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GM’s Step-By-Step Instructions For In-Vehicle Development & Testing

Earlier this month, General Motors released GM Dev Client — a new app that gives developers the ability to test their applications written for CUE Collection or AppShop in an actual vehicle, rather than emulating them using the Software Development Kit (SDK). Since then, we have received all kinds of letters asking about GM’s app development process from developers and those curious about the app world in general. Luckily, GM has just what we were looking for — step-by-step instructions for in-vehicle app development and testing.

GM Dev Client Vehicle App Development Process

Phase 1: App Building

1. Visit developer.gm.com

Register, accept terms and activate your account to receive immediate access to GM’s developer site, software development kit and all documentation.

2. Download and install the NGI SDK.

Download the Next-Gen Infotainmet/ NGI SDK package source from developer.gm.com/ngi, which generally takes less than a minute, depending on internet connection speed.

Install a private node module for a quick set-up process, as familiar to front-end developers.

3. Begin building using emulated vehicle behavior.

Set up your development environment in less than 5 minutes and start utilizing the same APIs available in-vehicle.

Use a suite of tools to adjust up to nearly 400 simulated vehicle data points such as network connectivity, location, speed and more.

Phase 2: App Testing

4. Download GM Dev Client from the AppShop.

GM vehicles with compatible infotainment systems can be used for real-world testing. After providing GM with your compatible vehicle’s identification number (VIN), your app will go through GM’s internal review process for suitability. Once approved, the GM Dev Client will appear in the vehicle’s AppShop for download.

5. Begin real-world testing.

Once you download and begin running GM Dev Client, your approved app will appear on the in-vehicle infotainment screen for real-world testing. You can test right from your laptop within the car, as driver lock-out safety features are prebuilt into the GM Dev Client so that only a passenger can test the app while the vehicle is in motion.

Conduct on-the-fly code changes and see updates to your app reflected instantly.

So, there you have it: code it, test it, run it, deploy it for Chevy, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles alike.

On a related note, we don’t see any other automaker with similar app functionality on their vehicles, or the same support for developers when it comes to writing, testing, and deploying their apps. Way to stay ahead of the curve, GM.

GM Authority Executive Editor with a passion for business strategy and fast cars.

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Comments

  1. Testing apps is pretty awesome.

    Reply
  2. Great! So, on top of raising funds to develop my app, now I have to buy a vehicle just to test my app! What world are you people living in? You just wiped-out 99% of all GM app developers! YOU WANT QUALITY APPS IN YOUR GM VEHICLES THEN CREATE A QUALITY APP DEVELOPER PROGRAM THAT IS FREE OR NEAR FREE.

    SUGGESTION: Wake-up! Instead, of trying to sell vehicles to app developers, you should be providing vehicles for app developers. It’s the best investment GM can make in terms of getting apps into GM Vehicles – FAST! The vast majority of app developers are small teams, small start-ups and low or no budget. They’ve already busted the bank in developing their app or apps. Offer a limited-time low cost lease and/or discounted car rental for developers with the capability to run GM Dev Client. You could also create a developer program for your local car dealers that developers could use to test their apps for free.

    1. Developer’s app goes through GM’s internal review process for suitability.
    2. GM Dev Client receives a list of local dealers (purchase, lease, or rental) that participate in the GM DEV CLIENT PROGRAM
    3. GM Dev Client – is approved by a GM Dev Dealer Sponsor
    4. GM Dev Client & GM Dev Dealer Sponsor – contract
    5. GM Dev Dealer Sponsor submits contract, vin, and name of GM Dev Client and their app to GM
    6. GM Dev Client will appear in the vehicle’s AppShop for download.
    NOTE: GM should sponsor selected apps for free or discounted rates. It’s a win-win all around: tax write off for GM, gain for dealer, provides GM vehicle for GM Dev Client to develop, and most of all FAST TRACKS apps for GM vehicles.

    IF YOU WANT QUALITY APPS IN GM VEHICLES, YOU HAVE TO PROVIDE A LOW OR NO COST OPTION FOR APP DEVELOPERS TO TEST THEIR APPS! IF YOU DON’T SOMEBODY ELSE SURELY WILL.

    Reply
  3. hey guys if you are a gamer then try roblox robux its very interesting game ever lets check it out guys

    Reply
  4. Absolute nightmare. No way to contact fraud and to remove GMDeveloper with the dealership. Unauthorized Verizon MDM on all my devices Alaska Burner and Boiler and Choate Construction, KT GetMotive Hotspot out of Temple Terrace FL using Artsiomedia servers out of Tampa with a BreakOut company. All of these are unknown to me and every time I erase my new phones or change passwords, my domains go straight to GM Developer without even logging in.

    Reply

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