Chevrolet made two significant announcements at the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show.
It introduced Chevrolet AppShop, which allows owners to view all available apps through an icon displayed on the MyLink screen, download the apps they want directly to the vehicle, and then organize, update or delete them; essentially, smartphone-like functionality.
Chevrolet also announced a high-speed data capability via an OnStar 4G LTE connection in the vehicle running on AT&T’s network.
With AppShop, available apps will connect drivers to music, news, weather, travel information, vehicle data and more, thus potentially reducing temptation to use smartphones while driving, though features that require a large amount of attention – such as those that use a keyboard – are unavailable while the vehicle is in motion.
“At General Motors, we are trying to minimize driver distractions through the use of technology,” said Phil Abram, chief infotainment officer, GM Global Connected Consumer. “In addition to AppShop, Chevrolet offers features like text-to-voice and smartphone voice pass-through integration to create a safer driving environment.” Some other apps planned are: iHeartRadio, Priceline.com, The Weather Channel, NPR and Cityseeker.
AppShop will be available this summer on select 2015 models in the U.S. and Canada with MyLink technology, including the Corvette, Equinox, Impala, Malibu, Volt, Silverado and Silverado HD. AppShop will benefit from the embedded 4G LTE connection.
The 4G LTE rollout will bring a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot to most Chevrolet vehicles, which allows passengers to connect their personal devices, such as smartphones, laptops and tablets, to high-speed wireless internet. Each vehicle can accommodate multiple devices at one time.
With OnStar’s 4G LTE connection, the vehicle acts as a mobile hub, giving customers easier access to apps and services that require a high speed cellular or data connection. The vehicle will employ a wireless connection that does not rely on a brought-in mobile device.
The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette, Impala, Malibu, and Volt will be the first General Motors¹ vehicles to come optionally equipped with OnStar 4G LTE. They will be followed by the Equinox, Silverado, Silverado HD, Spark and Spark EV. In the Canadian market, OnStar with 4G LTE will be introduced on the Chevrolet Trax as well.
