I haven't used GM's system, so I can't say how it works, but there is certainly nothing wrong with GM wanting to just use their own software controls. That's perfectly reasonable, and completely in line with Apple wanting to control their own device operating systems. I'm sure the vehicle controls and included diagnostics are in the basic software. But whether they intend to make a part of it a subscription basis (as do Honda with HondaLink and Toyota with Entune--vehicles I own but don't subscribe to those services) is a business decision, which may or may not be financially viable or popular.
The other thing is, I'm pretty sure Apple would take no responsibility for the failure of vehicle controls that may lead to accident or injury. That may be a sticking point in CarPlay negotiations with the automakers.
I have briefly used CarPlay myself, but was not at all enamored with it. Meh. Maybe the new version is better.
GM has already shown it cannot be trusted with the data collection possible in its new system. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that GM drivers around the country were finding themselves hit with inexplicable, sharp spikes in their auto insurance premiums. The reason? The onboard computers in their GM cars had been tracking and collecting data on their driving habits--speeds driven, hard-braking events, overly sharp turns, etc.--then secretly transmitting that data back to GM via the OnStar connection, and GM sold it to insurance companies. The WSJ's lead tech reporter also documented how difficult it was to opt out of having the data collected--that permission for GM to collect and sell it is buried in the pages of paperwork you sign when buying the car. Supposedly--but only now that it has been caught--GM claims it has ended the practice, but how can you believe a company so willing to cross such an egregious line in the first place? This also does little to help all the GM drivers saddled with increased insurance rates for years because their car was spying on them. And this abuse of customer privacy pre-dates the new Ultifi system, which provides a whole slew of new opportunities for the collection and sale of data about GM customers. NO THANK YOU.
It's pretty easy to opt out, but GM DOES NOT make it clear that turning on "Smart Driver" immediately shares all of your data with every auto insurer.
To be fair, Honda / Acura and and others are apparently sharing driving information to the insurance databases. It's definitely a subject that should be included when buying a used or new car today.
Yeah, anytime the door handles are listed as one of the positives you know they’re reaching!
I suggest people take a few minutes to watch the video to see just how bad this system is. If these were college students working on a project they would have been failed.
What never works is a set-up designed to generate revenue with no discernible advantage offered to the end user. GM wants to collect a subscription and so it sees fit to take away a subscription-free set-up and replace it with an arrangement that forces the consumer to pay one. Might seem fine from GM's perspective but from the consumer's perspective it's simply a money grab. It's especially problematic when you force consumers to pay for something that was previously available free. Right now, especially, considering just how much more expensive it is to do just about everything, this is just not going to sit well with most consumers.
At least part of the issue is that there’s a part of all this that wasn’t previously offered at all. It’s not all about charging for something that used to be free. It’s also about customers expecting for free things that cost additional money to provide.
Not so long ago, when you bought a car (or anything else) the car you drove off the lot was complete. The manufacturer had no further obligations to the customer to provide updates or upgrades. (Note that the warranty is entirely about assuring that what you paid for is what you got.)
Apple’s iPhone brought a paradigm shift that customers now expect and take for granted without even realizing it. Before the iPhone, you did not get updates, upgrades and added features after a purchase without paying more to get them. The truth is of course that iPhone customers pay for all those updates and upgrades in the original purchase price, but when they arrive, they seem like they’re free. iPhone has a number of years of upgrade service, and then it stops.
Cars in general and EVs in particular increasingly have a lot of computerized user-interface. If the manufacturer includes things like satnav and other “infotainment” features, those things will require support for continuous updates and upgrades to function. Including the cost of providing that in the purchase price becomes more difficult, because the expected lifetime of an automobile is many times longer than a smartphone or even a notebook or desktop computer. There are fully functional cars with considerable remaining blue book value on the road that are older than an OG iPhone.
So while there is a profiteering aspect to GM’s plans, there’s also a consideration for the costs of supporting the electronics of the vehicles for a long timeline.
There is no way I'd buy a car without CarPlay ……NO WAY!
Absolutely the same over here! Won’t even rent without CarPlay when traveling… Not paying $400 a year for updated nav maps or satellite radio when I have perfectly good Apple Music/Maps and app and Siri integration. Not that I needed much more of a reason to stay clear of GM vehicles lol.
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The other thing is, I'm pretty sure Apple would take no responsibility for the failure of vehicle controls that may lead to accident or injury. That may be a sticking point in CarPlay negotiations with the automakers.
I have briefly used CarPlay myself, but was not at all enamored with it. Meh. Maybe the new version is better.
To be fair, Honda / Acura and and others are apparently sharing driving information to the insurance databases. It's definitely a subject that should be included when buying a used or new car today.
https://www.torquenews.com/1083/consumer-reports-absolutely-shreds-new-chevy-blazer-ev-review/amp
Apple’s iPhone brought a paradigm shift that customers now expect and take for granted without even realizing it. Before the iPhone, you did not get updates, upgrades and added features after a purchase without paying more to get them. The truth is of course that iPhone customers pay for all those updates and upgrades in the original purchase price, but when they arrive, they seem like they’re free. iPhone has a number of years of upgrade service, and then it stops.