The IT Nerd

Well, I guess that GM vehicles will be off my list when it is time to buy my next time. I say that because I just read this article from The Verge where GM is going to phase out Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in ALL of their vehicles. You might recall that GM started doing this in their EVs some time ago. And that was met with a fair amount of backlash. But clearly that backlash has not deterred them.

Here’s what was said by GM’s CEO Mary Barra:

Let me ask you the second part of that question again, because, again, we’re talking so much about the future, and I understand the argument about the future you’re making, but you still have the smartphone projection in the gas cars. Why is it still in the gas cars?

A lot of it depends on when you do an update to that vehicle. When you look at the fact that we have over 40 models across our portfolio, you don’t just do this and they all update. As we move forward with each new vehicle and major new vehicle launch, I think you’re going to see us consistent on that. We made a decision to prioritize our EV vehicles during this timeframe, and as we go forward, we’ll continue across the portfolio.

So we should expect new gas cars will not have smartphone projection?

As we get to a major rollout, I think that’s the right expectation. Yes.

What GM is going to do is to use Android Automotive. Not to be confused with Android Auto. The former can be best described as a full operating system for cars that GM basically controls. And by control, I mean that they can make money off of it. The thing is, I just recently reviewed a Ford Expedition and it uses Android Automotive complete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. And Ford went out of their way to emphasize that while they want Ford owners to use their system, they do not want to remove choice from Ford owners. And I did press them on that and they stood firm on that, even going to the point of walking up to line to call out GM for being the opposite of Ford without actually doing so. Ford has clearly read the room and made the right call because so many people are used to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay that by removing the, Ford would risk alienating their loyal customers.

Now at the start of this article I said that GM would be off my list of vehicles to buy should I need a new car. GM isn’t reading the room here. And given how many cars they sell, this can easily come back to bite them. After all, they aren’t Tesla who can get away with not having Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in their cars. They might want to keep that in mind and reconsider their life choices accordingly.

Last year, GM announced that they were ditching Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in favour of their own system based on Android Automotive in its electric vehicles. While the motive to those on the outside was to create a new revenue stream for GM, the automaker denied this. This is what they said at the time:

Tim Babbitt, GM’s head of product for infotainment, gave MT a better explanation at a press event for the new Chevrolet Blazer EV, the flagship vehicle in the no CarPlay or Android Auto strategy (and our 2023 MotorTrend SUV of the Year winner). According to him, there’s an important factor that didn’t make it into the fact sheet: safety. Specifically, he cited driver distraction caused by cell phone usage behind the wheel.

According to Babbitt, CarPlay and Android Auto have stability issues that manifest themselves as bad connections, poor rendering, slow responses, and dropped connections. And when CarPlay and Android Auto have issues, drivers pick up their phones again, taking their eyes off the road and totally defeating the purpose of these phone-mirroring programs. Solving those issues can sometimes be beyond the control of the automaker. You can start to see GM’s frustration.

Babbitt’s thesis is that if drivers were to do everything through the vehicle’s built-in systems, they’d be less likely to pick up their phones and therefore less distracted and safer behind the wheel. He admits, though, GM hasn’t tested this thesis in the lab or real world yet but believes it has potential, if customers go for it.

Fast forward to today and GM has just started shipping their Blazer EV which is supposed to be an electric vehicle that appeals to the masses. But they’ve had to stop selling it. Here’s why:

Our automotive editor was scheduled to test a Blazer EV soon, but it looks like that will have to wait — GM has paused sales of its brand-new Chevy Blazer EV following reports of significant issues. 

In a statement provided to The Verge, Chevrolet communications executive director Chad Lyons said, “Our team is working quickly to roll out a fix, and owners will be contacted with further information on how to schedule their update.” Chevrolet vice president Scott Bell said, “We’re aware that a limited number of customers have experienced software-related quality issues with their Blazer EV. Customer satisfaction is our priority and as such, we will take a brief pause on new deliveries.” GM did not confirm how many vehicles are affected, other than saying it’s a “limited” number.

Edmunds reports that two months after purchasing a 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS AWD for its long-term test fleet, the SUV has been at the dealership for two weeks. With 23 fault codes on a diagnostic test, they wrote that “What we got back from the dealer was alarming: the single longest list of major faults we at Edmunds have ever seen on a new car.”

Things went even worse for InsideEVs writer Kevin Williams, whose weeklong test ended after 28 hours. The vehicle’s CarPlay- and Android Auto-free infotainment system went blank while he was driving, and then an attempt to charge the battery failed, producing a “Service Vehicle Soon” error message.

Let’s get this straight. GM’s brand new electric vehicle is on a sales pause because “a limited number of customers have experienced software-related quality issues with their Blazer EV”. This after trashing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for having “bad connections, poor rendering, slow responses, and dropped connections” which sound like they are throwing shade on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. After spending a considerable amount of time trying to stickhandle around the blowback from this decision to dump Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in their electric vehicles, I think it’s safe to say that this decision has blown up in GM’s face in spectacular fashion.

Now I’ve tested many, many cars over the years, and only once have I had one issue with the infotainment system that came with the car. And that was with this GM vehicle which didn’t have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay in it. And GM couldn’t explain to me why it didn’t work. And I’ve never encountered the issues that GM claims are present in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay outside of say a bad cable or a bad USB port. Rather than try to reinvent the infotainment system in cars to simply facilitate making a buck, perhaps GM should focus on making great cars that are reliable and leave infotainment systems to Google and Apple.

Just a thought.

I’ve previously covered the fact that GM is in the midst of ditching Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in favour of their own system that is built on top of Android Automotive. Which to be clear, is not the same thing as Android Auto. I’ve been watching this story for a while and the reaction to this move by GM is pretty negative. As in this will come back to haunt GM. Well, it seems that GM hasn’t figured that out as it appears that they are doubling down on making this change via this article:

Tim Babbitt, GM’s head of product for infotainment, gave MT a better explanation at a press event for the new Chevrolet Blazer EV, the flagship vehicle in the no CarPlay or Android Auto strategy (and our 2023 MotorTrend SUV of the Year winner). According to him, there’s an important factor that didn’t make it into the fact sheet: safety. Specifically, he cited driver distraction caused by cell phone usage behind the wheel.

According to Babbitt, CarPlay and Android Auto have stability issues that manifest themselves as bad connections, poor rendering, slow responses, and dropped connections. And when CarPlay and Android Auto have issues, drivers pick up their phones again, taking their eyes off the road and totally defeating the purpose of these phone-mirroring programs. Solving those issues can sometimes be beyond the control of the automaker. You can start to see GM’s frustration.

Babbitt’s thesis is that if drivers were to do everything through the vehicle’s built-in systems, they’d be less likely to pick up their phones and therefore less distracted and safer behind the wheel. He admits, though, GM hasn’t tested this thesis in the lab or real world yet but believes it has potential, if customers go for it.

Okay. Where do I start to unpack this? First of all, just because GM drops their own system into cars and ditch Android Auto and Apple CarPlay doesn’t mean that people will be less likely to pick up their phones while driving. After all, if there’s some sort of functionality that the car doesn’t do but the phone does, the driver is reaching for the phone. Full stop. Next is the “stability issues” that this GM talking head is referring to. I am going to assume that he’s talking about wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. And he does have a bit of a point. I’ve had the odd occasion where I had to troubleshoot issues getting new cars to work with either of those. And early implementations of either can be slow. But there’s a solution to that. It’s called a cable.

The big takeaway from this MotorTrend article is this highlights the fact that GM wants way more control over your in car experience. And in GM’s case that control includes coming up with an in car system that creates a new revenue stream for them by mining the daylights out of everything that you do in the car. But to be fair, they aren’t alone in wanting to do that. However GM seems far too keen on wanting to do this. And safety is the latest excuse for them wanting to yank features that people want because I suspect in private, they know that this move isn’t popular and they’re trying to find any possible way to get people to buy in. I think it’s safe to say that none of this is going to work for GM. And I suspect they’re going to find that out the hard way when people don’t visit their dealerships because they don’t have cars with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

According to the J.D. Power 2021 Initial Quality Study, owners see app user experience as the third-most problematic feature of a new vehicle. The study found that users ranked remote controls, navigation assistance, service monitoring and statistical/diagnostic information as the most desirable features on an automaker’s app.

To offer a digital solution, GM Canada announced the launch of Maps+, an app-based navigation solution available across Canada, upgrading capabilities for select model year 2018 and newer Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles, powered by Mapbox. Maps+ will be available to GM vehicles as part of select Connected Services plans as a simple in-vehicle app download. The Maps+ launch is a prime example of GM’s commitment to delivering the best in-class customer experiences throughout the lifetime of the vehicle while enabling a safer drive.

GM Canada announces the launch of Maps+, an app-based navigation solution, powered by Mapbox, upgrading capabilities for select model year 2018 and newer Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles.

The features of Maps+ include:

Cross-App Integration

• Use voice commands to get directions with Alexa Built-In
• Navigate favourite songs and podcasts in one simple interface 

Personalization     

• Favourite locations and points of interest 
• Predictive keyboard entry when searching for points of interest
• Modern map designs with day and night mode options
• Shortcuts for search categories, such as coffee, food, fuel, parking, recent spots and favourites

Contextually Relevant Services

• Routing based on real-time traffic and daily updating map data
• Speed limit alerts, road hazard alerts 
• Routing to nearby stations if vehicle is low on fuel
• Notifications and alerts when a faster route is found

Maps+ will be available on select vehicles through select Connected Vehicle and Premium subscription plans. Current eligible Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac owners will be notified when their vehicle is eligible for Maps+. 

Earlier this year, the OnStar Guardian mobile app launched to all Canadians. So now, anyone can have the peace of mind OnStar provides for you and your family whether in your car, a friend’s car, rideshare, or just out walking.

A quick reminder of what OnStar Guardian brings to the table:

• Mobile Crash Response
• 24/7 Roadside Assistance
• Share access to critical OnStar safety and security services with up to seven of your loved ones
• Location Status
• Favourite Locations and added functionality to Location Status
  • Allows members to save and share favorite locations on the app’s embedded map and receive notifications for when loved ones leave and arrive at their destination
• The Red Emergency Button
  • Allows members to connect to an Emergency-Certified OnStar advisor for assistance or to report an emergency on someone else’s behalf
• The OnStar Guardian subscription is $15 per month

Now for some shameless Canadian flag waving. A GM Canadian Product Manager, Fred Dixon was actually the driving force in bringing this app to Canada. This means, Fred was the person to Canadianize all of the app’s functions from maps, to legal, to transactions and even language. After all, for Canada, the app needs to be fully integrated with both French and English.

Biggest roadblock: “Developing a new interface to extend the app to all Canadians, not just GM owners”, says Fred Dixon, Global Connected Services Product Manager. “The Canadian Guardian team built a whole new interface that allows us to communicate with non-GM owners in the same way we do with GM vehicle owners.”

Biggest win: Fred Dixon highlights “being able to provide an outstanding service and experience when it comes to personal safety for everyone. With OnStar Guardian, anyone, in any vehicle, friend’s vehicle or Uber, is covered with OnStar’s peace of mind.”

I recently had a demo of OnStar Guardian and I will be doing a write up about it soon. Please stay tuned for that.

This September marks the 25^th anniversary of OnStar, and throughout that time, it’s been the name for vehicle safety. OnStar is the service known for providing in-vehicle security, emergency services, hands-free calling, turn-by-turn navigation, and remote diagnostics systems. And in these 25 years, OnStar has brought peace of mind to members by providing an Advisor who is available whenever you need them at the push of a button. OnStar Advisors act as local heroes helping Canadians in their time of need.

OnStar believes that no matter how far technology progresses, there’s no substitute for human connection. That’s why when you push the blue OnStar button, you’ll be connected with a live Advisor in your community who is ready to assist you. People are at the heart of everything OnStar does. OnStar Advisors help make driving easier, safer and better for members, as well as help save lives in emergency situations.

Here’s some examples of how OnStar Advisors have helped people:

James MacGregor, Emergency and Stolen Vehicle Assistance Advisor

James, a local Oshawa native, has been an OnStar Advisor for over four years. What motivates James is the fact that his job matters to people and makes a difference in their lives. From saving people’s lives, to being a virtual shoulder to cry on, James has heard it all and thrives on being able to help people.

James’ most rewarding call: James helped a woman find her husband who was going through a mental health crisis. She was on the other side of the country and didn’t know what to do. She called OnStar, and James got as much information as he could, and worked with local agencies to locate her husband, who was in his car. They found him and were able to bring him to safety.

Jessica Moore, Emergency and Stolen Vehicle Assistance Advisor

Jessica, hailing from Bailieboro, Ontario, has been an OnStar Advisor for over six years. She enjoys that her voice is there to help and calm a member when they need it the most. She feels it’s very rewarding knowing that they can make a big impact on someone’s life, possibly saving them. From her knowledge of CPR coming in handy in her own personal life, to helping people find protection in a deadly storm, Jessica loves being able to help people in a tough situation.

Jessica’s most rewarding call: Jessica helped a couple who found themselves stuck in a sudden deadly storm. The couple were injured badly by strong winds. With no phone access, they ran to a GM dealership, opened a car and hit the emergency button. Jessica was there to help them in their dire situation.

Jenna Stapley, Emergency Advisor

Jenna, from Oshawa, has been an OnStar Advisor for over seven years. She feels she’s making a difference in someone’s life by being an Advisor. Not every call is an emergency situation, although she has helped someone deliver a baby! Jenna takes pride in helping people along the way, knowing she’s doing everything possible to give the best possible outcome.

Jenna’s most rewarding call: Jenna helped deliver a baby over the phone with members in their own driveway! She was cool, calm and collected throughout the whole call. The baby was born safely and healthy. When they needed to tie off the umbilical cord, there was no string. Jenna improvised and instructed the callers to use the string from a face mask, which ended up doing the job just perfectly.

OnStar brings Members a host of services that can help them feel safer and more connected wherever they are. In-vehicle and app-based safety services let you and your loved ones travel knowing help is available 24/7.

• Automatic Crash Response: If you’re in a crash, built-in sensors can automatically connect an OnStar Advisor to your vehicle — even if you aren’t able to call for help yourself.
• Emergency Services: One push of the red Emergency button gives you a priority connection to an Emergency-certified Advisor who can direct emergency service providers to your location and offer critical assistance until help arrives.
• Roadside Assistance: If you’re stranded, have a flat tire, run out of gas or need a tow, an OnStar Advisor can dispatch a local service provider to get you the help you need.
• Crisis Assis: In the event of severe weather, a natural disaster or other crisis, OnStar Advisors can provide critical assistance, helping Members find their way to safety and stay in contact with loved ones.
• Stolen Vehicle Assistance: If your vehicle is stolen, OnStar can help locate your vehicle and work with local authorities to help recover it.
• Turn-By-Turn Navigation: Simple, safe and easily accessible Turn-by-Turn Navigation. Getting directions is as easy as pushing your blue OnStar button and telling an Advisor where you want to go.
• OnStar Guardian App: With the OnStar Guardian app, key OnStar safety services can go anywhere that you or your loved ones go, in or out of any vehicle. Access all that the Guardian app has to offer — help in a crash, Roadside Assistance and a 24/7 connection to Emergency-Certified Advisors.

General Motors today announced plans to introduce new in-vehicle technology that will enhance the overall customer experience and make it easier than ever for customers to bring their digital lives into future connected vehicles.

GM’s research shows that 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. 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. Broad deployment across all GM vehicle brands is expected to roll out in the years following.

Future GM infotainment systems will continue to be powered by Android, which enables GM to bring familiar and enhanced experiences from Google to the vehicle:

• Voice Assistant: With the built-in Google Assistant, drivers can make the most of their time in the vehicle and easily get things done hands-free using just their voice. Drivers can use the Assistant to make calls or text a friend, play a favorite radio station or podcast, close the garage door (requires compatible smart home devices) or even change the temperature in the vehicle, all while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

The Assistant integration will continue to evolve over time, so that drivers in the future will be able to simply use their voice to engage with their vehicle, which could include renewing their OnStar or Connected Services plans, checking on their tire pressure, scheduling service and more.

• Embedded Navigation: Google Maps in the vehicle is constantly up-to-date and helps drivers navigate with real-time traffic information, automatic re-routing and lane guidance. With the Assistant, drivers can use voice to navigate home, share their ETA, find the nearest gas station and EV charging stations (based on availability) or ask about a store’s hours without needing a phone.
• In-Vehicle Applications: The Google Play Store lets drivers find their favorite apps and services designed specifically for in-vehicle use. Drivers can listen to the same albums, podcasts and audiobooks in the vehicle as at home and stay connected with their most important contacts on communication apps.

Notes:

• While using Google applications and services, the driver must always remain attentive.
• Additional services and data may be required.
• Full feature details will be available closer to launch.