General Motors has announced it will integrate Google Voice Assistant, Google Navigation and the Google app ecosystem into its vehicles from 2021 onward.
The Google systems will replace GM’s current in-car voice assistant, navigation system and app shop, with all GM infotainment systems will continuing to use Android operating software.
GM says this decision was made as “many customers prefer an embedded technology experience in the vehicle, and increasingly expect seamless integration between the tech in their hands and the tech in their vehicle.” The majority of smartphone users have an Android device, with the operating system accounting for more than half of all smartphones sold in the US as of Q4 2018. There is even more of a disparity between Android and Apple users globally, with Android laying claim to 76% of worldwide market share as of last month, according to Statcounter.
“Listening to customer feedback, GM will work with Google to bring new options for a voice assistant, embedded navigation and in-vehicle applications to compatible Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles in regions around the world beginning in 2021,” the automaker said. “Broad deployment across all GM vehicle brands is expected to roll out in the years following.”
This does not mean the GM-specific apps in the GM app shop will go away, thankfully. In a statement, GM’s vice president for global connected customer expeirence, Santiago Chamorro, said the automaker “will continue to offer our own unique infotainment features that only GM can deliver, such as service recommendations, vehicle health status, in-vehicle commerce and more, with the Google applications and services complementing our offerings.”
“We are re-envisioning the future in-vehicle customer experience, and this is just the first step. The integration of select Google technology and services into our vehicle infotainment systems will foster a more connected and efficient driving experience,” Chamorro added.
The Google Voice Assistant in future GM vehicles will enable hands-free calling and texting from the GM pages in the infotainment system and also allow them to perform other hands-free actions such as changing the audio track, changing the temperature of the vehicle and more. Google Embedded Navigation will be familiar to anyone who has used Google Maps before and will provide up-to-date route info, along with gas and EV charge station location data and much more.
“GM is a trailblazer with Android in automotive and a leader in vehicle connectivity,”added Google engineering vice president, Patrick Brady. “We’re incredibly excited to work with them to transform the way people consume media, stay in touch, navigate and access information on the go.”
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Comments
Excellent news. The Google ecosystem blows Apple out of the water on many fronts, one of which is in-car infotainment and guidance. This should have happened years ago.
Neat news. I hope this doesn’t get rid of Mirroring on the cars though I still prefer(surprisingly my iphone and carplay)
Looking forward to this. I would like it sooner than 2021, even if it means going to the dealer to have them flash an update.
Awesone news. Will the satellite view (google earth) be available?
Example: https://www.teslarati.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_4294.jpg
Seeing how the new system will more than likely use Google Maps, it should.
Does anyone recognize that interior? Did we get a preview of something unreleased?
That’s the Chevy Spark interior.
Thanks
I think this is an incredibly shortsighted and badly thought out decision. This signals that GM can’t do in-car technology on their own. While this is clearly the easier, less expensive option, Google will certainly try to incorporate the same technologies into other manufacturer’s vehicle. Yes, GM may have some apps specific to their own cars, but the list is pretty minimal.
In-car technology is a major differentiator and GM can’t afford to be a “lowest common denominator” just like everyone else—or, even worse, to alienate iOS users. The marketshare info. appears to be an editorial GM Authority addition to the story, but it’s clearly the attitude being conveyed with this decision.
I hope this doesn’t backfire on GM. I’m a very loyal customer, but I will absolutely think twice about purchasing a GM vehicle with Android technology embedded for the same reasons I won’t buy an Android phone (primarily security and long-term support).
Google is just the backend. Has nothing to do with the design or anything.
I’m wondering if a software update will be pushed out to my 2019 CT6 for this change? I typically use WAZE via iPhone CarPlay but sometimes run into connectivity issues and that’s when I use GM’s NAV system. Thanks.
I have a 2020 GMC Yukon on order. This causes me to think about waiting for the 2021 model that is supposed to ship during the first quarter of 2020, just six months away.