Google and Apple are in a good starting position to play a key role in the auto industry – but manufacturers like General Motors want to earn money with their own offers.
The US auto giant General Motors is relying on its own cloud platform in the cockpit to stop the advance of Google and Apple into the vehicles. Among other things, new functions are to be added via software updates, GM announced on Wednesday.
The first cars with the new platform called Ultifi are due to hit the market in 2023, both with electric drives and combustion engines.
The later functions could include starting the car via facial recognition, explained GM. Or the possibility of adapting the vehicle settings for young drivers in some situations.
The automotive industry is currently experiencing a drastic change towards vehicles in which software plays the central role. Together with the trend towards electromobility, this changes both the internal architecture of the cars and the interaction of the occupants with the vehicle systems.
Some experts are of the opinion that Google and Apple, as operators of the two major smartphone platforms, could play a key role in infotainment systems in this new world – because they want to continue using their usual mobile phone services seamlessly in the car.
However, it is important for manufacturers to make money with various digital offers in the car. That’s why they want to keep control in the cockpit. Some enter into cooperation with tech companies, others develop software platforms largely on their own.
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
