Apps have spread far beyond phones and tablets. Consumer tech companies have tried to shoehorn apps into everything from TVs to refrigerators, mainly because apps provide customization and personalization while also, ideally, adding functionality without any cost to the manufacturer. Just set up the app environment and let the developers take over.
Carmakers, though, have struggled to find the right way to introduce useful, up-to-date apps into their vehicles. Recognizing this, Ford and General Motors today announced new app development programs for their respective infotainment systems. Although both companies are inviting all developers to come out and play, there are a few key differences in how the two companies are incorporating third-party apps into cars.
Ford's program focuses on the company's Sync infotainment system's AppLink function. Essentially, AppLink allows smartphone apps to interface with the car, providing a two-way link. The Pandora app is the simplest example of this: Connect your phone to your car and the app streams music over the car's stereo, while the car's buttons and voice-activated commands control the app. The benefit is that developers won't have to create new apps for a new platform; they'll need only to code the AppLink functionality within their existing smartphone apps. The only foreseeable downside is that all this infotainment functionality is moot if you don't own a smartphone, your phone is out of juice, or you forgot it.
Meanwhile, GM's development model offers yet another platform for app developers. Depending on how robust GM's API is?in other words, how much free reign the automaker will let developers have over the car?we could see the rise of more car-centric apps that help drivers reduce fuel consumption or provide in-car telemetry data for weekend racers. The potential downside to this system is the same as smart TVs, and the same one that has made app integration so difficult for all automakers: The hardware that makes up the infotainment system ages much faster than the car. (It takes years to develop a car; gadgets become outdated in less than a year.) Developers might flee or steer clear altogether, not wanting to build apps for old hardware.
GM's setup would work like Apple's: Developers submit apps, GM approves them, and then drivers would be able to choose and download them through an app store. Currently GM has two infotainment systems ready to support apps?Chevrolet's MyLink and Cadillac's CUE?but the automaker says all its 2014 model year vehicles will be app-ready.
Hopefully a few good developers can bring new ideas to the table. But there's still the question of money. Developers need to eat too, and even established mobile app devs are running into trouble when it comes making money off their smartphone apps.
mlk memorial mlk memorial heather locklear hospitalized joplin tornado extreme makeover home edition constitution day constitution day
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.