer Program for Vehicle Apps
Shane McGlaun (Blog) - January 8, 2013 9:18 AM

4 comment(s) - last by Richard875yh5.. on Jan 12 at 9:57 AM

GM unveils the new developer program

General Motors announced a new program at CES with the goal of encouraging application developers to create in-vehicle applications. The new flexible application framework allows drivers to add apps and features to their vehicles after the initial purchase.

GM says that the implementation of these apps will be incorporated into new infotainment systems that will debut in select 2014 model year vehicles. GM's infotainment system has a framework that includes a catalog allowing vehicle owners to choose from a menu of available applications specifically designed for in-vehicle use.

Early partners that GM is showing apps from include iHeartRadio, TuneIn, slacker, and The Weather Channel.

The software development kit allows developers to work with GM in a secure manner and allows for the design, testing, and delivery of integrated automotive applications. The GM SDK uses the HTML 5 Java Script framework and the framework will be available to all developers.

“There will be a category of apps that will be unique to our cars and very different from what people use today on their smartphones or tablets,” said GM Chief Infotainment Officer Phil Abram. “It’s not just taking phone apps and making them function in a car, which most car companies do in some form now. Instead, GM may approve applications that stem from vehicle ownership. For example, customers can choose to download applications that assist them in driving more safely or in a more fuel efficient manner, possibly decreasing the costs of vehicle ownership.”

The GM app development platform sounds very similar to a system that Ford has unveiled at CES 2013 supporting developer participation for in-vehicle apps.

Source: GM