Google And GM Partner: Is The Googlecar Coming?
Talk about the comeback of the year. General Motors was on the doorstep of death just last year, and thanks to some debatable funding tossed their way, they're now seemingly back in stride. One thing that has really hampered GM's growth over the years is their inability to really innovate on the technical side. They were consistently falling behind Acura, BMW and even Ford, as the latter teamed with Microsoft to introduce SYNC.
But now, GM has not only followed the leader, but possibly taken a huge leap over the rest. Google, aside from Apple or Adobe, may be the hottest tech company on the planet now, and as of today, Google's a GM partner. It's pretty crazy to think about, the the potential repercussions could be enormous. The public will get a "sneak peek" at what this newfound partnership will bring at Google's own I/O event this week in San Francisco, and it looks like Android users will be the first to be able to take advantage.
The two have been working together to strengthen the OnStar offering, with specially designed Android apps being made for future Volt users in particular. The Chevy Volt Android app will have a new "Navigation" pane, and when a Volt owner presses this tab, they will be able to see the current location of their Volt pinpointed on Google Maps, as well as their location relative to it. From this map screen, owners can use Google search by voice to vocally search for a destination with their Android handset, and see where that destination is related to the Volt's current location. They can then elect to send the destination from their Android phone to their Volt and have OnStar Turn-By-Turn directions to their destination waiting for them when they start the vehicle. Additionally, the owner will also have the option to get voice-guided directions to their vehicle from their current location, using Google Maps Navigation.
And all of this is just the tip of the iceberg. With Google and GM on the same page, there really may be compelling vehicles from General Motors that you wouldn't be able to find elsewhere solely due to the fact that Google is involved. The world loved the first Googlephone (the Nexus One), so why wouldn't the world love the first Googlecar?
But now, GM has not only followed the leader, but possibly taken a huge leap over the rest. Google, aside from Apple or Adobe, may be the hottest tech company on the planet now, and as of today, Google's a GM partner. It's pretty crazy to think about, the the potential repercussions could be enormous. The public will get a "sneak peek" at what this newfound partnership will bring at Google's own I/O event this week in San Francisco, and it looks like Android users will be the first to be able to take advantage.
The two have been working together to strengthen the OnStar offering, with specially designed Android apps being made for future Volt users in particular. The Chevy Volt Android app will have a new "Navigation" pane, and when a Volt owner presses this tab, they will be able to see the current location of their Volt pinpointed on Google Maps, as well as their location relative to it. From this map screen, owners can use Google search by voice to vocally search for a destination with their Android handset, and see where that destination is related to the Volt's current location. They can then elect to send the destination from their Android phone to their Volt and have OnStar Turn-By-Turn directions to their destination waiting for them when they start the vehicle. Additionally, the owner will also have the option to get voice-guided directions to their vehicle from their current location, using Google Maps Navigation.
And all of this is just the tip of the iceberg. With Google and GM on the same page, there really may be compelling vehicles from General Motors that you wouldn't be able to find elsewhere solely due to the fact that Google is involved. The world loved the first Googlephone (the Nexus One), so why wouldn't the world love the first Googlecar?
OnStar Leverages Google Technology to Connect Customers to the Chevrolet Volt
New features coming for Chevrolet Volt Mobile App
DETROIT, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- OnStar is leveraging the power of Google technology to develop a number of new mobile app features that strengthen Chevrolet's commitment to providing Volt customers with the most connected vehicle experience possible.
The public will get a peek at what OnStar is working on at the Google I/O conference May 19-20 in San Francisco, CA, where OnStar will debut and demonstrate new functionalities they're developing for the Chevrolet Volt mobile application leveraging the Android™ platform.
"While OnStar will never lose sight of our core focus on safety and security, this relationship is an example of how we're evolving our leadership position in connected vehicle technology," said Chris Preuss, OnStar president. "What we're talking about today is only the beginning."
A new "navigation" tab has been added to the home screen of the existing Chevrolet Volt mobile app on the Android smartphone. When a Volt owner presses this tab, they will be able to see the current location of their Volt pinpointed on Google Maps™ , as well as their location relative to it.
From this map screen, owners can use Google search by voice to vocally search for a destination with their Android handset, and see where that destination is related to the Volt's current location. They can then elect to send the destination from their Android phone to their Volt and have OnStar Turn-By-Turn directions to their destination waiting for them when they start the vehicle. Additionally, the owner will also have the option to get voice-guided directions to their vehicle from their current location, using Google Maps Navigation.
The new functionalities won't be available on the Volt mobile app at launch, but are planned for a 2.0 version.
The smartphone mobile application for the Chevrolet Volt made its debut at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show and is planned to launch in tandem with the Volt this fall. Launch features include:
* Charge status display – plugged in or not and voltage (120V or 240V)
* Flexibility to "Charge Now" or schedule charge timing
* Display percentage of battery charge level, electric and total ranges
* Ability to manually set grid-friendly charge mode for off-peak times when electricity rates are lowest
* Send text or email notifications for charge reminders, interruptions and full charge
* Display miles per gallon, electric only miles, and odometer readings
* Shows miles per gallon, EV miles and miles driven for last trip and lifetime
* Remotely start the vehicle to pre-condition the interior temperature
"These two new features add to the suite of mobile application features for Volt that give Volt owners a personal connection to their car," said Tony DiSalle, Chevrolet Volt marketing director. "Connecting customers to their cars is one way we're using technology to provide value and a real useful benefit to the Volt owner."
