General Motors has announced plans to release a software development kit (SDK) to create automotive applications for its in-vehicle app catalog.
GM will offer the SDK to “design, test and deliver the most relevant, customizable and seamlessly integrated automotive apps” in a secure and controlled environment, according to the automaker. GM is using the HTML5 Java Script framework in its SDK, among other technologies. The SDK will be available through GM’s online developer portal, found at http://developer.gm.com.
“We have designed our SDK so that developers only have to write the software code once to address the entire population of vehicles and end users,” said GM Chief Infotainment Officer Phil Abram. “Developers can repurpose existing tools and code from existing projects as long as they’re consistent with applicable licenses. Our app policies will also provide flexibility in how developers can design commercial aspects of their apps as well.”
The flexible application framework enables a new set of vehicle application programming interfaces (APIs) for developers, allowing them to build upon, integrate and interact with the next-generation of infotainment systems found in GM vehicles. Previously, GM has offered developers limited access to APIs, mainly to remote interfaces that interact with the vehicle via OnStar. The new SDK will broaden that access, allowing developers to work with the actual vehicle through the infotainment system.
Comments
THIS is the way forward, GM! Seriously. I only recently made the transition to Android and I have been enjoying the various apps that are available. I think this sort of thing is best left up to the populous to create and tweak. This is what is making Android such a phenomenon. Now if GM would only translate this sort of wisdom to building and marketing their cars then there might be some gains to be had. If GM would make an SDK kit available for their ECUs, for example, people or companies could make adjustments to performance quite easily. In other words, instead of “giving” people what they want, let them find it for themselves. It’s an idea, isn’t it?
Again off the mark Richard. The Android app community pales in comparison to that of Apple’s iOS (in terms of quality and quantity). The phenomenon you’re referring to is called “cheap”. You should’ve bought a quality American decide instead…
Anyway, I’m glad to see GM moving in this direction. I’m curious about how the apps will be delivered to the cars. Alex, any word on that?
99% of apps on iOS are on Android. But then Android offers something like 100,000 more apps than Apple. Plus you have more choices of stores, you can shop outside of the Google Playstore (Amazon Store, for example). Or you can just download the apk file for apps and manual install if you so choose.
I also enjoy something called an app drawer, not just a clusterfuck of apps. I also like being able to uninstall preloaded apps and carrier “bloatware”. If I don’t like my keyboard, I get a new one, if I don’t like my version of Android JellyBean, I get a custom ROM. If I don’t like the launcher/”face” I can install a new one. I like putting a 64gb microSD into my phone and having 80GB of storage. I like having a notification LED. I like true multitasking, not just idled apps in the background. I like universal sharing between apps and attachment options. I like Google Now.
I like not having a 4S anymore! What I will give the iPhone, is it is more simple to operate, but so is an LG phone from 10 years ago..
The best phones out there are androids, and to be more specific, the Samsung S3 is it. An iPhone today for many is just a status symbol. I’m tired of hearing iPhone owners saying “my iPhone this and my iPhone that”. It’s a cell phone, isn’t it? Why not call it a cellphone like everybody else does. But those owners want to have bragging rights of owning an iPhone. Big deal: It would sound funny if someone kept calling their Samsung cellphone, “my Galaxy this and Galaxy that”. Owners of iPhones, get real!