Let's face it - apps have become a huge part of our lives. Whether they're being used on our smartphone, tablet, TV, etc. it seems we can't seem to get enough of them. Is their next home going to be in your car? It looks like that is the trend as both GM and Ford are betting on adding apps to their automobiles.
It makes sense in integrating apps in the car's built-in infotainment system and offering them to new car buyers, as as people spend a majority of their time in their cars. Just as we saw car companies embrace in-car digital entertainment with DVD players and satellite radio, the next logical move would be apps.
Ford and GM have both announced programs offering developer's access to SDKs and APIs in a bid to get some of the most used apps on smartphones and tablets ported to automobiles. The two companies are taking very different approaches to bring apps to their cars. It will be interesting to see which plan is more successful.
Ford's approach uses the driver's existing smartphone or tablet and will run the apps on the devices by using Ford's AppLink system. GM on the other hand is taking a more in-depth approach by creating a framework that will allow drivers to use apps in the vehicle's built-in infotainment system. GM's approach might not be the best one as the apps are dependent on the actual car and infotainment system, which could make the technology dissipate and become outdated over the life of owning the car. Ford's approach uses the smartphone and tablet as its main driving force and therefore the technology capabilities will increase over time since we upgrade our smartphones and tablets at a faster rate than our cars.
Either way, once the automobile makers figure out the best way to integrate our favorite apps into their cars, we'll all have a more fun and productive ride.
© Copyright 2020 Mobile & Apps, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.most read
more stories from OS / Software
Microsoft has reportedly started talks with HTC to add its Windows OS to the phone maker's Android smartphones and HTC is apparently considering to make a Windows Phone/Android dual-booting smartphone.
ernest hamiltonA bug in Chrome for iOS 7 has caused Google's mobile browser to leak private searches made in 'Incognito' mode.
ernest hamiltonHTC has announced that Sprint has already started to roll out the Android 4.3 update to the HTC One, AT&T and T-Mobile will follow in mid-October, while Verizon will release it by the end of the month.
ernest hamiltonThe new Windows 8.1 has gone up for pre-order on the Microsoft Store, ahead of the official launch on Oct. 18.
ernest hamiltonApple has acknowledged the iOS 7 iMessage issue and promised to provide a fix in an upcoming software update.
ernest hamiltonSamsung Canada and French carrier SFR have confirmed the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean rollout schedule for the Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2.
ernest hamiltonThe unlocked, international HTC One is getting Android 4.3 Jelly Bean now, but the U.S. and Canadian versions will 'slightly miss' the end-September timeframe.
ernest hamiltonThe Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 are reportedly slated to get Android 4.3 Jelly Bean in the fourth quarter, by year-end.
ernest hamilton